Common Causes
Use oils that can help relieve scalp dryness and itchiness, such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, tea tree oil, and avocado oil. 16 Use a humidifier to help with dryness in the air. Use a cool compress on the area to relieve itchiness and pain and to prevent yourself from scratching.
Related Conditions
The 6 Best Home Remedies for Dry & Itchy Scalp Relief 1 Raw Organic Honey. 2 Essential Oils for an Itchy Scalp. 3 Baking Soda (Plus ACV Rinse) 4 Aloe Vera Gel. 5 Foods for Dry & Itchy Scalp. 6 Hair Brushing.
What can I put on my scalp to stop Itchy?
Tea Tree Oil Over-the-counter shampoos that contain tea tree oil may be good for the scalp. People use it for the itchy symptoms of psoriasis and dandruff. Tea tree oil may fight lice, too.
What is the best home remedy for dry scalp?
Best for Dry, Flaky scalps: L’anza Healing Remedy Scalp Balancing Cleanser. Best for Dandruff: Oribe Serene Scalp Soothing Leave-On Treatment. Best Oil Treatment: Moroccanoil Treatment. Best Cruelty-Free Option: Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Tea Tree Scalp Treatment.
Is tea tree oil good for itchy scalp?
What is the best product for a flaky scalp?
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What do dermatologists recommend for an itchy scalp?
For instant relief, apply tea tree oil to itchy spots on your scalp as needed. To prevent irritation, dilute tea tree oil with a carrier oil, such as olive or vitamin E oil, before rubbing it on your scalp. You can also add 10 to 20 drops to a bottle of gentle shampoo. Shake before each use to combine.
What causes extremely dry itchy scalp?
Dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis These are the most common reasons for an itchy scalp. “Your body's inflammatory response to an overgrowth of yeast causes the itching and flaking associated with these conditions.
What is the best shampoo for dry itchy scalp?
The Best Shampoos to Soothe Dry, Itchy Scalps, According to an...Oribe Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo. ... The Body Shop Ginger Scalp Care Shampoo. ... Neutrogena T/Gel Daily Control 2-in-1 Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Plus Conditioner. ... Dove Nourishing Secrets Shampoo. ... Redken Scalp Relief Dandruff Control Shampoo.More items...•
How do you stop your scalp from itching without washing it?
How can you stop your scalp from itching at night without washing it? You may be able to relieve scalp itching at night by massaging in warm olive or coconut oil (add a few drops of peppermint oil or tea tree oil, if desired).
Dandruff
Dandruff is a common condition that can cause the scalp to become dry, itchy, and flaky. As much as 95% of the population have or will have dandruff at some point in their life. 1
Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis, also called eczema, is a skin condition that can cause itchy inflammation of the skin. It is caused by a combination of an overactive immune system, genetics, irritants in the environment like tobacco smoke, and stress. 4
Sunburn
Sunburns occur when the skin is exposed to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays for long periods of time. Sunburns can range from mild to severe, and if they occur on the scalp, they can lead to dry and itchy skin.
Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis causes a red, itchy rash when your skin comes into contact with an irritant, and it can affect your scalp. There are three types of contact dermatitis:
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease caused by an overactive immune system that causes skin cells to be produced faster than they can be shed. 12 It can cause a red, itchy, and scaly rash on the scalp.
How to Relieve Dry Scalp
Depending on the severity and cause of your dry, itchy scalp, some home remedies may help relieve symptoms. If you suspect you have a health condition that's causing your dry, itchy scalp, see your doctor for an official diagnosis before trying any of the following:
Preventing Dry Scalp
Use shampoos that contain aloe to help reintroduce moisture into the scalp. Aloe has also been shown to improve the function of the skin barrier, which is the uppermost layer of skin designed to lock in moisture while keeping out bacteria and other pathogens. By improving the skin barrier function, you can help retain more moisture on the scalp. 18
What is the best treatment for itchy scalp?
There are multiple home remedies which may be effective for an itchy scalp that doesn’t require medical treatment. 1. Apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial. Trusted Source.
How to get rid of itchy scalp?
Trusted Source. , anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties. It can help reduce itching caused by dry skin. Try diluting apple cider vinegar in warm water and using it as a rinse after shampooing to alleviate dandruff and an itchy scalp.
