What should you know about face and head itching?

The appearance and distribution of the itch provide useful clues. Dry, cracked skin may fit asteatotic eczema, while a recurring itchy rash can occur with atopic dermatitis. A new product, dye, adhesive, or shampoo may trigger contact dermatitis. Scaly plaques can occur with psoriasis or lichen planus. Hives tend to form raised, shifting welts. Moist, folded skin can support a skin yeast infection. Scabies often causes intense itch with affected close contacts or a characteristic distribution.

Pause newly introduced fragranced products, hair dyes, and styling products until the cause is clearer. Wash with lukewarm water, use a gentle cleanser, moisturise promptly, and keep nails short to reduce skin damage from scratching. Do not share combs, hats, towels, or bedding if an infestation or infection is possible. A clinician may need to inspect the scalp and skin before recommending a targeted treatment.

Arrange medical advice when itching persists, disrupts sleep, spreads, causes open sores, or comes with scaling, hair loss, discharge, or a new medicine. Seek urgent help for facial swelling with breathing or swallowing difficulty, blistering, skin peeling, fever, or eye involvement. Hives with airway symptoms require emergency attention.

Tell the clinician when the itch began, what touches the area, whether anyone else is affected, and whether you see scale, welts, blisters, or sores. Ask whether testing or prescription treatment is needed.