An itchy scalp is a very common problem for anyone of any age and can cause annoying symptoms such as, frequent scratching and discomfort.

In some instances, an itchy scalp may be accompanied with signs such as flaking or scabbed skin due to frequent scratching and dry skin.

This isn’t a serious or alarming condition, but rather an annoying one. This type of condition are the ones you’re embarrassed to tell because it’s either dandruff flakes or head lice.

However, if symptoms persist and happen for a long period of time, it may cause bruises on the scalp due to continuous scratching.

Having an itchy scalp can range from heredity to even head lice, as previously stated. Although an itchy scalp isn’t typically severe, it may still be a symptom for an underlying condition.

This condition can feel tingly or sometimes painful, depending on the level of severity. Scratching or itching your scalp may relieve or just might cause you pain.

There are several symptoms for an itchy scalp which includes:

• bald patches

• dry skin

• irritated skin

• low-grade fever

• pus-filled sores

• redness

• scales or patches on the scalp

• scalp swelling

• sores on the scalp

As to what causes it, there are actually many several factors. These are:

Dandruff

This is probably the most common of all causes of an itchy scalp. Dandruff or also called, seborrheic dermatitis and can affect almost anyone of any age and gender.

You can even see this condition in newborns called cradle caps or crib caps. This type of dermatitis mostly happens in areas with oil-secreting glands including the scalp and face. However, if the glands do inflame, you may experience these symptoms:

• itching

• flaking

• reddened skin

• yellow or white scales

Having sensitive skin may simply be the result of an itchy scalp due to an allergic reaction from something.

Here are potential causes of an itchy scalp:

• diabetes

• shingles

• allergic reactions to medications

• anxiety disorder

• contact dermatitis or irritation due to your scalp having contact with something

• discoid lupus

• head lice

• hot comb hair loss due to frequent hair styling

• migraine headaches

• scalp psoriasis

• scarring alopecia

• ringworm or tinea capitis

While an itchy scalp isn’t life threatening in any way, there are still bad effects in leaving your itchy scalp untreated. These may lower your self-esteem or stress you out.

Especially for an itchy scalp caused by head lice, which is very common among children who are fond of playing outside with their playmates.

As children love to play outside with all the other children, the head lice are also playing around on their heads.

This is one of the most contagious cases for an itchy scalp because this can be easily passed down if you used someone’s hair brush or just went out with someone with lice.

Not to be squeamish, this isn’t really alarming but as previously said, this can lower one’s confidence, self-esteem, and may also lead to hair loss (when prolonged).

To avoid this from happening, here are several natural remedies for itchy scalp:

See Also:

6 Natural Home Remedies For Toddler Coughs

5 Natural Home Remedies For Indigestion

6 Natural Home Remedies For Yeast Infection

Tea Tree Oil

This essential oil is accessible in groceries or food stores which makes it very accessible for everyone. This actually contains antifungal, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties.

This may be effective in naturally treating head lice related scalp itch. However, tea tree oil can be irritating on the skin depending on the person’s skin sensitivity.

So it’s important to remember to dilute it prior to use. You can do this remedy by simply adding 10-20 drops of tea tree oil on a gentle shampoo or mixing it with olive oil p, then massage it directly on your scalp.

Salicylic Acid

Shampoos containing salicylic acid are said to be good in treating an itchy scalp caused by dandruff and psoriasis.

This is actually a beta hydroxy acid found in evergreen leaves and white willow tree bark. This has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties which are also able to generate exfoliation of the skin.

This too can be found in groceries or health stores.

Coconut Oil

This has been traditionally used as a great hair care ingredient especially in tropical countries with coconuts present.

They use this as a natural shampoo fp which strengthens, smoothens, and helps grow their hair. Coconut oil contains lauric acid that helps skin absorb coconut oil efficiently, this makes it a good remedy for relieving an itchy scalp.

This may be helpful for itchy scalps caused by eczema and head lice. A study found that coconut oil mixed with anise has been more successful at eliminating scalp itch than permethrin — a medication used to treat head lice.

Lemongrass Oil

This may be an effective remedy for dandruff according to a study containing 30 participants who applied lemongrass oil on their scalp.

After using the solution twice daily for 2 weeks, the lemongrass oil has been found to have reduced dandruff. Be sure to do a skin test as it may irritate people with sensitive skin.

Olive Oil

This popular kitchen ingredient is actually a remedy for itchy scalp? Warm olive oil has been said to help soften and loosen itchy scales and crusts on the skin.

This is an easy remedy to do especially if you want something effective in eliminating dandruff.

Do this remedy by warming up the olive oil in your hands before applying it onto your scalp, then gently massage it onto your skin.

Leave the olive oil on your scalp for several hours before washing it thoroughly.

Peppermint Oil

This contains a high concentration of menthol which gives a cooling effect. Applying menthol on the skin may be particularly helpful in alleviating an itchy scalp caused by skin allergies.

This is a mild and natural ingredient which can be used only topically. A study found the effects of peppermint oil suspended in sesame oil on pregnant women with an itchy scalp.

They were asked to use it twice daily for 2 weeks and reported to have reduced itchiness compared with a placebo.

Apple Cider Vinegar

This popular natural remedy is also a kitchen staple. It has been found to treat several conditions including psoriasis.

If ever you do have an itchy scalp caused by psoriasis, you may try using this remedy. Simply test it on a small patch of skin before doing so.

If it burns, then you should dilute the apple cider vinegar in water. You can spray this solution into your scalp several times a week.

Remember to not try this remedy if you have an open cut or sore on your scalp as it may be irritated.