Essential oils are useful for many different things, including scalp care. Itchy head can be caused by various ailments, including lice and some diseases, and each may need a specific blend of oils depending on the circumstances. However, you can follow some general rules to figure out which essential oil is right for you.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Finding the Best Essential Oils
Step 1. Ask your dermatologist for advice
Before applying home remedies for scalp problems you should talk to your specialist doctor who can help you pinpoint the cause of the itch. Tell him how you plan to use these solutions, especially if you are going to use essential oils, as it may help you find the most appropriate blend for your situation. Describe exactly what you are organizing to treat yourself.
- Before starting any home remedies treatment, have your general practitioner or dermatologist diagnosed your scalp disorder. Tell him how you intend to treat yourself and with what substances; you need to be sure that the products you want to use are suitable for you and that they do not interfere with other medications you are already taking.
- Some home remedies offer some itch relief within three to four days; if you don't notice any improvement, remember to call your doctor again for further advice.
Step 2. Try antifungal oils
A dermatological disease of the head that responds well to essential oils is seborrheic dermatitis. Oils are particularly effective when this pathology is superimposed on a yeast infection (malassezia), responsible for an inflammatory response which in turn triggers itching. Oils with antifungal properties are effective for treating tinea capitis; it also counts itching among its symptoms. There are many antifungal oils that can help solve scalp problems, including:
- Tea tree oil;
- Cinnamon oil;
- Tangerine mandarin oil;
- Cumin oil.
Step 3. Try anti-inflammatory oils
A very common dermatological disorder of the head that causes itching is psoriasis, which triggers inflammation of the skin. As this disease is treated with different medicines, ask your doctor if there may be any interactions with the oils. These can be useful when used in conjunction with certain dermatologist-recommended over-the-counter shampoos containing tar or salicylic acid. Autoimmune diseases can also cause inflammation and itching of the scalp; Below is a short list of potentially effective oils:
- Bergamot oil;
- Oenothera oil;
- Linseed oil;
- Basil oil;
- Orange oil;
- Mint oil;
- Turmeric oil.
Part 2 of 3: Using Essential Oils
Step 1. Check for allergies
Before using any type of oil, you must evaluate the possible allergic reactions; you certainly don't want the itching to get worse due to a sensitivity to the product. Since most of the various oils work similarly, start testing the one that smells more pleasant.
- Choose a spot on the wrist or arm and apply some oil; wait at least 30 minutes to an hour to evaluate for any reactions, such as red or itchy skin, sneezing or headache.
- Do not use the oil if you have these symptoms; if there is no negative reaction, you can use it safely.
Step 2. Integrate the shampoo with the oils
When you have decided on the type of oil, you need to find a method to apply it to the scalp; instead of massaging it directly into the skin, add it to the shampoo. Buy a neutral cleanser, without preservatives or additives, and pour 2-5 drops of essential oil of your choice for every 180-240ml of shampoo.
- You could also use a larger dose of essential oil with each wash, but ask your doctor for advice first in case you don't get the desired results.
- By avoiding additives or preservatives, you reduce the chances of further irritating the scalp; baby shampoos are perfect for this purpose.
Step 3. Give apple cider vinegar rinses a try
Instead of using shampoo enriched with essential oils, make a rinse solution with apple cider vinegar and essential oils to soothe the itch. To start, wash your hair and apply conditioner as usual; then, combine 120 ml of hot water with the same apple cider vinegar, then add two or three drops of essential oil of your choice. Pour the mixture into your hair and massage it into your scalp for five minutes; when finished, rinse with warm water.
Repeat this wash every other day for the first two weeks; then reduce the frequency to two flushes per week
Part 3 of 3: Treating Pediculosis
Step 1. Learn about this parasitosis
Lice are small wingless insects that live on the host's head; they attach themselves to the hair shaft together with their own eggs. As they grow they cause intense itching; although they are quite common among school-age children, in reality everyone can get head lice. They are only spread by direct contact with another infested individual and are different parasites than body lice.
Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter shampoos that contain insecticides such as pyrethrin or permethrin. Follow the instructions on the package to the letter to get rid of these annoying guests
Step 2. Try a blend of oils
Instead of using over-the-counter remedies to beat head lice, you can give a treatment enriched with essential oils a try. Tea tree oil mixed with lavender oil is the most commonly used blend and has been shown to be effective in killing eggs and adult insects.
- To make the solution, pour four to five drops of tea tree oil with the same amount of lavender oil into a small bowl. Add 45-60ml of coconut or olive oil and mix thoroughly.
- Massage the mixture close to the hair roots, soaking the scalp well. Do not leave out the hairline line along the nape of the neck and behind the ears.
Step 3. Cover your head
Once your hair is soaked in the solution, put on a plastic shower cap or swim cap. Let the oils work for a minimum of four hours, preferably overnight.
If you don't have a swimming cap, wrap the garment in a knotted towel so it stays firmly in place
Step 4. Remove the lice
To get rid of the oils, wash your hair with plenty of shampoo and leave it on for about five minutes; rinse as usual and get out of the shower. Sprinkle your hair with a generous amount of conditioner to get rid of bugs more easily. Use a lice-specific fine-toothed comb to remove dead and dying parasites, rinsing it off after a few strokes.
- Rinse the comb in the sink using very hot running water.
- Start combing your hair from the root and don't leave out any strands. If you have long hair, treat one section at a time making sure you run the comb all the way to the ends of the strands.
- Repeat this procedure for three consecutive days and then again after a week.
