Why Would You Need a Shampoo for an Itchy Scalp?
Having an itchy scalp can be unbearable. You might even have trouble sleeping or concentrating. Your scalp could also feel dry, flaky, scaly, or have red patches.
Special shampoos for an itchy scalp can help relieve your symptoms, as they have ingredients that target different causes of itching, such as dandruff, psoriasis, or head lice. For some scalp problems, you may need to get a prescription from your doctor. Finding out what is causing your itchy, dry scalp symptoms will help you choose the right shampoo. Here are some of the best types of shampoos for an itchy scalp.
Shampoos for Dandruff
Dandruff is a common scalp problem, but it isn't contagious. If you see lots of tiny flakes of skin on your shirt or in your hair, eyebrows, or facial hair, it's probably dandruff. Dandruff is caused by an overgrowth of yeast that lives on the scalp. This triggers your body's immune system, causing itchiness. The symptoms of dandruff can get worse with stress or during cold, dry weather.
To treat dandruff, use a dandruff shampoo in place of your regular shampoo once or twice a week. Follow the directions on the back of the bottle, as different types of dandruff shampoo have different instructions. You are supposed to lather some shampoos and leave them in for 5 minutes before rinsing. Other dandruff shampoos shouldn't sit for a long time on your skin, and you should rinse them out right away.
If the first type of dandruff shampoo doesn't work well enough, try a different kind. Some people find that one type of shampoo will work for a while, then they have to switch. It's OK to alternate among two or three types of dandruff shampoo. Some fight the fungus that can lead to dandruff, while others are meant to help with the symptoms of dandruff.
Best shampoos for dandruff
The following are common dandruff shampoos. These options are the most effective types of dandruff shampoos available. You can buy them over the counter or with a prescription from your doctor, depending on the strength of your shampoo's ingredients.
- Fluocinolone shampoos use a medication called a corticosteroid to help reduce itching and flaking.
- Ketoconazole shampoos have an antifungal, an ingredient that kills the fungus that can cause dandruff.
- Pyrithione zinc shampoos use an antifungal called zinc pyrithione that also fights bacteria.
- Salicylic acid shampoos reduce flaking and scaly patches, and can help moisturize a dry scalp.
- Selenium sulfide shampoos also contain an antifungal. Be sure to rinse all the shampoo out so it doesn't stain your hair or scalp.
- Tar shampoos are made from coal tar. They slow down the process by which skin cells on your scalp die off, which can help with flaking. Tar shampoos may stain your hair if it is light in color.
Shampoos for Psoriasis
Psoriasis happens when your immune system attacks your skin cells. In response, your body makes lots of new skin cells, which pile up and form red patches with a silvery-white shine to them. Scalp psoriasis can appear in small patches or can cover the whole scalp and spread to the forehead or neck. These patches, known as plaques, can cause itchiness. An itchy scalp is a common symptom of scalp psoriasis, affecting 70% to 90% of people with the condition.
Other symptoms include dryness, hair loss, bleeding, and a burning feeling on the scalp. Talk with your doctor about treatment options such as topical medications, medicated shampoos, and laser treatments.
Best shampoos for psoriasis
Over-the-counter (OTC) shampoos can help treat mild psoriasis symptoms. During a flare-up, OTC shampoos can help soften and wash away scale so that your prescription topical medication can get through to your scalp.
Ask your dermatologist about trying one of the following types of shampoos. These are the best types of psoriasis shampoos on the market:
- Coal tar shampoo can help cut down on the overgrowth of skin cells and help your body shed dead cells. It's less used today, but you can still find shampoos that contain this ingredient.
- Shampoos containing hydrocortisone can help reduce swelling, redness, and itching.
- Shampoos with salicylic acid, urea, or lactic acid soften and gently peel away thick scales.
Shampoos for Ringworm
Ringworm has nothing at all to do with worms. It is a fungal infection common in children. Ringworm on the scalp, also known astinea capitis, can look like a swollen red patch or bald spot. You may also see black spots, or a stubble-like texture.Like other fungal infections of the scalp, ringworm can cause itching.
You can treat some types of ringworm with over-the-counter antifungal cream, but for ringworm of the scalp, you usually need to take a prescription oral medication (pills) for 1 to 3 months. Using over-the-counter or prescription antifungal ketoconazole shampoos can help keep symptoms under control. Ketoconazole is an antifungal medicine that slows the growth of fungi, including ringworm.
