A wide variety of different conditions may cause a dry scalp. In this article, we will review the most common causes of a dry scalp, related conditions, and treatment options. The most common cause of a dry, itchy, flaky, scaly, irritated, and red scalp is seborrheic dermatitis.

When seborrheic dermatitis is only within the scalp then the condition is known as dandruff. When it involves the scalp and specific parts of the face, we generally consider it a little more severe than dandruff and is most appropriately referred to as seborrheic dermatitis or even psoriasis depending upon involvement of other parts of the body.

Another very common cause for a dry scalp is eczema. This condition may also affect other parts of the body with a dry, flaky, scaly, red, and itchy rash especially the folds of the body including the inside of the arms, behind the knees, and lower legs during the wintertime.