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What are the Different Itching Scalp Remedies?

By Felicia Dye
Updated May 17, 2024
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Choosing the best itching scalp remedies depends on the cause of the problem. A person may experience itching for a number of reasons, such as dandruff, lice, or fungal infections. The necessary itching scalp remedies may be as simple as washing the hair with an anti-dandruff shampoo and applying moisturizer to the scalp. In some instances, however, a person may need to abandon chemical treatments, purchase over-the-counter medicated products, or even visit a dermatologist.

People are often unaware that one of the best itching scalp remedies is behavior change. Some people have problems because of their hair care routines. It may be necessary to avoid or limit chemical procedures that can dry and irritate the scalp, such as perming and coloring. A person may also need to reduce how frequently he washes his hair. If such behaviors have resulted in the scalp being dry and therefore itching, it may be helpful to apply moisturizer.

An itching scalp often stems from a dandruff problem. There are a number of products on the market designed to treat these conditions. Some, such as anti-dandruff shampoos, are items that are applied only temporarily. Others, such as anti-itching hair sprays, are meant to be applied and left until the next wash.

Sometimes anti-dandruff or anti-itching shampoos are not enough because they are formulated to address problems caused by a dry scalp. If the itching is caused by fungal growth, an individual will generally experience better results from a medicated shampoo. Ketoconazole is one ingredient that a person should look for in a medicated hair product when she has this problem. Lice, which are small bugs, are sometimes the culprit of an itchy scalp. When this is the case, there are a number of shampoos designed specifically for this purpose.

There are numerous itching scalp remedies that may appeal to individuals who are proponents of natural healing. Positive results have been noted from combining a tincture made from peppermint leaves or peppermint essential oil with tea tree oil and making a hair rinse. Warm olive oil applied to the scalp also proves to be an effective remedy in some cases. The application of neem oil, which is considered an excellent treatment for skin problems, may also provide relief.

Over-the-counter medications can also be used as itching scalp remedies. After washing and drying the hair, a person may find relief if he sections the hair and massages hydrocortisone cream into the scalp. Allergy medications can also help to relieve itchiness for some people. The scalp, like any other skin on the body, may be inflicted with conditions that require professional attention. If a person makes numerous reasonable attempts to solve the problem to no avail, she may want to consider visiting a dermatologist.

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Discussion Comments

By Talentryto — On Jun 05, 2014

@spotiche5- If you are using styling products such as gels and hair sprays that contain alcohol in the ingredient list, you should stop. Alcohol is very drying to the skin, and may be causing your itchy scalp symptoms. Instead, look for sprays, mousses, and gels that are alcohol-free. If your symptoms clear up, you will know that this was the cause of your problem.

By Raynbow — On Jun 04, 2014

@spotiche5- It does sound like you are having problems with some of the hair care products that you use. If you haven't tried them already, you should give natural products a try to see if they work. Look for shampoos, conditioners and styling products that do not contain dyes, artificial fragrances, parabens, phthalates, and propylene glycol because these ingredients could be causing your problems.

When you read the labels of natural hair care products, the best ones to try are those with natural oils, minerals, and ingredients like mild and honey. Also, terms such as vegan and organic are signs that you have found a quality natural product with good ingredients.

By Spotiche5 — On Jun 03, 2014

I have had problems with an itching scalp for years, though my dermatologist can't find anything wrong with my physically that would cause this problem. He said it is possible that I am having a reaction to certain hair products that I am using. Does anyone have any itching scalp remedies that I could try?

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