what is best treatment for itchy scalp

What is a good homemade remedy for itchy scalp?

Jan 26, 2022 · Because dandruff is caused by your scalp's yeast production, the fastest treatment would be a topical steroid combined with an antifungal shampoo. Psoriasis symptoms Unlike …

How do you stop an itchy scalp?

A lab mix of lemongrass oil and hair tonic relieved itchy scalp in a recent study. Here’s how you do it: Add two drops of lemongrass oil to one tablespoon of your regular shampoo. Gently wash and rinse your hair and scalp as usual. Mineral Oil or Olive Oil

What are the different itching scalp remedies?

You can find out more about treatment options at, Scalp psoriasis: Shampoos, scale softeners, and other treatments. Scalp psoriasis Scalp psoriasis can extend beyond the scalp to the back of the neck or behind the ears. Atopic dermatitis. If you have a type of eczema known as atopic dermatitis (AD), it can develop on your scalp.

How to ease an itchy/dry scalp?

Jan 26, 2016 · 4 Itchy Scalp Treatments You Need To Try ASAP 1. Upgrade your shampoo ASAP. Always go for a gentle, hydrating, and moisturizing shampoo. Avoid shampoos for oily hair... 2. Go easy on products and treatments. I love dry shampoo as much as the next person, but you have to lay off when itchy... 3. Try ...

Home Remedies and Lifestyle

There are many home remedies and lifestyle changes that you can do to help soothe an itchy scalp, but they should only be used if you’re certain of the cause. If poor hygiene is the culprit, make sure you clean your hair and rinse off any products. It's also important to maintain a regular hair-washing routine.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Therapies

If your itchy scalp is caused by dandruff, which leads to flakes on the scalp, using an anti-dandruff shampoo that contains zinc pyrithione can help. These products can also treat seborrheic dermatitis, which causes scaly patches and red skin on the scalp. 5

Prescriptions

Prescription shampoos containing the corticosteroid clobetasol propionate have been shown to be the most effective agent when treating psoriasis on the scalp. 6

Surgeries and Specialist-Driven Procedures

If skin cancer is causing your itchy scalp, a doctor will surgically remove the skin cancer mass and surrounding tissue. 10 Skin cancers often don't cause bothersome symptoms until they have grown quite large. When they reach a bigger size, they may itch, bleed, or even hurt.

Summary

An itchy scalp can be caused by a variety of conditions, from dandruff to allergic reactions to chronic conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Some cases can be treated with OTC medications, while others require prescription treatments.

A Word From Verywell

Having an itchy scalp can be uncomfortable, but there are ways to soothe the itch and get any underlying conditions taken care of promptly. If you experience an itchy scalp often, see your doctor, who will determine the cause. An itchy scalp is rarely the result of a serious medical condition, and treatment is typically a simple process.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best treatment for an itchy scalp depends on the cause. For example, an itchy scalp caused by ringworm, a fungal infection that causes a ring-shaped rash, is best treated with a shampoo that contains ketoconazole, while you will need a shampoo with salicylic acid to treat itching of the scalp caused by psoriasis.

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 ...

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.

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.

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 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.

Is tea tree oil good for scalp?

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. Tea tree oil may help because it’s a natural antiseptic, antibiotic, and antifungal. But, be careful.

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 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.

Can you use peppermint oil on your scalp?

As with other essential oils, people should not apply undiluted peppermint oil directly to the skin. Instead, try adding a couple of drops of the oil to shampoo and lathering it into the scalp before rinsing thoroughly with lukewarm water. Peppermint oil is available from various retailers in online stores. 5.

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 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.

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.

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 .

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.

Why does ringworm itch?

Ringworm isn’t caused by worms. It’s an infection caused by a fungus. If you get ringworm on your scalp, you’ll likely have a red and intensely itchy rash. How to get relief: To get relief, you need an accurate diagnosis and treatment for ringworm.

How long does it take for hives to go away?

Hives tend to come and go within a few hours. Sometimes, hives go away and come back. If hives come and go for longer than 6 weeks, they’re called chronic (long-lasting) hives.

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 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.

How to make a hair scrub with coconut oil?

If you don’t want to dish out the cash for a scrub, you can def DIY it. Combine Epsom salt or sugar with coconut oil or olive oil until you create a paste. The salt or sugar will get rid of dead skin and the oil will bring in moisture. Part your dampened hair, gently rub the mixture onto the exposed scalp, and rinse clean.

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.

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.

Can scalp dandruff cause hair loss?

For one, “ dandruff can block hair follicles and scales can become so thick that it can cause hair loss,” Dr. Mohiba Tareen, a board-certified dermatologist, tells InStyle. When it comes to treating the scalp, you should be tending to it daily. Dr.

What is the best medication for itch?

Antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft), and tricyclic antidepressants, such as doxepin, may be helpful in easing some types of chronic itch.

What to do if your skin is itchy?

If home remedies don't ease the itchy skin, your doctor may recommend prescription medications or other treatments . Controlling itchy skin symptoms can be challenging and may require long-term therapy. Options include: Corticosteroid creams and ointments.

How to get rid of itchy skin on underarms?

Don't scrub too hard and limit your bathing time. Then rinse thoroughly, pat dry and moisturize. Stay well rested. Getting enough sleep might reduce the risk of itchy skin.

How to get rid of shingles itch?

Try over-the-counter oral allergy medicine. Some OTC allergy medicines (antihistamines), such as diphenhydramine, can make you drowsy. This type of pill might be helpful before bedtime if your itchy skin disrupts your sleep. Antihistamines do not help with the itch that follows a shingles infection.

What is the best test to check for itching?

If your doctor thinks your itchy skin is the result of a medical condition, you might have tests, including: Blood test. A complete blood count can provide evidence of an internal condition causing your itch, such as anemia.

What is the best treatment for calcineurin?

Other creams and ointments. Other treatments that you apply to your skin include calcineurin inhibitors, such as tacrolimus (Protopic) and pimecrolimus (Elidel). Or you may find some relief with topical anesthetics, capsaicin or doxepin. Oral medications.

How to stop itching from scratching nails?

Take a bath. Use lukewarm water and sprinkle in about a half cup (100 grams) of Epsom salts, baking soda or an oatmeal-based bath product (Aveeno, others).

Home Remedies and Lifestyle

Over-The-Counter (OTC) Therapies

Prescriptions

Surgeries and Specialist-Driven Procedures

Summary

A Word from Verywell

Frequently Asked Questions