Dry patches on the scalp might not seem too concerning — in most cases, they aren’t — but it’s important to understand the underlying causes either way. 

From scalp psoriasis to seborrheic dermatitis, the patches can be caused by conditions that won’t go away on their own and require medical intervention. 

Living for a long time with dry, flaky skin can have a serious impact on your hair health and overall life, as you may constantly feel itchy and irritated. 

It’s also a blow to self-confidence when you’re out in public, having to scratch your head again and again. 

The good news is no matter what the cause, dry patches on the scalp are treatable with varying degrees of medicinal or home remedies.

Here, we’ll talk about the various causes of dry patches on the scalp, how to treat them, and the best products you can use to prevent the problem.

Table of Contents:

• Understanding the Causes of Dry Patches on Scalp
• Effective Ways to Treat and Prevent Dry Patches on Scalp
• Natural Products to Hydrate and Nourish Your Dry Scalp

Understanding the Causes of Dry Patches on Scalp

If your scalp is persistently itchy and you are experiencing issues like dandruff, soreness, and hair fall, you might be suffering from dry patches. 

The causes are numerous and run the gamut from lack of moisture in the environment and harsh hair care products to seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis. 

While the former two are temporary and can be resolved by adding more hydration to your self-care routine, the latter demands a lot more attention.

So, what is scalp psoriasis? 

It’s a disease that triggers red, scaly, and flaky patches on the skin that may be mistaken for dandruff. The difference is that psoriasis is a chronic condition and can last for a long time if not treated, unlike dandruff, which comes and goes. 

Signs of mild psoriasis can include scaly, powder-like spots that flake off on your clothes, while more serious cases can turn red and put you through some pain.

The worst part about scalp psoriasis is that it does not limit itself to the scalp. You might find it spreading to other parts of your body, such as the forehead, nape of your neck, around the ears, and even the palms, back, or legs. 

Dry patches may crop up in all these places, leaving you an itchy, irritated mess. That’s why it is imperative to take immediate action by recognizing the problem for what it is and seeking treatment by a professional.

The other major cause of dry patches on the scalp is seborrheic dermatitis or eczema, a prevalent condition of the skin that also causes redness and scaliness, along with dandruff. 

However, the underlying factors might be related to excess oil production, a fungal infection, or hormonal imbalance, often during pregnancy. 

Its symptoms can range from dandruff-like flakes to widespread patches of dry skin, which also spread from the scalp to other areas that have hair.

Effective Ways to Treat and Prevent Dry Patches on Scalp

Your treatment method of scalp psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis will depend on how mild or severe the condition is. 

Though milder versions may resolve on their own, here are some measures to manage them:

Use Products with Salicylic Acid

As a peeling agent, salicylic acid shampoos, conditioners, and medications are available over the counter. 

The ingredient can help you soften dry patches, heal scaly areas, and make the skin much smoother with regular application.

Try Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients

Products with tea tree oil, aloe vera, apple cider vinegar, witch hazel, jojoba oil, and so on contain anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce redness and make the scalp feel soothed. 

These also have the ability to restore hydration and keep your soaps and shampoos from drying the skin even further.

Massage with a Soft Brush

Soft brush massages can improve blood circulation, exfoliate your skin, and relieve stress, which is also a contributor to dry patches and other hair-related issues. The bristles are also beneficial to remove excess oil and residue buildup.

If the condition gets serious enough that you are always uncomfortable or suspect an infection, it might be time to consult a dermatologist and start proper medication.

Natural Products to Hydrate and Nourish Your Dry Scalp

“Prevention is better than treatment” is not just an empty saying — it holds more than an ounce of water. If you don’t want to dive straight into over-the-counter medication, you can soothe dry patches with the help of natural products rich in hydrating, anti-inflammatory ingredients.

• WOW’s Tea Tree Essential Oil serves multiple functions, one of them being fighting dandruff and dryness. Made from 100% pure tea tree oil, it’s widely known for having antimicrobial, antiviral, and antiseptic properties that prevent flakiness and keep your scalp properly nourished. You have the option of diluting a few drops in cold-pressed oil and massaging before bedtime or spraying it through a diffuser as a form of aromatherapy. This can also help with stress management, keeping your senses calm and peaceful.

• Containing jojoba and coconut oils, this Onion Black Seed Hair Oil has been concocted to relieve you of dry patches on the scalp. The jojoba content effectively moisturizes and reduces inflammation, while coconut brings antifungal and antibacterial properties that can keep infections at bay. Other benefits of the hair oil include replenishing the strength of your locks, making them smoother and silkier with each application.
  

While going to the doctor for dry patches might seem like an overreaction, it might be necessary if things get out of hand. 

However, if your condition is still in the initial stages or you want to prevent it from even happening, you can explore our range of paraben- and sulfate-free products that aim to care for your locks as organically as possible.

Sources:

https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis/scalp-psoriasis-treatment

https://www.healthline.com/health/skin/seborrheic-dermatitis#on-other-areas

https://www.healthline.com/health/home-remedies-for-dry-scalp#coconut-oil

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320791

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14403-seborrheic-dermatitis#management-and-treatment

https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis/scalp-psoriasis-vs-dandruff

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seborrheic-dermatitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352710

https://www.healthline.com/health/scalp-conditions#conditions-by-type