Aloe has also been shown to improve the function of the skin barrier, which is the uppermost layer of skin designed to lock in moisture while keeping out bacteria and other pathogens. As such, washing your hair too often may be the culprit behind a dry scalp, she says. "If dry scalp is not resolving with over-the-counter treatments, it's important to see a dermatologist to rule out a more serious diagnosis and ensure that whatever is causing the problem is appropriately treated," board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rebecca Marcus shares. Treatment may be required for severe cases. Scalp psoriasis, on the other hand, is a condition where skin cells grow faster than normal, causing them to build up into silvery plaques and flake off. 2017;9(2):58-62. doi:10.4103/ijt.ijt_76_16, Kaminaka C, Yamamoto Y, Sakata M, Hamamoto C, Misawa E, Nabeshima K, Saito M, Tanaka M, Abe F, Jinnin M. Effects of low-dose Aloe sterol supplementation on skin moisture, collagen score and objective or subjective symptoms: 12-week, double-blind, randomized controlled trial. 6 While still in your warm, steamy bathroom post-shower, massage three to five drops into your roots and work gently down through your ends. If relief is not achieved with over-the-counter shampoos, however, Dr. Robinson encourages seeking out the opinion of a board-certified dermatologist. Because theyre not well studied, I recommend trying the things that are proven to help first, says Dr. Lipoff. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. The trick, she says, is getting it out in the morning. Reaction to a hair care product. Thats because salicylic acid is a top-notch exfoliator that gets rid of dead skin cells sitting on the surface. Everyone you live with may also need to be seen by a dermatologist, as tinea capitis is very contagious. Too much sun exposurewithout the proper protectioncan burn your scalp, resulting in irritation and (you guessed it) dryness. It's a Byrdie favorite and has over 10,000 'loves' on Sephora's website. All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. Caitlin is a contributing writer for Byrdie where she covers all things hair, from scalp health to the latest color trends. What it is: According to Danny Del Campo, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in private practice in Chicago, psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes skin cells to grow too quickly, making them pile up on the surface of the skin in patches called plaques. To hold you over until your appointment, however, shampoo containing salicylic acid should help ease the symptoms. Management of scalp psoriasis: current perspectives, Scalp Pruritus: Review of the Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Management. Dry scalp and dandruff might seem similar enoughsymptoms for both include dry, itchy, flaky, skinbut they are not, in fact, the same. Some hair oils contain ingredients, likerosemary oil, which may also have added benefits like promoting hair growth in addition to hydration. Avocado oils are nourishing especially for dry, dehydrated hair. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Often, a fungus called Malassezia triggers dandruff. Cause #1: Over washing While you may feel washing your hair regularly is all hydrating and moisturising for your locks, it in actuality is one of the most common reasons for dry scalps. Rudramurthy SM, Honnavar P, Dogra S, Yegneswaran PP, Handa S, Chakrabarti A. The solve for a dry scalp is relatively easy (moisturize!). Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Dry scalp can also be triggered by factors such as these: cold, dry air contact dermatitis caused by a reaction to products you apply to your scalp, such as shampoo, styling gel, and. How to treat it: You need prescription antifungal medicine to treat tinea capitis. How to Treat an Itchy Scalp, According to a Dermatologist - Men's Health Oily, large flakes that are yellow or white, the use of products that strip the natural oils from your skin. You might have another skin condition that needs to be treated. Dandruff cannot be cured, but its symptoms can be managed with a specialized shampoo. When it comes to scalp dryness, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ava Shamban says all of the associated conditions involve some form of dysregulation of skin cell turnover and low sebum production. You may want to change your hair care products. It is often associated with seborrheic dermatitis, which is a skin condition caused by the yeast that lives on skin, or by stress, cold, or overall health. A dry, itchy scalp can prove distracting, painful andwhen paired with scabbing or flakingembarrassing. 