The 9 Best Home Remedies for an Itchy Scalp

If you’re at present within the throes of an itchy scalp, you understand how uncomfortable—to not point out annoying—it may be.

Scalp itchiness is definitely fairly frequent, says Brendan Camp, MD, a Manhattan-based dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, and it usually comes with scalp irritation, redness, flaking, and sensitivity.

The commonest trigger is seborrheic dermatitis (aka dandruff), Dr. Camp says, which is marked by pink, dry, flaky patches of pores and skin. It is not clear precisely what causes seborrheic dermatitis, however “it tends to be worse within the winter and could also be exacerbated by stress,” Dr. Camp notes.

Different causes of an itchy scalp embody the next, in response to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD):

• Contact dermatitis: An itchy, flaky rash in your scalp may very well be an allergic response to a brand new hair- or skin-care product (suppose: shampoo or hair dye). The itch and rash are likely to go away if you cease utilizing the offending product.
• Scalp psoriasis: When you have the pores and skin situation plaque psoriasis, it may well flare up in your scalp, inflicting itchiness together with silvery-white scales and dandruff-like flakes.
• Atopic dermatitis: Any such eczema could cause redness and scales on the scalp, usually with a burning sensation, and it is best handled with the assistance of a dermatologist.
• Lice, scabies, or ringworm: Head lice and scabies are attributable to tiny bugs that invade your scalp, whereas ringworm is a fungal an infection. All three require a analysis and sometimes want a prescription therapy to go away.

Extra hardly ever, an itchy scalp may very well be on account of a nerve downside (particularly if you happen to do not see a rash or different outward indicators) or pores and skin most cancers—each must be handled by a dermatologist.

No matter’s inflicting your scratching, you are most likely searching for some aid. Right here, dermatologists share their finest at-home cures for an itchy scalp.

1. Zinc pyrithione

That is the energetic ingredient generally present in over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoos and treatments, and it may be efficient in relieving signs of an itchy scalp. Due to its antifungal properties, it may well assist management the expansion of Malassezia, a yeast-like fungus that may exacerbate dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis, explains Erum Ilyas, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with Schweiger Dermatology in Philadelphia. It additionally has anti-inflammatory results, which may also help soothe and calm the pores and skin in your scalp.

There are many manufacturers to select from, however Dr. Ilyas recommends Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Daily Shampoo ($27.88 for a 2-pack, Amazon) and DHS Zinc Shampoo. ($12.71, Particular person & Covey).

2. Charcoal

Charcoal has grow to be a well-liked ingredient in merchandise focusing on extra oil or impurities (each of which can result in itchiness), Dr. Ilyas says.

“Charcoal utilized to the pores and skin is innocent and isn’t more likely to irritate the pores and skin, however it might probably take up further oil from the pores and skin,” she says.

She recommends this therapy for individuals who have an oily scalp, as it’s a milder various to assist scale back the oiliness with out excessively drying the pores and skin or hair.

Strive Briogeo’s Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Mico-exfoliating Shampoo ($42, Amazon) together with the model’s Scalp Revival Charcoal + Tea Tree Scalp Serum ($32, Amazon).

3. Coconut oil

Due to its moisturizing, soothing, and antimicrobial properties, coconut oil can work wonders on a dry, itchy scalp. Analysis, together with one March 2021 research in Scientific Reports, reveals that coconut oil is efficient at lowering each fungus and dandruff.

You should buy coconut oil in lots of locations, together with your native grocery retailer. Merely heat a small quantity of it in your fingers or over a low range till it turns into a liquid after which apply it on to the scalp (ensure it is not too sizzling earlier than you place it in your pores and skin!). Therapeutic massage the oil gently into your scalp together with your fingers and deal with areas which might be significantly itchy or irritated.

4. Apple cider vinegar

An apple cider vinegar rinse is one more efficient itchy-scalp treatment that has been used for hundreds of years.

“It has each antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, which has helped these struggling with itchiness related to scalp psoriasis,” says Marisa Garshick, MD, dermatologist at Medical Dermatology & Beauty Surgical procedure in New York Metropolis. She suggests rinsing with a 1:1 ratio—one half apple cider vinegar and one half water—each week.

“Positively guarantee an intensive rinse of the scalp to be sure you’re reaping the antimicrobial profit,” she notes.

5. Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil has grow to be one of the frequent components present in skincare merchandise—and for good motive. “It’s recognized for its antimicrobial and antiseptic properties in its exercise in opposition to micro organism, viruses, fungi, mites, and so on.,” says Dr. Ilyas. “When added to scalp exfoliators, it’s more likely to handle among the underlying triggers for scalp irritation that end in scaling and itching.”

Strive Chamuel’s All Natural Tea Tree Balm ($16.47, Amazon) or Pharm to Table Scalp Relief Tea Tree Leave-In Conditioner ($14, Amazon).

Dr. Ilyas cautions, although, that tea tree oil comes with a 1 to 2 % likelihood of inflicting contact dermatitis. For that reason, you could need to check the product on a small patch of pores and skin first, to see when you have a response. And if you happen to use a product with tea tree oil however your itching will get worse, cease utilizing the product immediately.

