Itching of the scalp

Itching of the scalp can be very annoying, but it usually is not a serious problem. Home treatment will sometimes relieve scalp itching. However, scalp itching also may indicate a problem that requires medical treatment, such as:

• Head lice, tiny wingless insects that cause itching and raw patches on the scalp. Head lice are most common in school-age children.
• Ringworm, an infection of the outer layer of the scalp and in the hair. It usually causes a rash made up of circular patches with raised, red edges that resemble worms. The rash spreads from these edges, often leaving the center clear, giving it a ring shape.
• Ongoing (chronic) skin conditions, such as psoriasis, eczema, and seborrhea.
• An uncommon, recurrent skin condition called lichen planus. This condition appears more often during stress, fatigue, or exposure to medications or chemicals.

Scratching can cause raw, irritated skin and sometimes skin infection.

If home treatment does not effectively treat itching, medical evaluation may be needed to determine the underlying cause and the appropriate treatment.