Itchy scalp?

Itchy scalp interfering with work, school, or sleep?  This is most commonly caused by a reaction to a normal skin yeast, Pityrosporum (don’t worry, everyone has this yeast on their skin!  Some individuals are just more sensitive to it than others). Our treatments target this yeast and also reduce inflammation.

Here are Dr. Kyle’s recommendations:

1.        Simplify your regimen.  Limit the number of hair care and styling products on your scalp.

2.       Switch to a medicated shampoo like Head & Shoulders, Selsum Blue, or Free & Clear with Zinc.  Try to use this on your scalp at least every other day.  You can use this medicated shampoo primarily on your scalp and use your preferred shampoo/conditioner on your hair.

3.       If the medicated shampoo does not help after 2 weeks, you can add a topical cortisone like Scalpicin 1% cortisone liquid, available OTC.  You may use this up to 2 times daily.

4.       Still no relief?  The next step is evaluation by your dermatology expert.  We have prescription strength shampoos and cortisones which are much stronger than the OTC and can work more quickly to help reduce that annoying itch.