Folk and medicinal remedies for itchy scalp and dandruff

Home » Health » Why does dandruff and itching appear, how to get rid of them forever using folk methods and using pharmacy shampoos?

More than 30% of people on the planet suffer from dandruff. Snow flakes not only spoil the appearance, but also cause discomfort.

Due to dandruff, the skin begins to itch, hair falls out and the hairstyle becomes impossible to style. The most effective way to deal with a problem is to find the cause of its occurrence.

Use pharmacy assistants and our grandmothers' methods to get rid of dandruff.

The main drugs for the treatment of itchy scalp

There are many reasons that cause an itchy scalp. It can be a reaction to hair styling, as well as to hair care products that are incompatible with the skin.

However, itchy skin is often caused by inflammatory skin conditions, including:

• dandruff;
• dry skin;
• ringworm;
• psoriasis, dermatitis or eczema;
• infections associated with fungus or bacteria.

There are general treatments for itchy scalp that can help reduce or eliminate symptoms, regardless of the cause.

• Nizoral shampoo. The active ingredient of the drug includes ketonazole. To use the product, rub it into the scalp and rinse with water after 5 minutes. The procedure should be repeated twice a week. There are no contraindications to the use of shampoo.
• Shampoo Fitoval. The active ingredient of the drug includes Zinc pyrithione. The shampoo has an anti-inflammatory effect and is recommended for use for intense itching and irritation of the scalp. To use, apply a small amount of shampoo to damp hair and lather it slightly. The shampoo should be washed off after 2-3 minutes. Contraindications: allergic reactions in case of incompatibility with certain skin types.

It is important to remember that anti-itch products sold in the form of anti-dandruff shampoos may contain sulfites, which can cause allergic reactions. People with asthma, low blood sugar, liver disease, or porphyria should discuss the use of medicated shampoos with their healthcare provider.

Nizoral

Nizoral is one of the most popular and effective shampoos against dandruff on the scalp.
The active substance in this drug is ketoconazole, which actively fights fungal infections and dermatitis.

In addition, it contains hydrolyzed laurdimonium collagen (restores damaged epidermis) and hydrochloric acid (strengthens hair and restores acid-base balance).

Doctors speak positively about this medicinal shampoo. Its ability to cure dandruff quickly and for a long time is a definite plus.

In addition, the substances included in the composition do not penetrate into the blood, thus the use of shampoo is considered safe. But, despite this, this shampoo is prescribed to pregnant, lactating women and children with caution, since its effect on these population groups has not been fully studied.

When treating dandruff on the head, it is necessary to use Nizoral 2 times a week for 2-4 weeks, depending on the severity of the disease. Next, you should wash your hair with it for preventive purposes once a week or once every two weeks.

Pharmacy products

• Mycozoral, Ketoconazole tablets. The active ingredient of the drug is ketoconazole. The product effectively fights yeast-like fungi and itchy skin. The drug should be taken 1-2 tablets once a day. The course of treatment lasts for two months. Contraindications: pregnancy, hypersensitivity to the drug, liver dysfunction.
• Nystatin tablets. The active ingredient of the drug is nystatin. The product effectively combats itchy skin. To prepare the remedy, 2 tablets of Nystatin are dissolved in hot water. Water is rubbed into the skin in addition to using washing shampoo. Contraindications: pregnancy, hypersensitivity to the drug, liver dysfunction, pancreatitis, stomach ulcer.

conclusions

1. Shampoo is not the only way to combat dandruff.
2. There are creams, tablets, ampoules, sprays.
3. The use of hormonal drugs is possible after the recommendations of a doctor and as a last resort.
4. Medicinal products differ from conventional ones in their strong effects and concentration of active components.
5. Men are recommended to use products designed for oily skin with the possibility of regular use.
6. Methods for getting rid of dandruff in children depend on the age and cause of dandruff.

Folk remedies for itching and dandruff

Aloe vera. The soothing properties of this plant allow it to be widely used in products intended to treat dandruff, various types of skin lesions and irritations. Aloe vera kills bacteria and fungi, and also moisturizes and regenerates the skin. In addition, the plant acts as a mild exfoliant.

If you need quick relief from the symptoms of itchy scalp, you will need a teaspoon of Aloe Vera gel or its pulp to prepare the remedy. Rub the product into the skin and leave for 10-15 minutes. Then rinse your skin with warm water.

With daily use of the procedure, after a week it will become noticeable that the condition of the scalp has improved.

Contraindications: pregnancy, allergies, menstruation, cystitis, hemorrhoids.

