A nonprescription anti-itch (antihistamine) pill that doesn't cause drowsiness may help ease itching. "This formulation is especially good for those with sensitive skin as it is paraben-free, fragrance-free, formaldehyde-free and dye-free," she says. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. SCALP SOOTHERS The 15 Best Over-the-Counter Scalp Psoriasis Treatments, According to Dermatologists These nourishing formulas will target your itchiest and flakiest scalp situations. Since using this product, I haven't had any more issues with dryness and itchiness. Keep all medications away from children and pets. 2023 SELECT | All rights reserved. Sensitive skin can sometimes mean itchy skin, particularly if you come in contact with an irritant. Is this an emergency? Best anti-histamine cream: Benadryl Extra Strength Anti-Itch Gel, $7 Best eczema lotion: Aveeno Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream, $20 Best cream with colloidal oatmeal:. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. This medication is used to treat a variety of skin conditions (such as insect bites, poison oak/ivy, eczema, dermatitis, allergies, rash, itching of the outer female genitals, anal itching). Topical medications that are not steroids include: Aveeno Anti-Itch Cream with Natural Colloidal Oatmeal. It works by using an ultra-fine micro starch sourced from rice and rambutan seed extract, according to the brand. It is also worth noting that you wont have to worry about scent-sensitivities or oils being irritating to your psoriasis scales because this cream is always fragrance-free. We like that this cream can be used daily to soothe winter skin itch. Learn More: Home Remedies for Poison Ivy. raves one reviewer. But our experts pointed to four conditions that are most commonly associated with an itchy scalp. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. All rights reserved. It's Worth Noting: Even though this lotion is unscented, it still has a slight smell that may not appeal to everyone. Your best bet is this fast-absorbing lotion that nourishes your skin without leaving a greasy residue, Dr. Garshick says. When shopping for a scalp lotion for dry scalp, look for "calming ingredients" such as aloe vera, chamomile, camphor, zinc, or benzalkonium chloride, says Kingsley. Is there anything more annoying than an itch that won't go away? Genesis Rivas covers a range of topics including beauty, fashion, health, and wellness, and she has particular expertise in hair health and hair care. CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. If youre not sure why you have dry or itchy skin, youre not alone. Experts explain how to get to the bottom of this pesky skin concern. Many can be purchased without a prescription. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. We may earn commission from the links on this page. Patients will proudly share theyre only washing their hair once a week to prevent their scalp from getting drier but the truth is there are many scalp conditions that fare better with more frequent washing, like seborrheic dermatitis, where the culprit is a yeast thriving in oil and sebum on the scalp, said Young, who also noted that if you find that your itchiness is worsening when you go longer between washes, it could be a sign you need to shampoo more often. Buy it: Target.com ($6.99); Walmart ($6.98). Colloidal oatmeal is oat powder, often used for treating dry, itchy, irritated, and inflamed skin. What should people look for when choosing an anti-itch cream? Take an anti . Do not use it for longer than directed by the product package or your doctor. Learn more. Some anti-itch creams, like a lotion from Vaseline or Cerave, can be applied all over your face and body. The Best Anti-Itch Creams, According to Dermatologists. Best Affordable Scalp Lotion: Headquarters Ultra-Hydrating Scalp Lotion. You know you shouldn't scratch it because it can lead to scarring or make the healing process longer, but it's difficult to resist when you're sunburned and peeling or your sensitive skin has a flare-up. If nonprescription products and self-care habits don't help, your health care provider might suggest that you try one or more of these treatments: We chose the seven best scalp lotions of 2023 by speaking with haircare experts to understand the causes of dry, itchy scalps and what ingredients are most effective in treating dry scalps. But the same concerns that lotion addresses elsewhere dryness, itchiness, and irritation can affect the top of your head. Dr. Young says hydrocortisone is one of the key ingredients to look for in any topical anti-itch product on the market. If you're experiencing uncomfortable, gotta-scratch skin, Dr. Garshick recommends this cream that contains 1-percent hydrocortisone to reduce inflammation. Sodium hypochlorite is the technical name for bleach, said Young. Importantly, the cream is gentle enough to use for everyday skin itching and effective enough to use on psoriasis breakout areas (such skin scales and dry patches). If you get the medication in these areas, rinse with plenty of water. In addition to consuming more natural anti-inflammatory foods, I'd definitely say this product is effective and did what it claims it does! Also super lightweight, which I love. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. According to Dr. Garshick, those hydrating ceramides are the secret to this particular lotions potent anti-itch relief. This shampoo contains pyrithione zinc to fight dandruff and reduce flaking while still being gentle on the scalp. Select a condition to view a list of medication options. It's Worth Noting: The active ingredient pramoxine may cause some side effects such as redness and dryness. The itching gets so intense at times; it's very uncomfortable and once it dries, the scaly patches that come off are embarrassing. Dyson also says that it has an attachment thats engineered to diffuse airflow and lower the temperature by up to 20. Why We Like It: Reviewers report this overnight scalp lotion works quickly. Doesn't leave my hair feeling gross and weighed down.". LEARN MORE Best Products for Itchy Scalps | What active ingredients can help with an itchy scalp? ", Buy it: Amazon ($5.97); Walmart ($5.97); Target ($5.99). You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. "This scalp lotion really relieves the dryness and itchiness of the scalp. Shop Scalp Relief Anti-Itch Liquid and read reviews at Walgreens. Dermatologists agree that while its generally safe to use over-the-counter anti-itch creams, its also always a good idea to speak with a board-certified dermatologist to see if any treatments are needed to help address or target the underlying issue. Containing glycerin and microdroplets of Vaseline jelly, this lotion helps to nourish, hydrate, and support the skins layers while also incorporating aloe vera extract to calm and soothe the skin, Dr. Garshick explains. Sarna Original Anti-Itch Moisturizing Lotion wont leave your skin feeling dry or irritated because it seals in moisture. Garshick likes this formula because it eliminates dirt and buildup while targeting dryness with the help of moisturizing panthenol and rose oil. