Itchy Scalp

[elainecookie]

I suffer with excessive dry and itchy scalp.. I have been using an anti dandruff shampoo (Head &Shoulders, but this still doesnt work 100%. (I only wash my hair everyother day) Is there anything else I can do to help eliviate this, or help to stop the unsightly build up of dry skin just in my hair line

[Dr Jonathan Bowling]

Hi There,

The two most common causes of itchy scalp with scale at the hairline are psoriasis and seborrhoeic dermatitis.

Both conditions will improve with regular /daily shampooing with a medicated shampoo. Tar based products with salicylic acid containing shampoos can help with the itch and with scale build up (Capasal), anti-yeast shampoos (Selsun, Nizoral, Dermax, Oilatum scalp) can help with seborrhoeic dermatitis.

If there is inflammation at the hairline and around the ears try an over the counter product such as canaesten HC or eumovate cream. If there is no response with a combination of these products then you would probably benefit from a prescription based product either containing a topical steroid, vitamin-D or a steroid / salicylic acid combined product.

In the meantime try to find a shampoo that helps, and use it daily - allowing 5 minutes for the active ingredient to work before rinsing.

I hope this helps