7 of the best treatments for dry scalps - Holland & Barrett Scalp Sunburn: What It Is, How It Happens, and How to Heal - GoodRx If you're looking for relief for your dry scalp, we've got you covered. Shamban agrees and adds that using a light scrub on your scalp can help to avoid buildup. Seborrheic dermatitis - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic When first washing with an anti-dandruff shampoo, use it every day for one week to get the yeast under controland thus feel dryness subside, advises Dr. Lipoff. Scalp exfoliation can help promote healthier, shinier hair from the roots to the tips. Dandruff, or seborrheic dermatitis, is another common cause of a dry, itchy scalp and is thought to be related to a yeast called malassezia that lives on the skin., Some other common causes? Certain skin conditionsincluding the fungal infection ringworm or conditions like eczema or psoriasiscan also zap moisture from your scalp, says Dr. Lipner. If you have light-colored hair, this type of shampoo may cause discoloration. It can moisturize the scalp, and its antifungal and antibacterial properties can. What is the best shampoo for a dry, itchy scalp? In this case, your dermatologist can help pinpoint the problematic ingredient(s) and help you find the right hair products to avoid it. But it could be a symptom of dry scalp. It's important to ensure you know what you're dealing with, as certain scalp conditions require prescription medication or creams for effective treatment. Rendon A, Schkel K. Psoriasis Pathogenesis and Treatment. Heres what you need to know. 2014;139(3):431-437. It's also pretty common. Cetearyl Alcohol: What You Need to Know About This Common Ingredient, Everything You Need to Know About Exfoliation for Your Scalp, 7 Avocado Hair Masks That Nourish and Hydrate. Rinse the hair with cool water and shampoo. Dry scalp affects up to 15% of the population, says Shari Lipner, M.D., Ph.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian. Irritation and itching can leave you miserable, but our picks for the best dry scalp shampoos can offer some relief. Formulation and in vitro characterization of tea tree oil anti-dandruff shampoo. Treating a dry scalp can prove a challenge: How can one manage the itchiness, irritation, and flakiness, while also ensuring the hair stays healthy? For dryness or contact dermatitis, choose shampoos with milder surfactants, or cleansers, that wont strip the skin of natural oils, she says. If changing to a gentle shampoo does not improve your scalp irritation or you experience any cracking, bleeding, or scabbing, it's time to visit a board-certified dermatologist. In its most obvious form, dandruff presents itself as noticeable white flakes.1 Look for hair care products labeled as nonirritating, and fragrance-free products, which can be helpful for those with sensitivities. Whats more, going fragrance-free might help manage eczema symptoms, as fragrances are known for causing flare-ups of the condition. Gently massage the hair and scalp, working it through the hair strands to the ends. If you suspect you have a health condition that's causing your dry, itchy scalp, see your doctor for an official diagnosis before trying any of the following: Some ways you can prevent a dry scalp include the following: Moisturizing shampoos that contain natural and gentle ingredients are the best choice for a dry, itchy scalp. Use oils that can help relieve scalp dryness and itchiness, such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, tea tree oil, and avocado oil. A dry scalp may be due to dry skin, just like on the rest of your body, she explainsand so anything that dries out the rest of your skin, like dry weather and seasonal changes, can do the same to your scalp. [Dry scalp] can be managed by using an exfoliating shampoo thats gentle enough to use every hair-wash day, and/or an extra-strength exfoliating shampoo once every two weeks.. 2023 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Anna Harris is an experienced fact-checker and researcher and a beauty writer and editor. Get medication from your doctor or at your local drug store to help relieve the symptoms of the rash, such as hydrocortisone and fluocinolone. Youre in the right place. The most common reason for a dry scalp is seborrheic dermatitis, also known as dandruff, says Dr. Lipner. If youre not sure which shampoo to use or how often to use it, ask a doctor or pharmacist for advice. Therefore, treatment usually involves avoiding the thing that caused it. Natalie tried many acne products without success. We tapped top dermatologists to break down the possible causes behind your discomfortand the remedies that will bring relief ASAP. Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. This condition also tends to be more common among children 5-14 years of age," she adds. The answer is probably no since it would leave your skin more prone to breakouts and extremely dryand the same goes for your scalp. Translation? In babies with cradle cap, their scalp looks scaly or crusty. But dry scalp and dandruff arent exactly the same thing. