Why is My Scalp Red? The 12 Common Causes

Most of us have experienced red skin due to sunburn, but what if you notice that your scalp has also turned red, even without stepping out in the sun?

Anything affecting your scalp or hair can be worrisome. Scalp redness is one of those issues that can leave you awake all night long wondering ‘why is my scalp red?’ 

In this blog, we will outline some of the most common causes of a red inflamed scalp and effective treatment options to help soothe your scalp. 

What Causes Scalp Redness​?

A red scalp can be caused by various reasons, some can be easily managed at home while others may involve underlying skin conditions that might require a proper treatment plan from a doctor. 

Identifying ‘why is my scalp red and itchy’ is often easy if you pay close attention to accompanying symptoms. However, if you are unsure about anything or the symptoms persist for a longer period it is always a good idea to consult a dermatologist or trichologist. 

Some of the most common causes of red scalp are:

1. Dandruff

The most likely culprit for your red flaky scalp is dandruff. Dandruff is a scalp condition that almost all of us have heard about. It causes yellow or white flakes to appear on your scalp along with itchy skin and irritation. 

Dandruff is believed to be triggered by a fungus known as Malassezia Globosa which is naturally present on our scalp. This fungus feeds on the scalp and creates a byproduct known as oleic acid. 

People who have skin sensitivity toward this acid may experience irritation and redness as a reaction. 

Treatment

The best way to get rid of dandruff is to use an anti-dandruff shampoo that contains pyrithione zinc as an active ingredient at least 2 to 3 times a week. If you have an excessively oily scalp, then you can use a mild daily shampoo to cleanse your scalp on the remaining days of the week. 

2. Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin condition. It is also known as cradle cap when experienced by babies. In simpler words, it is a more severe form of dandruff. Seborrheic dermatitis can not only cause irritation and redness on your scalp but also on other parts of the body as well such as around the nose, behind the ears, in the skin folds, and around diaper areas in babies. 

It causes the appearance of thick, greasy, yellow flakes and scales on the scalp. So if you are thinking ‘Why is my scalp red and flaky’, then seborrheic dermatitis might be the cause of it. 

Treatment

Mild cases of seborrheic dermatitis can be easily managed at home with the use of a medicated cradle cap shampoo or seborrheic dermatitis shampoo. Use it to wash your scalp daily when the flaking is intense. 

Once it starts getting better taper the us to 2 to 3 times a week. You can also use a cradle cap brush while shampooing to remove the loose flakes from the scalp. 

3. Eczema

Eczema is a chronic skin condition that causes red, dry, itchy, irritated skin. It mostly appears on the face, hands, elbows, knees, and neck. However, it can also affect the scalp and lead to red dry patches on scalp. 

Some other common symptoms you may notice on your scalp if you have an eczema flare-up are skin discoloration, burning or stinging sensation, irritation, and skin weeping in severe cases. 

Eczema is believed to be caused by a combination of factors, such as genetics, impaired skin barrier, and environmental factors. This means the skin’s natural barrier is unable to retain moisture in it properly leaving it dry, irritated, and red. 

Treatment

This is why the core idea of an eczema treatment is to restore the skin barrier and keep the skin moisturized. People with eczema also have a higher pH level of skin which is why it is essential that the eczema shampoo you are using is acidic or has a low pH level and contains skin moisturizing ingredients like provitamin B5, licorice root extract, and glycerin.

4. Psoriasis

If you have red itchy patches on scalp then scalp psoriasis might be to blame. Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition, it is believed to be caused by an autoimmune disorder. The immune system mistakenly attacks the healthy skin cells, triggering the production of these cells at a much faster rate.

As a result, these skin cells accumulate on the skin and take the form of silver-white flaky, and scaly patches. 

Treatment

For mild scalp psoriasis, doctors usually prescribe the use of OTC medicated shampoo containing salicylic acid. For severe cases, stronger medications like corticosteroids in the form of oral or injectable medications are prescribed. 

