Conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff and other scalp conditions can cause you uncomfortable itchiness, explains Dr. Michael Hall, a family physician for the DuBois Regional Medical Center. Neutrogena T/Gel shampoo allows you to treat an itchy scalp at home without the need for prescription medication. However, an itchy scalp that has blisters, oozes pus or has open sores requires a medical consultation.
Function
T/Gel shampoo treats itchiness using coal tar, salicylic acid or zinc pyrithion, according to the Neutrogena Scalp Solutions Center. Coal tar works to decrease the bacterial growth on an itchy scalp, while helping to loosen and soften any scale or crust buildup; salicylic acid causes the skin to swell and soften to help dry skin slough or peel off; and zinc pyrithion helps slow the production of new skin cells to reduce the buildup of excess skin, according to Drugs.com. The Stubborn Itch formula of T/Gel shampoo also contains menthol to help cool the itch.
Proper Use
Effective itch control requires the proper use of T/Gel products. Wet your hair thoroughly and massage the T/Gel shampoo into your scalp. Lather the shampoo and leave it to sit on your scalp and hair for three to five minutes. Rinse your hair thoroughly and repeat the process one time, advises Hall. The Neutrogena Scalp Solutions Center advises using the shampoo as directed by a doctor or twice a week for best results. If your hair requires conditioner, Neutrogena suggests applying T/Gel conditioner after using T/Gel shampoo. Allow the conditioner sit on your hair for three to five minutes prior to rinsing it out.
Before Using
Talk to your doctor about your scalp condition, your medical history and any medications, herbs or supplements you take prior to using a T/Gel product. Allergies to an ingredient in T/Gel can make your scalp itchiness worse. Drugs.com states that salicylic acid may interact with ammonium sulfate, corticosteroids, anticoagulants, phenylbutazone, pyrazinamide, probenecid and sulfinpyrazone. Zinc pyrithione and coal tar have no known interactions with medications, but this does not mean that an interaction cannot occur.
Considerations
T/Gel shampoo may not relieve your itchy scalp entirely. Your condition may require other home treatments or prescription medication. If T/Gel fails to provide you results within three weeks of treatment, consult your physician. T/Gel occasionally causes a yellowing of the skin or an increased sensitivity to light in any area where the shampoo remains in contact with the skin for two or more minutes, advises Hall. He also states that some patients complain of T/Gel increasing itchiness, causing inflammation, stinging or burning.
Home Remedies for Itchy Scalp
Proper home care for your itchy scalp can increase the effectiveness of T/Gel shampoo. For best results, use warm water, not hot, when washing your hair to prevent drying of the scalp, avoid the temptation to scratch your scalp, determine if the itch results from an allergic reaction to other hair care products, drink plenty of water and rinse your hair thoroughly any time you use a swimming pool.
References
- Drugs.com: Coal Tar Shampoo
- Drugs.com: Salicylic Acid Shampoo
- Drugs.com: Pyrithione Zinc Shampoo
- Dr. Michael Hall; DuBois Regional Medical Center; DuBois, Pennsylvania
- Neutrogena Scalp Solutions Center: T/Gel Therapeutic Hair Care Solutions
