Scalp Issues

Scalp Issues Treatment

At 24 HR Pharmacy

"Scalp issues" covers a few common conditions that affect the skin on your head, including:

Dandruff / seborrhoeic dermatitis – itchy, flaky, sometimes greasy scalp
Scalp psoriasis – red, thick, scaly plaques that may extend beyond the hairline

These problems are very common and can be persistent or embarrassing, but they're usually treatable with a mix of medicated shampoos and, where needed, topical steroid scalp applications.

See Treatment Options

Your Treatment Options

Compare Your Options

Here is a comparison of different treatment options for Scalp issues.

	Betacap Solution 0.1%	Betnovate Scalp Application 0.1%	Nizoral Shampoo 2%
Type of treatment	Strong topical corticosteroid scalp solution (betamethasone valerate 0.1%)	Potent topical corticosteroid scalp application (betamethasone valerate 0.1%)	Antifungal/anti-dandruff shampoo (ketoconazole 2%)
What it's used for	Inflammatory scalp disorders such as psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis of the scalp.	To reduce redness and itchiness in certain scalp problems such as psoriasis and dermatitis.	Treatment and prevention of dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis – itchy, flaky, inflamed scalp.
How it works	Strong steroid that reduces inflammation and immune activity in the scalp; also formulated with emollient to soothe.	Betamethasone calms inflamed, irritated skin and reduces chemicals that cause redness and itching.	Ketoconazole targets Malassezia yeast, treating the underlying cause of dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis and relieving itching and flaking.
Typical use*	A few drops applied to affected scalp areas, usually up to twice daily, then reduced as condition improves.	Applied in small amounts to affected scalp areas, often twice daily at first, then less frequently as directed.	Used as a treatment shampoo – typically twice weekly for 2–4 weeks until symptoms clear, then once every 1–2 weeks to help prevent recurrence.
Main symptom focus	Rapid relief of itch, redness, thick inflamed plaques on the scalp (e.g. psoriasis, eczema).	Relief of dry, flaky, inflamed scalp with significant itch and redness.	Control of flaking, itching and mild inflammation from dandruff / seborrhoeic dermatitis.
Onset of effect	Often eases itching and redness within a few days, when used correctly.	Similar quick anti-inflammatory effect over several days.	Improvement may be seen after a few treatments; best results over 2–4 weeks of regular use.
Best suited for	People with more stubborn inflammatory scalp conditions that haven't responded to milder treatments.	Those with significant scalp inflammation and itch needing a potent steroid solution.	People with dandruff or seborrhoeic dermatitis where the main issue is flaking/itching rather than thick psoriatic plaques.
Common side effects	Local burning, stinging, irritation; with prolonged or heavy use – skin thinning, stretch marks, rarely systemic steroid effects.	Similar steroid-related effects: irritation, skin thinning if used too often or for too long.	Mild dryness, irritation or oiliness; rarely hair changes or scalp irritation. Most people tolerate it well.
Key cautions	Not for long-term continuous use or large areas without medical supervision; avoid broken or infected skin.	Use short courses only; avoid prolonged use without review. Not for infected or broken scalp.	Avoid contact with eyes; not for broken skin. Safe for regular use as directed for prevention.

*Your exact regimen will be set by the prescriber and detailed on your dispensing label and in the patient information leaflet. Always follow those instructions.

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Who Is Eligible?

This online service is aimed at adults (18+) in the UK with mild to moderate scalp conditions that are suitable for self-applied treatment.

You may be suitable if:

You have itchy, flaky, or scaly scalp symptoms consistent with dandruff, seborrhoeic dermatitis or scalp psoriasis
You've tried basic anti-dandruff shampoos but still have symptoms
The affected areas are mainly scalp only, and you otherwise feel well
You don't have severe hair loss, pus-filled areas, or large bald patches suggesting more serious infection or autoimmune hair loss

You may not be suitable for online-only treatment if:

You should seek face-to-face assessment (GP, dermatology or sometimes urgent care) if:

You have sudden or patchy hair loss, broken hairs, or painful, boggy swellings (possible tinea capitis or kerion – needs systemic treatment)
Your scalp is very painful, oozing, or hot, or you feel generally unwell (possible bacterial infection or cellulitis)
You have widespread psoriasis, severe thick crusts, or symptoms elsewhere on the body
A child has significant scalp symptoms – children with scalp infection or psoriasis usually need in-person assessment
You are pregnant, breastfeeding, or immunocompromised and the flare is severe

Emergency: If you have severe pain, spreading red hot skin, high fever or feel acutely unwell, treat this as urgent and seek immediate medical help, not just an online prescription.

Why choose 24 HR Pharmacy

Pharmacist-led: Every request is checked by a UK-registered prescriber against your medical history and current medicines.
Fast, discreet service: Simple online questionnaire, clear next steps, and discreet delivery to your door.
Ongoing support: Guidance on using your treatment safely, plus practical lifestyle tips to help you get results.
Transparent and responsible: We prescribe only when it is safe and appropriate, and we will suggest alternatives if a medicine is not right for you.

How Our Online Service Works

Get prescription scalp treatment in 3 simple steps

Quick Online Consultation

You complete a short, secure questionnaire about:

Your symptoms (itching, flaking, redness, soreness, thick scale, hair shedding)
How long you've had the problem and what you've already tried (off-the-shelf shampoos, oils, other treatments)
Any known skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis) or scalp infections
Your medical history, allergies and current medicines

This helps the prescriber work out whether your symptoms fit with inflammatory scalp conditions (e.g. psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis) that respond to steroid solutions, or yeast-related dandruff that needs an antifungal like ketoconazole.

Reviewed by a UK Prescriber

A UK-registered clinician will:

Check your description is consistent with typical scalp conditions such as psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis or dandruff – and not something that needs urgent in-person review
Look for signs of fungal infection (tinea capitis), severe infection, or unexplained hair loss that should be seen face-to-face
Decide whether you'd benefit more from a steroid scalp application (Betacap or Betnovate) to calm inflammation, or Nizoral 2% shampoo to target yeast overgrowth and dandruff

If online treatment isn't appropriate, we won't supply medicine and will direct you to your GP, dermatologist or urgent services where needed.

Fast, Discreet Dispensing & Delivery

A private prescription is issued for the recommended treatment
Medicine is dispensed from our UK-registered pharmacy to full UK standards
Discreet parcels: No external product names on the box
Nizoral 2% may be supplied after the same clinical checks (where classed as POM on your site)

2000+ Happy Customers

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