Itchy Scalp in the Third Trimester

Flakes may occur with dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis; thick, sharply defined scale can occur with scalp psoriasis. Small itchy bumps, tenderness, or drainage may fit folliculitis, while intense itch with visible nits or household exposure raises the possibility of head lice.

Pregnancy can make skin feel more reactive, and heat, sweat, frequent washing, or a new hair product may aggravate the scalp. An itchy scalp alone does not diagnose a pregnancy-related systemic problem, but widespread itching, rash elsewhere, or other new symptoms should be reported to the maternity team.

Use lukewarm water, a mild fragrance-free cleanser, and a clean brush. Avoid scratching, sharing combs, and applying essential oils or medicated products without checking their pregnancy suitability. If you see nits, avoid close head-to-head contact and ask for pregnancy-appropriate Head Lice Treatment advice.

Keep notes about scale, redness, bumps, contacts with lice, and products used. A clinician can decide whether a Medicated Shampoo Treatment or another option is suitable and how it should be used during late pregnancy.

Contact your maternity team promptly for widespread or severe itch, itch on the palms or soles, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or reduced fetal movement. Seek urgent care for facial swelling, breathing difficulty, fever, rapidly spreading redness, or painful pus-filled lesions.

Could this be dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, folliculitis, or lice? Which shampoo or treatment is suitable at my stage of pregnancy? Do my other symptoms require pregnancy-related testing? How should I prevent spread if lice are suspected?