Another common cause of an itchy scalp is known as seborrhea. This can occur in other places on your body as well, but is most common on the scalp. The cause of this condition isn't clear, but it is believed to be caused by a number of factors, such as your genetics, high stress levels, cold, dry weather, and an excess of yeast on the scalp. This is commonly confused with other skin conditions, so it's good to have your doctor take a look at it if you want to be sure of what's causing your itchy scalp. "Cradle cap" is a type of seborrheic dermatitis that is common among babies and infants. It presents as crusty yellow or brown scales on the scalp. To treat cradle cap in infants, wash the scalp daily with warm water and a gentle baby shampoo. If it doesn't clear up, speak to your pediatrician about medicated shampoo before trying one yourself, as this could cause further irritation. For adults with seborrheic dermatitis, treatment includes corticosteroids, topical antifungal agents, and other topical agents with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Dandruff is one of the most common causes of itchy skin on the scalp. It is unclear exactly what causes dandruff, but it has been linked to an excess of fungus that is normally present in the skin, known as malassezia. If you have dandruff, you will likely notice small yellow or white flakes on your shoulders, or on your fingers when you scratch your scalp. Understand that dandruff is not necessarily a sign that you are dirty or unhygienic. Dandruff may be triggered by a lot of things, such as the weather outside and different hair styling products. Treatment for dandruff includes antifungal shampoo with or without high potency steroids. Over-the-counter treatments include the use of selenium sulfide 2.5.%, zinc pyrithione 1 and 2%, coal tar, and salicylic acid. The term eczema doesn't refer to a specific skin problem, but rather a group of different, but similar skin conditions. It is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease most common in babies and children, but adults can suffer from the condition as well. It typically presents as red patches on the skin that are very itchy. As with several of the others, the causes of eczema are not entirely clear, but it is believed to be an overreaction of the immune system to some type of irritant. Stress and anxiety, bathing without moisturizing afterwards, dry skin, over heating of skin, and exposure to solvents and detergents may exacerbate the condition. Treatment includes topically applied corticosteroids and emollients. Strength of the steroids used should be based upon body location, age, and degree of inflammation. Psoriasis can occur anywhere on the body, and usually appears as raised, reddish, scaly patches. Doctors aren't sure what the cause of psoriasis is, but it may be related to an immune malfunction, which causes the body to create skin cells too quickly. Psoriasis is not contagious, though it could be a result of genetic influences. Scratching the patches of affected skin on your scalp could cause the hair to fall out. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Mild cases can be managed with topical treatment, while more severe cases may require phototherapy and prescription medication. This is a very contagious condition caused by tiny parasites that find their way into your hair. These tiny parasites live and lay their eggs on the scalp, and feed off of blood. While not typically harmful, they are very easily spread, and can be difficult to get rid of. If you find that you are suffering from lice, it is very important to treat the lice problem right away. It is very important that you get all of the lice (including every single egg) on your scalp, and that you wash all bedding and towels that may have touched your head. To treat lice you will need to use topical agents in addition to combing out the nits on your scalp. If you are suffering from Parkinson's disease or HIV, you are more likely to suffer from an itchy, dry scalp. However, remember that having a dry, itchy scalp doesn't necessarily imply that you are suffering from something serious. If you are concerned that you may be suffering from a more serious disease because you are suffering more severe symptoms (in addition to an itchy scalp), you should visit your doctor.
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One-sentence summary -- Consider seborrheic dermatitis. Look for dandruff. Rule out eczema. Check for raised scaly patches caused by psoriasis. Rule out lice. Consider other serious diseases.

Tell your doctor that you're having symptoms and ask if you need to come in for an exam. Your doctor may recommend you stay home and rest. However, they could ask you to come in for lab testing to confirm a possible COVID-19 infection. Follow your doctor's instructions so you can recover and are less likely to spread the infection. Keep in mind that there's no medication for COVID-19, so your doctor can't prescribe you a treatment. Your doctor may do a nasal swab of your mucus or a blood test to check for an infection. This will help them rule out other infections and possibly confirm COVID-19. Allow the doctor to take a nasal swab or blood draw so they can make a proper diagnosis. Getting a nasal swab or blood draw shouldn't hurt, but you may experience some discomfort. A serious COVID-19 infection can cause complications such as pneumonia. If you're having trouble breathing, go to your doctor, an urgent care center, or an emergency room immediately. If you're alone, call for help so you arrive safely. Breathing problems could be a sign that you're having complications, and your doctor can help you get the help you need to recover.
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One-sentence summary --
Call your doctor if you suspect you have COVID-19. Undergo a lab test for COVID-19 if your doctor recommends it. Get emergency medical treatment if you have difficulty breathing.