Dealing with an itchy, flaky scalp is frustrating and embarrassing. An sensitive, irritated scalp caused by dryness, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, allergies, and shampooing. While the origin of many things, natural remedies, and medicated scalp treatments provide relief and restore a healthy scalp environment. Pinpointing the reason for your itchy scalp is the first step toward treatment. Consider these common culprits:
- Dandruff – White, oily flakes caused by fungus or dry skin
- Psoriasis – Thick scalp plaques that are itchy or sore
- Seborrheic dermatitis – Red, greasy patches with white flakes
- Contact dermatitis – Allergic reaction to hair products
- Eczema – Extremely itchy, dry, red skin
If you’re unsure of the cause, see a dermatologist. They diagnose the issue and medications tailored to your condition if necessary. Fort hair salon fort lauderdale a vibrant beauty scene with several salons offering a wide range of services to meet your hair care needs.
Gently cleanse
Many times dries out the scalp, causing more irritation and flaking. Switch to a gentle scalp-soothing shampoo like:
- Selsun Blue – Contains selenium sulfide to reduce fungal dandruff
- Neutrogena T/Sal – Uses salicylic acid to clear scalp buildup
- Vanicream Free & Clear – Ultra-gentle formula without fragrances
Limit shampooing to 1-2 times per week. Use your fingers to massage in shampoo versus nails which scratch and aggravate the scalp. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Soothe with essential oils
Essential oils have anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and soothing properties to tame an irritated scalp. Try adding a few drops of these oils to shampoo or conditioner:
- Tea tree oil – Clears bacteria and fungi
- Peppermint oil – Cools and relieves itch
- Lavender oil – Calms inflammation
- Rosemary oil – Improves circulation
You also blend oils into a carrier like coconut or jojoba oil to massage directly into the scalp as a moisturizing treatment.
Avoid aggravators
Certain hair products and styles provoke scalp irritation and are avoided.
- Heavy pomades, gels, mousse – Can clog follicles
- Chemical treatments – Relaxers, dyes, and bleach damage the scalp
- Hot tools – Can burn or dry out the scalp
- Tight hairstyles – Put pressure on hair follicles
- Fabric headbands – Trap sweat, dirt, and oil against the scalp
Give your scalp a break by wearing hair down au naturel when possible.
Ask about medications
For chronic, severe itching and flaking, prescription and over-the-counter medications are necessary. Ask your dermatologist about:
- Hydrocortisone cream – Relieves inflammatory symptoms
- Ketoconazole shampoo – Antifungal for dandruff
- Topical steroids – For redness and swelling
- Biotin supplements – Helps treat hair loss from scalp conditions
Medicated shampoos or foams like clobetasol are massaged right into balding spots if scalp psoriasis is the cause of shedding hair.
Know when to see a doctor
Severe scalp irritation symptoms that don’t improve with natural treatments require a doctor’s care. Make an appointment if you experience:
- Unrelenting itch or burning sensations
- Hair falling out in clumps
- Scalp acne boils or sores
- Scaling and redness spreading to face/neck
- Painful sensitivity of the scalp
With prescription remedies from your dermatologist and daily scalp TLC, you successfully treat the causes behind an irritated, flaky scalp for happy hair days ahead.