5. Allergic Reaction

Allergic contact dermatitis is a type of eczema, which is triggered when the skin comes in contact with a certain allergen. The chemicals in our skin and hair care products are a common allergen. 

Some common chemicals in hair products like shampoo, conditioners, hair sprays, and gels that trigger an allergic reaction are

• Fragrances
• Parabens
• Sulfates
• Phthalates
• Paraphenylenediamine (found in hair dyes)

These reactions may or may not cause itching varying from person to person. So if you are wondering ‘why is my scalp red but not itchy’ then an allergic reaction might be the culprit. For an accurate diagnosis, it is advised to consult a doctor immediately. 

Treatment

If you notice that your scalp becomes red after using a certain product then discontinue its use. And always use products that are free from harsh skin-irritating chemicals, especially the shampoo.

6. Folliculitis

Folliculitis also known as fungal acne is a skin infection that affects the hair follicles, it can cause red itchy blotches on scalp. The red spots are often confused with acne. It can appear anywhere on the body except for the palms and soles because we don’t have hair follicles there. 

Some other symptoms that you may notice on your scalp are intense itching, pain, and rashes. 

Treatment

For folliculitis, the doctor may prescribe the use of anti-fungal or anti-bacterial medicated shampoo along with antibiotics and topical steroids. 

7. Ringworm

Scalp ringworm also known as tinea capitis in medical terms is a type of fungal infection that usually affects children, however, anyone can experience it. It often causes red spots on scalp, and hair loss in the form of bald patches. 

It is a contagious infection that can spread from one person to another by coming in contact. Its symptoms look quite similar to those of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis, however, ringworm usually appears in the shape of a ring with tiny red spots on the outline and swollen skin in the middle. 

Treatment

To get rid of ringworm the doctor will prescribe an antifungal shampoo to prevent the condition from spreading, or the use of anti-fungal creams and oral medications.

8. Lichen Planopilaris

Lichen planopilaris (LPP) also known as lichen planus is another condition that can cause itchy scalp and red spots on skin. It can also lead to redness around the hair follicles, permanent scarring, and hair loss in patches. 

It is believed to be caused by an autoimmune disorder and is more common in women between the ages of 40 and 60. 

Treatment

This scalp condition requires a proper treatment plan as it can also lead to permanent hair loss. The doctors usually prescribe medications like corticosteroids, hydroxychloroquine, minoxidil, or laser therapy to treat the condition. 

9. Alopecia

Alopecia is an autoimmune disorder that can cause hair loss and a red scalp. Different types of alopecia cause different symptoms such as itchy scalp, burning sensation, and pain. 

Scarring alopecias or cicatricial alopecia are types that can destroy the hair follicles and cause permanent hair loss and redness on the scalp.

Treatment

Alopecia is usually treated with the help of corticosteroids, phototherapy, topical immunotherapy, and Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. 

10. Cancer

This might be by far the scariest reason, however, it is important to mention it. Certain skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, and squamous cell carcinoma can cause redness on the scalp. 

Treatment

Cancer is something that can only be treated with the help of a doctor through chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. So it is best to consult one if you suspect any symptoms like scaly patches, waxy bumps, and open sores that bleed along with redness to get the right treatment plan on time. 

11. Scalp Trauma

People who have previously experienced some kind of scalp injury or trauma such as burns from, fire, chemicals, radiation, or surgeries may experience persistent redness in the scalp. In some cases, you may also notice some other symptoms that may persist for a long period, like irritation, pain, and scalp tenderness. 

12. Sunburn

Sunburns are often the most common cause of ‘Why is my scalp red and itchy?’ it usually happens when the scalp is exposed to harmful UV radiations from the sun for a long period of time. 

It can cause red itchy patches on head, that often hurt when touched. When the scalp is exposed to the sun, the skin cells are damaged, causing the immune cells to come and respond to the affected area. 

