A dry, itchy scalp can be due to dandruff, skin conditions like eczema, and allergies.
This article will coverscalp conditionsthat can cause itching, as well as how they are diagnosed and treated.
Stress and cold weather can make dandruff worse.
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Eczema can make your scalp dry and itchy.
Eczema on the scalp can affect people of all ages.
They can help you find the cause and the most effective treatments for the condition causing your symptoms.
Topical corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone are typically the first line of treatment for eczema.
In severe cases, topical medications may not be strong enough to help with scalp eczema.
In this case, immunosuppressive medications might be needed to dampen the immune response and help with symptom control.
It’s important to identify the triggers that worsen your eczema and give a shot to avoid them.
Sunburn
Sunburns occur when the skin is exposed to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Sunburns can range from mild to severe.
A scalp sunburn can cause dry, itchy skin.
Shock is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Sunburns need to heal on their own and typically do so within a couple of weeks.
you’re able to get contact dermatitis on any area of your skin, including on your scalp.
The main treatment is just avoiding the trigger that caused the irritation.
Psoriasis
Psoriasisis anautoimmune diseasecaused by an overactive immune system.
Lice infestations need to be treated withOTC or prescription shampoos and productsthat kill lice and nits.
Sometimes, youll see the fungus on your hair strands but not always.
Scalp ringwormoften causes hair loss, which you are more likely to notice.
In some cases, you might have to take oral medication to clear up a ringworm infection.
Scabies
Scabieson the scalp can cause severe itching.
Scabies has to be treated with medications that will kill the mites as well as the eggs they lay.
Weather Changes
Dry, cold, winter weather can often lead to dry skin.
Certain nutritional deficiencies can even lead to hair loss.
Medications
Dry skin can sometimes be a side effect of medication you might be taking.
Do not stop taking a medication that’s been prescribed to you without talking to your provider.
If you’re bothered by dry skin or any other side effects, let your provider know.
They might be able to adjust your dose or switch you to a different medication.
Skin Cancer
Actinic keratosisis a precancerous skin condition that happens after many years of sun exposure.
If you have the condition, youre at risk for skin cancer.
In fact, the patches can turn into certain types of skin cancer (likesquamous cell carcinoma).
Sometimes, its as simple as using a shampoo thats irritating or having a mild infection like ringworm.
Scalp burning and itching can be because of atopic dermatitis (eczema).
Burning does not occur in all cases of eczema, but itching is a near-universal symptom.
Eczema can also cause scales and redness to appear on the scalp.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to Treat Dandruff.
National Eczema Association.Types of Eczema: Atopic Dermatitis.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema Types: Contact Dermatitis Diagnosis and Treatment.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Is your dry scalp something more serious?.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment of head lice.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment of ringworm.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Scabies.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment of scabies.
Harvard Medical School.What to do about dry skin in winter.
2019;9(1):51-70. doi:10.1007/s13555-018-0278-6
Harvard Medical School.Medication and your skin.
Skin Cancer Foundation.Actinic keratosis.
MD Anderson Cancer Center.Skin cancer symptoms.
American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD).10 Reasons Your Scalp Itches and How to Get Relief.