What is the best shampoo for seborrheic dermatitis?
Selenium sulfide is an anti-infective medication used to treat seborrheic dermatitis. It works by slowing down the growth of yeast on the scalp. It’s available as a shampoo and lotion. It may be prescribed by your doctor or found in commercially prepared products.
Why does my scalp itch?
Other causes of itchy scalp include: autoimmune disorders, such as psoriasis. fungal infections, such as tinea capitis, or ringworm. allergic reaction to a product such as hair dye. eczema. atopic dermatitis. head lice. stress or anxiety. diabetes.
How to get rid of dandruff on scalp?
Peppermint oil. Peppermint oil may be effective at reducing dandruff and soothing the scalp, calming down itch. Try diluting it with another oil, such as olive oil, and massaging it into the scalp before shampooing. You can also use peppermint tea as a rinse after shampooing.
Is ketoconazole shampoo good for psoriasis?
Ketoconazole shampoo. Ketoconazole is a broad-spectrum, antifungal agent. It’s effective at reducing malassezia yeast. This is a fungus which may become overabundant on the scalp and cause malassezia folliculitis, or scalp psoriasis. It’s available by prescription and also as an ingredient in certain shampoos.
Can you use salicylic acid shampoo on your scalp?
Shampoos with this ingredient can be found in health food stores, online, and in drugstores. Salicylic acid shouldn’t be used by anyone with an aspirin allergy. 8. Ketoconazole shampoo.
What is the best antifungal medication for scalp?
Selenium sulfide, an antifungal medication. Salicylic acid, an agent that rids the scalp of scales. Ketoconazole, an antifungal medication. Coal tar, which slows down the rate at which skin cells die and flake off.
How to get rid of dandruff on scalp?
How to Get Rid of Dandruff. Follow these lifestyle tips to ease or prevent an itchy scalp: Reduce stress. Believe it or not, your mental health affects your physical health. Stress can make your dandruff symptoms worse. Eat a healthy diet. A diet filled with zinc, B vitamins, and certain fats may prevent dandruff.
Why does my scalp itch?
Itchy scalp, or scalp pruritus as doctors call it, is often a symptom of a larger problem. Dandruff and eczema ( seborrheic dermatitis) are the most common culprits behind that itch. Both lead to dead and flaky skin, redness, and itching. Psoriasis is another skin disease that can make you scratch your head. It’s a disorder that speeds up the life ...
What is the best shampoo for scalp?
Several medicated shampoos are available over the counter. Different ones fight itchy scalp caused by dandruff, eczema, and psoriasis. What they do depends on which ones you buy. So, before you buy one, check to see if it contains any of the following: 1 Zinc pyrithione, which is both antibacterial and antifungal 2 Selenium sulfide, an antifungal medication 3 Salicylic acid, an agent that rids the scalp of scales 4 Ketoconazole, an antifungal medication 5 Coal tar, which slows down the rate at which skin cells die and flake off
What shampoos are available over the counter?
Several medicated shampoos are available over the counter. Different ones fight itchy scalp caused by dandruff, eczema, and psoriasis. What they do depends on which ones you buy. So, before you buy one, check to see if it contains any of the following: Zinc pyrithione, which is both antibacterial and antifungal.
What is the best oil to use for cuts?
Lemongrass Oil. This essential oil is a natural astringent, which means it can reduce bleeding from minor cuts as well as make skin less oily. It’s also an antiseptic. You’ll find it in some soaps, deodorants, shampoos, and lotions.
How to get rid of a sore on the head?
Try half water and half vinegar. You can spray it on your scalp with a spray bottle several times a week. Leave it on or rinse it off after it dries. But don’t try this one if you have an open cut or sore on your head.
What causes itchy scalp?
If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Dandruff, psoriasis, eczema, and head lice are common causes of an itchy scalp. Regardless of the cause, various home remedies can help relieve an itchy scalp, or scalp pruritus. People can use essential oils, colloidal oatmeal, ...
How to get rid of psoriasis on scalp?
The National Psoriasis Foundation say that some people dilute the vinegar in water using a ratio of 1 part vinegar to 1 part water . Wash it out with warm water after a few minutes or after it has dried.
What is the best shampoo for scalp?
