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What helps relieve an itchy scalp?

November 11, 2015

Viewer Samuel Yeboah from Nigeria posed this question. Here is Dr. Lekutat's answer.

https://p.dw.com/p/1GREk
What helps relieve an itchy scalp?

What helps relieve an itchy scalp?

Dr. Lekutat's answer:

Our scalp maintains a natural moisture balance. When that balance is disrupted, the skin can get dry and itchy. Conditions such as dandruff and allergies can also promote itching. External factors such as shifts in temperature and the change of season can also have an effect, as can certain shampoos and hair treatments. I recommend using a mild shampoo with a pH value of 5.5. And it’s best not to wash your hair too often – for most people, three times a week is plenty.
When you use a hair dryer, it’s also best to avoid high heat. A few drops of olive oil rubbed into your hair overnight can also work wonders. If the itching can’t be tamed, though, it’s best to pay a visit to a dermatologist. In some cases, an itchy scalp may be due to a skin condition.