The 9 Best Home Remedies for an Itchy Scalp

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

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

The most typical trigger is seborrheic dermatitis (aka dandruff), Dr. Camp says, which is marked by pink, dry, flaky patches of pores and skin. It isn’t 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, based on the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD):

• Contact dermatitis: An itchy, flaky rash in your scalp might be an allergic response to a brand new hair- or skin-care product (assume: shampoo or hair dye). The itch and rash are inclined to go away once you cease utilizing the offending product.
• Scalp psoriasis: If in case you have the pores and skin situation plaque psoriasis, it could possibly flare up in your scalp, inflicting itchiness together with silvery-white scales and dandruff-like flakes.
• Atopic dermatitis: One of these eczema may cause redness and scales on the scalp, typically with a burning sensation, and it is best handled with the assistance of a dermatologist.
• Lice, scabies, or ringworm: Head lice and scabies are brought on by tiny bugs that invade your scalp, whereas ringworm is a fungal an infection. All three require a analysis and sometimes want a prescription remedy to go away.

Extra not often, an itchy scalp might be because of a nerve drawback (particularly when you 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 in all probability in search of some aid. Right here, dermatologists share their finest at-home treatments for an itchy scalp.

1. Zinc pyrithione

That is the lively 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 could possibly 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 will 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 develop into 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 could probably take in additional oil from the pores and skin,” she says.

She recommends this remedy for individuals who have an oily scalp, as it’s a milder different to assist cut 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 examine in Scientific Reports, exhibits that coconut oil is efficient at decreasing 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 palms or over a low range till it turns into a liquid after which apply it on to the scalp (be sure that it isn’t too scorching earlier than you place it in your pores and skin!). Therapeutic massage the oil gently into your scalp together with your fingers and concentrate on areas which can be significantly itchy or irritated.

4. Apple cider vinegar

An apple cider vinegar rinse is yet 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 a radical rinse of the scalp to be sure you’re reaping the antimicrobial profit,” she notes.

5. Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil has develop into one of the crucial widespread components present in skincare merchandise—and for good motive. “It’s identified 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 a number of the underlying triggers for scalp irritation that lead to 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 p.c likelihood of inflicting contact dermatitis. For that reason, it’s possible you’ll wish to check the product on a small patch of pores and skin first, to see when you’ve got a response. And when you use a product with tea tree oil however your itching will get worse, cease utilizing the product instantly.

6. Salicylic acid

This longtime topical pimples remedy has the flexibility to interrupt aside superficial pores and skin cells to assist take away useless pores and skin from the floor. “In scalp merchandise, it could possibly assist take away extra dry pores and skin and scale,” notes Dr. Ilyas, which will help tame itchiness.

“The wonderful thing about 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 occasions to assist soothe the pores and skin and deal with burns and cuts, notes Dr. Ilyas, because of its anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties. It might probably work wonders on the scalp once you apply it instantly 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 can be significantly itchy or irritated. Let it sit for not less than 10 minutes to achieve essentially the most advantages earlier than rinsing out.

8. Baking soda

Would you imagine {that a} easy kitchen staple like baking soda might be the reply to your scalp itchiness? Baking soda will 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 approach to “detox” your scalp.

A straightforward at-home treatment is to combine a tablespoon of baking soda with lukewarm water to kind a easy paste that you would be able to then therapeutic massage into your scalp. Be sure you rinse totally with water earlier than shampooing and conditioning as normal.

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 will 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 nice powder after which combine it with water to kind a paste. Apply the paste to your scalp and depart 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 worsen it when you’re utilizing the unsuitable merchandise or components. Dr. Camp recommends avoiding undiluted important oils to the scalp. “Important oils must be diluted in a provider oil or shampoo, in any other case the excessive focus of oil may 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 could possibly 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 scrub the hair usually and constantly to forestall buildup however not wash too typically, as this may result in dryness and itching,” says Dr. Garshick.

When to see a health care provider about an itchy scalp

It’s finest to see a health care provider if the itchiness persists regardless of at-home treatments, worsens, or impacts your high quality of life. You will additionally wish to make an appointment when you assume the wrongdoer is eczema, scabies, or ringworm, so your doc can draw up a remedy plan.

“Whereas there are some shampoos and hair care merchandise that may assist to alleviate an itchy scalp, it could possibly assist to be evaluated by a dermatologist as, relying on the trigger, there could also be some prescriptions that may assist, comparable 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 circumstances like eczema or psoriasis, explains Dr. Garshick.

“Because the season adjustments, the scalp also can expertise extra dryness because of decreased moisture within the atmosphere,” she says. “Additionally, in case you are experiencing an itchy scalp, it’s necessary to concentrate to any hair merchandise you might be utilizing, as this is usually 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 delicate 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, comparable to one which comprises hydrating components like avocado, jojoba, argan, or olive oil,” he says.

3. What oil is sweet 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 perfect shampoos for an itchy scalp comprise lively components that assist soothe a dry scalp whereas decreasing irritation. Dr. Garshick recommends Dove Dermacare Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo ($4.74, Amazon), which comprises pyrithione zinc to struggle dandruff and cut back flaking, whereas nonetheless being mild on the scalp. “It’s a very good choice for these with dandruff who’re additionally experiencing dry scalp, because it additionally nourishes the scalp and is pH balanced, so received’t depart the scalp feeling stripped or dry,” she says.