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. Having an itchy scalp is very common.[

There are many possible causes of an itchy scalp, including skin, neurological (nerve) and psychological conditions.

Skin conditions that can cause an itchy scalp include:

• dandruff
• seborrhoeic dermatitis
• eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis)
• psoriasis
• alopecia
• tinea capitis

Other causes of an itchy scalp include:

• neuropathic itch — nerve conditions or damage, such as diabetes and shingles
• psychological causes — for example anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), hallucinations and schizophrenia
• infestation — head lice

You should visit your doctor if your itchy scalp is bothering you or is not improving. They can diagnose what is causing your scalp to be itchy and recommend treatment options.

Your treatment for an itchy scalp will depend on what is causing it. Usually, treatment aims to manage the cause of your itchy scalp.

Self-care at home

Here are some self-care tips that may help relieve an itchy scalp:

• Wash your scalp more often and massage your scalp with shampoo.
• Use an anti-dandruff shampoo — if your itch is caused by dandruff.
• Apply moisturisers.
• Head lice treatment — if you think you may have lice, apply plenty of conditioner to your wet hair and comb it with a lice comb. Repeat this treatment every day until you stop finding lice or nits (lice eggs) in your hair.

Medicines for itchy scalp

• antifungal medicine — if your itchy scalp is caused by tinea
• steroid lotions — to treat atopic dermatitis and psoriasis

You can speak with your doctor or local pharmacist to find the best treatment option for you.

An itchy scalp rarely causes complications. Scratching your scalp can break your skin and can let bacteria in. This can lead to an infection.

Constantly needing to scratch can affect your sleep and daily activities. This can negatively affect your quality of life.

Using moisturisers to keep your skin hydrated and healthy can sometimes help prevent some causes of itchy scalp. It can be hard to apply moisturisers to the scalp, especially if you have long hair. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a product for a dry scalp.

Long-term conditions may need regular treatment.

Good personal hygiene can also help prevent some skin conditions.

Read about preventing head lice and nits.

Learn more about head lice and nits (Opens in new tab) at the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne.

The Australasian College of Dermatologists has information on how to manage skin problems (Opens in new tab) that lead to itchy scalp.

Visit Eczema Support Australia (Opens in new tab) to read more about eczema and tips on how to manage it.

Languages other than English

SA Health has translated its fact sheet about fungal infections of the hair, skin or nails (Opens in new tab) into many community languages.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

Eczema Support Australia has a collection of resources about eczema (Opens in new tab) for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.