Itchy Flaky Scalp: Causes & Effective Home Remedies

Itchy scalp is also known as scalp pruritus, and it is a common condition. It can be caused due to many reasons. Seborrheic dermatitis, i.e., dandruff and inflammatory skin condition are the most common causes of itchy scalp. It can be the result of stress, fluctuating hormones, seasonal changes or an overgrowth of yeast on the skin. An itchy flaky scalp can also be caused by the scalp being too dry, oily hair and a variety of other conditions. Some of the other causes of itchy scalp include autoimmune disorders like psoriasis, fungal infection, allergic reactions, eczema, atopic dermatitis, head lice, stress, anxiety, diabetes or shingles. Here are some home remedies that will be effective in treating itchy flaky scalp.

Apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory, antifungal characteristics, and antibacterial properties that help in reducing the itching caused by dry skin. Dilute the apple cider vinegar in warm water and use it for rinsing after shampoo for alleviating dandruff and itchy scalp. You can also use a medicated shampoo.

Naturally extracted coconut oil from mature coconuts has lauric acid which is a saturated fat that contains antimicrobial properties. The skin naturally absorbs coconut oil efficiently due to the presence of lauric acid, and this makes it a soothing treatment for itchy scalp and even psoriasis. Organic coconut oil is also helpful if it is can is caused due to eczema and is also good in combating head lice. Mixing it with anise will help you in treating itchy and flaky scalp much better than permethrin which is a medicine used for treating lice.

Dilute peppermint oil with another oil light olive oil before messaging get into your itchy scalp before shampooing. It will calm down the itchiness and soothe your scalp. You can also use peppermint tea for rinsing after the shampoo.

An itchy flaky scalp is also caused due to stress and anxiety hence it should not come as a surprise that relaxing activities like meditation may be effective in eliminating itchy scalp. Meditation might also help in itching caused due to eczema. A study suggests that the effects of meditation on Eczema can improve the perception of itching by providing a coping mechanism and sense of control. You can use meditation in combination with the other remedies like medicated shampoo or even alone. If you are not aware of how to meditate effectively, take a class or listen to a meditation tape.

Tea tree oil has antiseptic, antifungal and antimicrobial properties along with anti-inflammatory effects. Tea tree oil can affect your skin so you should use it sparingly or dilute it with other oil before using. To be the most effective, add ten to twenty drops of tea tree oil to a gentle shampoo or olive oil and massage directly to your scalp. It is helpful introducing on eliminating itching that is associated with seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, head lice, and dandruff. Never ingest tea tree oil.

Make a paste with two to three tablespoons of baking soda and water and apply it on the scalp before washing it off after ten to fifteen minutes. If required repeat this treatment after few days. Baking soda works because it has antifungal and antibacterial properties. It kills the harmful microbes that cause the infection and itchiness on the scalp and hair follicles. Also, it neutralizes the pH of the scalp and soothes the skin.

Warm the virgin olive oil a little and massage get into your scalp and hair. Let it stay overnight and then rinse your hair in the morning as usual. You should do this twice a week for healthy hair and scalp. Olive oil contains two major components that are oleocanthal and oleuropein. Both of them have anti-inflammatory and skin protectant properties that heal the inflammation on the scalp and relieves the itchiness.

Take two to three tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and a cotton ball. Apply the to solve by yourself using the cotton ball and leave it for five to ten minutes then rinse that with water. Don't repeat this more than two times a week. Lemon juice has natural antimicrobial properties due to its acidity and phytochemicals. The phytochemicals and lemon juice also have an anti-inflammatory effect that soothes the itchiness when the lemon juice is applied on the scalp. However, be careful because excessive use of lemon juice lightens your hair color.

For this will need one part witch hazel oil diluted with two parts water. Mix them both and apply it on your scalp with fingers massaging it for a minute or two. Let the oil set for ten minutes before rinsing. You can use which this oil mixture every three to four days. Since witch hazel oil acts as an astringent and has antibacterial characteristics, it reduces the inflammation in the scalp and treats the infection along with psoriasis.

