Common Causes
Top 10 Home Remedies For Itchy Scalp:
- Coconut Oil: Did you know the humble coconut oil is a wonderful natural treatment for itchy scalp? ...
- Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil is an essential oil derived from a plant called Melaleuca Alternifolia, which is native to Australia.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider Vinegar or ACV offers instant relief from itchy scalp. ...
Related Conditions
Potential causes of an itchy scalp include:
- diabetes
- shingles (herpes zoster)
- allergic reactions to medications
- an anxiety disorder
- contact dermatitis, or irritation due to something your scalp came in contact with, such as a new shampoo
- discoid lupus
- head lice
- hot comb hair loss, due to frequent heat styling
- migraine headaches
- scalp psoriasis
What is the best natural remedy for itchy scalp?
Part 1 Part 1 of 3: Treating an Itchy Scalp Download Article
- Wash your hair regularly. The simplest cause of an itchy scalp is buildup of hair products and dead skin cells.
- Try a medicated shampoo. There are several shampoos on the market that are specially formulated to help deal with some of the causes of an itchy scalp.
- Use conditioner. ...
- Spend time in the sun. ...
- Leave the hair products out. ...
What causes itchy scalp and how do you treat it?
Home Remedies for Dry and Itchy Scalp
- Tea Tree Oil. ...
- Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) Apple cider vinegar makes a great treatment for itchy scalp because of its antibacterial activities and its ability to balance pH levels on the skin.
- Aloe Vera. ...
- Lemon Juice. ...
- Olive Oil Treatment. ...
- Coconut Oil. ...
- Jojoba oil. ...
- Honey. ...
- Yoga, Tai Chi and Other Forms of Exercise. ...
- Don’t Use Chemicals on Your Hair. ...
How can I Stop my scalp from itching?
How to cure your itchy scalp?
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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?
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 .
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Why does my scalp itch?
1. 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. Yeast normally lives on the scalp and other hairy areas of the body, but the problem arises when there’s too much yeast present,” ...
What to use for yeast on scalp?
Piliang. The fix: For mild cases, you can use an over-the-counter shampoo containing selenium or zinc pyrithione ― ingredients that help control yeast.
What is the ringworm rash?
Tinea capitis. This is a fungal infection commonly known as ringworm, which can infect the scalp. Tinea capitis extends deep into the hair follicle, causing round patches of hair loss that increase in size over time. The rash may appear raised and with black dots or a stubbly appearance.
Can lice invade your scalp?
Head lice. Although most people think of schoolchildren when they hear about head lice, they can invade anyone’s scalp. Dr. Piliang says lice prefer clean hair, so having a case of head lice doesn’t mean you have poor hygiene. If you look closely, you can see tiny nits (eggs) attached to individual hair strands.
Can you use antifungal to treat ringworm?
The fix: If you have a ringworm infection of the skin, you can use an over-the-counter antifungal formulation to get rid of it. Not so with the scalp. “Since the organism exists deep in the hair follicle, you’ll need to take oral anti-fungal medications to resolve the problem,” says Dr. Piliang.
Can you get psoriasis from a prescription?
2. Psoriasis. This is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes raised, reddish, scaly patches on the skin or scalp. You can’t get psoriasis from other people.
Is it normal for a dermatologist to see if you have itchy scalp?
The itchy spots are very sore to the touch. Dr. Piliang says that it’s always a good idea to see your dermatologist when you have a persistent itchy scalp – even if you think it’s just common dandruff. Your dermatologist can check it out and tell you which remedies will bring you some relief. Advertising Policy.
How to diagnose itchy scalp?
It is essential to identify the cause behind your itchy scalp for appropriate treatment. This may involve a detailed medical history and a physical exam. If the doctor suspects a medical condition for the itchy scalp, you may need to undergo tests such as: Swab test. Blood test.
What causes itchy scalp?
Itchy scalp, medically known as scalp pruritus, has a prevalence of 13%–45%. (1) Approximately 50 million people have dandruff caused itchy scalp, raising the cost of treatment with the use of anti-dandruff products to $300 million in a year. (2) Head lice infestation is another common cause of itchy scalp. This condition is highly prevalent among ...
Why does my scalp itch?
Dandruff. This can occur due to dryness, excessive oil production, and other skin conditions. 2.
Why does my scalp hurt when I scratch it?
Often, a break in the skin develops, from which bacteria can enter and cause infection.
Why does my head itch when I get dandruff?
Anxiety or stress, which can trigger itching and flaking of the scalp, especially if you have dandruff. Herpes zoster, also known as shingles, a viral disease that causes blisters and skin rash on the head, especially in older people.
What causes scaly red spots on the head?
Head lice, which causes skin irritation when their saliva is injected during feeding. Psoriasis, a skin condition characterized by the appearance of scaly, red, shiny skin spots. Alopecia areata, an autoimmune skin problem that results in hair loss from the head.
Why does my hair get red?
Dirt and sweat from pollution, climate, or not shampooing enough. Allergies to products such as hair dyes. Eczema or atopic dermatitis, which refers to the redness, irritation, itching, and dryness of the skin as a result of immune disorders or allergies.
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
A common problem that can cause frequent scratching on scalp.
Itchy scalp is not always related to an underlying condition. It may be caused by:
- Dry scalp
- Dirt and sweat
- Reaction to a product such as hair dye
- Stress or anxiety
Over-The-Counter (OTC) Therapies
Prescriptions
Surgeries and Specialist-Driven Procedures
Summary
A Word from Verywell
Frequently Asked Questions