Whether your symptoms are caused by contact dermatitis, sebhorrheic dermatitis, lice or something else, all you want is relief. The good news is that as annoying and embarrassing as your symptoms may be, there are a wide variety of dry scalp treatments that can help.
Dry Itchy Scalp Cure
The main causes of dry itchy scalp are contact dermatitis and sebhorrheic dermatitis. Contact dermatitis is an acute condition; it is irritation caused by exposure to an allergen or irritant. Although it can cause tremendous discomfort, if you can determine what caused it then you don't have to worry about a recurrence, and the symptoms can generally be cured with a topical treatment or even an antihistamine if it is an allergic reaction. Common causes of contact dermatitis are perfumes and chemicals in shampoo.
If your condition is caused by lice, the ick factor is offset by the fact that it is easily cured. Tea tree shampoo is particularly effective at getting rid of these parasites, and washing with this natural shampoo is much safer for you and for your child then using a chemical treatment.
If your dry scalp is the result of a more chronic condition, it is probably a case of sebhorrheic dermatitis. This condition is characterized by flakes and scales that build up on your scalp and itch. The build up can also make your hair appear greasy and cause embarrassment over unsightly dandruff on your clothing. This condition is caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called P. Ovale.
Although nobody is sure what causes this overgrowth, there is some evidence of genetic influence; stress and diet are also thought to contribute. There is no known cure for the condition, but fortunately there are several effective dry scalp home remedies available.
Dry Itchy Scalp Home Remedy
The goal of any dry scalp home remedy is to sooth the irritation and get rid of the cause. If your dry scalp is caused by exposure to hot air, blow dryers, or chemical hair treatments, a moisturizing treatment is your best answer.
Warm olive oil or honey massaged into the scalp can work wonders, as can yogurt, or a mask made of oatmeal rubbed into the scalp and allowed to sit for about fifteen minutes. Preventative measures include avoiding very hot water in the shower and using moisturizing treatments regularly.
If you need to rid your scalp of greasy build up caused by hair products or dandruff, then a more astringent, cleansing treatment will work best. Try combining witch hazel with water and using it as a rinse; lemon juice also works well, as does apple cider vinegar. Be sure to rinse well after trying any of these treatments.
Dry Itchy Scalp Shampoo
If your dry itchy scalp is caused by dandruff and the overgrowth of greasy scales, you'll need a bit more help than home remedies can provide. There are several shampoos available on the market that are very effective dry scalp treatments.
Tea tree shampoo is a mild cleanser that contains tea tree oil, which is a natural anti fungal that soothes at the same time that it cleanses. Nizoral shampoo is a medicated shampoo containing an anti fungal called ketoconazole that is used in a variety of skin treatments; shampooing twice a week does a remarkable job of clearing out the scales, then following with a once a week usage keeps the overgrowth caused by the fungus away.
