Having an itchy scalp is not only uncomfortable. It’s also a sign you have an underlying scalp condition. It could be dandruff, ringworm, or simply a build-up of styling products. Irritation is your body’s way of speaking. When your scalp is itchy its biology has become unbalanced. Itchy scalp (scalp pruritus) has a wide range of causes.
Seborrheic dermatitis can be the result of stress, seasonal changes, fluctuating hormones, or an overgrowth of yeast on the skin. Dandruff can be caused by scalp that’s too dry, oily hair, and a variety of skin conditions. If itchy scalp last longer than a week, and includes pain, sores, or swelling, or itching so intense it interferes with your ability to sleep or function, see a doctor immediately. Other causes of an itchy scalp include:
·
autoimmune
disorders (such as psoriasis)
·
fungal
infections (such as tinea
capitis)
·
allergic
reaction to a product such as hair dye
·
eczema
·
atopic dermatitis
·
head
lice
·
stress
or anxiety
·
diabetes
·
herpes
zoster (or shingles)
Below
are some natural remedies for treating an itchy scalp:
Apple cider vinegar-Apple cider
vinegar has antibacterial,
anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties. It can help reduce itching caused
by dry skin. Try diluting apple cider vinegar in warm water and using it as a
rinse after shampooing to alleviate dandruff and an itchy scalp.
Ketoconazole shampoo-Ketoconazole is
a broad-spectrum, antifungal agent.
It’s effective at reducing malassezia yeast. This is a fungus which may become
overabundant on the scalp and cause malassezia folliculitis, or scalp
psoriasis. It’s available by prescription and also as an ingredient in certain
shampoos.
Ketoconazole shampoos may reduce dandruff, scaly patches,
and the itch caused by seborrheic dermatitis. Shampoos may have 1 or 2 percent
of ketoconazole as an active ingredient. They may require different use
techniques, such as daily shampooing or shampooing every other day. Don’t use
ketoconazole on open sores or on swollen skin.
Meditation-It
may not surprise you that activities which reduce stress, such as meditation,
may be effective at eliminating itchy scalps caused by anxiety. It may also
help with itching due to eczema. A study on meditation and its effect on eczema
at Emory University
indicated that the perception of itching may be improved by this age-old
practice by providing a coping mechanism and sense of control. Meditation can
be tried alone or in conjunction with other itchy-scalp remedies.
Organic coconut oil-Organic coconut
oil is naturally extracted from mature coconuts. It contains lauric acid, a
saturated fat that has antimicrobial properties. Lauric acid helps the skin
absorb coconut oil efficiently. This makes it a soothing treatment for itchy
scalp. Coconut oil may be helpful for itchy scalps caused by eczema. It may
also be helpful for combating head lice. One 2010 study analyzed the healing power of coconut oil mixed with anise.
Researchers found this combination to be more successful at delousing and
eliminating scalp itch than permethrin, a medication used to treat lice.
Peppermint oil-Peppermint oil
may be effective at reducing dandruff and soothing the scalp, calming down
itch. Try diluting it with another oil, such as olive oil, and massaging it
into the scalp before shampooing. You can also use peppermint tea as a rinse
after shampooing.
Salicylic acid-Shampoos containing salicylic acid are effective at treating
itchy scalp caused by psoriasis
and seborrheic dermatitis. Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid found in
evergreen leaves and white willow tree bark. It has anti-inflammatory and
antibacterial properties. It’s also able to generate exfoliation of the skin,
which may make it particularly effective for the scaly, itchy patches
associated with psoriasis.
Shampoos containing this ingredient may vary by strength so
make sure to read labels and follow the usage instructions given. Some
salicylic acid shampoos require light massage into the scalp during use,
repeated daily or almost daily. Shampoos with this ingredient can be found in
health food stores, online, and in drugstores.
Selenium sulfide-Selenium sulfide is an anti-infective medication used to
treat seborrheic dermatitis. It works by slowing down the growth of yeast on
the scalp. It’s available as a shampoo and lotion. It may be prescribed by your
doctor or found in commercially prepared products. The recommended dosage for
prescription-strength selenium sulfide is twice
weekly for the first two weeks, followed
by once a week use for up to one month. If you’re using a store-bought product
containing selenium sulfide, make sure to follow the label instructions. Stop
using it if irritation occurs or if your symptoms worsen.
Tea tree oil-An essential oil available at health food stores, tea tree
oil has antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties. It also has
anti-inflammatory effects. Tea tree oil can be irritating to the skin, so it’s
important to dilute it prior to use. Try adding 10 to 20 drops of tea tree oil
to a gentle shampoo or mix it with olive oil and massage it directly into your
scalp. Tea tree oil
can help reduce or eliminate itching associated with dandruff, seborrheic
dermatitis, and head lice. Tea tree oil should never be ingested.
Zinc pyrithione shampoo-A large study
found that people with dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis have more than double
the amount of histamine on their head skin than those without itchy scalps. The
study analyzed the effect of shampoos containing zinc pyrithione on histamine
levels. Participants with scalp itch who used zinc pyrithione shampoo had a
significant reduction in histamine levels and in itch intensity.
These types of shampoos are readily available in drugstores
and in other retail outlets. The amount of zinc pyrithione in each shampoo
varies by brand, so you may need to experiment with several to find the one
which works best for you. This type of shampoo may be beneficial to people who
have an itchy scalp due to allergies, which produce an increase in histamine
levels. In addition to its positive effect on histamine, zinc pyrithione also
reduces yeast growth. This is a cause of seborrheic
dermatitis.
“If you like to eat bananas, you will be happy to
know that it can also treat an itchy scalp. Bananas will treat your itchy scalp
while conditioning your hair. The nourishing and moisturizing properties in the
bananas will also reduce flakes, dandruff, and inflammation. Simply mash two
bananas, and mix them together with one ripe avocado. Apply this mixture to
your scalp (and your hair if you want). Allow it to sit for half an hour, and
then rinse thoroughly.” (top10homeremedies.com)[i]
[i] Sources used:
·
“Causes of an itchy
scalp: 6 common causes” by Australian Bodycare
·
“Home Remedies for Itchy
Scalp” by Corey Whelan
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