What Causes Child To Keep Scratching Head And Neck Without Having Head Lice?

Posted on Wed, 27 Nov 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 27 Nov 2013 Answered on

Tue, 17 Dec 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi! My 15 month old daughter keeps scratching her head and neck, mostly at night but also during day at times. It appears to bother her as we will find we often sitting up at night scratching her head. She doesn't have a rash, only scratch marks on her neck, her ears are fine (she just had grommets inserted, but itching was happening before this) and we have checked for head lice. Her laundry detergent hasn't been changed. Any ideas?? Thanks! XXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: skin Dryness and ??dandruff(mild) Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXXX thanks for writing to XXXXXXX Is any body else in the family also itching? or any history of contact with a person/relative or neighbour visiting with similar complaints? If the answer to the above questions is No..then i think the itching on her neck seems more related to her dry skin. If yes then it needs to be treated accordingly.. Use a gentle cleanser for her. Use a good moisturising cream or lotion twice daily for a few days scalp itching could be becauseof mild seborrheic dermatitis. You can use a shampoo containing ketoconazole on alternate days. You should get it over the counter. I would advice that you visit a dermatologist for a confirmatory diagnosis or if the condition does'nt improve within a week or so. take care regards Dr . kakkar

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E