How to Get Rid of Itchy Scalp

Infection, allergic reaction or autoimmune problems may cause an itchy scalp. Over-the-counter products and changes to haircare regimens may be all that's necessary to treat scalp itch.

A person’s scalp may itch for a number of reasons. Sometimes it’s a mild and temporary condition, and sometimes it is a symptom of something serious. Some causes of itchy scalp include: 

• Dandruff
• Allergic reaction to a hair care product (allergic contact dermatitis) such as shampoo, conditioner, hair dye (para-phenylenediamine, or PPD, found in black hair dyes is a common irritant)
• Hives
• Head lice
• Scabies
• Scalp ringworm (tinea capitis)
• Scalp psoriasis
• Atopic dermatitis 
• Nerve problems (neuropathy)
• Skin cancer

Depending on the cause, home remedies and alternative treatments for itchy scalp may include: 

• Dandruff shampoos, which are available over-the-counter (OTC) 
• Pyrithione zinc
• Selenium sulfide
• Ketoconazole
• Salicylic acid (may also help with itching caused by scalp psoriasis)
• Coal tar (may also help with itching caused by scalp psoriasis)
• Use of special lice shampoo to get rid of head lice
  • Many products are available over-the-counter (OTC) 
  • Pyrethrins combined with piperonyl butoxide (A–200, Pronto, R&C, Rid, and Triple X)
  • Permethrin lotion, 1% (Nix)
• For atopic dermatitis:
  • Avoid trigger factors such as heat and low humidity
  • Keep skin moisturized
  • Antihistamines to help control itching
  • Manage stress and anxiety
• Stop using products that cause scalp itching or irritation
• Avoid allergens that cause itching, such as dust mites, animal dander, molds, and pollens
• Use mild or soap-free cleansers 
• Apple cider vinegar
  • Dilute to half water and half vinegar, and spray it on the scalp several times a week
  • Do not use apple cider vinegar if you have an open cut or sore on your head
• Peppermint oil
  • Can be cooling and soothing. 
  • Put one or two drops in water, and apply to scalp
  • Let sit a few minutes then shampoo as usual
• Tee tree oil or lemongrass oil 
  • Add just a few drops of either oil to your regular shampoo 
• Olive oil or mineral oil 
  • Massage into scalp, leave on for about an hour, then shampoo

See a doctor if you have an itchy scalp:

• That does not go away with home remedies
• Interferes with sleep
• With visible lice or mites on your scalp
• That is painful to the touch or you have sores

Some causes of itchy scalp require medical treatment. 

• Scabies requires prescription scabicide lotion or cream to kill the mites
• Scalp ringworm (tinea capitis) requires prescription medications to kill the fungus
  • Griseofulvin (Grifulvin V, Gris-PEG)
  • Terbinafine
  • Itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox)
  • Fluconazole (Diflucan)
• Scalp psoriasis that does not respond to over-the-counter shampoos may require prescription medications
  • Topical steroids
  • Other topical medications 
    • Dovonex (Calcipotriene)
    • Tazorec (Tazarotene)
    • Vectical (Calcitriol)
    • Zithranol-RR (Anthralin)
  • Phototherapy, which uses ultraviolet (UV) light