What can cause an itchy head when it is not lice?

Flaking with greasy or dry scale can occur with dandruff or seborrhoeic dermatitis. A new shampoo, dye, oil, or styling product may trigger irritation or contact allergy, sometimes with redness behind the ears or at the hairline. Eczema and psoriasis can create persistent scale and sore patches. Fungal infection may cause a scaly area, broken hairs, or hair loss. Scratching can then make the scalp tender and create small crusts. Lice remain one possibility, but a diagnosis requires finding live lice rather than assuming the symptom identifies the cause.

Stop any recently introduced product and use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser while the scalp settles. Avoid picking flakes, tight hairstyles, and very hot water. Keep a note of when the itching began, whether it is worse at night, and whether there is scale, rash, or hair loss. Do not use lice medication repeatedly without finding live lice or receiving advice. A GP or dermatology assessment can distinguish inflammation, infection, and product reaction.

Book a GP consultation when itching persists, disrupts sleep, or returns despite removing an irritant. Seek prompt care for painful swelling, pus, fever, rapidly spreading redness, thick crusting, or patchy hair loss. Sudden facial swelling or breathing trouble after a hair product is an emergency. Itching at night can have several causes, so timing alone is not a diagnosis.

Ask which scalp changes are visible, whether testing is needed for infection, which cleanser or treatment suits your skin, and what signs should prompt a review.