The UV rays can also sometimes weaken the skin’s natural pigment protection, both scenarios can lead to red, discolored, patchy areas on the scalp. 

Treatment

The best way to soothe a sunburned scalp is to take a cool shower and apply a cold compress to the area. In severe cases, you can visit a doctor who may prescribe the use of over-the-counter pain relievers. 

How to Treat a Red Scalp?

If you are also asking yourself ‘How to get rid of a red scalp’. Then you have come to the right place. The first and most important thing that you must do to treat your red scalp is to rule out the root cause of it. 

Once you have found it you can easily manage the condition, either with at-home treatments or with the help of a doctor. However, a few things that you can do to make things better are:

Treat the Condition

If you have found that a certain skin condition like seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff, psoriasis, or eczema is the root cause of your scalp redness, then treating the condition should be your first priority.

Because once the skin condition is managed the symptoms associated with it will begin to disappear. If the redness is caused by seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff then using a shampoo like Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo that contains zinc pyrithione as an active ingredient can be used to help reduce the symptoms. 

Pyrithione zinc has been known as effective in reducing itching, flaking, and redness associated with dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis–also known as cradle cap. This medicated shampoo is safe to be used on people of all ages and contains skin-hydrating ingredients like apple fruit extract and licorice root extract. 

But if the redness is a result of an eczema flare-up then you can use Happy Cappy Eczema Shampoo and Body Wash to cleanse your scalp at least once daily and soothe the irritation and redness. 

Sun Protection

Try to protect your scalp from the sun as much as possible to prevent redness caused by sunburns. 

• Use a cloth or hat to cover your head before going out in direct sunlight.
• Limit your time period in sunlight to a maximum of 10 minutes, especially if you are going to the beach.
• If you have a bald head, consult a dermatologist who may prescribe a sunscreen or a spray to protect the scalp from UV rays. 

Avoid the Triggers

If the redness on your scalp is caused by an allergic reaction then try avoiding that trigger. In most cases the allergen is the products that we use on our scalp, however, some other things like metal, pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and certain foods can also cause a reaction. 

To rule out if a certain product is the culprit, stop using all the products and then one by one add them back to your routine to see which one was causing the condition. 

If you are unsure about what might be causing the allergies consult a doctor who can help you rule out with the help of patch test. 

What Not to Do if You Have Redness on Scalp?

Now that we know what you can do to soothe a red, irritated scalp, let’s take a look at a few things that you should never do to prevent the condition from getting worse.

• Don’t scratch: Scratching the scalp can damage the skin and hair follicles and lead to other complications like skin infections. 
• Don’t use harsh styling products: Avoid using products like heating tools, sprays, and mousses for a few days. 
• Don’t apply multiple home remedies: Home remedies may sound like a good idea to promote a healthy scalp but the truth is these remedies may do more harm than good. Especially if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in the natural remedies. 
• Don’t expose your scalp to pollution: Cover your scalp with a soft breathable cloth to prevent dirt, bacteria, and pollution from trapping. 
• Don’t overbrush: Brushing your scalp may sound like a good idea to get rid of the flakes and scales in the scalp, but overbrushing can further irritate the scalp. 
• Don’t pick at scales: It can be tempting to pick at dandruff flakes and seborrheic dermatitis scales, but picking can damage the hair follicles and cause germs and bacteria from your hands to transfer to the scalp. 
• Don’t Stress: Your condition is temporary and it will most probably get better with proper treatment, so don’t stress over it. Stress can also make the condition worse sometimes. 

Conclusion

The answer to your question “Why is my scalp red” has various answers. Sometimes it can be caused by scalp conditions like dandruff, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, alopecia, ringworm, and folliculitis.

Other times it may be caused by sunburn or an allergic reaction to certain hair products. No matter what is causing the redness the first step to soothe the condition is to discover the root cause and get a treatment plan according to it.

Whether you have a certain scalp condition or not, always try using mild, hypoallergenic products on your scalp to prevent any complications and maintain a healthy scalp. 

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