We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Different Types of Scalp Ointment?

By Phil Shepley
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 12,806
Share

Different types of scalp ointment are made for various conditions of the scalp. Some common scalp ailments that may need to be treated with an ointment are psoriasis, eczema, and seborrhoeic dermatitis. The treatments will help to cure some of their undesirable side effects, like dryness, dandruff, scaly skin, and more. Other varieties of scalp ointment exist for the purpose of maintaining a healthy scalp and head of hair. Scalp ointments can be oil- or cream-based, and some of the most scalp ointment common ingredients include salicylic acid, calcipotriol, and hydrocortisone, as well as other types of food-based ingredients.

Any problem with the scalp will be best diagnosed by a dermatologist, who can also recommend or prescribe the best treatment. Usually, scalp ointments are applied to the problem area for a prescribed amount of time, and then rinsed off. Some others are meant to be left in until the next time the hair is washed.

Left untreated, problems with the scalp will typically either stay the same, or worsen. Common symptoms of scalp ailments are dryness and dandruff. These symptoms can be caused by a variety of problems, including eczema, seborrhoeic dermatitis, and psoriasis. A dermatologist is the best option for a person who needs to pinpoint a particular scalp problem.

Many conditions can be treated by the same type of scalp ointment. Salicylic acid is found in many scalp ointments and can also be found in many shampoos that are designed for scalp treatment. This common agent will cause skin cells to shed, open up clogged pores, and stop bacterial growth. Salicylic acid comes in many different varieties of ointments, and can be found in both prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

Scalp ointments may also be available as creams. Calcipotriol and hydrocortisone are two active drugs that might be found in a cream-type scalp ointment. Calcipotriol is a derivative of vitamin D, and is known to be effective in treating psoriasis of the scalp. Hydrocortisone is a topical steroid that helps to reduce problems by limiting the body's reaction to them. Cream treatments can be preferred over others because they can be less oily, as well as simpler to apply and maintain.

Other scalp ointments are designed to keep the scalp healthy by containing ingredients that help skin as well as hair follicles. These can contain many different ingredients, often including different types of food ingredients. For example, these types of scalp ointments may contain extracts from olives, avocados, carrots, oranges, and more. Many scalp ointments like these are marketed as organic.

Additional scalp treatments are designed to promote hair growth. The success of these products is typically limited, and may vary from one scalp ointment to another. Their ability to work can also depend on the individual who is using them. Ironically, use of these products can even have side effects of other scalp-related problems, such as dandruff.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By candyquilt — On Apr 01, 2014

@serenesurface-- What type of scalp condition do you have? There are actually many different types of ointments you could try such as sulphur ointment, tar ointment, salicylic acid ointment, vitamin D ointment, tea tree oil ointment, anti-fungal ointment etc. But some work better than others for certain conditions. For example, if your scales and itching is due to a fungal infection, then tea tree oil or anti-fungal ointments will work best. If you have dermatitis or psoriasis, then you can try vitamin D ointment or sulphur ointment.

You need to see your doctor and ask for a recommendation. A doctor needs to diagnose your scalp condition. Using the wrong treatments will make your condition worse.

By ddljohn — On Apr 01, 2014

@serenesurface-- Have you tried a tar ointment?

My dad has psoriasis which also affects his scalp. He tried many different treatments and remedies, none of them worked. Then, a family friend who is a doctor suggested tar ointment. This ointment is working great for him. It soothes skin, gets rid of scales, dandruff and itching. It's not just effective for psoriasis but for different types of dermatitis as well. I think it's definitely worth a try.

By serenesurface — On Mar 31, 2014

What is the best natural scalp ointment for scales and itching?

I tried a scalp ointment with hydrocortisone and it did work but my symptoms return as soon as I stop using it. And my doctor said that I should not use steroid ointments continuously as it will cause more problems in the long term. I need a safer and more natural alternative that is effective and that I can use on a regular basis. Any recommendations?

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-different-types-of-scalp-ointment.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.