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company. If you have itching of the outer female genitals with vaginal discharge, consult your doctor before using this product. She also notes that this formula includes a ceramide serum that works to support your natural skin barrier and strengthen moisture retention over time to improve dry and itchy skin. I exercise every day and this is one of the best dry shampoos on the market when it comes to maintaining a healthy scalp, said Downie. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. Why We Like It: This lotion is long-lasting with itch-relief up to 12 full hours. It's Worth Noting: It might leave an oily residue at the roots of your hair. With that in mind, we've narrowed down the best anti-itch creams available. Sometimes you have an itch in a single spotlike a bug bitethat you want to target quickly. A systematic review of 23 trials shows aloe vera is effective for treating psoriasis, cracked skin, and chronic wounds including pressure ulcers. It's an affordable and easily accessible lotion (just check your local Walmart) that's safe for all hair types, including color-treated hair. "When relief is achieved quickly through a hard-hitting, multitasking product like this one, then the patient is less likely to itch and worsen the irritation leading to further inflammation and potentially scarring," she says. Finally, we narrowed it down to this list, which we organized based on different hair types and needs. This is an over-the-counter version of a prescription medicated anti-fungal shampoo and an effective treatment for many types of scalp irritations, said Dr. Alexis Young, a board-certified dermatologist. Itching (pruritus) can be more than a small annoyance. These creams are made for reducing inflammation associated with chronic or recurring skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. I love the nozzle tip on the bottle so that it is easy to apply directly on my scalp. In some cases, you may want to consult with a dermatologist to determine which strength is best for your skin needs. For mild itching or dry skin, people should look for anti-itch creams including ingredients like menthol, pramoxine and camphor, recommends Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, a board-certified. Apply an anti-itch cream or ointment. How long does it take to see results with scalp lotions? "It can be used daily and won't leave the skin feeling greasy. This medication is a mild corticosteroid. Why We Like It: It contains ceramides to improve the overall health of your hair. "They can be a great addition to your daily scalp care routine and used alongside other targeted treatments," she says. Benadryl cream and oral Benadryl should not be used together. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. This cream also provides vitamins A and E for additional soothing and itch relief. Because jock itch is the result of a fungal infection, Dr. Garshick says the best treatment is an antifungal cream like Lotrimin AF. Colleen has been a contributor atToday.comsince 2015. Right before you hit the hay, you can apply this rich, creamy leave-on formula to wake up with a scalp that feels moisturized, and comfortable. Those we spoke with included: We prioritized anti-itch creams tested by dermatologists along with everyday options that are widely available. To save you time in your search for a lotion for scalp dryness, here are seven of the best scalp lotions of 2023. This shampoo is another favorite of Young. Pruritus can be painful or irritating and could be localized to one area of your body or spread throughout several areas. This paraben- and cruelty-free lotion absorbs quickly and wont leave your skin feeling greasy, meaning you can reapply it as desired without worrying about what your next activity is. Consult your doctor or pharmacist on the choice of the product that is best for you. It's Worth Noting: Reviewers report having to reapply frequently. "I have a dry scalp," writes one reviewer. Aloe vera has been well-studied for its skin benefits. Contains fragrance. "Like our skin, our scalp can become dehydrated and get flaky," explains Anar. Why We Like It: Combining self-care and soothing skin relief into one, this aloe vera sheet mask pulls double duty. Then, we researched which scalp lotions are backed by haircare experts and dermatologists, examining ingredient lists and reading verified customer reviews to understand the efficacy of these products. Dr. Shirazi adds that like aloe vera, hydrocortisone is meant to help treat inflammation which reduces redness and itching. February reader favorites: Whitening toothpastes, shampoos and more, Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo for Scalp Build-Up Control, Kerastase Symbiose Exfoliating Anti-Dandruff Scalp Scrub, Nutrafol Stress Reliever Scalp Microbiome Essence, Kiehls Amino Acid Scalp Scrub Detox Treatment, Olaplex No4D Clean Volume Detox Dry Shampoo, Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Scalp and Hair Mist, Garnier Hair Color Olia Oil Powered Permanent Hair Color. As Dr. Singh explained, dandruff is cause by an increase in yeast on the scalp. Children may be more sensitive to the effects of too much corticosteroid medication. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. The formula relies on yeast proteins and zinc salts to promote thicker hair, peptides to plump hair fibers and improve shine, and jojoba esters and vitamins to nourish and moisturize your scalp. The Royal Oils collection from Head & Shoulders was developed for Black hair by Black scientists. This is a great option for someone with sensitive skin because it is fragrance-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free, and dye-free, Garshick says. Pramoxine is considered a topical anesthetic, meaning that it stops nerves from sending pain signals. SCALP SOLUTIONS The 25 Best Scalp Products & Treatments to Soothe Dryness & Irritation Gently exfoliate buildup and hydrate your roots with these expert-approved shampoos, scrubs, serums, and. She also previously covered beauty and wellness on HelloGiggles as an SEO content writer. This means they work by helping numb the itch, explains Azadeh Shirazi, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist at La Jolla Dermatology and Laser Surgery Center. He is a seasoned financial and technology journalist who served as editor-in-chief of the Potomac Tech Wire for nearly two decades, and is a regular contributor to the sports pages of The Baltimore Sun. Skin infections can become worse when this medication is used. Sometimes dealing with an itchy scalp isn't just a minor annoyanceit can impact your quality of life, lowering confidence, causing discomfort, or making you feel embarrassed. Do not share this medication with others.