Wednesday, 15 October 2025
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What Causes Itchy Scalp | Dr Gary Mader

What Causes Itchy Scalp? 3 Common Reasons and Solutions

AAn itchy scalp happens more often than you think. Scalp pruritus, as medical personnel call it, is often caused by dandruff. It’s not the only reason though. Various conditions can result in a person having the urge to scratch their head.

Pruritus or itching is a critical symptom of different cutaneous and systemic diseases. Excessive itching can also have a detrimental effect on one’s quality of life. That’s why one must understand what causes itchy scalp. Knowing the reason can help you find a solution.

Top dermatologists have narrowed down the usual causes of scalp pruritus.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is the most common cause of itchy scalp. It’s a skin condition that’s easy to manage and not contagious. It causes red patches and scales to appear on the skin along. White or powdery flakes can also appear on the scalp.

Seborrheic dermatitis is also known as dandruff. It’s a term used when it appears on the scalp of a teenager or adult. It’s called cradle cap when it appears on a baby. The condition can also affect other parts of the body. Dermatitis can appear in the navel, under the breasts, or in the creases of the arms and legs.

Seborrheic dermatitis can disappear with the proper treatment. It can flare up at intermittent intervals. A product like Dr. Marder Scalp Therapy Total Relief Shampoo & Conditioner can help. So can over-the-counter shampoos with selenium or zinc pyrithione. The two ingredients can help control yeast. People with more serious cases will need to see their doctor. They will receive a prescription for a strong antifungal shampoo. A skin expert could also recommend a topical cortisone or medicated foam or ointment.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is now considered a chronic autoimmune disease. It causes skin inflammation. People with psoriasis have raised, reddish, scaly patches on the skin. This can extend up to the scalp. Psoriasis can flare up at times. There’s also no cure for it. You can only manage this skin disorder.

One way to do this is by using over-the-counter shampoos. These medicated hair products often contain salicylic acid or coal tar. Dermatologists can also prescribe stronger shampoos if needed. They can also recommend a topical cortisone.

Psoriasis affects around 7.5 to 8 million people in the US. There’s a lot doctors don’t know about this condition. It’s not a disease that’s transferred from one person to another. You can’t get psoriasis from touching people with the disorder. But there appears to be a genetic component to it as parents can pass it down to their offspring.

Head Lice

Head lice are the bane of parents everywhere. These tiny parasitic insects are through close contact. They live close to the scalp but are also found in the eyebrows and eyelashes. The lice feed on human blood but can’t spread disease.

Head lice infestations often occur among school young children. It’s not common but adults can also get head lice. Regardless of age, someone with head lice will feel a tickling sensation on their scalp. They will experience itching. Sometimes the itch is so severe that sores can develop from scratching. The individual could also have trouble sleeping because of the itch.

There are many over-the-counter medications to treat head lice. Doctors can also prescribe stronger formulas for this issue. The most common treatments are shampoos and lotions with pyrethrins. A permethrin or benzyl alcohol lotion is also effective. An ivermectin lotion can also help. You can also use a malathion or a spinosad topical suspension. These will need a doctor’s prescription though. s

Enjoy Healthy Hair and Scalp

Thick and lustrous hair is a sign of good health. Dr. Marder Scalp Therapy Total Relief Shampoo & Conditioner can help. The product is the brainchild of Dr. Gary Marder. This skin expert has been in the skincare industry for 39 years. He specializes in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. Dr. Marder’s passion for skincare has pushed him to develop his shampoos and conditioners. The product stops scalp inflammation and itching. It also stops dandruff and other fungal issues. Want to experience total relief from all your scalp problems? You can send us a message here for more details. You can also order our famous haircare line. We ship worldwide and have a 30-day guarantee.

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