The area on the scalp near the neck is always itchy.

Dec 01, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Wenmin

Introduction

The area of the scalp near the back of the neck often itches, possibly due to inadequate cleansing, local friction or irritation, seborrheic dermatitis, folliculitis, or contact dermatitis. This can be improved by enhancing hygiene, reducing irritation, and using medical treatments. If itching worsens or is accompanied by redness, swelling, scaling, or rashes, prompt medical attention is recommended.

The area at the back of the scalp near the neck often feels itchy and may be caused by inadequate cleaning, local friction or irritation, seborrheic dermatitis, folliculitis, or contact dermatitis. This can be improved through enhanced hygiene, reducing irritation, and medical treatment. If itching worsens or is accompanied by redness, swelling, flaking, or rashes, prompt medical attention is recommended.

1. Inadequate cleaning: This area is easily overlooked during shampooing, allowing oils, dust, and sweat to accumulate and irritate the scalp, leading to itching without obvious redness or swelling. It's advised to thoroughly clean this area when washing hair, using gentle fingertip massage. Avoid scratching vigorously and dry the area promptly after washing.

2. Local friction or irritation: Friction from collars or hair rubbing against this part of the scalp, or prolonged exposure to sweat, can cause sensitivity and itching, which may worsen with physical activity. Choose clothing with soft collars, avoid having hair constantly cover this area, and clean the skin promptly after sweating.

3. Seborrheic dermatitis: Excessive oil production combined with Malassezia fungal infection triggers inflammation, causing redness, flaking, and significant itching in this area. Under medical guidance, patients may use selenium sulfide shampoo, ketoconazole cream, vitamin B6 tablets, or similar medications to relieve symptoms.

4. Folliculitis: Bacterial infection of hair follicles in this region leads to inflammation, presenting as red papules accompanied by itching or mild pain, sometimes with pus at the tip. Under a doctor’s supervision, treatments such as mupirocin ointment, erythromycin ointment, or cephalexin capsules may help alleviate discomfort.

5. Contact dermatitis: Allergic reactions to shampoos, conditioners, or clothing fibers trigger scalp allergies, resulting in redness and itching in this area, possibly with slight swelling. As directed by a physician, antiallergic medications like loratadine syrup, desonide cream, or calamine lotion may be used to improve symptoms.

Choose mild, non-irritating hair care products when washing your hair, avoid frequent perming or dyeing, keep the scalp in this area dry, maintain a light diet avoiding spicy and irritating foods, follow a regular sleep schedule, and minimize scalp irritation to promote overall scalp health.

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