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. She has been educated in both psychology and journalism, and her dual education has given her the research and writing skills needed to deliver sound and engaging content in the health space. What it is: Tinea capitis is a fungal infection of the scalp skin, also called scalp ringworm, that can be transmitted through contact with others, says Julia Tzu, MD, FAAD, a double board-certified dermatologist in private practice in New York. Makeup ideas, product reviews, and the latest celebrity trendsdelivered straight to your inbox. Massaging your scalp can provide many benefits. Depending on the diagnosis, they may prescribe a topical cortisone for the scalp or other affected areas, notes King. Shamban recommends red light treatment for the scalp, and there are both in-office and at-home options for treatment. Cold weather makes your skin and scalp drier because humidity is low, causing low water content in the skin, says Dr. Lipner. This can be due to a number of reasons, from how frequently you wash your hair to the products you use. Wear a hat to protect your scalp from overexposure to UV rays. Psoriasis often requires management with prescription therapy, which is why I recommend speaking to your dermatologist if you suspect that you might have this. Finally, your grooming habits could be responsible for some of your scalp discomfort. Dr. Hooper says dandruff can usually be improved by using dandruff shampoo, and a dry scalp by switching to a gentle, non-medicated shampoo. Dry scalp is a hydration issue whereas "seborrheicdermatitis(dandruff) is an inflammatory condition of thescalpthat is very common," says board-certified dermatologist Hadley King. "There are many genes that increase the risk of developing psoriasis. If you have dry skin on your hairlineor anywhere else on your body for that matterthe likelihood that you have a dry scalp is even higher. Other causes, like dandruff or dermatitis, require more tedious treatments. You can expect permanent results in all but one area. 9 Best Remedies for a Dry Scalp, According to Dermatologists - Prevention Irritation and itching. This can actually create an environment conducive to the growth of fungi and dandruff. The exact cause of psoriasis is not clear, but certain things can trigger a flare-up of the condition, such as stress, skin injuries, infections, and cold weather. Scratching may help to dislodge the flakes, but the damage it causes to the skin barrier will promote the creation of more dry skin as the scalp heals. With that in mind, we asked both experts for their advice on how to treat a dry scalp. The main cause of dandruff is seborrheic dermatitis, a condition that turns your skin oily, red, and scaly. However, if scalp itchiness is due to conditions like dandruff or psoriasis, you may need to use a medicated shampoo that specifically treats it. .css-1pm21f6{display:block;font-family:AvantGarde,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:normal;margin-bottom:0.3125rem;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-1pm21f6:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-1pm21f6{font-size:1rem;line-height:1.3;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-1pm21f6{font-size:1rem;line-height:1.3;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1pm21f6{font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.3;}}Martha Stewart, 81, Swears By This $20 Luminizer, Drew Barrymores Favorite Summer Beauty Product, The Bikini Trimmers Youll Actually Want to Use, Kerry Washington Loves This Game Changer Retinol, Jennifer Garners Go-To Moisturizer Is On Sale. Use a humidifier to help with dryness in the air. Dr. Nadir Qazi, founder ofQazi Clinic, recommends going through your hair care line up and eliminating ingredients with irritants. Do You Really Need an Anti-Wrinkle Straw? Specifically, she recommends TheOrdinary's Natural Moisturizing Factors + Hyaluronic Acid Scalp Serum($14), which is designed to be applied from roots to ends. How to treat it: Based on the severity of the condition and your medical history, It can also be beneficial to use a humidifier or dehumidifier to regulate your homes climate and increase your water intake, she says. Coconut oil, in particular, is deeply nourishing to both the scalp and hair. An overload of buildup can exacerbate dandruff and worsen (or even encourage) a dry, flaky scalp. "With a dry, flaky scalp, the skin gets irritated and flakes off. This can be due to a number of reasons, from how frequently you wash your hair to the products you use. Asalicylic acidshampoo can help to loosen flakes, and a gentlescalp scrubcan also help to wash them away, Marcus explains. Heres why its essential and how to get started. Remedies for Dry Scalp: What to Do and When to See a Doctor - WebMD Scalp eczema: Symptoms, treatment, and natural remedies Dry scalp can also be triggered by factors such