How to Get Rid of Dry Itchy Scalp in a Toddler

Toddlers and babies often suffer from the same skin conditions that affect adults and older children. Dry, itchy scalp is a nuisance and can leave toddlers cranky and irritable. Toddlers can develop a dry, itchy scalp for a variety of reasons, including eczema, dermatitis and cradle cap. If your toddler presents with a dry scalp, consult a pediatrician for an accurate diagnosis before following a home care regimen to treat the itchy scalp.

Things You'll Need

• Warm water
• Baby shampoo (chemical free)
• Baby conditioner (chemical free)
• Cotton towel
• Soft-bristle toothbrush
• Soft-bristle baby brush
• Fine-tooth comb

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Instructions

• 1

  Wet your toddler's hair with clean, warm water. Apply a dab of shampoo to your hands. Use a gentle shampoo that is free from harsh chemicals and fragrances. Rub shampoo in your hands and work up a foamy lather. Apply shampoo to your toddler's hair and gently massage into the scalp. Pay special attention to sensitive areas that are dry and flaky.

• 2

  Use a toothbrush with soft bristles to gently scrape the scalp. Pay special attention to any dry patches or flaky areas. Try to loosen any flakes with the toothbrush. Rinse hair with clean, warm water. Repeat shampoo and toothbrush steps. Rinse again. Limit washing hair to once every five days to prevent over-drying of the scalp.

• 3

  Apply a dab of conditioner to your hands. Use a gentle conditioner developed for small children. Gently work the conditioner through your toddler's hair. Massage into the scalp, concentrating on dry areas. Let sit for three minutes before rinsing with clean, warm water.

• 4

  Towel dry your toddler's hair with a clean, dry cotton towel. Gently rub the towel back and forth over the dry areas of the scalp to loosen any dry skin that remains and to promote flaking.

• 5

  Brush your toddler's hair and scalp with a soft-bristled baby hairbrush. When brushing over the area with dry scalp, gently move the brush in a circular motion to further loosen any flakes. Continue to brush the hair with a massaging motion for three minutes. Comb through the hair with a fine-tooth comb to pick up any flakes that have become stuck in the hair. Repeat brushing and combing technique twice a day.