Shampoos for Head Lice
Itching is one of the most common symptoms ofhead lice, tiny insects that live on or near a human scalp. Lice are not linked to poor hygiene or an unclean environment. Clean hair is actually more attractive to lice than dirty hair. The best way to find out if a person has head lice is to see one of the lice crawling in the person's hair. You might also see tiny lice eggs (known as nits) clinging to strands of hair. Over-the-counter lice medicine is called pediculicide. Pediculicide shampoos treat lice by paralyzing and killing them. But pediculicide shampoos don’t get rid of lice eggs, so you may need torepeat the application after a week or two.Follow the directions on the box carefully.
Shampoos for Eczema
Eczema is a skin condition that shows up as red, itchy, scaly areas on your skin.Atopic dermatitis, a type of eczema, can make your scalp dry and itchy. Eczema tends to come and go. A dermatologist or family doctor can suggest ways to keep symptoms to a minimum. When eczema flares up, your doctor may prescribe topical treatments – medications or therapies that you apply to your skin – or a specific shampoo to use.
The key is to find a gentle shampoo that won't make eczema worse. Look for shampoos that are fragrance-free, because scented ingredients can be irritating. Also steer clear of shampoos that contain sodium lauryl sulfate, or SLS, which makes products foamy but may irritate your eczema. If those options are still too harsh or unhelpful, try a medicated shampoo for dandruff. Look for dandruff shampoos that contain coal tar or zinc pyrithione, which are ingredients that can relieve itching, redness, and swelling.
Allergies and an Itchy Scalp
If you have an itchy rash on your scalp, you could be having an allergic reaction, also called contact dermatitis. Itchiness can be a side effect of hair products like shampoos, dyes, and styling products. The treatment is to stop using the product you're allergic to. If you have trouble figuring out what ingredient is bothering you, a dermatologist may be able to help you narrow it down.
Here are some tips to help you avoid having an allergic reaction that causes an itchy scalp:
- Be sure to rinse out all the shampoo – regular or medicated – when you wash your hair. Shampoo left on the scalp can cause itching, dryness, and flaking.
- Avoid using hair dye with an ingredient called para-phenylenediamine (PPD), which often triggers allergic reactions.
- Use gentle products without added fragrances or dyes.
- Rinse your hands right after applying hair products.
Takeaways
If your scalp feels itchy, dry, scaly, or has raised red patches, special shampoos may help relieve your symptoms. Shampoos for an itchy scalp have ingredients targeting different conditions, such as dandruff, psoriasis, ringworm, head lice, and eczema. After you find out what's causing your itchy scalp, you can then find the right shampoo for your condition. Depending on the cause of your scalp itch and how severe your symptoms are, you might need a prescription medicine.
Shampoos for Itchy Scalp FAQs
Which shampoo is best for an itchy scalp? There are different types of shampoos for an itchy scalp. The best shampoo depends on what's causing your symptoms, such as dandruff or psoriasis.
What do dermatologists recommend for an itchy scalp? If you have an itchy scalp, dermatologists advise trying to figure out the cause. If you can’t figure out why your scalp itches, then you should see a family doctor or board-certified dermatologist. Once you know the cause of your itchy scalp, you can find ways to relieve your symptoms, such as using special shampoos.
Why is my scalp so itchy but I have no dandruff? Your scalp can itch for reasons other than dandruff. If you have an itchy scalp without dandruff, you could have another condition like psoriasis, eczema, ringworm, head lice, or an allergic reaction to a hair product.
How do you stop an itchy scalp? The first step in stopping an itchy scalp is finding out what is causing it. Then, you can look for the best shampoo for your condition. If you’re struggling to figure out the cause of your scalp itch, or your shampoo isn’t helping, then see your family doctor or a dermatologist.
What is the best over-the-counter product for an itchy scalp? The best over-the-counter product for an itchy scalp depends on what condition is causing your symptoms. Special shampoos have ingredients for treating different conditions that cause itching.
Can dry shampoos help ease an itchy scalp? If you have an itchy scalp, you probably should not use dry shampoo. Regular shampoos that do not target the condition causing your scalp itch can make your symptoms worse. Using dry shampoo too often, without washing with soap and water, can also lead to seborrheic dermatitis, a condition that can make your scalp itch.
