An itchy scalp may cause irritation, pain, and discomfort. It can result from various underlying conditions such as head lice, hives, or dermatitis.
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.