Lemon juice. If your itchy scalp is caused by a bacterial infection, you can treat it with lemon juice. Lemon juice kills bacteria and removes dead skin cells, allowing you to get rid of dandruff. Lemon juice supplies the skin with the vitamin C it needs to regenerate and strengthen.

Lemon juice should be applied directly to the scalp and washed off after 15 minutes. You can also make a solution of 1⁄4 cup lemon juice in 2 cups water by rinsing your hair after washing and then rinsing it with clean water.

Contraindications: the juice has a high concentration of acids and should not be applied to damaged skin, as this will lead to irritation. Lemon juice can also cause allergic skin reactions.

A course of treatment

A very important condition when choosing industrial anti-dandruff products is correct diagnosis and diagnosis . Seborrhea is divided into types, subdivided according to the degree of complexity, each type, each degree requires its own approach, active substances, and its own treatment period.

But, as a rule, not the most advanced dandruff is cured with proper therapy within three weeks . Moreover, after the first week of proper treatment, a positive result is observed.

But in order to avoid the resumption of the pathogenic process, it is necessary to constantly monitor the condition of the scalp, do not forget about basic hygiene rules, monitor your diet, if possible, excluding fatty foods, alcohol and tobacco products, and excess confectionery and flour products .

Also, for the health and beauty of hair, an influx of fresh air and sunlight is necessary, which produces vitamin D .

Ointment for itchy scalp

• Sulfur ointment has antimicrobial and antiseptic effects. The product is rubbed into the skin in small quantities after washing and drying the hair, wrapping the head in a towel if desired, and leaving overnight. In the morning, the hair is washed with shampoo. Contraindications: individual intolerance. One of the disadvantages of the product is that it has a rather pungent odor.

• Boromenthol ointment is an antiseptic, analgesic and antipruritic. The menthol contained in the ointment is very popular for treating skin irritation and itching. The ointment is rubbed into the skin in small quantities and left overnight. In the morning, the hair is washed with shampoo. Contraindications: intolerance to the components of the medicinal product and age under one year.

Causes of itching

Before starting treatment for itchy scalp at home, it is necessary to determine the root cause of this condition. Certain pathologies and allergies to cosmetics can cause unpleasant sensations on the surface of the epidermis.

Factors that provoke the development of unpleasant symptoms are:

• parasitic diseases - mite activity, pediculosis, etc.;
• nervous shock, depression, stress;
• allergies to cosmetics, shampoo;
• incorrectly selected hair care product;
• fungal infection of the epidermis (mycosis);
• seborrhea;
• regular use of a hair dryer, thermal curling iron;
• frequent washing of strands;
• dermatitis;
• dryness of the epidermis (deficiency of vitamins and mineral components);
• increased muscle tone in the back of the head, shoulder area or back as a result of impaired blood supply, which provokes the development of hypoxia and constant itching.

The choice of methods for treating scalp itching with folk remedies depends on the provoking factor that caused the unpleasant condition. It is important to remember that in certain cases (fungus, seborrhea and other diseases), therapy for epidermal irritation is prescribed only by a doctor.

Essential oils for dandruff and itching

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil has powerful antifungal and antibacterial properties. It is ideal for a variety of skin problems, including irritation, dandruff and itching. The oil is a highly concentrated product, and for sensitive skin it is better to dilute it before use. The oil is rubbed into the scalp in a circular motion and left for an hour, then washed off with warm water.

If you feel that the oil in its pure form causes itching or burning, you need to mix it in equal quantities with olive or almond oil.

Olive oil gives an additional effect of skin regeneration and nourishes hair.

If your skin is very sensitive, you can add a few drops of tea tree oil to the water to rinse your hair. Before using the oil, it is important to ensure that the shampoo used before using the oil is completely rinsed off. When using oil, you must protect your eyes.

Contraindications: pregnancy, hypersensitivity to the drug, age under 10 years.

Coconut oil

Unlike tea tree oil, this product is very gentle on the skin, but also very effective. Coconut oil kills fungus and bacteria, moisturizes the scalp, and reduces the symptoms of dandruff, irritation and redness of the skin.

If your scalp condition is caused by a bacterial infection of the hair follicles (folliculitis), coconut oil will solve the problem in no time. It is necessary to warm up the coconut oil a little before use in order to increase its effectiveness and facilitate massage of the scalp.

To use the oil, rub it into the skin and then wrap your head in a towel, leaving for an hour. After the procedure, wash off the oil with warm water. If your hair is not oily, you can leave the oil on your head overnight to achieve maximum effect.

By repeating this procedure every two days for two weeks, you may notice a reduction in the symptoms of itchy scalp.

It is necessary to continue therapy, performing treatments once a week for a month to prevent recurrence of skin problems.

