How To Soothe An Itchy Scalp? Causes & Ways To Treat It

An itchy scalp is very inconvenient. Particularly when you’re out and about or trying to focus on something important, but the itching prevents you from doing so. While you might blame dandruff for this itchiness, it may be more than that.

Itchy scalp, also recognized as ‘Scalp Pruritus’ by dermatologists, is often a symptom of a bigger problem. The most common causes of the itch are Dandruff and Eczema (Seborrhoeic Dermatitis). Both result in flaky, dead skin, redness, and itching. Another skin condition that can make you itch your head is Psoriasis. Psoriasis is a skin inflammation condition in which skin cells multiply up to ten times faster than average and is caused by a gene variant. When these cells enter the surface and die, they leave behind elevated, red plaques covered in white scales. The main symptoms of all these conditions mentioned above include red patches of skin covered with silvery scales, scaling spots, dry, cracked skin, itching, burning, or soreness, etc. Besides, when the scale is peeled away, it might bleed.

 

Now that you know about the primary symptoms, let’s look at the major causes of an itchy scalp that will help you find an effective cure.

 

Causes Of An Itchy Scalp

 

1. Dandruff

Dandruff can make your scalp dry and itchy. So, if you see flakes on your hair or clothes and struggle with an itchy scalp, dandruff can be the reason behind it

2. Shampoo Residue  

An itchy scalp could be a sign that you’re not thoroughly rinsing the shampoo out of your hair

3. Head Lice

One of the most common reasons for an itchy scalp is head lice which can cause inflammatory issues.

4. Human Itch Mite

It’s a bug that can cause Scabies on your scalp resulting in itching. If these mites burrow into your scalp, you can experience severe itching

5. Ringworm

This condition is caused by a fungus which can result in red and intensely itchy rash on your scalp.

6. Atopic Dermatitis (AD)

It’s a form of eczema that can grow on your scalp and cause itching. Kids or young children are primarily affected by this condition.

7. Other Causes

Issues like anxiety, stress, diet, etc. can cause an itchy scalp 

When looking for an itchy scalp treatment, one of the best solutions is to use natural ingredients like coconut oil. Coconut oil is one of the prominent natural remedies for itchy scalp, and in this article, we will discuss the benefits of coconut oil for itchy scalp and its usage. how to use it. Additionally, you can also use baking soda, olive oil and tea tree oil as natural remedies.

 

Coconut Oil As A Natural Treatment For Itchy Scalp

If your scalp is very dry, you will face itching problems, so you need to moisturise it. Since coconut oil has hydrating properties, it works wonderfully as a solution for itchy scalp. Coconut oil can help to balance moisture in the hair and has a lot of properties that can help you treat itchy scalp at home. The antifungal properties can help in the removal of itchy elements from the scalp and provide relief.

Besides, this hair oil is formulated with lauric acid, which has antimicrobial properties and helps in the efficient absorption of coconut oil by the skin. As a result, the natural properties of coconut oil can reach beneath the surface of your scalp as well. Coconut oil can also help reduce the risk of infection if you’ve been scratching your scalp a lot. You can simply massage a small amount of coconut oil  onto the scalp as a pre-shampoo if your scalp is itchy. 

 

How To Use Coconut Oil For Itchy Scalp

Coconut oil can be used in different methods as a remedy for an itchy scalp. Coconut oil is so versatile that you can use it as a conditioner, pre-shampoo treatment or a hair mask.Mentioned below is one of the ways you can use coconut oil as an itchy scalp remedy at home. 

• Warm two tablespoons of coconut oil in a small bowl
• Before applying the oil make sure your hair is detangled. You can apply it on either towel-dried or dry hair
• Split your hair into even portions with hair clips or scrunchies before applying. This will help in in the even distribution of coconut oil
• Now, gently massage the oil onto you scalp using your fingertips
• Apply coconut oil to the length of your hair if it feels dry at times. Keep it gentle and focused on the ends.
• Wrap your head with a cotton cloth for at least 30 minutes
• Wash it off properly with your regular shampoo
• Repeat this process twice a week

 

You can also mix essential oils like eucalyptus oil, lemongrass oil, tea tree oil, etc., with coconut oil, which works as a carrier and delivers the essential oils to your scalp at the right concentration. While some of these oils can help moisturise flaky skin, others have antibacterial or antifungal properties that can treat the root problem. You’ll get more effective results if you combine them with coconut oil in your biweekly therapy.

Among the many hair problems, an itchy scalp can be very annoying. So, if you are looking for natural remedies for itchy scalp, coconut oil should be your go-to option. With its antibacterial, antifungal and moisturising benefits, it works wonders as an itchy scalp home remedy. Besides, coconut oil helps your hair stay healthy, strong and luscious. 

FAQ

Is coconut oil good for an itchy scalp?

Coconut oil has long been used for its skin-healing properties, and it’s no different for itchy scalp. It moisturises the scalp and has antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help prevent infections. It may also help in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. So, coconut oil can definitely be your solution for itchy scalp.

Why is my head itching really bad?

Dandruff, head lice, stress, anxiety, irregular diet, etc., could be the major reasons behind an itchy scalp. You can opt for coconut oil as a remedy for an itchy scalp because of its wonderful natural properties.

How do I use coconut oil for itchy scalp?

To use coconut oil as an itchy scalp treatment, you can warm adequate amount of coconut oil (depending on your hair type and length) and apply it directly onto your towel-dried hair. Massage the oil on your scalp and hair thoroughly and keep it for 30 minutes or so. Finally, wash it off properly with your regular shampoo. You should repeat this method twice a week for good results.

 

References –

https://www.femina.in/beauty/hair/home-remedies-for-an-itchy-scalp-121255.html

https://food.ndtv.com/beauty/5-simple-home-remedies-for-itchy-scalp-1804759

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/home-remedies-for-a-dry-scalp#coconut-oil

https://www.luxyhair.com/blogs/hair-blog/remedies-for-itchy-dry-scalp

https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/itchy-skin/itch-relief/relieve-scalp-itch

https://www.medicinenet.com/itchy_scalp/article.htm

https://www.drbronner.com/all-one-blog/2017/10/coconut-oil-hair-scalp/

https://www.getroman.com/health-guide/coconut-oil-for-dandruff/