Scalp Pruritus: Review of the Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Management

Table 2

Principal topical medications for scalp pruritus.

Medication	Dosage	Adverse effects
Glucocorticoids	Many drugs with different doses; prefer using lotion, gel, and foam as vehicle	Skin atrophy, folliculitis, telangiectasia
Calcineurin inhibitors
Pimecrolimus	1%	Stinging or burning sensation
Tacrolimus	0.03% - 0.1%	Stinging or burning sensation
Miscellaneous
Menthol	1% - 5%	Skin irritation
Capsaicin	0.025% - 0.1%	Burning sensation
Liquor carbonis detergens	3% - 10%	Skin irritation, stinging sensation
Shampoos with anti-inflammatory effects	Shampoos containing zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or coal tar	Skin irritation, scalp dryness