How To Deal With Itching Scalp and Find Effective Relief
Uh oh … Your scalp itch has suddenly popped up in public – but you don’t dare scratch for fear that others will think, “Ew! Doesn’t she wash her hair?”
Not to worry: Millions of Americans have the same problem. Despite the stigma, scalp itch has nothing to do with being unhygienic, and scratching out the cause can be as easy as going to the doctor or drugstore.
Here, some facts, causes and treatments for an itching scalp.
Don’t Blame the Air on Your Scalp Itch
Many people blame their scalp itch on winter weather – after all, our arms and legs often dry out and itch when the mercury drops, right? But those conditions are often unrelated to scalp itch, says Alan Rockoff, a board-certified dermatologist at The Rockoff Center for Dermatology, Laser & Plastic Surgery in Brookline, Mass.
“People assume that if it’s dry and cold out, your scalp will become dry and itchy,” he explains. “But an itchy, flaky scalp actually isn’t dry – it’s inflamed. So it’s not related to the environment at all.”
What Are the Reasons for Your Scalp Itch?
So, what’s behind your scalp itch? The most common cause for scalp itch is dandruff, which typically causes itching along with white flakes as the scalp sheds skin cells more quickly than normal.
“Dandruff is usually precipitated by Pityrosporum ovale yeast that likes oily areas, like the scalp,” says Mary P. Lupo, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical professor of dermatology at Tulane Medical School in New Orleans. “Dandruff is an inflammatory response to the body harboring the yeast family.”
If your dandruff is a response to the care quality, rather than a medical condition, check out these dandruff hair care tips by using essential oils.
Still, dandruff might not be the culprit. If your flakes are greasy and yellow, chances are they’re caused by another skin condition called seborrheic dermatitis. Another condition, scalp psoriasis, is like dandruff in that it can cause itchy, red, scaly skin. But the scales of psoriasis are thicker and somewhat drier in appearance than dandruff, and they can be painful.
Psoriasis also usually affects more than one area of the body, such as the elbows, knees, hands, feet or nails. “Psoriasis is more significant and can be potentially serious,” says Mary Lupo. The condition is associated with arthritis, she says. Besides, stress and alcohol can cause flare-ups.
Read a detailed post on How to Live with Psoriasis.
If your doctor rules out all of these conditions, the culprit might just be (gulp!) head lice, especially if you’re a parent or teacher. These tiny, wingless critters are often spread among children in school or day care who have close head-to-head contact, or who share their hats or combs with other kids. They in turn can spread the bugs to their teachers or parents.
How to Stop Scalp Itch
Treatment for scalp itch varies. If you have dandruff, both dermatologists Alan Rockoff and Mary Lupo recommend using an over-the-counter dandruff shampoo. “Wash with it for two to four weeks, and if you don’t see any improvement, see a dermatologist,” says Dr. Lupo.
Scalp psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis can be treated with prescription or OTC prescription-level shampoos daily for one to four weeks. Lice shampoos containing the insecticides pyrethrin (such as RID) or permethrin (Nix) are the most popular treatments for head lice, but nontoxic products are also available.
These shampoos are usually used twice within a 10-day period, and daily inspections with a magnifying glass and fine-toothed nit comb are needed to remove any remaining eggs and insects.
If you have dry skin and would like to learn how to take care of it, check out this Dry Skin Fixes detailed post for women.
Vitamin C And Itching Scalp
Vitamin C for scalp and hair can be used on the daily basis. It’s a known fact that vitamin C fights scalp skin dryness which results in a healthy and vibrant hair look.
But what you need to know before reaching out for any product with any actives is the benefits of such.
In fact, vitamin C has the top two qualities that benefit scalp and hair health. The beauty of vitamin C lies in its antibacterial and antiviral properties.
Why it is significant for the scalp and hair well-being is this. Vitamin C antibacterial function helps to keep by-products from follicles’ life cycle in check. It means that dandruff formation won’t take over your entire scalp and be the grounds for bacteria breeding. Regular application of vitamin C tonic will encourage hair growth and keep hair follicles free of any debris that put a stopper on hair growth.