The oil is hypoallergenic, there are no contraindications for its use.

Parasites

The appearance of lice and other parasitic infections cannot be stopped even by observing the rules of hygiene. Living on the skin, parasites leave products of their vital activity that secrete toxins: saliva, excrement, gland secretions. The itching that occurs is the body's reaction to toxins.

Scabies, pediculosis

Pediculosis can be seen with a magnifying glass and is a translucent small insect.

Ticks are not visible through a magnifying glass. It is only possible to discern tunnels gnawed into the scalp. To detect it, apply an iodine solution with a cotton swab to the itchy area of ​​hair. Where the epidermis layer is damaged and has a loose structure, the coloring will be more intense. After the procedure, thin or tortuous scabies channels will appear.

4-5 year old children are especially susceptible to itchy illness. Parents need to take a close look at the baby. If a child constantly scratches his legs (feet), arms, back, head, butt, and there is separation and brittleness of the nails, the cause is scabies.

Demodicosis

Demodectic mange or acne. The causative agent of the disease is a tick. Itching spreads to the face, forehead, chin. Appears on the skin of the external auditory canal. Eye irritation and the appearance of pink purulent formations are observed.

To confirm or refute the presence of parasitic infections, it is necessary to submit a scraping of the problematic part of the body for bacterioscopy. The procedure is performed by a dermatologist or infectious disease specialist.

Types of disease

Depending on the composition of sebum secreted by the sebaceous glands, dandruff is divided into two types: dry and oily. Each has its own symptoms and specific treatment method.

Dry dandruff

It may appear due to viscous sebum, insufficient sebum secretion. This situation occurs when the sebaceous glands are inhibited. Most often the process occurs during puberty. This pathology is less common in adults.

Dry dandruff affects the upper layers of the epidermis, makes them dry, and the skin begins to peel. In such a situation, the hair does not receive the required amount of nutrients and becomes separated. This is especially noticeable at the ends. Not completely dead skin particles begin to accumulate and form yellowish-grayish flakes.

Unpleasant symptoms are accompanied by itchy skin; with prolonged inactivity, there is a high probability of seborrheic dermatitis and pink spots at the site of scratching. This type of dandruff is characterized by a feeling of tightness and dryness of the skin.

Oily dandruff

This type of disease is necessarily accompanied by increased production of sebum. Scales of not quite dead cells cover greasy hair. Curls quickly become greasy, even with daily washing.

The situation is complicated by blockage of the sebaceous ducts and hair follicles. The process leads to alopecia and unpleasant sensations. There is a high probability of acne and comedones appearing as a result of infection. In any case, the situation requires immediate intervention and treatment.

Some patients note the appearance of mixed symptoms, then this disease is called mixed type of dandruff or seborrhea.

READ ALSO: How to choose a medicated anti-dandruff shampoo at the pharmacy? Review of popular brands from well-known manufacturers

Various stress factors

Stress – every second disease in the body is associated with nerves. The scalp is no exception. Psychological pressure, emotional excitability, physical or mental stress, sad events in life lead (proven by scientists) to the appearance of itchy areas not only in the scalp, but throughout the body.

An excited nervous system provokes increased production of adrenaline. Physical activity is designed to remove excess enzyme content. The absence of these leads to the accumulation of adrenaline in the blood and causing itching of the skin.

Dandruff

Dandruff is small white flakes that are constantly present on the skin and hair. The scalp is replaced every 28 days. The flaked dead remains remain on the head. With careful care, following a hair washing routine, and using high-quality products, dandruff is invisible. If malfunctions occur in the body, then renewal occurs more often. This leads to a more noticeable appearance, especially on oily or dry scalp.

Reasons that cause dandruff:

• Thyroid dysfunction;
• Due to disruption of the internal organs, the secretion of sebum to the surface increases;
• Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• Endocrine system disorder.

The disorder can be caused by severe stress, excessive activity, or prolonged depression.

Preventive measures

In order to avoid the need to treat dandruff and itching, they should be prevented. To do this, you need to follow several rules:

1. In summer and winter, it is necessary to protect your head from hypothermia or heat.
2. When washing your hair, you should use a comfortable temperature regime, that is, not cold and not very hot water.
3. Monitor the quality of food you eat, trying to exclude fatty foods. Vitamins beneficial to the body should prevail in the daily diet.
4. Wash your hair only when it gets dirty.
5. Perform massage movements in the hair area.
6. Choose hair cosmetics carefully.
7. Do not use other people's hair care products.

If itching or dandruff does not go away after applying the above treatment methods, it is better to consult a general practitioner. He will examine the symptoms and either refer you to another specialist in this field or prescribe the appropriate therapy himself.