Itching of the scalp is quite common. Fortunately, this problem can often be solved with simple steps such as changing hair care. However, if it doesn't improve, it may be a sign of a medical problem. There are a number of things that can cause an itchy scalp, such as dry skin or accumulation of hair care products, and you can usually fix this by changing your hair or skin care products. In addition, also check for lice in the hair, make sure your skin is not sunburned, and drink lots of water.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Improving Hair Care Routine
Step 1. Switch to a more natural shampoo
The accumulation of shampoo and conditioner you normally use can coat your scalp and make it feel itchy. For that, buy new shampoos and conditioners, especially those containing natural ingredients such as tea tree oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, or pirition zinc.
Look for healthy shampoos at your local convenience store or health food store
Step 2. Buy hair care products that don't contain fragrance
The perfumes in hair care products can irritate the scalp and make it itchy. So, when shopping, look for products that say "fragrance-free" on the label. If you can't find a product like this, look for a product labeled hypoallergenic.
You can also try hair care products for babies or people with sensitive skin
Step 3. Treat your hair regularly
Comb or brush your hair 2-3 times a day to distribute the natural oils. Pay special attention to the scalp. Brushing your hair with a soft, clean brush will stimulate blood circulation and relieve itching on the scalp.
Brush hair gently. Rough and aggressive movements will actually scratch or irritate the scalp and make itching worse
Step 4. Stop using hair care products that contain alcohol
Keeping alcohol away from the scalp is also the most effective way to reduce dandruff (which is also a sign of an itchy scalp). Hair care products that contain high amounts of alcohol can also trigger (or exacerbate the effects of) itching and pain in the scalp, which includes eczema, seborrhoea, and seborrheic dermatitis.
Alcohol is a very drying agent, and can easily dry out the scalp and make it very itchy
Step 5. Apply coconut oil to the scalp
Coconut oil can create a protective layer that retains moisture in the skin. Thus, this method is effective for dealing with itching on the scalp. To use it, just apply a little coconut oil to the scalp after cleansing (after shampooing). Then, leave this oil on for at least half an hour and then use an unscented shampoo to clean your hair. Do this treatment 3 times a week.
Alternatively, slowly heat the coconut oil until it melts. Then add this oil to the shampoo before shampooing
Method 2 of 3: Taking Care of the Scalp
Step 1. Get rid of head lice with a special shampoo
Head lice are unwanted nuisance pests. However, these pests are easy to get rid of. Get someone to check for lice or their eggs (usually at the base of the hair shaft) on your head. The itching that accompanies a flea infestation is actually caused by the skin's reaction to the flea's saliva.
- To get rid of head lice, use medicated shampoo as recommended, and wash all clothes and bed linens you use.
- Dry clean all items that cannot be machine washed (including stuffed toys).
- Vacuum carpets and furniture upholstery.
- Soak hair-related items (combs, brushes, hair ties, hats, etc.) in rubbing alcohol or medicated shampoo for an hour.
Step 2. Apply aloe vera to relieve sunburn symptoms
Your scalp burns easily especially at the height of the very hot dry season. Itching often occurs when sunburned skin begins to heal. To relieve it, use an aloe vera shampoo or conditioner.
If you plan to spend more than 1 hour in the sun, wear a hat or cover your scalp with sunscreen
Step 3. Dry hair completely after showering or shampooing
If you have long hair, don't tie it while it's still wet. Allow your hair to dry completely before tying it. Otherwise, wet hair stuck to the scalp will make it itch.
Similarly, you may need to dry your hair and scalp after spending hours in the sun. If you spend long enough to sweat in the sun, this sweat production will also make your scalp itch
Step 4. Use a topical medication to treat psoriasis on the scalp
Psoriasis is a chronic problem that causes skin cells to grow unnaturally faster and become red, raised patches. Accumulation of more dead skin cells can cause itching and discomfort. Usually, psoriasis can be treated with topical ointments or medicated shampoos that contain salicylic acid.
If you suspect you have this problem, contact your general practitioner or dermatologist. Your doctor should be able to prescribe a medicated ointment or shampoo, or recommend an over-the-counter treatment product
Step 5. Visit a dermatologist if your scalp itching persists
If your scalp itching doesn't improve, it may be a sign of a more serious skin problem, such as shingles, fungal infections Tinea amiantacea or Lichen planopilaris, dermatitis, and ringworm. Almost all of these skin problems are accompanied by peeling, discharge, or a rash on the scalp.
Consult a doctor. Your doctor can diagnose your health problem and prescribe the right treatment
Method 3 of 3: Changing Your Lifestyle
Step 1. Expose your scalp to the air
To stay healthy, your scalp needs time to "breathe" like any other skin. If you always wear a hat or wear a wig often, the airflow to your scalp will be blocked, making it itchy.
If your scalp feels more itchy after wearing a hat or wig, try to stop wearing a head covering and expose your scalp to the air
Step 2. Meet the body's fluid needs
Dehydration will affect the skin, and skin that is not getting enough water will dry out and feel itchy. While to keep your hair hydrated you can use a non-drying hydrating shampoo, you can also help by avoiding dehydration of the body as a whole.
Consult your doctor to find out how much fluid you should drink according to your age and weight. Adult men and women, respectively, should generally drink at least 13 cups (3 liters) and 9 cups (2.2 liters) of fluids daily
Step 3. Reduce daily stress and anxiety to reduce itching
Anxiety can interfere with body functions in general, and also have an impact on the scalp. If you don't have a rash but feel itchy on your face and neck, stress may be the main culprit. Easy ways to reduce your daily stress and anxiety include:
- Spend more time relaxing with friends and family.
- Discuss your stress and anxiety with a close friend or therapist.
- Follow a relaxing exercise program such as yoga or meditation.
- Stay away from monitor screens (cell phones, computers, TV) an hour before bedtime.
Tips
- Don't scratch your itchy scalp even if you really want to. Scratching will only add to the problem.
- Make sure your fingernails are always clean as you may scratch your scalp while you sleep.