The antiviral key property of vitamin C defends against dry and itchy scalp. Without doubt, the antioxidant properties of the vitamin C provide protection against free radicals that can result in dry hair and split ends.
Vitabrid C12 Tonic for Thicker Hair
If you want the hair that is thick, healthy and vibrant with color, then try one of my favorite products via Vitabrid C12 Hair Tonic. Safe for daily use and using a stable form of vitamin C, you will enjoy the results. You can purchase it .
I really like this brand, as it offers clean non-toxic ingredients. And it is super important to me. Toxic ingredients tend to accumulate in our tissues, bones, and hair. Using organic, non-GMO and non-toxic ingredients in the skin and hair care contributes to any woman’s anti-aging routine.
Check out the potent skin benefits of powdered vitamin C. You may want to incorporate it into your regular skin care routine.
I am trying to find a shampoo without SLS.
I started getting an itchy scalp. I will try out your suggestions! This was such an informative post that help many people who suffer from this issue.
These are some easy-to-do actions that anybody can test out and see how they work.
Being consistent is the key.
Good information here. Thanks for the ways to help.
My son has dandruff and he’s a teen. It can happen to anyone.
Rosey,
Dandruff can happen to anybody. It is important not to panic and look for a solution.
I used to have problems with itchy scalp because of dandruff, but a special shampoo helps me with that
Renata,
It is awesome you’ve got the solution to help your hair health!
Thank you for sharing. I myself get an itchy scalp. I find out that I have a worse condition of dandruff and have to use special shampoo for this purpose.
Sambo,
Finding the a reason or reasons for the itchy scalp is the first step to success. Then, you gotta follow with an action and be consistent.
Good for you!
I’ve dealt with itchy scalp for my entire life. I’m always open to try new remedies!
What an informative post, and it even goes into the different causes! Now I know exactly what my teens are dealing with and how to troubleshoot.
Anne Marie,
I am happy to hear this post was helpful to you to brainstorm ideas to help your kiddos.
This is great to know. I use to get an itchy scalp within a day or two of shampooing my hair. Luckily I switched over to a different shampoo and I have not had any issues anymore. My husband does have psoriasis though, so I’ll have to talk to him about this.
Kathy,
The more we know, the more solutions we could evaluate and find the one that works for us.
Great post with a lot of great info. Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome, Heidi.
Hope it helps with tiny things in your big life.
ooo thanks for sharing this. I have been having a very itchy sculpt I need to check this out
Welcome, Bella,
The sooner you begin caring for the scalp, the more anti-aging effects you are going to be rewarded with.
This is some great info on how to deal with an itchy scalp! Very helpful!
Erin,
These simple suggestions can support our well-being and ensure a good care for our scalp.
I’ve been using Vitamin C and it has been SUPER helpful.
Rachel,
Agree with you: vitamin C is a magic indeed. So versatile, so effective. We just need to be consistent in its use.
This happens to me, especially when I dont shampoo every 3 days. It is very itchy!
Sambo,
Vitamin C tonic for hair could be a good way to test out to stop that itch.
Also, essential oils and scalp masks are really effective in maintaining the healthy scalp tissue.
Super interesting… I don’t struggle with this much, but it’s helpful for when I do.
Krysten,
This vitamin C tonic is super effective for maintenance, not just when you get a dry scalp.
I’ve been using it to a great success to see how my hair changed its tone and the looks.
This is a great post. I had not thought about psoriasis being a cause for itchy scalp. I suffer from psoriasis since I was a teenager.
Wanda,
Live and learn.
I am sure you could share with us your tips and findings how to deal with the psoriasis on the daily basis.
Thanks for the knowledge, I’ll share this to my mommy friends, a lot of kids have this kind of problem.
Rose Ann,
Little things can be a game changer to our kids’ well-being.
I recommend the products that are non-toxic and effective at the same time.
Vitabrid formulations for both skin and hair are superb.
My son tends to have a dry scalp. I will have to try the vitamin c
Tara,
It could be a game changer, i.e., using the vitamin C tonic.
Also, check out the super potent hair care I featured in this post, they did help my hair a lot ==>
https://celebratewomantoday.com/natural-hair-care-products/
I didn’t know Vitamin C can help in hair growth. This post is very informative, I love it.
