What is itchy scalp?

An itch is a skin irritation that makes you want to scratch. You can get itchy skin anywhere on your body, even on your scalp. The medical term for itchiness is pruritis.

Your head might be itchy for many reasons. Knowing why your scalp is itchy can help you get the right treatment.

What are the symptoms of itchy scalp?

Different causes of itchy scalp have different symptoms, such as:

• flaky skin (dandruff)
• dry skin
• oily skin
• inflamed skin (red, swollen, and warm)
• raised or bumpy skin

What causes itchy scalp?

There are many possible causes of an itchy scalp.

Dandruff is when you have flakes of skin on your scalp. Dandruff can look like white specks in your hair. This is because the dry skin comes off the scalp. It stays in the hair. Dandruff can cause an itchy scalp. Sometimes a fungus can cause dandruff. Other skin conditions can also cause dandruff.

Seborrheic dermatitis occurs on parts of your body where the skin is oily. It causes the skin on your head to be red. Seborrheic dermatitis can cause cradle cap in babies. Cradle cap can look like a thick waxy crust on the scalp of the baby. The skin under the crust may look pink or red if your baby has white skin, or lighter or darker than the surrounding skin if your baby has brown or black skin.

Psoriasis causes thick, itchy, scaly skin patches called plaques. These feel bumpy or raised. On pale skin these patches are red with white scale. And on darker skin these patches are brown or purple with grey scale. The rash can also be on your knees, elbows and tummy. Psoriasis can also cause arthritis.

Eczema (dermatitis) causes dry, itchy skin. The skin can also be inflamed. This can look red if you have pale skin or brown, purple or grey if you have darker skin. Sometimes eczema is caused by things that irritate your skin like soap or shampoo. Eczema can happen on your scalp and on other parts of your body.

Tinea capitis is a fungal infection of the scalp. It causes an itchy rash. It can cause weeping skin and swollen lymph glands at the back of your head or neck. It may cause hair loss. Tinea capitis is sometimes called scalp ringworm. Sometimes household pets can give you the infection.

Head lice are tiny insects that suck blood from the person's head. This makes the scalp itchy. Headlice breed in the hair. The lice are easily passed from person to person.

When should I see my doctor?

If your scalp is itchy, visit your doctor. They can diagnose the cause and give you treatment options.

Sometimes an itchy scalp can become infected. This can happen if you scratch your head and break the skin. This can let bacteria in and lead to infection. Your doctor may need to give you antibiotics to treat the infection.

How is itchy scalp diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms. They will also examine your head.

If the cause of your itchy scalp is not obvious your doctor may recommend taking a:

• sample of hair
• sample of skin (a skin scraping or perhaps a biopsy)

How is itchy scalp treated?

The treatment for itchy scalp depends on what is causing it.

Treatments include:

• moisturising creams and ointments
• special shampoos, such as anti-dandruff shampoos
• specific treatments, such as:
• head lice treatment (combing with conditioner and a nit comb or chemical treatments)
• antifungal medicine for tinea capitis
• corticosteroid lotions for seborrheic dermatitis
• psoriasis medication

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the best treatment for you.

Complications of itchy scalp

If the cause of your itchy scalp stays untreated, there can be complications. These may include:

• alopecia (hair loss)
• fever
• rash or irritation on other areas of the body
• secondary skin infection

An itchy scalp may also disrupt your sleep, routine, and self-esteem.

How can itchy scalp be prevented?

Long-term conditions may need regular treatment. This is the case for dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis.

Regular treatment will prevent the condition from coming back. Some shampoos can help. Talk to your pharmacist for advice.

Good personal hygiene can also help prevent skin conditions.

Head lice are more difficult to prevent, especially in primary school children. The lice do not fly or jump. They move from one person's hair to another when heads are close together. This is common when children are playing together. You can stop the spread of head lice by:

• keeping long hair tied back
• checking the hair regularly — especially if there's an outbreak at school
• avoiding sharing brushes and combs

Resources and support

The Australasian College of Dermatologists has tips on how to manage skin problems that lead to itchy scalp.

NSW Health has tips on treating head lice.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.