What Are the Treatments for an Itchy & Flaking Scalp?

Dead skin cells from the scalp sometimes clump together and form dry, itchy patches called dandruff. A fungus, pityrosporum ovale, is believed to be the culprit behind the formation of dandruff. In severe cases, the dry, itchy flakes may spread to other parts of your body, such as your eyebrows, face and ears. If over-the-counter remedies do not provide relief, consult your doctor.

Diet Changes

• Diet is believed to play a role in the formation of dandruff. Eat a balanced diet of unprocessed foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains for optimal health. Diets that are rich in salt, sweets, alcohol or spicy food could contribute to the development of dandruff. Diets poor in vitamin B and essential fatty acids also contribute to dandruff. Animal-based products such as meat and dairy contribute a variety of different B vitamins.

Seborrhoeic Eczema

• Seborrhoeic eczema can produce large, dry, itchy patches of skin on the scalp, much like dandruff. Red and scaly skin may also appear on the face and chest. Medicated anti-fungal shampoos are usually the first course of action. If Seborrhoeic eczema is severe, treatment may include an anti-fungal and steroid cream or a sulphur and salicylic acid cream.

At-home Treatment

• Use an anti-dandruff or anti-fungal shampoo at least a few times a week. It may take several weeks for the treatment to show results. If dandruff is particularly stubborn, look for treatments that include ingredients such as selenium, coal tar, zinc or ketoconazole. Speak to your pharmacist about your over-the-counter shampoo options for treatment.

Medical Treatments

• If your dandruff does not show improvements to over-the-counter treatments, contact your doctor for a more powerful treatment. A steroid lotion may be prescribed to reduce your symptoms.

Prevention

• It is not uncommon to face another bout of dandruff, although efforts can be made to prevent it from occurring again. Rinse hair a few times after shampooing and pay attention to any other hair products you may use, such as hairsprays or gels. These could cause more irritation for your scalp. Do not vigorously scratch your scalp, but massage it while you use an anti-dandruff shampoo.