CAUSES OF ITCHY SCALP IN MONSOON

There’s nothing worse than being stuck in a monsoon shower and start to feel an itch come over your body or head. Did something bite you? Could it be some new creepy insect? Could it be a skin infection? There are just so many possibilities running through our head, that we’re often left scratching for just that reason.

What causes an itchy scalp in monsoon?

How can you prevent an itchy scalp in rainy season?

How to cure the itchy scalp?

There are a few things which could be behind your scalp itch. Figuring out the source of your trouble can help you identify the right itchy scalp remedy to use.

• Infections and inflammation-

  Rainwater can have various forms of pollutants and is toxic for your hair. It can contain bacteria, germs and dirt, which can lead to inflammation on your scalp. Your hair follicles can also get inflamed and lead to an itchy scalp.

• Dandruff-

  One of the most common causes of itchy scalp, this ailment is often seen during the rainy season. Dandruff is triggered by a naturally occurring fungus and excessive oil build-up on your scalp. The humidity can provide an ideal environment for the growth of this fungus on your head and inadequate shampooing can also lead to a build-up of oil.

• Lice-

  The monsoon is often a breeding time for lice and parasites, which can find their way onto your scalp. Although uncommon, this can be a reason for your itchy scalp during monsoons.

Unless you have a chronic problem brought on by scalp conditions like Scalp Psoriasis or Eczema, there are steps you can take to avoid the onset of an itchy scalp.

• Diet-

  Building a healthy intake of foods with protein, vitamins and calcium can help build resilience on your scalp. Include fruits, leafy vegetables, nuts, eggs, beans, yoghurt and fish into your diet. It’s also necessary to hydrate.

• Stay out of the rain-

  Make sure that your hair doesn’t get wet in the rain. If you have got wet, make sure to wash your hair immediately and dry it out.

• Hair care routine-

  The best way to avoid an itchy scalp in rainy season is to wash your hair with a shampoo regularly. Keep your scalp clean and use a conditioner to nourish your hair strands. You can use products like the Head and Shoulders 2 in 1 Cool Menthol, which integrates a shampoo and conditioner into one.

• Reduce heat styling-

  It’s important to keep your hair dry but you shouldn’t rely on the blow dryer for it. This can excessively dry out your scalp and make it vulnerable to infections. It can also weaken your hair strands and cause breakage.

• Oil your hair-

  Try adding oil to your hair regimen at least once a week. This can tame frizzy hair by reducing moisture loss. Certain oils can disrupt build-up on the scalp and return the flow of your natural oils down the hair strands.

If you already have an itchy scalp, try the following:

• Tea Tree oil-

  This essential oil has strong anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help get rid of your monsoon itch. You can add a few drops to your shampoo or apply it with a carrier oil like coconut oil. A hair mask with tea tree oil can also work on your itchy scalp. Always dilute before applying.

• Aloe Vera-

  This gel-like substance can instantly soothe your scalp itch due to its anti-inflammatory enzymes. It can break any oil build-up on your scalp and reduce the effects of fungi. Apply it directly onto your head, or create a hair mask with lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, fenugreek seeds or even tea tree oil.

• Lemon-

  An acidic substance, lemon juice can balance out your pH levels and reduce any greasiness. It is shown to contain anti-microbial properties, which can be effective against an itchy scalp and dandruff. Use diluted lemon juice directly on your head or make a hair mask with either honey, curd, or coconut oil.

• Neem-

  This is nature’s cure for dandruff and contains strong anti-fungal properties. It can strengthen hair follicles and prevent dandruff from making a comeback. Boil neem in water and apply the liquid to your hair after shampooing, which should give you relief from scalp itch. Additionally, you can make a paste and use it as a hair mask.

• Reduce styling products-

  If you have a scalp itch, you should avoid using too many products on your hair. It can build-up on your hair and scalp due to the humidity, aggravating an itchy scalp.

• Shampoos for itchy scalp-

  There are shampoos available that can help get rid of an itchy scalp during monsoons. Try products like the Head and Shoulders Neem or Head and Shoulders Lemon Fresh , which are designed to remove the dandruff causing germs.

An itchy scalp isn’t the end of the world, especially in the monsoons. It’s a common problem for most people and all you need to do is follow the right steps to get back an itch-free scalp.