A Simple Check List to Help Yourself Solving Itchy Scalp
There are many reasons why the scalp or skin may be irritated. So before you seek a dermatologist's help, make a check list and ask yourself the following:
Are you using a shampoo or shower gel made from detergents like sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate? Although these detergents lather wonderfully they can dry your scalp or skin out to the point of being extremely itchy.
Consider switching to a natural soap-based liquid or bar cleanser, or try making your own cleansers yourself. Natural soaps are much kinder to the skin and scalp because they are made from vegetable oils instead of petroleum derivatives.
Is your laundry detergent making your skin itch? Laundry detergents are made from harsh cleansers and they are so strong that some of the residue may be left on your hats or clothes even after the rinse cycle. When you dry your clothes, that laundry detergent residue is left on them.
When you wear your clothes the laundry detergent residue comes into contact with your skin. As an alternative try a natural laundry powder available at health food stores or make your own soap, grate it, and use it as a natural laundry powder.
Are you suffering from allergic reactions to one or more food items? Commercially prepared foods contain many different ingredients which can sometimes cause allergic reactions. Try changing your diet by eliminating one food item at a time and see if this helps. That goes for hair dye, styling products and anything else that comes in contact with your skin or scalp!
Do you use any hair products that contains alcohol? Alcohol dry your scalp and cause itchiness!
Has your skin come into contact with a bacteria or fungus that could cause itching (like athlete's foot)? Try applying tea tree oil, or a product containing tea tree oil to the spot that is irritated. According to Dr. Ruth Winter, M.S., author of A Consumer’s Dictionary Of Cosmetic Ingredients, tea tree oil is "eleven to 13 times stronger than carbolic acid" and is non-toxic to the skin.
Are you suffering from bug bites? Sometimes we not even aware of small bites at start, check for marks! Bites from mosquitos and other insects usually swell and cause intense itching. Try applying several drops of lavender essential oil directly on the bug bite itself to soothe the itching.
