How many times have we scratched our heads in puzzlement, wondering why does my scalp itch? You know it has nothing to do with the lack of hygiene. If anything, it would be due to excessive amount of washing, especially with our busy lifestyles requiring perhaps more showering than just a once-a-day shower. With excessive shampooing, comes the possibility of using harsh shampoos and conditioners that can cause the scalp to become excessively dry. In addition, these products can leave the hair follicles open to infection. Many of the shampoos and conditioners are made with chemicals that dry out skin, stripping it of its natural oils, thereby causing an itch, sore scalp. Without essential oils, our skin is left open to a number of infections and yeast organisms, which result in dandruff and a flaky scalp.

The possible causes of an itchy scalp can stem from a number ongoing health issues. A skin condition, such as acne, can occur for a number of reasons. It can be due to hormonal imbalance, by an infection, ingrown hairs, and blocked pores, or an improper diet. Another source of the cause for the itchy scalp is stress. Keeping in mind that stress can be brought on by exhaustion, work pressures, emotional tension. Yes, stress can also cause acne. More serious conditions may cause an itchy scalp such as a fungus. An example of a fungus is ringworm. Cysts are caused by a plugged duct at the site of the hair shaft, which cause skin irritations. Lastly, it may be the result of an allergic skin reaction, which goes back to the earlier statement about various chemicals found in many shampoos and conditioners that may not be agreeable.

There are several natural remedies you can use to alleviate the symptoms and soothe your itchy scalp. Natural oils are excellent in relieving the itching symptoms. Such oils as lavender, german chamomile, eucalyptus, and avocado oil are best. Simply mix these oils together and add water in a 5:1 ratio or 4:1 ratio (with water being the dominant part of mix). Apply locally to the areas where it is most affected for relief. Also, keep in mind that these oils can be added to shampoo or conditioner to give your skin the added boost. It is recommended to use a pH balanced shampoo with natural oils, such as tea tree oil since it will keep your scalp from drying further and will help in the prevention of infection. Neem oil is an excellent remedy for dandruff prevention, and it can also be added to shampoo. Neem oil has been successfully used for various skin problems and in India is seen as a precious remedy. It is also great for psoriasis and eczema.

A quick remedy for an itchy scalp is to use a combination of rosemary and chamomile. You simply take two to four sprigs of rosemary, chop them up, and add to three bags of chamomile tea. Boil the tea mixture gently, let cool and strain. Then, simply rinse your hair with this mixture and enjoy the relaxing effect it has. Some also find taking selenium supplements is helpful to control itching and
problems. It is an ingredient in some anti-dandruff shampoos.

The good news to finding a cure for the itchy scalp is that many times it can be cured and soothes with prescription or home remedies. However, it is best to determine the cause of the itchy scalp so that you can best plan your treatment accordingly.