What calms a red, irritated scalp?

Author: Jillian Carroll  |  Last update: Monday, January 19, 2026

There are some home remedies that you can employ as well. Aloe Vera and Neem are known to be like a soothing balm for an itchy scalp. Their anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties can get rid of any underlying concerns. Soothing essential oils, like Argan oil, can also be used to treat certain ailments.

How do you calm an inflamed scalp?

Aloe vera, witch hazel, and tea tree oil are all examples of natural ingredients that can help to soothe and calm the scalp. Avoid harsh shampoos and conditioners that contain SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate), SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate), or parabens.

How do I get rid of a red rash on my scalp?

Treatments may include:
  1. Antiinflammatory creams or lotions, such as corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors.
  2. Antifungal topicals.
  3. Over-the-counter dandruff shampoos.
  4. Medicated shampoo for adults, as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

What is the fastest way to get rid of scalp dermatitis?

The mainstay of treatment for seborrheic dermatitis is frequent cleansing. Medicated soaps or shampoos containing zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, ketoconazole, sulfur, salicylic acid or tar give additional benefit. These should be applied to the affected area and left on for 5-10 minutes before being rinsed off.

What ointment is good for scalp dermatitis?

Your health care provider might prescribe a prescription-strength corticosteroid you apply to the scalp or other affected area. These include hydrocortisone, fluocinolone (Capex, Synalar), clobetasol (Clobex, Temovate) and desonide (Desowen, Desonate). They are effective and easy to use.

Doctor explains FOUR TREATMENTS for SCALP PSORIASIS

How do I make my scalp less irritated?

Regular washing of the scalp with a medicated shampoo may be all that is required to relieve itching scalp. The most common anti-dandruff shampoos contain one or more of: zinc pyrithione or zinc omadine. selenium sulphide.

How to treat an itchy scalp at home?

  1. Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple Cider Vinegar is a home remedy for various problems, its health benefits are innumerable. ...
  2. Neem: The medicinal properties of neem is known by all. ...
  3. Pepper Mint Oil: ...
  4. Lemon Juice: ...
  5. Baking Soda: ...
  6. Colloidal Oatmeal: ...
  7. Use Right Anti Dandruff Shampoo: ...
  8. Orange Peel:

What is the red scalp syndrome?

'Red scalp syndrome" is a condition which occurs in individuals who have persistent scalp redness that is not explainable by any other condition. The condition was first described by Drs Thestrup and Hjorth Patients with the Red Scalp Syndrome may have itching and burning but typically do not have scaling or flaking.

What does scalp eczema look like?

Types of eczema that affect the scalp

In people with lighter skin tones, the skin appears scaly and red. In people of colour, affected areas may be scaly and lighter in colour than the surrounding skin and may have no redness. There is often dandruff as well, which can vary in severity.

What does a bacterial infection of the scalp look like?

Bacteria trapped in the inflamed hair follicle can cause small pus-filled bumps called pustules to form. These red, oozing pustules look like acne.

What shampoo is good for scalp eczema?

Dermasolve Eczema Relief Shampoo - Flare Control Scalp & Dandruff Free Therapy That Protects, Moisturizes, and Repairs Skin for Kids & Adults - Steroid Free (2-Pack)

How can I reduce inflammation in my head?

Improving diet, exercise, stress reduction, and sleep will all help support healthy brain function. Chronic inflammation most often occurs over time, from lifestyle habits that are pro-inflammatory such as eating a diet high in sugar, processed foods, and other inflammatory foods.

How do you get rid of inflamed scalp?

Some of the most effective topical anti-inflammatory treatments for restoring scalp health include corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, coal tar, ketoconazole, tea tree oil, aloe vera, zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid, chamomile extract, and niacinamide.

Why is my scalp red and tender?

Common causes of scalp tenderness and sensitivity. Migraines, headaches, and autoimmune disorders can cause scalp pain, irritation, and inflammation. Sunburns, rashes, wounds, and insect bites also commonly cause scalp tenderness.

How can I reduce redness on my head?

HOW TO TREAT A RED SCALP. To treat a red scalp, you need to start with the root cause – in many cases, that's dandruff. So, choose a shampoo that's been designed to help get rid of dandruff. Our anti-dandruff shampoos are not only clinically proven to help get rid of dandruff, but also help reduce scalp redness*.

What vitamin deficiency causes red scalp?

It leads to redness, itching and flaking on the scalp. A vitamin deficiency of certain vitamins can make this situation much worse. Vitamins D, B2, B3, B6, B7 are usually associated with a flaky scalp. A deficiency of these vitamins can directly impact the immune system and increase the risk of inflammation.

How to moisturize scalp?

How To Moisturize Your Scalp
  1. Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Using a hydrating shampoo and conditioner can help replenish lost moisture and restore your scalp's natural balance.
  2. Apply a scalp treatment. ...
  3. Apply oils. ...
  4. Massage your scalp. ...
  5. Apply aloe vera. ...
  6. Exfoliate your scalp.

What does scalp inflammation look like?

Signs of the skin inflammation. The condition can lead to flakiness, redness, dandruff and other scalp buildup — and sometimes it's sign of other conditions. Flaky scalp, itchiness and painful patches can all be signs of scalp dermatitis, an inflammation of the scalp that can have as many causes as it does symptoms.

How to calm an irritated scalp?

This article discusses some natural and home treatments, along with the causes of an itchy scalp.
  1. Warm olive oil. Share on Pinterest Olive oil can help to loosen itchy crusts of skin. ...
  2. Colloidal oatmeal. ...
  3. Apple cider vinegar. ...
  4. Peppermint oil. ...
  5. Lemongrass oil. ...
  6. Tea tree oil and nerolidol. ...
  7. Salicylic acid. ...
  8. Selenium sulphide.

Which shampoo is best for an itchy scalp?

You can use the Head and Shoulders Supreme Scalp Soothing shampoo with Argan oil, that nourishes and moisturises your itchy scalp. Or try the Head and Shoulders Neem shampoo or Lemon Fresh shampoo, that helps to clean and protect your head from the dandruff causing germs that are behind your itchiness.

How to calm a sensitive scalp?

Essential oils are not only useful for making your home smell amazing — they're also great for relieving scalp sensitivity! Like coconut oil, you can apply essential oils directly to your scalp (once they've been safely diluted, of course).

What stops itching fast?

Use creams, lotions or gels that soothe and cool the skin.

Short-term use of nonprescription corticosteroid cream may offer short-term relief of itchy, inflamed skin. Or try calamine lotion or creams with menthol (Sarna, others), camphor, capsaicin, or a topical anesthetic, such as pramoxine (adults only).

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