Leave the olive oil on the scalp for several hours before washing it out using a medicated shampoo such as coal tar or salicylic acid. 2. Colloidal oatmeal. Some antidandruff shampoos contain a natural ingredient called colloidal oatmeal. Colloidal oatmeal is finely ground oatmeal dissolved in water.
What is the best oil for dandruff?
Peppermint oil is available from various retailers in online stores. 5. Lemongrass oil. Dandruff is characterized by a dry, itchy scalp. Lemongrass oil may be an effective treatment for dandruff, according to a 2015 randomized controlled trial.
How to get rid of itchy skin?
Olive oil can help to loosen itchy crusts of skin. Applying warm olive oil to the scalp can help soften and loosen itchy crusts and scales on the surface of the skin. Warm up the olive oil in the hands before applying it to the scalp, and massage it into the skin.
What is salicylic acid?
Salicylic acid is a natural chemical present in plants. It has both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and it helps exfoliate the skin. Salicylic acid is a common ingredient in antidandruff shampoos.
What is the best treatment for lice?
6. Tea tree oil and nerolidol. Tea tree oil may be an effective natural treatment for head lice-related scalp itch. A 2012 laboratory study found that a 1 percent concentration of tea tree oil successfully killed all head lice tested within 30 minutes of application.
How to get rid of scalp itch?
Baking Soda (Plus ACV Rinse) Baking soda is another effective and fast way to relieve scalp itching. Mix 1 tbsp baking soda with some coconut/olive oil to make a paste and massage onto your scalp. Leave for at least 20 minutes and rinse.
What causes scalp itch?
Scalp psoriasis – Psoriasis can cause dandruff-like itching and flaking. Psoriasis is an auto-immune disease that triggers too many skin cells to grow anywhere on your body, including your scalp. 4. Eczema – though more common in babies and children, Eczema can affect adults too.
How to get rid of fungus on scalp?
Also, baking soda is a proven anti-fungal. To balance the scalp PH after the baking soda treatment, follow with an ACV (apple cider vinegar) rinse . You can either use 2 tbsp of ACV diluted in a cup of water, or get this supercharged ACV rinse from Just Natural.
What foods cause dry scalp?
Try to eat more of the following foods, to increase your intake of zinc, Vitamin A, B vitamins, and Omega 3 Fatty Acids: Eggs, sweet potatoes, carrots, papaya (Vitamin A ).
Why is my scalp dry?
Examine everything that comes in contact with your hair and scalp. Your dry scalp may be caused by your pillow, your pillowcase or anything that touches your hair. 4. If you suffer from eczema, try an elimination diet to figure out your food sensitivities or eliminate them.
What is the best moisturizer for scalp?
Tea tree oil, with its excellent anti-bacterial properties , is effective in treating itchy scalp caused by scalp acne, scalp rashes, scalp pimples, and scalp sores. Coconut oil by itself is proven to be a natural moisturizer. It relieves dryness and associated itching.
What causes dandruff on the scalp?
If your diet lacks foods high in zinc, B vitamins, or certain types of fats, you may be more likely to have dandruff. 7.
Why does my scalp itch?
Your doctor may say you have neuropathy (neu-rop-ah-thie). It’s the medical word for a problem along a nerve due to damage, disease, or an abnormality in the way the nerve works .
How to get rid of scalp psoriasis?
How to get relief: There are many treatments for scalp psoriasis. Some people get relief from a medicated shampoo or other treatment that you can buy without a prescription. You can find out more about treatment options at, Scalp psoriasis: Shampoos, scale softeners, and other treatments.
What does it mean when you have hives on your scalp?
When hives form on the scalp, you'll often have a rash of itchy red bu mps that look like the ones shown here. Head lice. An itchy scalp is the most common symptom of head lice. If you suspect that head lice are causing the itch, ask someone to closely examine your scalp and hair for signs of these tiny bugs.
Why does shampoo make my scalp itch?
Leaving some shampoo on your scalp can irritate it. If you have an itchy scalp and a rash, you may have a condition called allergic contact dermatitis. This is common among people who dye their hair. Often the culprit is an ingredient in the dye called para-phenylenediamine (PPD), which is found in black hair dyes.
What causes bumps on the scalp?