as these: The skin cells on your scalp and body normally multiply when you need more of them. Scalp dryness can be indicative of more serious scalp conditions, such as everyday dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and more. This fungus normally lives on your scalp. Itchy skin (pruritus) - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic You might have reddish or dark-reddish patches called plaques that can be elevated or inflamed; flakes of skin that seem like dandruff but have a silvery sheen, called scale; a dry, itchy, or burning scalp; or temporary hair loss. Feel free to leave it in, or wash it out after a day-long Netflix session. To reduce dry scalp, avoid products with harsh ingredients like sulfates, parabens, simple alcohols, formaldehyde, and synthetic fragrances. How to treat it: If you find a scaly growth on your scalp, or anywhere on your body, that you think might be an AK, Dr. Tzu suggests seeing a board-certified dermatologist for a thorough skin exam. Fortunately, it is treatable with the proper hair care routinefrom pH-balanced cleansing products that specifically target a dry scalp to nourishing oils and serums that keep the scalp moisturized. 5. These proven solutions will lock in moisture and get you fast relief. Dandruff is a very common condition that often comes and goes. Dr. Mehlis recommends Free & Clear Shampoo and Conditioner, DHS Clear Shampoo, and DHS Conditioning Rinse, all of which are formulated without common irritants. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. Make sure your product contains 95% aloe vera. Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Marcus agrees and recommends using a gentle, fragrance-free shampoo, as this can help to repair the skin barrier if you have sensitive skin and experience irritation from harsh shampoos and common irritants. The 25 Best Scalp Products & Treatments to Soothe Dryness - Allure It can smooth out deep wrinkles and lines, but the results arent permanent. On the scalp, it is very hard to see the red, rashy look that is common on the rest of the skin from an irritation, but that inflammation causes the barrier to not work as well and manifest only as flakes and dryness, says Stephanie Mehlis, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist with NorthShore University HealthSystem in Skokie, IL. You will also want to keep your scalp moist by using lotions and creams, and minimize irritation with a mild shampoo and lukewarm water. Dandruff vs. dry scalp: Causes, treatment, and prevention For best results and to keep your scalp moisturized and free of itching, use the aloe vera hair mask 1 - 2 times a week. If you find that your scalp is sensitive or easily irritated, consider switching to more gentle hair products. Instead of using your nails, seek out scrubs and shampoos designed to gently exfoliate the flakes away without causing further damage. If youre experiencing an allergic reaction as opposed to product buildup, however, be sure to swap out your usual hair care products with gentler alternatives, says Dr. Rubin. Dermatologists care for people of all ages. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To find out the best ways to treat a dry scalp (and determine what causes them in the first place), we asked the experts. The Rolls-Royce of scalp treatments, Lush Superbalm Scalp Treatment ($29) is supremely nourishing and specifically targets even the most stubborn scales. Symptoms. Extremely warm or cold temperatures also contribute to dryness and itchiness, explains Garshick. Dry scalp is. A flaky scalp can be a symptom of dandruff, but it's also a symptom of dry scalps, although they're caused by different reasons. You might need to try a few products before finding one that works for your hair and condition. Read our, Natural Moisturizing Factors + Hyaluronic Acid Scalp Serum, Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo. Sunburns can range from mild to severe, and if they occur on the scalp, they can lead to dry and itchy skin. Also be on the lookout for seemingly unrelated symptoms, like joint pain. "However, if over-the-counter products dont do the trick, its time to see a board-certified dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.". Itchy scalp. Dr. Robinson says it's especially helpful for those with textured hair. 2017;37(1):141-152. doi:10.1016/j.iac.2016.08.014, Snyder M, Turrentine JE, Cruz PD Jr. Photocontact Dermatitis and Its Clinical Mimics: an Overview for the Allergist. Finally, if you have dandruff, Dr. Robinson recommends opting for an over-the-counter shampoo formulated with salicylic acid to address the condition. Weather and age can also affect your scalp. Infections, skin injuries, some medications, and lifestyle factors such as drinking alcohol or smoking are common triggers for psoriasis. A salicylic acid shampoo, like Neutrogenas T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo, helps