How can adults avoid scalp itch?
     I know there are lots of medicated shampoos on the drugstore
shelves.  Are there also powerful PRESCRIPTION drugs or shampoos for
preventing itchy scalp?
       I know there are products to relieve the itch after it happens.
 But I am interested in any ways at all of avoiding scalp itch before
it happens.
        Thanks!

Hi!

Scalp itch can be caused by a variety of factors, including Psoriasis,
Seborrehic dermatitis, Ringworm of the scalp, or just plain Dry Skin.
As you mention, there are a ton of medicated shampoos and other
over-the-counter products such as Scalpicin on the market that
alleviate the symptoms of it. Since you mention you're interested in
avoiding scalp itch before it happens, I offer the following article
on drkoop.com which outlines several techniques for preventing scalp
itch:

Drkoop.com: What to Do About Dandruff and Itchy Scalp
http://www.drkoop.com/dyncon/article.asp?at=&id=7471

While your question specifies prescription drugs, I highly recommend
visiting http://www.scalpicin.com as its non-prescription "Scalpicin
Maximum Strength" product contains a very high amount of
hydrocortisone that was "prescription level" just a few years ago.
Regular use of this product can, according to the manufacturer,
prevent psoriasis of the scalp.

As for prescription drugs, according to an exhaustive search at both
the US Food and Drug Administration's site (http://www.fda.gov) and
Google, most prescription drugs that alleviate scalp itch/psoriasis
are topical medications that *alleviate* scalp itch, not prevent it.
The reason for this is that all of these products contain stereoids
(such as Cortizone) could have a negative effect on your skin (and
body, for that matter) with long term use. While researching a drug
that has been prescribed for this researcher for this very symptom, I
came across the following paragraph:

"Systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids can produce reversible
hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression with the
potential for glucocorticosteroid insufficiency after withdrawal of
treatment. Manifestations of Cushing’s syndrome, hyperglycemia, and
glucosuria can also be produced in some patients by systemic
absorption of topical corticosteroids while on treatment."
Dermsupport.com: Diprolene package insert.
http://www.dermsupport.com/pis/diprolene/18671417T.htm

The National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) provides an excellent page
describing a "treatment ladder" for psoriasis:
http://www.psoriasis.org/c100.htm

The NPF also has the following article on the prevention and treatment
of scalp psoriasis:
http://www.psoriasis.org/wc2001/scalp.htm

The above page also references two drugs, Luxiq and and Olux. More
information on these two drugs may be found here:

Luxiq:
http://www.luxiq.com/ (mostly under construction)

Olux:
http://www.olux.com/

An "alternative medicine" solution, using natural ingredients, is
described at the following page and may be useful:
http://www.home.intekom.com/jly2/ttmitch.htm

An article on http://www.hairsite.com lists the following prescription
topicals

Termovate, Dermol, Dermovate, and DermaSmooth
http://www.hairsite.com/cyberconf/cu-cuvscortisone.htm

I hope these links help you in your search. My best advice, however,
is to visit a certified Dermatologist, as he is the one best qualified
to advise you on your specific condition.

Search terms used:
prevent scalp itch
prevent psoriasis
prevent scalp psoriasis
luxiq

Have a great day!

Axe

Very helpful answer, especially the link to the Koop article.  Thanks.

Hi Naturewriter,

I just wanted to give you another note to consider on this subject. 
Conditions, like an itchy scalp, can be caused by a number of
different factors and, if you can determine the cause, that may give
you an answer as to how to cure or solve the condition - if it is
curable or preventable.

For instance, an itchy scalp can be caused by contact irritants, such
as soap or other "contacts" made with the head ... perhaps a reaction
to a wool hat, for instance, or sensitivity to a certain kind of soap
or shampoo.  The preventative in this respect would obviously be to
avoid the irritant that is causing the reaction.

Another example is a condition known as sehorrheic dermatitis
(mentioned above) which causes an itchy scalp, but did you know that
one of the potential causes of sehorrheic dermatitis is Parkinson's
Disease?  In this example, if a person has Parkinson's Disease and
that is determined to be the cause of the itchy scalp, there may be
nothing that can be used as a preventative.

Bottom line is that if you can determine the cause, you would be in a
better position to find a preventative or cure if one is available.

Just some "food" for thought ...

-Tracker-

Also for symptomatic treatment, a prescription steroid-free cream.

http://www.elidel.com