Top Tips: Treating a Dry and Itchy Scalp

Many people suffer with scalp problems, leading to dryness, itching, and flaky dandruff. Symptoms can be alleviated by understanding their causes and implementing some practical tips. This scalp discomfort can stem from various issues, including:

1. Changing Weather: Environmental factors can play a crucial role in scalp heath. Cold or dry weather conditions can strip the scalp of its natural oils and cause itching and dryness.¹

2. Using Harsh Shampoos: It is easy to do, especially when you’ve got dandruff, but washing your hair too much with the wrong kind of shampoo can be detrimental to scalp health, disrupting the scalp’s pH and natural oils and worsening symptoms. It is also important to wash the shampoo fully from your hair, as leaving in residual product can irritate your scalp.²

3. Underlying Medical Issues: There are various medical issues that are common causes of itchy and dry scalps. Some of these complaints include seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, and fungal infections.³ For this reason, if symptoms persist or are causing prolonged discomfort, contact your doctor.

With a better idea of the underlying causes of itchy and dry scalps, here are some tips for dealing with these issues:

1. Avoid Hot Water: Washing your hair with hot water can strip away your scalp’s natural oils and worsen dryness and irritation.⁴ Instead, opt for cool to lukewarm water to avoid disrupting or further inflaming your scalp.

2. Limit Styling Products: Put down those hairsprays and gels! Limiting the number of products used on or near your head is a great first step in treating a dry and itchy scalp. By minimizing styling products, you minimize the number of potential irritants that come into contact with your skin and avoid further irritation.⁵

3. Stop Scratching: Although it can be difficult, keep those fingernails away from your itchy scalp! Scratching can cause miro-tears and irritate your scalp further.⁶

4. Use a Gentle Shampoo and Conditioner: When choosing your shampoo and conditioner, opt for one that is mild and formulated specifically for people with dry and itchy scalps in mind. Our recommendation is Dermal Therapy’s Scalp Relief Shampoo & Conditioner, which is a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner for itchy, dry, and flaky skin. It is SLS and fragrance free and contains a cationic hair conditioning complex to simultaneously clean and condition hair. Using a 2% Colloidal oatmeal base, this shampoo and conditioner also helps to soothe and calm the scalp. Any dandruff problems are also covered with 2% urea for keratolytic action to dissolve flakes, allantoin for scalp healing, and Piroctone Olamine to provide complete dandruff protection.

5. Use a Good Leave-On Serum: Keeping your scalp moisturized is crucial. One way to treat the scalp out of the shower is by applying a scalp serum. Our recommendation is Dermal Therapy’s Scalp Relief Serum, which is designed to moisturise and soothe a dry, itchy, and irritated scalp quickly and without steroids. This product is formulated with Canadian willowherb to soothe and calm; and menthol to provide intense cooling and anti-itch action.

6. Hydrate: We have all heard about the benefits of upping our hydration. These benefits are also seen in our skin health, particularly for those who struggle with dry skin.⁷ So, make sure to drink enough water to provide the moisture your scalp needs to stay hydrated.

7. Use the Right Brush for the Job: Now you’ve stopped scratching your scalp with your nails, make sure you are using a hairbrush that won’t either. Instead, choose a soft-bristled brush. Brushing too hard can tear the skin and worsen irritation.

8. Chat with your Doctor: Don’t be shy about reaching out to you doctor for help or advice about your skin. Remember, if your symptoms persist or if discomfort is prolonged, please seek professional medicalfrom your GP or dermatologist.

A dry and itchy scalp can be uncomfortable and frustrating, but by finding the underlying issues and implementing these tips and tricks, discomfort can be alleviated. 

Our Recommendations:

Dermal Therapy’s Scalp Relief Shampoo & Conditioner
Dermal Therapy’s Scalp Relief Serum

Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4529263/
https://www.menshealth.com/grooming/a40120933/itchy-scalp-causes-remedies/
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/dandruff-and-itching-scalp
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/remedies-for-dry-scalp
https://dermaltherapy.co.nz/product/scalp-relief-serum/
https://dermaltherapy.co.nz/product/scalp-relief-shampoo-conditioner/
https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/itchy-skin/itch-relief/relieve-scalp-ith
https://www.clinicexpert.com/eng/effect-of-hot-water-on-hair/

¹https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/dandruff-and-itching-scalp
²https://www.menshealth.com/grooming/a40120933/itchy-scalp-causes-remedies/
³https://www.menshealth.com/grooming/a40120933/itchy-scalp-causes-remedies/
⁴https://www.clinicexpert.com/eng/effect-of-hot-water-on-hair/
⁵https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/remedies-for-dry-scalp
⁶https://www.menshealth.com/grooming/a40120933/itchy-scalp-causes-remedies/
⁷https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4529263/

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