What is a good homemade remedy for itchy scalp?
The 6 Best Homemade Dry & Itchy Scalp Remedies
- Raw Organic Honey. Honey has been clinically proven (over a decade ago) to treat dry and itchy scalp, more than most body care products and drugs.
- Essential Oils for an Itchy Scalp. All essential oils are anti-bacterial and/or anti-fungal. ...
- Baking Soda (Plus ACV Rinse) Baking soda is another effective and fast way to relieve scalp itching. ...
- Aloe Vera Gel. ...
How to ease an itchy/dry scalp?
Apple cider vinegar has powerful anti-inflammation properties that help kill the yeast and virus that can cause itchy scalp . Also, apple cider vinegar balances the pH levels of the scalp , which may help relieve itching and dryness. Advertisements. Rinse your hair and scalp with water and allow it to dry .
How to get rid of itchy scalp naturally?
How to get rid of itchy scalp?
- Avocado and banana. This is one of the most effective and fast home remedies to get rid of dandruff, and further itchy scalp.
- Tea tree oil. Tea tree oil comes with a lot of benefits from the melaleuca tree in Australia. ...
- Lemon juice and yogurt. ...
- Onion juice. ...
- Apple cider vinegar. ...
- Baking soda. ...
What herbs are good for itchy scalp?
The aloe vera plant has been shown to be effective at soothing itchy skin as well as healing irritation. Products that contain as little as 0.5% of the plant will be helpful but if you can get aloe vera, that can work as well. Use the gel from the plant on your scalp and wash your hair thoroughly afterward.
How to stop itching scalp?
Reduce your risk for an itchy scalp by washing your hair regularly to remove built-up oils. Wash your hair in warm — but not excessively hot — water to avoid irritating and drying out the scalp. To reduce allergic reactions, try to avoid using products that contain: dyes. fragrances.
What is itchy scalp?
Treatment. Prevention. An itchy scalp, or scalp pruritus, is a common problem that can cause frustrating symptoms, such as frequent scratching and discomfort. Sometimes, an itchy scalp is accompanied by visible signs, such as scabbed or flaking skin.
Why does my scalp feel tingly?
An itchy scalp can feel tingly or painful. Scratching or itching your scalp may help you feel better, or it could cause pain. Symptoms that can accompany scalp itching include: bald patches. dry skin. irritated skin. low-grade fever. pus-filled sores. redness.
What does a doctor do for scalp itch?
However, most doctors can diagnose the cause of your itchy scalp through a careful examination and review of your medical history .
Why does my scalp itch?
Potential causes of an itchy scalp include: diabetes. shingles (herpes zoster) allergic reactions to medications. an anxiety disorder. contact dermatitis, or irritation due to something your scalp came in contact with, such as a new shampoo. discoid lupus. head lice. hot comb hair loss, due to frequent heat styling.
How to treat dandruff?
For example, dandruff is treated through frequent hair washing with special topical agents. Each scalp medication works in a unique way, such as reducing oil on the scalp or killing fungus. Some medications that might be used to treat dandruff include: antifungal creams.
How to get rid of lice in hair?
A fine-tooth comb can remove lice eggs (nits) while the medication kills active lice. In addition to these treatments, people living in close contact may need preventive treatment.
What is the best treatment for itchy scalp?
There are multiple home remedies which may be effective for an itchy scalp that doesn’t require medical treatment. 1. Apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial. Trusted Source.
How to get rid of itchy scalp?
Trusted Source. , 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.
What is the best shampoo for seborrheic dermatitis?
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.
Why does my scalp itch?
Other causes of itchy scalp include: autoimmune disorders, such as psoriasis. fungal infections, such as tinea capitis, or ringworm. allergic reaction to a product such as hair dye. eczema. atopic dermatitis. head lice. stress or anxiety. diabetes.
How to get rid of dandruff on scalp?
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.
Is ketoconazole shampoo good for psoriasis?
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.
Can you use salicylic acid shampoo on your scalp?
Shampoos with this ingredient can be found in health food stores, online, and in drugstores. Salicylic acid shouldn’t be used by anyone with an aspirin allergy. 8. Ketoconazole shampoo.
Why does my scalp itch?
Your doctor may say you have neuropathy (neu-rop-ah-thie). It’s the medical word for a problem along a nerve due to damage, disease, or an abnormality in the way the nerve works .
Why does shampoo make my scalp itch?
Leaving some shampoo on your scalp can irritate it. If you have an itchy scalp and a rash, you may have a condition called allergic contact dermatitis. This is common among people who dye their hair. Often the culprit is an ingredient in the dye called para-phenylenediamine (PPD), which is found in black hair dyes.
What does it mean when you have hives on your scalp?
