Causes of scalp itching

Dry or eczematous skin can feel tight and rough. Contact dermatitis often follows a new dye, shampoo, fragrance, or styling product. Psoriasis may cause persistent plaques and scale, while infection can affect warm, moist areas. Scabies can cause intense night itching with bumps or burrows and may affect close contacts. Hives create raised welts that change location.

Note when the itch began, whether it follows a product, and whether you see flakes, plaques, bumps, welts, cracks, or burrows. Photograph visible changes before applying a new product. Wash gently with lukewarm water, pause suspected irritants, and avoid scratching.

See a clinician if itching persists, spreads, repeatedly disrupts sleep, or causes broken skin. Seek prompt care for fever, pus, rapidly expanding redness, facial swelling, breathing difficulty, or widespread blistering.

Which visible features point toward inflammation, infection, or infestation? Could a recent hair product be responsible? What treatment is appropriate for the scalp and what should I avoid?