Various underlying conditions can cause an itchy scalp without dandruff. Examples include head lice, hives, and dermatitis. The scalp may also be sore, dry, or tender. Treatment can depend on the cause.
Scalp pruritus, or an itchy scalp, is a
This article discusses some possible causes of scalp pruritus, their treatments, and when to contact a doctor.
Contact dermatitis is an itchy rash that occurs after a person has direct contact with an allergen. This reaction may appear on the scalp if an individual is allergic to a hair product such as hair dye, shampoo, or conditioner.
Symptoms
Symptoms of contact dermatitis may include:
- itchiness
- extremely dry skin
- tender skin
- a burning or stinging sensation
- hives
- oozing or fluid-filled blisters
Treatment
The treatment options for contact dermatitis may depend on the cause of the reaction. Some common treatments
- avoiding triggers, for example, by no longer using products that cause a reaction
- topical corticosteroids
- antihistamines
- emollients
- oral steroids, for severe reactions
A person should talk with a healthcare professional to identify which treatment option may work best for them.
Atopic dermatitis, which some people refer to as eczema, is a
Symptoms
Symptoms of atopic dermatitis include:
- dry patches of skin
- itchiness
- rashes that may ooze fluid or bleed
- lichenification
- skin discoloration
Treatment
Atopic dermatitis treatment may include medications, topical treatments, and lifestyle modifications, such as:
- managing triggers
- a type of medication called a topical calcineurin inhibitor (TCI), such as tacrolimus
- corticosteroids
- light therapy
- biologic medications, such as dupilumab
- JAK inhibitors
- immunosuppressant medications, such as cyclosporine
A person should talk with a healthcare professional to identify which treatment option may work best for them.
Head lice are insects that
Symptoms
An individual who has head lice may experience the following symptoms:
- a tickling sensation on the scalp
- irritability and trouble sleeping
- sores on the scalp caused by scratching
- itching
Treatment
There are several over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medication options to treat head lice,
- pyrethrins
- permethrin lotion
- benzyl alcohol lotion
- spinosad topical suspension
- topical ivermectin lotion
A person should talk with a healthcare professional to identify which treatment option may work best for them.
Hives, which doctors may call urticaria, are skin-colored or discolored bumps that appear on the skin. They are typically the result of an allergic reaction.
Symptoms
Symptoms of hives may include:
- raised and bumpy patches of skin
- discoloration
- itchiness
- blanching, which means the center of a hive turns white when a person puts pressure on it
Treatment
Hives typically resolve on their own. However, some treatment options may include:
- antihistamines
- corticosteroids
- an epinephrine injection, in severe cases
- anti-itch lotions or creams
- light therapy
- omalizumab
A person should talk with a healthcare professional to identify which treatment option may work best for them.
Scabies is the result of a
Symptoms
The symptoms of scabies include:
- itchiness, particularly at night
- rash
- sores
- thick crusts on the skin
Treatment
Treatment options for scabies include:
- permethrin cream
- crotamiton cream or lotion
- benzyl benzoate lotion
- sulfur ointment
- lindane lotion
- spinosad liquid
A person should talk with a healthcare professional to identify which treatment option may work best for them.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that
Symptoms
Symptoms of psoriasis may include:
- discolored plaques covered with silvery or gray scales
- itchiness
- pain
- joint problems, in the case of psoriatic arthritis
Treatment
The goal of psoriasis treatment is to help relieve symptoms. Treatment may include:
- salicylic acid
- TCIs
- synthetic vitamin D
- roflumilast cream
- tazarotene
- corticosteroids
- oral JAK inhibitors
- acitretin
- biologic medications
- apremilast
- light therapy
A person should talk with a healthcare professional to identify which treatment option may work best for them.
A fungus causes the skin infection that people
Symptoms
The symptoms of ringworm
- itchiness
- a circular rash
- discolored, cracked, and scaly skin
- hair loss
Treatment
The treatment of ringworm may differ depending on the location. Treatment options include both OTC and prescription antifungal medications, which
- fluconazole
- griseofulvin
- itraconazole
- terbinafine
A person should talk with a healthcare professional to identify which treatment option may work best for them.
In addition to the conditions above, other possible causes of an itchy scalp may include:
- skin cancer
- neuropathy
- lichen planopilaris
- anxiety disorder
- discoid lupus erythematosus
An individual should talk with a healthcare professional to find out the cause of their itchy scalp. They may also wish to seek further advice if:
- symptoms last longer than 6 weeks
- treatment does not provide relief
- they experience intense itching and discomfort
- they develop painful sores
- they experience hair loss
In addition to performing a physical exam and assessing a person’s medical history, a doctor may take a biopsy from a person’s scalp to test for underlying conditions.
An itchy scalp can result from a variety of underlying conditions. People should talk with a healthcare professional to identify the cause of their itchy scalp and receive appropriate treatment for the condition.
A range of treatment options is available to treat causes of an itchy scalp. A doctor will tailor treatments depending on the cause of the person’s itching and may prescribe topical and oral options.