CAUSES OF ITCHY SCALP AND HOME REMEDIES

 Itchy scalp (scalp pruritus) is a common complain and it has many causes. But the most common cause of itchy scalp is dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.
Some itchy scalp problem can be cured by home remedies or using shampoo that contains some certain ingredients while other itchy scalp problem may be so chronic that it requires medical attention and treatments.

Source

You need to visit the doctor when  :
• The symptoms includes swelling, sores and pains.
• If the itching is so serious that it affects your sleep and you hardly concentrate in your daily activities such as studying, working etc.
• If you see lice and nits on your hair.
• The itching last longer than a week.
• Don't let it arrive at this point where your hair begins to fall.

CAUSES OF ITCHY SCALP
1. DANDRUFF AND SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS : These are the most common cause of itchy scalp. The body's inflammatory response to an overgrowth of yeast causes the itching and flaky associated with these conditions.

2. FUNGAL INFECTION : Ringworm (Tinea capitis) infect the scalp and extends deep into the hair follicles causing patches of hair loss that increases in size overtime.

3. ALLERGIC REACTION TO PRODUCTS:
Eczema is one of the causes of itchy scalp and may be as a result of allergy to an ingredient in a product.  Just try to figure out what ingredient you are allergic to and avoid it.

4. HEADLICE :Lice can invade anyone's hair. When a person has lice on the hair,  it doesn't mean the person has a poor hygiene infact they prefer clean hair said by Dr. Pilians. The nits are glued and visible on the hair shaft, they look like dandruff but are nits (lice eggs) which cannot be dusted off. At times you can even spot the adult lice.

5. PSORIASIS: This is a chronic autoimmune disorder. This disease causes raised, reddish, scaly patches on the skin/scalp.( this calls for medical attention).

HOME REMEDIES TO ITCHY SCALP.
1. APPLE CIDER VINEGAR : it contains antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti fungal properties.
Mix apple cider vinegar with Luke warm water. After shampooing hair, use the mixture to rinse hair to alleviate dandruff and dry skin.

2.BAKING SODA: it contains both anti fungal and antibacterial properties that helps in killing the bacteria that causes the itch.
Get 2-3 teaspoons of baking soda and water, mix to form a paste, apply to scalp and leave for 10-15 minutes then wash with shampoo.

3. ORGANIC OLIVE OIL:
 it contains anti-inflammatory and skin protecting agents which helps in healing itchiness and infection on the scalp.
Heat oil for 10seconds, apply to hair, leave overnight and wash in the morning.

4. ORGANIC COCONUT OIL :it contains Lauric acid, a saturated fat that has antimicrobial properties.  The lauric acids helps the skin to absorb coconut oil efficiently, this makes it a smoothing treatment for itchy scalp.
Get enough organic coconut oil, heat it for 10 seconds apply and leave overnight then wash in the morning.

5. TEA TREE OIL : it contains antimicrobial, anti fungal, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which helps in reducing itching associated with dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis and headlice.
Get some drops of tea tree oil, dilute with olive oil because it is an essential oil and apply to the scalp.

6. PEPPERMINT OIL :
This may be effective at reducing dandruff and soothing the scalp, calming down itch.
Dilute a few drops of peppermint oil with olive oil because it is an essential oil, massage into scalp before shampooing or use peppermint tea as a rinse after shampooing.

7. ALOE VERA : it is a natural moisturizer and contains antimicrobial and soothing properties which helps in treating itchy scalp.
Apply aloe Vera gel to scalp,  leave in for 15-20 minutes and then wash with lukewarm water.