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Symptoms, Their Causes & Cures Scalp Itching

http://www.mothernature.com/Library/Bookshelf/Books/16/185.cfm

What Your Symptom Is Telling You There you are, scratching your head like a bluetick hound, wondering why your scalp is so doggone itchy. Muse no more, McGruff. You may have developed a skin condition like psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis, accompanied by a yeast that forces your skin to grow more rapidly than normal. The overabundance of skin, in turn, encourages an overgrowth of the organisms that trigger—you guessed it—itching, says Rietschel, M.D., chairman of the Department of Dermatology at the Ochsner Clinic in New Orleans. Other common head itchers: improper hair care and (yuck) head lice. Symptom Relief Rather than rub yourself raw, try these treatments for itchy scalp. Banish the bar. Never use a cake of soap to shampoo your hair, says Ron , president of the Aestheticians International Association in Dallas. Not only is it harsh on hair, but it also strips the scalp of essential oils, which can lead to itching, he says. Do the right shampoo. "You really need a pH-balanced shampoo to keep your scalp from flaking and drying, a common cause of itchy scalp," says . Look for one that has a pH level between 4.5 and 5.5, he says. You can check the pH level of your favorite shampoo by using nitrozine paper test strips, which you can buy from pharmacies, he says. Have an antihistamine. Some antihistamines used for allergies contain anti-itching ingredients that may provide temporary relief from itchy scalp, says s, M.D., a spokesperson for the American Academy of Dermatologists with a practice in Toronto. Among the best are Benadryl and Chlor-Trimeton. Because each contains a sedative, both may be helpful with an itch that's keeping you up, he says. Sleep on it. "If you're looking for an over-the-counter treatment for scalp scaling, there's an excellent product called Baker's P and S Liquid," says Dr. Rietschel. Apply it to the scalp at bedtime and put on a shower cap. The next morning, clean your hair with a dandruff shampoo. Spread on some olive oil. "Olive oil does seem to have a soothing effect on some cases of dry, itchy scalp," says Dr. Rietschel. Just massage warm olive oil into your scalp and wait ten minutes before you shampoo. Make a date with your dermatologist. "You're going to need a higher level of care if you don't begin to get substantial relief within about a week," says Dr. Rietschel.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/105467/homemade_treatments_for_an_itchy_scalp.html

Homemade Treatments for an Itchy Scalp - Associated Content

Homemade Treatments for an Itchy Scalp

Even if you don't suffer from problems like Eczema, Scalp Acne or Dandruff, you can still have an itchy scalp. Since your scalp is covered with skin, it can become dry and irritated just like the rest of your body. Try these homemade treatments for an itchy scalp to relieve the discomfort.

If you're a child of the 50's, then you may remember a commercial for Brylcreem. Brylcreem is a long-time hair gel for men. The company's famous slogan was, " A little dab'll do ya!" Shampoo is the same way. You only need a dab of shampoo to get your hair clean. If you like to pour shampoo on your scalp to lather up so your hair feels clean, then you'll need to rinse, rinse, rinse your hair and scalp clean. Otherwise, the shampoo can leave a soapy residue that can make your scalp itch.

Even if you only use a dab of shampoo to wash your hair with, it can still leave a residue and cause itchy scalp. A good old-fashioned homemade treatment for this problem is vinegar. After you have washed your hair, take a cup of warm water and stir in three tablespoons of vinegar. Apply this to your hair, making sure the solution reaches your itchy scalp, and let is set for a few minutes. Then, rinse your hair as normal.

The vinegar will help remove residue that's left on your scalp from shampoo, conditioners and hair products. It will also cleanse your scalp and help heal any scratches you've made with your fingernails. This homemade treatment will also restore the natural pH balance to your hair and scalp. Vinegar may loosen waves and curls if you have a perm, though, so be careful.

You may also be surprised to find that you're allergic to a certain ingredient in the shampoo you're currently using. If the vinegar rinse doesn't produce results, then try switching to another brand. Look for shampoos that don't contain chemicals like formaldehyde, isopropyl alcohol and sodium lauryl sulfate, for just a few examples.

If the skin on your body is dry and scaly, then your scalp can be the same way too. To help hydrate your skin and relieve the itchy dryness, make sure you drink six to eight glasses of water each day.

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