Remove the aloe gel from the leaves of the aloe vera and apply it directly to your scalp, and leave it for fifteen to twenty minutes then rinse it with lukewarm water. The gel of aloe vera is a natural moisturizer and because of its antimicrobial and soothing property is it is also a perfect cure for dandruff and itchy scalp.

Mix equal amounts of Listerine and water and apply it on the scalp massage in for a minute, and leave it for five minutes before rinsing it thoroughly. You can use this twice a week. Because Listerine is an antiseptic and has antimicrobial properties, Listerine is used as mouthwash. And because of this properties, it keeps the oral area germ free that's why it can also be used for relieving scalp from itchiness and dandruff. However, if you have a cut or any open lesions on your scalp, you should not use Listerine.

Peel the onion and squeeze out the juice. Now apply the juice on the scalp using a cotton bowl thoroughly, leave it on for twenty to thirty minutes, and rinse using shampoo. You can repeat this once every week. Onions have an antimicrobial quality that keeps scalp infection free. The antioxidant in the layers of the onion reduces the inflammation and keeps the scalp healthy.

Neem oil has antimicrobial properties, and that's why it's extracts have been utilized for centuries. It clears the infections causing itchiness, thus effectively giving you the leave from an itchy scalp. Mix six to eight drops of neem oil into two tablespoons of coconut oil and apply this mixture on your scalp and leave it for fifteen minutes before rinsing hair with a mild medicated shampoo. For maximum effectiveness repeat this treatment two or three times a week for quick relief from an itchy scalp.

Jojoba oil can heal and cure the scalp by removing the itchiness. It is also very easily absorbed into the skin making your hair shiny and soft. Massage the jojoba oil into your scalp, hair, and leave it on overnight. In the morning rinse with the mild medicated shampoo. You can repeat this two times a week.

Eucalyptus oil is a great natural remedy for dandruff which is often the main cause of an itchy scalp. Mix one tablespoon of lavender and eucalyptus oil in one tablespoon of coconut oil and have the mixture on the affected areas. Wash your scalp an hour after applying the mixture. You can do this once or two times a week. This oil mixture makes your hair soft and silky and is very relaxing and soothing to your scalp and hair follicles.

Chamomile is used to treat inflammation and other hair ailments including itchy scalp since ages. Boil a handful of chamomile flowers in two cups of water. Let it simmer until the color changes. Let it cool, then filter and fill the serum into a clean spray bottle and refrigerate. Whenever you feel an itch on your scalp spray it for instant relief. Use when inflammation of itchy scalp arises.

Both banana and avocado are a wonderful dandruff treatment because they are very nourishing and moisturizing, and together they sound like a smoothie for your scalp. They can reduce the flakes of inflammation and dryness of the scalp. Avocados contain antioxidants which keep the skin cells happy and healthy. On the other hand, bananas condition the scalp and hair. Mash two bananas and one avocado and apply the mixture or over your scalp especially where it's itchy. Let the mashed mixture stay for half an hour then rinse it out with cold water. Repeat regularly till the itching subsides or goes away.

Apart from these remedies, you can also use other methods for keeping your scalp free of itchy and dryness. Condition hair regularly that will increase the circulation of blood in your scalp, does keeping it healthy and free of itchiness. Don't over wash your hair as it causes the scalp to become dry and itchy. However not watching it enough can also make your scalp flaky and itchy. How much you need to wash your hair depends on your activity level so remember that you shouldn't let the grease and dirt build up in your scalp. Avoid foods that contain yeast because many times the persistent itching in yourself is the result of the long-term inflammation of these organisms. In this case, treating just the scalp will not help you get rid of the problem. You'll have to treat the yeast infection from inside. Another reason for your dry and itchy scalp could be your hair products since your scalp might be sensitive to specific ingredients in them like sodium lauryl sulfate and alcohol. Also always keep your home and hairbrush clean as a dirty home when goes back on your head fills your scalp with the dirt, grime, and microorganism present in it, thus giving you an itchy scalp.