Itchy scalp
Your scalp might itch once in a while, and that’s completely normal. However, the trouble brews when your scalp feels incredibly itchy and you cannot stop scratching it. This is an indication that your scalp needs immediate care, or it would snowball into severe issues.
An itchy scalp, also known as scalp pruritus, causes frequent itching and discomfort. This condition is often accompanied by visible symptoms, such as scabs or flaking skin, or sometimes, there are no symptoms other than the incessant need to scratch your scalp. Before we dive into the best ways to treat an itchy scalp, let’s look at what causes this condition in the first place.
Causes of an itchy scalp
An itchy scalp is usually caused by dandruff. Dandruff occurs when the microbe, Malassezia Globosa that lives on your scalp, feeds on sebum and releases a substance called oleic acid. About 50 per cent of the entire population is allergic to oleic acid and as a result experience several symptoms, such as:
- Flaking
- Itching
- Reddened skin
- Yellow or white scales
Other causes of an itchy scalp include:
- Shingles
- Diabetes
- Anxiety disorder
- Allergic reactions to certain medications
- Head lice
- Scalp psoriasis
- Tinea capitis
How to treat an itchy scalp?
Use an anti-dandruff shampoo: If your itchy scalp occurs due to dandruff, the best way to deal with it is to use an anti-dandruff shampoo. Such shampoos are specially formulated with an active ingredient to remove dandruff completely. You can try Head & Shoulders anti-dandruff shampoos, which contain zinc pyrithione, a dandruff-fighting ingredient that can get rid of flakes, heal your scalp, control oil production, and make your scalp healthy again.
Use apple cider vinegar (ACV): The good old ACV comes in handy while treating an itchy scalp owing to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. It does an incredible job of reducing the dryness on your scalp that can trigger the need to itch. Ensure that you dilute ACV with water before applying it to your scalp.
Use coconut oil: Another effective way of dealing with an itchy scalp is to use organic coconut oil. It contains lauric acid, which is a saturated fat with antimicrobial properties. Moreover, owing to lauric acid, your skin readily absorbs coconut oil and immediately soothes an itchy scalp. If the scalp itch is caused by eczema, coconut oil can help relieve the symptoms.
Use tea tree oil: Tea tree oil has long been used as a home remedy owing to its antifungal, antimicrobial, and antiseptic properties. Though tea tree oil is anti-inflammatory in nature, it can irritate your skin. So, before applying it to your scalp, dilute it with coconut oil or use it sparingly. Tea tree oil has proven to reduce scalp itching associated with head lice, dandruff, and seborrhoeic dermatitis.
Peppermint oil:
Peppermint oil can have a calming effect on your scalp and reduces dandruff and soothes your scalp. It is vital that you dilute peppermint oil with olive oil and massage it into your scalp before. You can also rinse your hair with peppermint tea after shampooing your hair.
An itchy scalp can be quite annoying and scratching it can cause scalp injuries. So, use these home remedies to soothe your itchy scalp and flaunt clean, flake-free hair.
