What should you know about hair itching?

A new shampoo, dye, oil, or styling product can trigger Contact Dermatitis, sometimes with burning, redness, or a rash beyond the scalp. Dry or inflamed skin can occur with Atopic Dermatitis or Asteatotic Eczema. Thick scale may occur with Psoriasis, while ring-shaped scale, broken hairs, or tender areas can suggest a fungal problem. Lichen Planus may cause inflammation and hair changes. Intense itch with bumps in several household members raises concern for Scabies; raised, fleeting itchy welts fit Hives more closely. These patterns overlap, so an examination is often needed.

Stop any product introduced shortly before the itch began and rinse the scalp well. Use a bland cleanser, avoid scratching and hot water, and keep nails short to reduce skin injury. Do not share combs, hats, towels, or bedding if an infection or infestation is possible, and avoid applying strong medicated products without guidance. Note whether there is scale, oozing, hair loss, or spread to the face or body. A clinician can choose treatment based on the cause.

Arrange a review when itching lasts, disrupts sleep, causes sores, or comes with redness, crusting, pus, patchy hair loss, or tender swelling. Seek prompt help for facial swelling, breathing difficulty, rapidly spreading rash, or severe pain.

What does the scalp pattern suggest? Could a product be responsible? Do I need a fungal, bacterial, or infestation treatment? Should household contacts be checked? How can I control itch without damaging the skin?