An itchy scalp is an inflammatory reaction of
the skin underneath the hair on your head. An itchy scalp is a common problem,
particularly among adults. An itchy scalp may or may not be associated with a
visible rash or broken skin.
The severity, frequency and duration of an
itchy scalp depend on the underlying cause. Some causes of an itchy scalp, such
as dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis), can be relatively minor. However, an itchy
scalp can also be due to more serious conditions, such as infection, inflammation,
parasite infestation, autoimmune disorders, and allergies.
In some cases, an itchy scalp can begin
suddenly and disappear quickly by itself or with minimal treatment, such as a
mild allergic reaction or sensitivity to a new hair product. An itchy scalp can
also occur over a relatively long period of time, such as when itching is due
to scalp psoriasis.
An itchy scalp can occur by itself or with
other symptoms, such as a rash or visible bumps on the scalp and nape of the
neck. In addition, excessive scratching of an itchy scalp can introduce
bacteria or fungus into the layers of the scalp, resulting in secondary
infections. Tell your health care provider about any symptoms that occur with
an itchy scalp. This information helps your health care provider diagnose the
condition.
An itchy scalp can be caused by a serious
underlying condition that requires medical treatment, such as lupus or
hypothyroidism. If you have an itchy scalp that is persistent, seek prompt
medical care to talk with your medical professional about your symptoms.
Symptoms
An itchy scalp may occur with other scalp and
skin-related symptoms including:
- Blistering
- Burning
- Cracked skin on the scalp or skin
- Hair loss and thinning hair
- Itchy elbows and knees
- Pain
- Rash or marks on the skin
- Redness, irritation or inflammation
- Scaling, flaking or cracking of skin
- Skin discoloration
- Sores or lesions from scratching
Remedies
for Itchy Scalp
1. Apple
Cider Vinegar
Apple cider
vinegar has anti-inflammatory properties and is widely used in innumerable home
remedies. In a bowl, mix ¼ cups of apple cider vinegar with an equal amount of
water. Dab a cotton ball in the mixture and apply directly on the scalp or pour
it into a spray bottle and spray evenly all over your head. Now
gently massage your head for 10 minutes and then wrap your hair in a
towel. After 15 minutes, remove the towel and wash your hair.
2. Lemon
Juice
This remedy
is very effective for those who are looking for a solution for their dandruff
problem. Cut a lemon into half and squeeze the juice. Apply directly on the
scalp.
3.
Yogurt/Fresh Curd
People with
a dry scalp can mix 4 tablespoons of curd with the juice of 1 lemon to make a
mask. Apply evenly on the scalp and hair. Leave it on for 45 minutes and then
wash off with lukewarm water.
4.
Mayonnaise
Mix some
olive oil, mayonnaise and broccoli purée in a bowl and apply directly on the
scalp. Massage the scalp for a few minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm
water.
5. Baking
Soda
Mix 1
tablespoon of baking soda with a teaspoon of water and keep it aside. Now apply
a few drops of olive oil on your scalp and massage it for 10 minutes. Apply the
baking soda paste on the scalp and let it stay for 15 minutes. Rinse off with
warm water.
6. Sesame
Seed Oil
Take about 1
tablespoon of olive oil in a small metal bowl and heat it on the gas. If it
becomes too hot, let it cool down. Using your fingertips, apply the oil
directly on the scalp and massage gently for 15 minutes. Now take a hot towel
and wrap it up around your head. After 10 minutes, remove the towel but do not
wash your hair till the next morning. Keep doing this at least 2 to 3 times in
a week until the itchiness subsides.
7. Jojoba
Oil
Jojoba oil
helps hydrate your scalp and at the same time make your hair shine. Apply some
jojoba oil on the scalp and massage it for 5 to 6 minutes. Keep it overnight
and then wash it off with a mild shampoo the following day. Do this once in a
week.
8. Tea
Tree Oil
Tea tree oil
is a three-in-one remedy for itchy scalp, as it has antibacterial, antifungal
and anti-inflammatory properties. Take ½ cup of baby shampoo and add 20 drops
of tea tree oil to it. Wash your hair with this mix every day until the
itchiness subsides.
- Alternatively, you can mix 1
tablespoon of vegetable oil with 3 drops of tea tree oil. Apply it on the
scalp, using your hands. Massage your scalp for 5 minutes and then wash it
off with shampoo.
9.
