Itchy Scalp? Try These Ideas
Itchy scalp can stem from a number of health conditions. While some people may need to visit a dermatologist for prescription treatment options, others may benefit from natural treatments.
The most common causes of itchy scalps are dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. More serious causes include fungal infection and autoimmune disorders like psoriasis. Home care using common kitchen ingredients or items easily available from the drugstore or health food store can soothe the more commonplace versions — and where those fail, doctors can prescribe shampoos. Treatments include apple cider vinegar, peppermint oil, coconut oil and warm olive oil. To learn about their benefits and how to use them, read the full article below.
Causes of Itchy Scalp
Itchy scalp can be distracting and between the flaking and the scratching, make you feel kind of gross. But the good news is that the most common causes of itchy scalp can be treated easily with home ingredients. Most people suffering from itchy scalp either have dandruff or a skin condition called seborrheic dermatitis, a skin condition related to eczema.
Other causes of itchy scalps, such as the fungal infection ringworm, or psoriasis, a skin condition caused by an autoimmune response, might require medical attention depending on their severity. But if you’re pretty sure it’s just dandruff or a minor skin condition, our easy home recipes might offer some quick relief.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is versatile and helps with so many minor ailments (hiccups, sore throat, indigestion, acne and bad breath, among others). ACV really should be in every pantry. The acid in this ingredient can help lower the pH of the scalp and hair, improving dandruff. Apple cider vinegar also helps with seborrheic dermatitis by loosening the scales and possibly reducing inflammation during a flare-up. In addition, it offers antifungal properties.
How to apply: To try this for relief, gently massage 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into the scalp. Leave it there for 10 minutes before using a mild shampoo and conditioner.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil can be found at most drugstores and health food stores. It helps with both of the most common causes of itchy scalp due to its menthol content, which provides anti-inflammatory properties.
How to apply: Because peppermint oil shouldn’t be applied directly to the skin, try adding a few drops to your shampoo. Lather it into the scalp and then rinse thoroughly.
Coconut Oil
You may want to add coconut oil to any of the itchy scalp treatments above or use it by itself because of its strong moisturizing properties. Dry skin makes an itchy scalp worse, and this highly moisturizing ingredient may provide quick relief if that's what's happening.
How to apply: To try out this home aid, melt two tablespoons of solid coconut oil and then apply directly to the scalp. Rub it in and let stand for fifteen to twenty minutes before shampooing and conditioning as normal.
Warm Olive Oil
Warm olive oil is also moisturizing. Covering the scalp with it could improve the itching greatly. The oil can also help soften and remove scales and crusts that may be hiding out on the scalp. This treatment has the added benefit of feeling really good, but it can be runny, so use a small amount to avoid making a mess.
How to apply: Rub extra virgin olive oil into the scalp, making sure it is well-covered. Allow it to remain on the scalp for a few hours before using a medicated shampoo to remove it.
Any of these regimens used alone or in combination may help improve the most common causes of an itchy scalp. Fortunately, you probably have at least one of them in your kitchen already, so a fast help is right at hand. If these methods aren’t effective, there are several over-the-counter shampoos that might be a good next option, and then if that fails, visit a doctor or dermatologist to explore other options.
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