BellaOnline Forums Beauty and Self Hair Itchy Scalp

I need some help!

My two oldest kids are about to rip their hair out - literally.

They both keep just clawing at their heads.

I've checked all the obvious - it's not lice, or even fleas (we have cats - so I thought that might be possible)

They don't have any flaking - so it's not dandruff, and I don't see any red irritated areas.

I've tried letting them use both Head & Shoulders and Selsun Blue shampoos to see if that would help any, but so far there has been no difference.

Any suggestions?

Hi Michelle
It is strange that two children have itchy scalps. You're sure it isn't Lice? Nerves can cause itching but I don't know why they both would be scratching.

All I can suggest is that you make sure they rinse really, really well after shampooing. Use a good quality conditioner after the shampoo and massage it into the scalp.

If it doesn't stop soon, see a doctor. I can't imagine what else would be causing it.

Sorry, not much help here. <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Both children do suffer from ADHD (well ADD for my daughter, my son is Asperger's as well)

and they both take Adderall XR as a medication. I wonder if this could be a side effect?

Maybe a side-effect. I think stress is a factor here, since I've been doing this when I had to prepare for exams as well. I still have to resist the temptation to do it, since it seems to be very catchy to do and you start doing it easily without even paying attention to it.

Meds can surely cause side effects such as itching. It is not unusual, but I think of the skin as being affected rather than the scalp. I have had itchiness in both places and I agree with Isa that stress plays a big part, too. When I become nervous, my itches start. Another thing I've noticed is that it tends to be habit forming, like always seeing someone biting their nails, before long, I have my fingers in my mouth (and I don't bite my nails! just nibble my cuticles).

It can be very catchy indeed, almost a compulsion, a habit that will have to be broken. As Isa said, you start doing it without even paying attention to it. As long as they are not digging holes in their scalps and making scabs, just try to help break the habit. The doctors can give them more meds to help but I doubt that you want them on anything else unless it should get much worse.

Peace and blessings.

Love from your friend in Christ,

Trish

They may have atopic dermatitis( eczema), folliculitits, psoriasis, or irritant contact dermatitis. Did you refer to any doctor?

It can also be a simple dry skin problem.

a few drops of lavender essential oil (or tea tree oil) in the shampoo they put on their head should help.

it coudl also be a sign of anemia that proceeds the hair actually falling out.

meg

I agree with the meds also the heat can contribute to the itching, dry scalp too. You can also try dr miracles or at one or any type of oils that relates to dry scalp, or shampoos and conditioners with menthol in them. When washing make sure you scrub.

It's probably just a reaction to using harsh shampoos that have sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth. Most of us feel the need to SCRUB the heck our of our poor scalps. Try diluting their shampoo, about 5 parts water, 1 part shampoo. If you put it in an applicator bottle with a nozzle, then shake it up good, you can get all that foam right down to your scalp. Also, when the shampoo strips all the oils , it goes into overdrive to produce more oil and then you have too much. Try to keep products off the scalp, such as mousse, gel, etc. The scalp pores need to be free of this, or they get clogged and then you have icky scaley stuff.

Also, an apple cider vinegar rinse really helps an itchy scalp. About 2 tablespoons of vinegar to 12 ounces of water. Apply after your washing and then rinse with warm water, followed by a cool/cold rinse, which will help close the hair cuticle and promote shine. Also helps with frizzies. Makes the hair really soft.

Try just an oil treatment. I do know that heat kills lice, and pupa...but thank goodness that 's not your problem.

People use warm/hot oil. that can harm the hair roots.