Coconut Oil
Shampoo your
hair and let them dry. Then massage the scalp with coconut oil. Let it sit for
half an hour and then wash your hair again with shampoo. Make sure you use a
shampoo that is fragrance-free. Repeat this process three times in a week to
get relief from an itchy scalp.
10.
Rosemary Oil
Apply a
mixture of rosemary oil, jojoba oil, carrot oil and sage oil on your scalp.
Soak a towel in hot water, wring it and wrap around your head. Remove the towel
after 15 to 20 minutes. Leave the oil on for the whole night and wash your hair
the next day.
11.
Peppermint Oil
Add two
drops of peppermint oil to a cup of water and apply on the scalp. Now gently
massage the scalp for a few minutes.
12.
Bananas and Avocado
Bananas help
remove flakes of dandruff from the head and nourish the scalp. Mash two ripe
bananas with one ripe avocado and apply the mask onto the scalp and hair. Allow
it to stay for at least half an hour and then rinse off thoroughly. Do this at
regular intervals to rejuvenate your hair.
13.
Banana and Honey Mask
Honey is a
natural moisturizer and antibiotic agent. To make a mask, mash a banana and add
1 teaspoon of honey and a few drops of onion juice. Mix well and then apply it
on your scalp. After 20 minutes, rinse it off and shampoo your hair.
14. Strawberry
Mask
Strawberries
contain vitamin C which helps balance the pH of your scalp. To make a mask,
blend together some strawberries, 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and 1 tablespoon
of honey. Apply on the scalp and keep it for 15 minutes. Then rinse it off.
15.
Oatmeal Mask
In a bowl,
mix 1 tablespoon of oats, 1 tablespoon of fresh milk and 1 tablespoon of almond
oil or olive oil. Remove all the knots from your hair and then apply the mask
on the entire scalp and hair. Shampoo your hair after 20 to 30 minutes.
16.
Juniper Berry
Boil two
cups of water and add ½ a cup of crushed juniper berries to it. Once the
mixture is cool enough, apply on the scalp. Leave it on for 10 minutes and then
rinse it off.
17.
Chamomile Tea
Make some
chamomile tea and allow it to cool. Dab a cotton ball in the tea and apply on
the scalp. After keeping it for some time, rinse off.
18.
Camphor
Mix 20
grams of coconut oil and 5 grams of camphor. Once the camphor has
dissolved, apply the oil on the scalp. Wait for 30 minutes and then wash it
off.
19. Bay
Leaves
Boil 2 cups
of water and add 1½ teaspoon of crushed bay leaves to it. Let the mixture steep
for half an hour. Strain the liquid and massage the mixture into the scalp.
Leave it on for half an hour and then rinse it off. Make sure you wash your
hair before you try this remedy.
20.
Fenugreek Seeds
Soak a
tablespoon of fenugreek seeds in some warm water, overnight. In the
morning, make a paste by combining the seeds with some lemon juice. Apply the
paste on the scalp and allow it to sit for an hour.
21. Witch
Hazel
Witch hazel
reduces inflammation of the scalp. You can easily buy Hazel oil from your local
herbal shop or chemist. Mix one tablespoon of the oil with two tablespoons of
water. Apply this mixture on your scalp using your hands. Now massage the oil
into the scalp for 10 minutes. Rinse it off after 10 minutes.
22. Aloe
Vera Gel
Aloe vera
helps fight the bacteria that cause itchiness of the scalp. It has cooling
properties that help control the burning sensation you feel on the scalp due to
scratching. Aloe vera gel is available in many herbal shops. Alternatively, you
can cut an aloe leaf and extract out its gel. Apply it directly on the scalp,
massaging gently.
23.
Margosa Oil
Massage your
scalp with margosa oil. Its antibacterial properties heal and soothe the itchy
scalp.
24.
Ylang-Ylang
Ylang-ylang
fights off dandruff, thereby helping you get rid of itchy scalp.
REMEMBER
An itchy
scalp may occur with symptoms related to body systems other than the skin and
scalp including:
- Cold skin and poor toleration of the
cold
- Decreased appetite
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Flu-like symptoms (fatigue, fever,
sore throat, headache, cough, aches, and pains)
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Poor concentration and memory problems
- Problems with the nails, such as
yellowing or pitting or brittle nails
- Red, watery, itchy eyes
- Sneezing and runny nose
- Stress and anxiety
- Unexplained weight loss or weight gain