Ringworm. This 4-year-old girl has scalp ringworm, which is a fungal infection that can cause pus-filled bumps, hair loss, and an intensely itchy scalp. Scalp psoriasis. About 50% of the people who have plaque psoriasis experience a flare-up on the scalp at some point.
Does itching stop when you get itchy?
You may feel that the itch will never stop, but relief is possible. Getting rid of the itch begins with finding out why your scalp itches. Here are 10 reasons for an itchy scalp along with dermatologists’ advice on what can bring relief. Dandruff.
Can you use a dermatologist to stop itching?
If that’s the case, you’ll likely have an itchy rash on your scalp and any other skin that the product touches. How to get relief: To stop the itch, you must stop using the product that’s causing the reaction. If you’re having a hard time finding it, a board-certified dermatologist can help.
How to get rid of itchy scalp?
If you're desperate for itchy scalp treatments (I know I'm not the only one), check out these dermatologist-approved solutions: 1. Upgrade your shampoo ASAP. Always go for a gentle, hydrating, and moisturizing shampoo. Avoid shampoos for oily hair as they tend to be more drying.
How to get rid of dead skin on scalp?
Part your dampened hair, gently rub the mixture onto the exposed scalp, and rinse clean . 4. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Repeat after me: Hair masks are your friend.
How to get rid of hair buildup on scalp?
To use one, wet your hair and section it, then apply a small amount of scrub to your part. Repeat five or six times around your scalp, massage, then rinse out.
Can you use baby oil on your scalp?
BUY IT. And again, you can easily DIY a hair mask. “Oil can really help combat dry scalp conditions,” says Goldburt. “I’ve actually recommended baby oil, but you can also use olive oil or coconut oil.”. Just apply your oil of choice on your scalp, massage it in, leave it in for an hour, and then rinse.
Is it bad to have snowflakes on your scalp?
Sure, building snowmen and wearing cute jackets is all sorts of fun, but when it comes to your skin and hair, cold weather is the actual worst. Because " snowflakes" should just be in the sky, not on my freaking scalp.
Does DHS shampoo help with itchiness?
Bank recommends DHS Zinc Shampoo because of zinc’s anti-inflammatory and slight exfoliating effects. This calms the itch while simultaneously knocking out flakes—major win-win. Also: Try not to shampoo your hair too often, which can strip the skin of its protective oils, leading to more dryness.
What is the best treatment for dry scalp?
Living Proof’s dry scalp treatment is a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula designed to get rid of flakes and irritation by soothing the scalp. Its hyaluronic acid and vitamin B3 bases replenish and rebalance the scalp’s microbiome, leaving it hydrated and renewed.
What is scalp treatment?
A scalp treatment is like a cleansing mask for your head. The treatments come in a variety of forms, such as foams, sprays and oils, and the goal of these is to detoxify your scalp, bring in moisture, or treat issues such as eczema and psoriasis. Typically, you can find a scalp treatment wherever you shop for skincare products, ...
How to treat eczema with tea tree oil?
Treatments with oils can be very soothing for those with eczema, Dr. Tareem says, especially when ingredients like shea butter are included. Moisturizing elements like tea-tree oil can bring much-needed relief, she says. Paul Mitchell’s scalp treatment is a quick mask that should be applied to wet hair and rinsed out after five minutes. According to one reviewer, “When you let this product sit in your hair it will start to tingle, which is an amazing feeling when you need some relief.”
How to keep hair from shedding?
Often recommended by both dermatologists and hair stylists, Nioxin products are formulated to keep hair from shedding by treating the scalp. Dr. Tareem says while using hair-growth treatments, it’s important to rub the product in deep. To make sure of this, she recommends giving yourself a deep scalp massage with the product.
How much does scalp treatment cost?
The price of these products usually ranges between $15 and $50.
What is OGX shampoo?
OGX Extra Strength Refreshing Scalp + Tea Tree Mint Shampoo. Credit: Courtesy. Under $10 and available at most drugstores, OGX’s tea tree-mint shampoo is meant to cleanse hair follicles and the scalp thanks to replenishing ingredients like argan oil.
Does green tea help with psoriasis?
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, more than 60 percent of people with psoriasis develop some scaling on their scalp. Nourishing ingredients like green tea extract and ceramides combine in this conditioning serum to combat flakes and bring moisture back to the scalp while also reducing hair breakage.