6. Salicylic acid

This longtime topical pimples therapy has the power to interrupt aside superficial pores and skin cells to assist take away useless pores and skin from the floor. “In scalp merchandise, it may well assist take away extra dry pores and skin and scale,” notes Dr. Ilyas, which may also help tame itchiness.

“The beauty of salicylic acid is that it may be efficient with out being too irritating,” she provides.

Strive Act+Acre’s Cold Processed Scalp Renew Exfoliator ($48, Amazon), which helps exfoliate the scalp of flaky pores and skin, fight extra oil, and relieve scalp itch and sensitivity.

7. Aloe vera

Aloe vera extract has been used medicinally since historical instances to assist soothe the pores and skin and deal with burns and cuts, notes Dr. Ilyas, due to its anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties. It may work wonders on the scalp if you apply it immediately in gel kind, whether or not it’s retailer purchased or straight from the supply.

She recommends massaging the aloe vera gel gently into the scalp, specializing in areas which might be significantly itchy or irritated. Let it sit for a minimum of 10 minutes to achieve essentially the most advantages earlier than rinsing out.

8. Baking soda

Would you consider {that a} easy kitchen staple like baking soda may very well be the reply to your scalp itchiness? Baking soda may also help exfoliate the scalp and take away useless pores and skin cells that will contribute to itching, explains Dr. Ilyas. Consider it like a pure method to “detox” your scalp.

A simple at-home treatment is to combine a tablespoon of baking soda with lukewarm water to kind a easy paste which you could then therapeutic massage into your scalp. Make sure you rinse completely with water earlier than shampooing and conditioning as common.

9. Oatmeal

Have you ever ever seen that oatmeal is a well-liked ingredient in anti-itch creams and lotions? There’s good motive for this. Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties and may also help soothe the pores and skin—together with an itchy scalp.

Merely use a meals processor to grind up some rolled oats right into a effective powder after which combine it with water to kind a paste. Apply the paste to your scalp and go away it on for 20 to half-hour earlier than rinsing it out.

What to keep away from on an itchy scalp

Your scalp continues to be your pores and skin, so you’ll be able to simply irritate it if you happen to’re utilizing the flawed merchandise or components. Dr. Camp recommends avoiding undiluted important oils to the scalp. “Important oils have to be diluted in a service oil or shampoo, in any other case the excessive focus of oil could cause scalp irritation and additional exacerbate the issue,” he says.

He additionally recommends avoiding the usage of undiluted apple cider vinegar to the scalp, as it may well trigger a response that causes redness, swelling, ache, and worsening itch.

Additionally, take note of how often you’re washing your hair. “It may be useful to clean the hair often and persistently to stop buildup however not wash too usually, as this will result in dryness and itching,” says Dr. Garshick.

When to see a physician about an itchy scalp

It’s finest to see a physician if the itchiness persists regardless of at-home cures, worsens, or impacts your high quality of life. You may additionally need to make an appointment if you happen to suppose the wrongdoer is eczema, scabies, or ringworm, so your doc can draw up a therapy plan.

“Whereas there are some shampoos and hair care merchandise that may assist to alleviate an itchy scalp, it may well assist to be evaluated by a dermatologist as, relying on the trigger, there could also be some prescriptions that may assist, equivalent to prescription shampoo or topical steroids,” Dr. Garshick says.

FAQ

1. Why is my head itching so badly?

There are a number of causes for an itchy scalp, together with dry scalp, seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff), or contact dermatitis (an allergic response to sure merchandise). Different elements that will contribute embody under- or over-washing your hair, seasonal or environmental adjustments, and a historical past of pores and skin situations like eczema or psoriasis, explains Dr. Garshick.

“Because the season adjustments, the scalp can even expertise extra dryness on account of decreased moisture within the surroundings,” she says. “Additionally, if you’re experiencing an itchy scalp, it’s vital to concentrate to any hair merchandise you’re utilizing, as this could be a results of an allergic response or irritation.”

2. How do you hydrate an itchy scalp?

Scalp pores and skin may be hydrated through the use of a mild shampoo freed from dyes, fragrances, and sulfates as a result of these components can typically trigger pores and skin irritation and dryness, explains Dr. Camp. Plus: “Use a conditioner or masks that helps restore moisture to the scalp and hair shafts, equivalent to one which incorporates hydrating components like avocado, jojoba, argan, or olive oil,” he says.

3. What oil is nice for an itchy scalp?

A number of oils may be useful for an itchy scalp, together with coconut oil and tea tree oil, each of which supply moisturizing, soothing, and antimicrobial properties.

4. What’s the finest shampoo for an itchy scalp?

The very best shampoos for an itchy scalp include energetic components that assist soothe a dry scalp whereas lowering irritation. Dr. Garshick recommends Dove Dermacare Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo ($4.74, Amazon), which incorporates pyrithione zinc to combat dandruff and scale back flaking, whereas nonetheless being mild on the scalp. “It’s a very good possibility for these with dandruff who’re additionally experiencing dry scalp, because it additionally nourishes the scalp and is pH balanced, so received’t go away the scalp feeling stripped or dry,” she says.