Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsTypesCausesTreatmentHome Remedies and Self-Care TipsWhen to See a Healthcare Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Types
Causes
Treatment
Home Remedies and Self-Care Tips
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Having a scalp rash is uncomfortable, and can be frustrating when you don’t know what’s causing it. Here are many reasons for a head rash or rash on the hairline, and manyscalp conditionsthat cause an itchy scalp on the top, sides, or base of the head. Infections, allergic reactions, and skin conditions can all play a role. Here’s how to find the answer to “why does my scalp itch” and find out how to treat itchy scalp.
Continue reading to learn more about the causes of scalp rash, treatments, and home remedies that can make you more comfortable.
AndreyPopov / Getty Images
How Scalp Rash Symptoms May Present
Just like itchy skin, head rash can have lots of different appearances and symptoms.The symptoms can occur on the top, sides, or base of your head. Or, you may notice a rash on the hairline. The locations of the rash can be a clue about what’s causing it.
Most often, people report itchiness. Since we can’t see the scalp, itchiness is an important hint that you might have a scalp rash. In addition to itchiness, you may experience:
Types of Scalp Rash and their Causes
There are lots of different reasons why your scalp might be itchy. Here’s an overview of common causes of scalp rash:
Dandruff
Kiran Thakur / Getty Images
Allergic reaction
If you develop an itchy or irritated scalp after switching shampoos or hair products, or after dying your hair, you might be experiencing an allergic reaction, also known ascontact dermatitis. Some people will experience red hives because of an allergic reaction.
Fungal infection
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photobankrx / Getty Images
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
bankrx / Getty Images
Ringwormis a fungal infection that causes a red, very itchy rash on the scalp. When ringworm happens on the scalp, it doesn’t necessarily have the ring pattern typically associated with the illness.
Psoriasis or Eczema
anand purohit / Getty Images
Psoriasisandeczemaare auto-immune-related skin conditions that can occur on the scalp or elsewhere on the body. If you’ve been diagnosed with psoriasis or eczema and start experiencing a dry, itchy, or inflamed scalp, your autoimmune condition may be to blame.
Folliculitis
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Raimo Suhonenwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Scalp folliculitishappens when the hair follicles become inflamed. This causes red, pussing bumps, yellow-crusted sores, and fever. Often this rash is on the hairline. There are different types of folliculitis, including bacterial, viral, and fungal, so working with adermatologistto develop the right treatment plan is important.
Nerve damage
Conditions that impact your nerves, including diabetes andshingles, can cause burning or itchiness on the scalp.
How to Tell What’s Causing Your Scalp Rash
Distinguishing between different types of skin conditions can be difficult, even for healthcare providers. If you have a scalp rash that persists, see your primary care healthcare provider or dermatologist.
Here are some questions that can help you determine what’s causing your scalp rash:
How to Treat Scalp Rash
Treating your scalp rash and determining how to treat an itchy scalp will depend on the root cause of your itchy scalp. You can try many treatments and hygiene adjustments at home, but if the scalp rash is really bothering you, see a dermatologist who might be able to suggest a more efficiency treatment plan.
Taking care of your scalp and creating a great hygiene routine for your hair and skin type can help address scalp rash. Here are some pointers:
Medical Treatment and Prescriptions
If your scalp rash doesn’t resolve on its own or is particularly painful or irritating, it’s time to see a healthcare provider. They can prescribe medical treatments, ranging from prescription dandruff shampoo tooral medications for scalp psoriasis. They can also help you determine if an infection like ringworm or shingles is at play, and treat the underlying cause of your itchy scalp.
Any time your scalp rash is painful or interrupting your day-to-day life, it’s a good idea to see a healthcare provider or dermatologist. Always see a healthcare provider if you experience:
Summary
Luckily, there are treatments available for scalp rashes. If your rash doesn’t resolve on its own or get better with a dandruff shampoo, reach out to a dermatologist who can help you identify the cause of your itchy scalp and a treatment that will help.
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Dandruff, cradle cap, and other scalp conditions.American Academy of Dermatology Association.10 reasons your scalp itches and how to get relief.American Family Physician.Seborrhea: What it is and how to treat it.National Psoriasis Foundation.Plaque psoriasis.National Eczema Association.Seborrheic dermatitis.Laureano AC, Schwartz RA, Cohen PJ.Facial bacterial infections: Folliculitis.Clinics in Dermatology. 2014;32(6):711-714. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2014.02.009American Academy of Dermatology Association.Seborrheic dermatitis. Dec. 2022.
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Dandruff, cradle cap, and other scalp conditions.American Academy of Dermatology Association.10 reasons your scalp itches and how to get relief.American Family Physician.Seborrhea: What it is and how to treat it.National Psoriasis Foundation.Plaque psoriasis.National Eczema Association.Seborrheic dermatitis.Laureano AC, Schwartz RA, Cohen PJ.Facial bacterial infections: Folliculitis.Clinics in Dermatology. 2014;32(6):711-714. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2014.02.009American Academy of Dermatology Association.Seborrheic dermatitis. Dec. 2022.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Dandruff, cradle cap, and other scalp conditions.American Academy of Dermatology Association.10 reasons your scalp itches and how to get relief.American Family Physician.Seborrhea: What it is and how to treat it.National Psoriasis Foundation.Plaque psoriasis.National Eczema Association.Seborrheic dermatitis.Laureano AC, Schwartz RA, Cohen PJ.Facial bacterial infections: Folliculitis.Clinics in Dermatology. 2014;32(6):711-714. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2014.02.009American Academy of Dermatology Association.Seborrheic dermatitis. Dec. 2022.
MedlinePlus.Dandruff, cradle cap, and other scalp conditions.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.10 reasons your scalp itches and how to get relief.
American Family Physician.Seborrhea: What it is and how to treat it.
National Psoriasis Foundation.Plaque psoriasis.
National Eczema Association.Seborrheic dermatitis.
Laureano AC, Schwartz RA, Cohen PJ.Facial bacterial infections: Folliculitis.Clinics in Dermatology. 2014;32(6):711-714. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2014.02.009
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Seborrheic dermatitis. Dec. 2022.
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