When hives form on the scalp, you'll often have a rash of itchy red bu mps that look like the ones shown here. Head lice. An itchy scalp is the most common symptom of head lice. If you suspect that head lice are causing the itch, ask someone to closely examine your scalp and hair for signs of these tiny bugs.
How to get rid of scalp psoriasis?
How to get relief: There are many treatments for scalp psoriasis. Some people get relief from a medicated shampoo or other treatment that you can buy without a prescription. You can find out more about treatment options at, Scalp psoriasis: Shampoos, scale softeners, and other treatments.
What causes bumps on the scalp?
Ringworm. This 4-year-old girl has scalp ringworm, which is a fungal infection that can cause pus-filled bumps, hair loss, and an intensely itchy scalp. Scalp psoriasis. About 50% of the people who have plaque psoriasis experience a flare-up on the scalp at some point.
Why does ringworm itch?
Ringworm isn’t caused by worms. It’s an infection caused by a fungus. If you get ringworm on your scalp, you’ll likely have a red and intensely itchy rash. How to get relief: To get relief, you need an accurate diagnosis and treatment for ringworm.
How long does it take for hives to go away?
Hives tend to come and go within a few hours. Sometimes, hives go away and come back. If hives come and go for longer than 6 weeks, they’re called chronic (long-lasting) hives.
Why does my scalp itch?
Itchy scalp, or scalp pruritus as doctors call it, is often a symptom of a larger problem. Dandruff and eczema ( seborrheic dermatitis) are the most common culprits behind that itch. Both lead to dead and flaky skin, redness, and itching. Psoriasis is another skin disease that can make you scratch your head. It’s a disorder that speeds up the life ...
How to get rid of dandruff on scalp?
How to Get Rid of Dandruff. Follow these lifestyle tips to ease or prevent an itchy scalp: Reduce stress. Believe it or not, your mental health affects your physical health. Stress can make your dandruff symptoms worse. Eat a healthy diet. A diet filled with zinc, B vitamins, and certain fats may prevent dandruff.
What is the best shampoo for scalp?
Several medicated shampoos are available over the counter. Different ones fight itchy scalp caused by dandruff, eczema, and psoriasis. What they do depends on which ones you buy. So, before you buy one, check to see if it contains any of the following: 1 Zinc pyrithione, which is both antibacterial and antifungal 2 Selenium sulfide, an antifungal medication 3 Salicylic acid, an agent that rids the scalp of scales 4 Ketoconazole, an antifungal medication 5 Coal tar, which slows down the rate at which skin cells die and flake off
What shampoos are available over the counter?
Several medicated shampoos are available over the counter. Different ones fight itchy scalp caused by dandruff, eczema, and psoriasis. What they do depends on which ones you buy. So, before you buy one, check to see if it contains any of the following: Zinc pyrithione, which is both antibacterial and antifungal.
How to get rid of a sore on the head?
Try half water and half vinegar. You can spray it on your scalp with a spray bottle several times a week. Leave it on or rinse it off after it dries. But don’t try this one if you have an open cut or sore on your head.
What is the best antifungal medication for scalp?
Selenium sulfide, an antifungal medication. Salicylic acid, an agent that rids the scalp of scales. Ketoconazole, an antifungal medication. Coal tar, which slows down the rate at which skin cells die and flake off.
Is tea tree oil good for scalp?
Tea Tree Oil. Over-the-counter shampoos that contain tea tree oil may be good for the scalp. People use it for the itchy symptoms of psoriasis and dandruff. Tea tree oil may fight lice, too. Tea tree oil may help because it’s a natural antiseptic, antibiotic, and antifungal. But, be careful.
How to get rid of itchy scalp?
If you're desperate for itchy scalp treatments (I know I'm not the only one), check out these dermatologist-approved solutions: 1. Upgrade your shampoo ASAP. Always go for a gentle, hydrating, and moisturizing shampoo. Avoid shampoos for oily hair as they tend to be more drying.
How to get rid of hair buildup on scalp?
To use one, wet your hair and section it, then apply a small amount of scrub to your part. Repeat five or six times around your scalp, massage, then rinse out.
How to make a hair scrub with coconut oil?
If you don’t want to dish out the cash for a scrub, you can def DIY it. Combine Epsom salt or sugar with coconut oil or olive oil until you create a paste. The salt or sugar will get rid of dead skin and the oil will bring in moisture. Part your dampened hair, gently rub the mixture onto the exposed scalp, and rinse clean.
Can you use baby oil on your scalp?
BUY IT. And again, you can easily DIY a hair mask. “Oil can really help combat dry scalp conditions,” says Goldburt. “I’ve actually recommended baby oil, but you can also use olive oil or coconut oil.”. Just apply your oil of choice on your scalp, massage it in, leave it in for an hour, and then rinse.
Is it bad to have snowflakes on your scalp?