dissolve those little flakes and is effective for relieving itch, especially if youre dealing with extra dryness, says Dr. Mehlis. When a dry scalp is due to psoriasis, the joints may also be affected, a condition called psoriatic arthritis, says Dr. Lipner. At the end of a long day, a hot shower can be just the thing to help you unwind. If you want to diminish a noticeable scar, know these 10 things before having laser treatment. Scaly, crusty scalp in infants with cradle cap. Both dryness and dandruff can make your scalp itch. By Angelica Bottaro Here are seven DIY avocado hair masks, plus tips for maintaining healthy hair. There are a number of scalp-specific beauty products you can buy that claim to use topical moisturizers, like hyaluronic acid, to hydrate the area. Some of the most common and most often recommended are: Dry scalp is a common condition associated with itching, redness, and flaking. Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. Burning does not occur in all cases of eczema, but itching is a near-universal symptom. Your favorite acne-fighter may do wonders for your dry scalp too. Free to everyone, these materials teach young people about common skin conditions, which can prevent misunderstanding and bullying. Dryness, itching, and even flaking can be from irritation, Shamban shares. Shampoo 101: Choosing the Right Shampoo for Your Hair Type, LEARN ABOUT BYRDIE'S EDITORIAL GUIDELINES, Scalp Revival Charcoal + Biotin Dry Shampoo. It can. Angelica Bottaro is a professional freelance writer with over 5 years of experience. For a dry, itchy scalp, try nonprescription medicated shampoos containing zinc pyrithione (Head & Shoulders, others), ketoconazole (Nizoral, others), selenium sulfide (Selsun Blue, others) or coal tar (Neutrogena T/Gel, others). "Limiting time in the shower and using warm, but not hot water may help. Consider using a shower cap to protect your scalp when you shower and don't plan to wash your hair. A Study on Scalp Hair Health and Hair Care Practices among Malaysian Medical Students, Effects of low-dose Aloe sterol supplementation on skin moisture, collagen score and objective or subjective symptoms: 12-week, double-blind, randomized controlled trial, 10 Reasons Your Scalp Itches and How to Get Relief, Pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil), acetaminophen (Tylenol), or aspirin, Allergic contact dermatitis, which occurs when the immune system reacts to an allergen that is typically harmless, Irritant contact dermatitis, which occurs when the skin comes into contact with an irritant that leads to the rash and other symptoms, Photocontact dermatitis, which occurs when a substance on the skin reacts with UV radiation from the sun, leading to irritation, Burning or stinging sensation in the area, Blisters that ooze and crust or scale over. Some hair care products can dry out and irritate your scalp. Types of Eczema: Atopic Dermatitis. When do I need to consult a doctor about my dry scalp? What Is Triple Hair Washing, and Should You Be Doing It? 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Seborrheic dermatitis signs and symptoms may include: Flaking skin (dandruff) on your scalp, hair, eyebrows, beard or mustache; Patches of greasy skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales or crust on the scalp, face, sides of the nose, eyebrows, ears, eyelids, chest, armpits, groin area or under the breasts 4 Use an unscented lotion to avoid irritating your skin. "Make sure not to use too much product when styling the hair. Dandruff signs and symptoms may include: Skin flakes on your scalp, hair, eyebrows, beard or mustache, and shoulders. The condition can cause itching and flaking. Shock requires immediate medical attention. Most of us only tend to only pay any attention to our scalp when it's acting up. Hair serums can treat a variety of hair concerns, and Shamban says some hydrating hair serums may also benefit the scalp. Dandruff is generally harmless, but it can affect your self-esteem because of embarrassment. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. It's easy to lose track of time when you're enjoying the soothing heat of a shower, but our experts warn this can be a cause if you're experiencing scalp dryness. While the exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis isnt known, one thing is for sure: It doesnt mean youre dirty or unkempt in any way. Scalp massage stimulates blood flow to the area, which is believed to relieve tension and potentially promote new hair growth. Erin Jahns is a hair, makeup, and nails expert and beauty editor with over five years of experience in the industry. Instead, look for products with nourishing ingredients like keratin and essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6 that will infuse moisture back into the scalp, says Qazi.
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