How to Apply Scalp Medications

By Jane Farrell

According to physicians from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), scalp conditions, such as alopecia areata (patchy hair loss), psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis, are very common. Researchers estimate that at least half of the people who have plaque psoriasis have it on their scalp. Fortunately, patients can improve their conditions using topical medications prescribed by their dermatologist. While these medications can come in many forms, including shampoos, lotions, sprays and oils, the most popular, the AAD says, are solutions, which are liquid-based, and foams.

“There are many safe and effective treatments for scalp conditions, and a few of these can even be purchased without a prescription,” says board-certified dermatologist Amy J. McMichael, MD, FAAD, a professor of dermatology at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, N.C. “However, applying these medications can be tricky if you don’t have the proper technique.”

For the most effective application, McMichael advises applying scalp medications to dry hair using a simple, “five-line” approach. With a little practice, she says, the application should take less than two minutes to complete. However, it’s important to follow your dermatologist’s directions when applying scalp medications, she says, because different conditions may require different instructions.

To apply a solution medication, McMichael recommends the following steps:

Part your hair down the middle of your head. Then, use a dropper to apply the medication along the part, from the front of your scalp to the back. If your medication doesn’t come with a dropper, you can get one from your local drugstore. Make sure you continuously squeeze out the medication as you work your way along the part with the dropper.

Part your hair a second and third time to the right and left of your middle part, about two inches down. Continuously apply the medication along each part from the front of your scalp to the back.

Part your hair a fourth and fifth time just above your right and left ears. Continuously apply the medication along each part from the front of your scalp to the back.

“Solution medications are commonly used among those with naturally straight hair, including Asian-Americans and many Caucasians,” McMichael says. “For those with coarse, curly or chemically relaxed hair, including many African-Americans, foam medications may be easier to apply and more popular.”

Foam medications can be applied the same way as solution medications, except that one would use the medication directly from the bottle cap instead of a dropper, says McMichael. Since foam medications are designed to melt when they come into contact with a person’s body heat, she says, the medication will dissolve if it’s applied to the hands before it’s applied to the scalp.

To apply a foam medication, McMichael recommends these tips:

Part your hair down the middle of your head. Then, dispense recommended amount of medication into the bottle cap. Bring the bottle cap up to your hair and use your fingertips to continuously rake small amounts of the medication out of the bottle cap and into your part, from the front of your scalp to the back.

Part your hair a second and third time to the right and left of your middle part, about two inches down. Continuously rake the medication out of the bottle cap and into each part from the front of your scalp to the back.

Part your hair a fourth and fifth time just above your right and left ears. Continuously rake the medication out of the bottle cap and into each part from the front of your scalp to the back. Wash your hands immediately after applying the medication.

“No matter what type of scalp medication you use, it’s important to follow your doctor’s directions,” says McMichael. “If you have questions about your treatment options, or if you suspect you have an undiagnosed scalp condition, make an appointment to see a board-certified dermatologist.”

About the AAD

Headquartered in Rosemont, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 19,000 physicians worldwide, the AAD is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the AAD at (888) 462-DERM (3376) or www.aad.org.