Little things like this post helps us to make better decision in our life.
Great to know that my time served you well.
So many don’t know that fast hair growth amino scalp therapy shampoos (of course with no sulfates, no parabens and no DEA) exist. Folks can now enjoy longer hair and have more possibilities. Surely worth considering.
If you’re dealing with alopecia, damaged hair, preventing hair disorders, hair growth, hair care at large, almost the same rules become relevant.
Generally, you should try to avoid hair products and treatments that include chemicals like parabens, DEA and sulfates.
What is healthy for your hair is beneficial for your skin also.
For obvious reasons your content on this page hits the nail in the head for various reasons. It steers away from the usual traps and errors most fall into. Greatly appreciated!
That’s very interesting information about itching scalp… thanks for sharing
Wow that’s alot of reasons for an itching scalp. I learned a few things I didn’t know before. Thank goodness for the treatment options.
Onica,
It’s important to know where to look for a solution.
We have dry scalps in our family.. many people think its a bad think to keep itching your scalp, but we take the right measures so there is none of that going on..
Kungphoo,
So great to hear what you do in your own family. I like your approach and mindset.
once a week I use tea tree oil to help with this
My FIL deals with this. Although now that I am reading about and itchy head I want to scratch mine. LOL!
I used to have itchy scalp back then. I switched to organic hair care products and all my scalp and hair problems were immediately gone. 🙂
This is great to hear. You did not stop at the problem, rather you were looking for a solution. Bravo!
I have had psoriasis for over 15 years. In recent years it has spread from my scalp to areas on my face. It is NOT fun. Yes, stress is a HUGE trigger for flare-ups.
I can’t speak for anyone else or about their medical conditions but for me I scratch my head because it just feels good.
Just reading that has made my scalp itchy
Thanks for all the info! I suffer from dry scalp myself so I use a hot oil treatment once a month and that helps.
Kas
Years ago my husband suffered from dandruff. It did resolve after treatment for a while.
This is good to know. My husband deals with this occasionally.
This is a great info, thanks. I’m lucky , i haven’t suffered this.
I think it’s also important to have the right shampoo and conditioner as aside from dandruff and other diseases, dry hair can be cause of itch too and also attracts bacterias.
I was watching on Dr Oz one time and he was talking about using vinegar to help with itchy scalp and dandruff. I thought that was pretty interesting – though I wonder how that would smell, lol.
Dawn,
You sure could add apple vinegar into your rinsing water. What vinegar does is “melting” and washing away the oily dandruff crust that has hair products, dead skin cells and what not.
Interesting information. Luckily I do not experience itchy scalp but now know what it might be if I do.
Ugh. I suffer from this and it’s so annoying…and embarrassing! I never thought to see a dermatologist about it though, I just thought I had to live with it. Good to know!
Jennifer,
Don’t be embarrassed by having dandruff. Just find a solution, even if it takes you to the dermatologist. You will be so happy when you will see zero flakes on your clothes!
Using herbal shampoos with natural ingredients and essential extracts of plants might also help.
Roch,
Sure such shampoos can help. I also buy dried herbs and make an herbal tea with them only for using it on my hair. I rinse my hair with such tea extract. Beautiful results.
I haven’t ever suffered from itchy scalp but I know a few who do and I can share this information with.
Thanks for the info. We have found that is usually our hair products (shampoo& conditioner) that are causing it.
That sounds really uncomfortable. I am sure it is nice to know that if you are suffering from it, you aren’t alone.
My teen has dry itchy scalp. We do a few different healing therapies. Great tips and suggestions!
Mine gets itchy now and then. This information was really useful!
Maggie,
It helps to know where to begin your search when scalp itching becomes persistent. It may be just a compilation of dandruff, which is easy to deal with.
I am lucky that I don’t suffer from this. This is a very informative blog. Thank you.
Fortunately this has never been an issue for me. Thanks for the info though
my daughter is always yelling at me to stop scratching my head… goof post for me
Great post! Thank you for sharing this wonderful information with us. 🙂 Very helpful.