A dry, itchy scalp can be a cosmetic concern as well as a nuisance. These symptoms are typically an indicator that you have dandruff caused by a skin rash known as seborrheic dermatitis. While this condition is rarely an indicator for major health concern, it can be troublesome. Other contributing conditions include psoriasis, a condition that results in red, dry skin patches; ringworm or contact dermatitis, which is the result of an allergic reaction due to a product used on your hair, according to GoAskAlice.columbia.edu. Treating dry scalp and dandruff takes consistent treatment in order to experience a successful relief of symptoms.
Step 1
Refrain from scratching the scalp. While this can be difficult to resist, scratching can exacerbate your scalp condition, according to GoAskAlice.columbia.edu. Because you can scratch your head in your sleep, you may need to wear gloves to protect your scalp.
Step 2
Utilize an anti-dandruff shampoo on a daily basis, the Mayo Clinic recommends. These shampoos can be purchased at most drug and discount stores and contain active ingredients such as salicylic acid, sulfide, ketoconazole or ciclopirox. These treatments work in different manners to solve the dry scalp/dandruff problem, so one particular treatment may work better than another. If you use a shampoo and do not see results in a few weeks, consider switching to another.
Step 3
Loosen the scales on the scalp gently while you shampoo and scrub for at least five minutes, according to MedlinePlus. Rinse thoroughly, but avoid using overly hot water, which can scald and/or irritate the scalp.
Step 4
Apply an anti-itch cream to the scalp, such as hydrocortisone cream. This can help to relieve the itching as your scalp heals, according to the Mayo Clinic. Be sure to purchase a cream that contains at least 1 percent hydrocortisone in order to ensure the cream is strong enough.
Step 5
See your doctor if you are experiencing hair loss related to your dry scalp. Because dandruff does not cause hair loss, this can indicate a fungal infection, according to MedlinePlus. Your physician can prescribe a cream or medication, in some instances, that can help to eradicate the fungus and reduce the itching.
Things You'll Need
- Anti-dandruff shampoo
- Anti-itch cream, such as hydrocortisone cream
- Gloves to prevent scratching