Sure, building snowmen and wearing cute jackets is all sorts of fun, but when it comes to your skin and hair, cold weather is the actual worst. Because " snowflakes" should just be in the sky, not on my freaking scalp.
Does DHS shampoo help with itchiness?
Bank recommends DHS Zinc Shampoo because of zinc’s anti-inflammatory and slight exfoliating effects. This calms the itch while simultaneously knocking out flakes—major win-win. Also: Try not to shampoo your hair too often, which can strip the skin of its protective oils, leading to more dryness.
What causes itchy scalp?
If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Dandruff, psoriasis, eczema, and head lice are common causes of an itchy scalp. Regardless of the cause, various home remedies can help relieve an itchy scalp, or scalp pruritus. People can use essential oils, colloidal oatmeal, ...
How to get rid of psoriasis on scalp?
The National Psoriasis Foundation say that some people dilute the vinegar in water using a ratio of 1 part vinegar to 1 part water . Wash it out with warm water after a few minutes or after it has dried.
What is the best shampoo for scalp?
Leave the olive oil on the scalp for several hours before washing it out using a medicated shampoo such as coal tar or salicylic acid. 2. Colloidal oatmeal. Some antidandruff shampoos contain a natural ingredient called colloidal oatmeal. Colloidal oatmeal is finely ground oatmeal dissolved in water.
What is the best oil for dandruff?
Peppermint oil is available from various retailers in online stores. 5. Lemongrass oil. Dandruff is characterized by a dry, itchy scalp. Lemongrass oil may be an effective treatment for dandruff, according to a 2015 randomized controlled trial.
How to get rid of itchy skin?
Olive oil can help to loosen itchy crusts of skin. Applying warm olive oil to the scalp can help soften and loosen itchy crusts and scales on the surface of the skin. Warm up the olive oil in the hands before applying it to the scalp, and massage it into the skin.
What is salicylic acid?
Salicylic acid is a natural chemical present in plants. It has both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and it helps exfoliate the skin. Salicylic acid is a common ingredient in antidandruff shampoos.
What is the best treatment for lice?
6. Tea tree oil and nerolidol. Tea tree oil may be an effective natural treatment for head lice-related scalp itch. A 2012 laboratory study found that a 1 percent concentration of tea tree oil successfully killed all head lice tested within 30 minutes of application.
Dandruff
Dandruff is a common condition that can cause the scalp to become dry, itchy, and flaky. As much as 95% of the population have or will have dandruff at some point in their life. 1
Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis, also called eczema, is a skin condition that can cause itchy inflammation of the skin. It is caused by a combination of an overactive immune system, genetics, irritants in the environment like tobacco smoke, and stress. 4
Sunburn
Sunburns occur when the skin is exposed to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays for long periods of time. Sunburns can range from mild to severe, and if they occur on the scalp, they can lead to dry and itchy skin.
Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis causes a red, itchy rash when your skin comes into contact with an irritant, and it can affect your scalp. There are three types of contact dermatitis:
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease caused by an overactive immune system that causes skin cells to be produced faster than they can be shed. 12 It can cause a red, itchy, and scaly rash on the scalp.
How to Relieve Dry Scalp
Depending on the severity and cause of your dry, itchy scalp, some home remedies may help relieve symptoms. If you suspect you have a health condition that's causing your dry, itchy scalp, see your doctor for an official diagnosis before trying any of the following:
Preventing Dry Scalp
Use shampoos that contain aloe to help reintroduce moisture into the scalp. Aloe has also been shown to improve the function of the skin barrier, which is the uppermost layer of skin designed to lock in moisture while keeping out bacteria and other pathogens. By improving the skin barrier function, you can help retain more moisture on the scalp. 18
Home Remedies and Lifestyle
Over-The-Counter (OTC) Therapies
- Use coconut oil for dry scalp
- Keep the scalp clean, dry and sweat- free
- Use antidandruff shampoo
- Avoid over use of hair care products as product buildup can hinder normal shedding and cause itching
- Over the counter shampoos do not make any difference
- The itching keeps you up at night and affects your work and study
- You see lice and nits in your hair
- The itchy spots are very sore to touch
Prescriptions
Surgeries and Specialist-Driven Procedures
Summary
- If your itchy scalp is caused by dandruff, which leads to flakes on the scalp, using an anti-dandruff shampoo that contains zinc pyrithione can help. These products can also treat seborrheic dermatitis, which causes scaly patches and red skin on the scalp.5 Shampoos that contain salicylic acid are effective for treating scalp psoriasis, where skin cells build up and form scaly p…
A Word from Verywell
- Prescription shampoos containing the corticosteroid clobetasol propionate have been shown to be the most effective agent when treating psoriasis on the scalp.6 Head lice can also cause an itchy scalp. It is common in children ages 3–11. You can treat head lice with an OTC shampoo, but if that doesn't help, you will need to see your dermatologist for prescription treatment. They …