Remedies For An Itchy Scalp
Head Lice Medication
Patients who have head lice will often experience severe itching. The itching occurs due to an allergy to louse saliva. It normally starts two to six weeks after the infestation and typically affects the scalp, neck, and ears. Patients may also notice lice on the scalp, and lice eggs could be present on the hair shaft. Dandruff, scabs, and product residue could be mistaken for lice, so patients must see a doctor to confirm a lice infestation. If the infestation is confirmed, physicians often recommend starting treatment with an over-the-counter head lice medication.
These medications kill lice and some of their eggs, but they may not kill eggs that have been laid recently. Examples of over-the-counter lice medications include permethrin and pyrethrin with additives. The medicines may cause scalp redness and itching. After the first treatment, patients may need a second treatment roughly nine days later to kill all of the lice. If over-the-counter options are ineffective, doctors can prescribe ivermectin, malathion, or spinosad.
Colloidal Oatmeal
Colloidal oatmeal is produced by grinding and boiling oats so they can be evenly dispersed in water. Research suggests this type of oatmeal helps form a barrier against irritants, and it can be particularly effective at soothing scalp itching and irritation. To use colloidal oatmeal as an itchy scalp treatment, patients should mix one-third of a cup of colloidal oatmeal into a pitcher of warm water. Next, they should wash their hair with a hypoallergenic shampoo. After rinsing off the shampoo, the colloidal oatmeal mixture can be massaged into the hair and scalp. A shower cap should be placed over the head for fifteen minutes, and the oatmeal can then be rinsed off. Patients should allow their hair to air dry after this process.
Some might prefer to make a homemade shampoo with colloidal oatmeal. To do this, patients should begin by grinding one cup of long-cooking oatmeal (not instant oatmeal) in a blender or food processor until it becomes a fine powder. The powder should be placed in a bowl and combined with two cups of boiling water. This mixture needs to be stirred until the oatmeal has completely dissolved. After the mixture sits for five to ten minutes, it should be strained through a sieve or coffee filter. The filtered liquid should be saved, and any remaining solids can be thrown away. To make the shampoo, patients need to add one teaspoon of lemon juice and one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to the filtered liquid. Individuals with color-treated hair should omit the lemon juice. If desired, ten to twenty drops of essential oil can be added. After stirring the liquid together, it should be poured into an empty bottle. Patients should wet their hair with water before applying the mixture, and it needs to sit on the hair for at least two minutes before being rinsed off.
