Itchy Scalp and Dandruff

Dandruff can be described as shedding off small, scaly skin cells from the scalp surface. In normal condition, old skin cells from the top layer of the scalp are shredded once in a month and are replaced with new ones. Dandruff is one such problem where the shedding takes place more frequently in a matter of few days. In fact, the skin cells fall off even before they are dead. According to dermatologists, dandruff is a fungal infection on the scalp caused by Pityrosporum ovale. Itchy scalp, dandruff and hair loss mostly come together.

This condition can be triggered by both internal factors as well as external factors. The internal factors are poor nutrition, hormonal imbalance, allergic reaction, mental stress and so on. The external factors that can be held responsible are hair care products like hair sprays, gels, hair color, hair styling products like curling iron, cold and dry weather condition, poor hygiene, improper rinsing of scalp after shampooing, etc.

Itchy Scalp and Dandruff Home Remedies

There is no medicinal treatment that can eliminate dandruff permanently. Dandruff shampoos are often used to get rid of the scalp problem. However, as soon as one stops using them, the symptoms returns all over again. For this reason, more and more people rely on various home remedies. Following are some of the most effective natural treatments:

Remedy #1: A hot oil treatment once in a week is an excellent way to provide required nourishment to the scalp and make it healthy. Take some olive oil in a small bowl and heat it by placing the bowl in a saucepan of hot water. When the oil is warm enough, massage it on your scalp. Rub the oil all over the scalp by moving your fingertips in circular motion. Do this massage for 15-20 minutes. Then leave the oil on the scalp for an hour or two. After that, wash it off with a mild shampoo and lukewarm water.

Remedy #2: Fenugreek seeds work wonders on a dry scalp and dandruff. Soak one or two tablespoonful of fenugreek seeds in a bowl of water overnight. Next morning, you will find that the seeds have softened up a lot. Now grind the seeds thoroughly to make a paste. Apply it properly on the itchy dry scalp. Let the paste stay on the scalp for half an hour or so. Then rinse it off with mild shampoo.

Remedy #3: Take two eggs and beat properly in a bowl. Add two tablespoons of water into it. Now wet the hair and scalp and apply the egg on the scalp and hair. Keep the mixture on your head for next 15 minutes. Then wash off with lukewarm water. This is not just a good dandruff remedy but it can also keep the hair fall problem in check.

Remedy #4: For an instant relief from the itchy scalp, you can use oatmeal. Take a few teaspoons of oatmeal and soak it in water for half an hour. Mix it well before you strain out the liquid in a separate bowl. Put a 3 - 4 drops lavender oil into it. Take a rosemary stalk, chop it into pieces and soak it into hot water. When the water becomes lukewarm, pour it into the oatmeal extract. Dab the mixture on the itchy scalp and wait for 10 minutes. This will have a soothing effect on the itchy scalp.

Remedy #5: Apple cider vinegar is popularly used to cure a severe condition of dry itchy scalp and dandruff. Mix equal quantities of the vinegar and water. Massage it on the scalp and keep it untouched for an hour. Then rinse off your hair with a mild shampoo. This should be done twice or thrice a week. Later, when you have gotten rid of the problem, use the water vinegar mixture for the last rinse after shampooing the hair. This will ensure that no residues of shampoo and conditioner is left behind.

You can control itchy scalp dandruff problem with these treatments to a great extent. Along with all these remedies, you must eat healthy, nutritious foods to eliminate the possibility of poor nutrition. It is also important to keep the mind free from stress. It is advisable to stop using hair dryer in this condition as it tend to aggravate the problem. Do not use any alcohol based products on your hair as they tend to make the scalp more dry. If all these measures fail to show desired results within few weeks, it could be a more serious skin disorder like eczema or psoriasis for which visit a doctor for proper medicinal treatment.