Just like it is common to experience dry skin on your face and body, some people develop dry skin on their scalp. This can cause the skin to become flaky, itchy and red. Common conditions that cause a dry scalp include scalp psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis and dandruff. Depending on the cause of the dry scalp will determine the best course of treatment but using a cream, ointment or medicated shampoo is often the best option for quick, lasting relief.
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Dry scalp refers to a condition characterized by dryness, flaking, and itching of the skin on the scalp. It is a common problem that can affect people of all ages and can be temporary or chronic. While it may share some similarities with dandruff, a dry scalp is primarily caused by the loss of moisture from the scalp rather than an underlying fungal or inflammatory condition.
Several factors can contribute to dry scalp:
It is worth noting that dry scalp and dandruff can have overlapping symptoms. Dandruff is often associated with an overgrowth of a fungus called Malassezia on the scalp, leading to increased cell turnover and flaking. If you are uncertain about your condition, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Symptoms of scalp psoriasis can range from mild to severe. Milder symptoms may only present as a fine, slight scaling on the skin of the scalp. Moderate to severe symptoms may include:
* Psoriasis itself doesn’t cause hair loss. However, the associated harsh treatments, scratching and picking can, unfortunately, result in a temporary loss of hair.
Eczema of the scalp is usually characterised by patches of skin that can be either:
Other skin/scalp conditions may produce symptoms similar to scalp eczema. These conditions include; psoriasis, allergic contact dermatitis and atopic eczema.
Dandruff will present as white/grey flakes of dead skin, appearing on the scalp and (or) hair. These flakes are often noticed if they fall from the scalp onto the shoulders. Associated symptoms of dandruff also include a dry, itchy scalp. The magnitude of these symptoms can range from mild to severe.
If presenting with any of the symptoms of psoriasis or eczema of the scalp, it is recommended to visit your GP or dermatologist. Usually, a visual inspection of the affected area is enough for a diagnosis. However, in some cases, a sample of the affected skin (usually a couple of loose flakes), may be taken for analysis. This will usually be to help identify the cause, which will aid in choosing the appropriate treatment.
Psoriasis of the scalp is typically harder to treat than its eczema equivalent. Normally, a topical corticosteroid is used, which will help reduce the inflammation as well as slowing the growth of the offending skin cells. Examples of topical corticosteroids include;
Betnovate Scalp Application and Betacap Scalp Application.
Additional steps that can help manage flare-ups of scalp psoriasis include:
Treatments for eczema of the scalp can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Different people respond differently to medication, which means it may take a few attempts to find the right solution. In many cases, over-the-counter treatments for dandruff can be enough to improve flaking and soothe the itching. However, should these treatments prove ineffective, stronger prescription treatments are also available. These are usually in the form of a topical corticosteroid application, such as Betnovate Scalp.
For babies it is recommended to use mild baby shampoo, massaging it into the scalp using a very soft brush. It is important to be very gentle when using this technique, as breaking the skin can lead to infection. If this proves ineffective, or you have concerns about your baby’s scalp, it is advised to consult with your GP or dermatologist.
Mild cases of dandruff are easily treated using a range of over-the-counter products as well as self- care techniques. These include:
For cases where the dandruff is more severe, an anti-dandruff shampoo may be required. These treatments are available without prescription from most pharmacies and supermarkets. The most widely used formulations include:
Not every dandruff shampoo is suitable for everyone. For example, people with blonde or chemically treated hair should avoid using Selenium, as it can discolour the hair. Pregnancy and breastfeeding may also be a factor when choosing an anti-dandruff treatment, as certain types are not recommended as a precaution. If in doubt, speak to your pharmacist or GP for advice.
Sadly, conditions like Psoriasis, eczema and dandruff tend to be lifelong conditions that cannot be prevented outright. However, these conditions can be successfully managed through following the advice from your doctor. There are various self-help techniques that will help both control and minimise further flare-ups. These techniques are listed below:
There are non-prescription treatments available for dry scalp such as:
Ask our medical team for impartial information and advice about any treatment we provide or medical condition that we treat before you buy.
Authored by
Scott is one of the two founders of The Independent Pharmacy. He is a registered pharmacist and the registered manager of our service with the CQC.
Reviewed by
Dan is an experienced pharmacist having spent time working in both primary and secondary care. He currently supports our clinical team by providing robust clinical governance review of our internal processes and information.
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