Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Dealing with compulsive scalp scratching
• Method 2 of 3: Control itching caused by dandruff
• Method 3 of 3: Identify other underlying causes
• Tips

Do you have a constant tendency to scratch your scalp? If so, you may be dealing with obsessive neurosis. You can deal with this through relaxation techniques, sensory replacements and distracting activities. If your scalp is always itchy, try to deal with the underlying condition. Dandruff is the most common cause of scalp itchiness; other possibilities include psoriasis, ringworm and head lice. Fortunately, these conditions are treatable, so a solution or improvement is within reach.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Dealing with compulsive scalp scratching

1. Find out if the scratching is really compulsive behavior. Excoriation disorder, where you feel the urge to constantly pick your skin, is a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Compulsive plucking is more than just a strong urge to scratch your skin.The recurring scratching can lead to open wounds, lesions, or other medical complaints, and an urge so overwhelming, you can't stop scratching no matter how hard you try.
   • Excoriation disorder is a compulsive urge not caused by illegal substances or drugs. If something you take is the cause of your OCD, see if you can adjust it before undergoing treatment to get rid of scratching.
   • Scratching the skin can also be a side effect of other mental health conditions. If you have any other mental or psychiatric problem, talk to your doctor or therapist to see if it is related to the scratching or if it is a true neurosis.
2. Try to identify stressors that trigger scalp scratching. Pay attention to any anxious thoughts or stressful situations that could lead to the urge to scratch your scalp. Notice if the urge occurs more often in specific places or times of the day. While you can't avoid all triggers, being aware of them can help you reduce scratching your scalp.
   • For example, if you get stressed at work or at school, you can't just quit your job or quit going to school to get rid of the stress factor. However, you can develop strategies to manage the urge, such as breathing exercises and distraction activities.
   • Many people tend to scratch their skin or scalp, especially at night, as well as when they feel stressed or anxious.
3. Take a deep breath and think of positive things to resist this tendency. If you feel stressed or find yourself unconsciously scratching, close your eyes for a moment and relax. Take a deep breath and fill your belly with air. Count to four as you inhale, then hold your breath for a count of seven, and count to eight as you slowly exhale.
   • As you breathe, imagine that you are in a calm, pleasant environment. Think positive affirmations, such as, "Everything's okay. These anxious feelings will pass. I have the strength to resist the urge to scratch my skin. "
4. Squeeze a stress ball or play with a fidgety toy. Keep your hands busy until the urge to pluck your scalp is over. Try playing with objects, such as a stress ball, silly putty, or a toy. Find out which objects provide sensory distraction and satisfy your urge to scratch.
   • Touching a doll's hair and head can also help. Try a variety of objects and see what works best for you.
5. Keep a motivation journal to track your progress. If you overcome an urge or spend a day without scratching your head, make a note of it in your journal. Optionally, stick a sticker with your diary entries to celebrate small successes.
   • If it seems almost impossible to counteract the urge to scratch, read the notes about your past successes. A reminder that you've overcome the urge once before can help you stay on track.
   • You can also use an app or device to become aware of such habits and help interrupt scratching.
6. Call a friend to distract yourself if you feel the urge to scratch. If you are in a stressful situation or experiencing anxious thoughts, talk about it with a close friend or family member. Even if you're not concerned about a specific stressor, you can reach out to a loved one for a distracting conversation when you want to start scratching.
   • Letting out about your stress can be an outlet for the underlying cause of your urge to scratch. Friendly conversation can take your mind off the urge when it arises.
7. See a therapist if you have trouble resisting this urge on your own. Cognitive behavioral therapy and other forms of talk therapy are effective treatments for compulsive scratching. A mental health professional who specializes in body-focused, repetitive behaviors can help you recognize and address the thinking patterns that lead to compulsive behaviors. If necessary, they may also be able to prescribe you an anti-anxiety medication or antidepressant.
   • Don't be afraid or embarrassed about seeing a mental health professional. There is no difference between taking care of your physical health and your mental well-being.
   • Trust your therapist, follow his advice, and do the "homework" he gives you, such as affirmations and behavioral exercises. Your therapist is there to help, so do your best to maintain a positive mindset.

Method 2 of 3: Control itching caused by dandruff

1. Buy one anti-dandruff shampoo. Look for dandruff shampoos at your local pharmacy or supermarket. Look for products that contain salicylic acid, coal tar, zinc, resorcin, ketoconazole, or selenium sulfide. Read the label on the package carefully and use it as directed.
   • You just use some products as a shampoo (foam and rinse). Others recommend leaving the shampoo on your hair for five minutes.
2. If a shampoo is not effective, try a different active ingredient. If the first product you try doesn't work after 3-4 weeks, switch to a product with a different active ingredient. For example, if a shampoo with the active ingredient salicylic acid didn't work, try one with pyrithione zinc.
   • If a shampoo leaves your hair and scalp feeling dry, try a different product. For example, salicylic acid tends to dry out the scalp, so a 2-in-1 shampoo / conditioner with pyrithione zinc may be a better option.
   • Be careful with shampoos that contain coal tar and selenium sulfide - these can discolor blonde, gray, or dyed hair.
   • The more expensive ketoconazole shampoos are stronger and can yield results when others are ineffective.
3. If you don't want to use chemical shampoos, use a natural remedy. Tea tree oil can be an effective home treatment for dandruff. You can buy natural shampoos with tea tree oil, or mix a drop of it with 30 ml of Castilia soap.
   • If your hair and scalp are dry, you can also massage some coconut oil into your scalp. Leave it on for five or 10 minutes and then rinse your hair well.
   • Spraying your hair with a mixture of equal parts water and apple cider vinegar might also work. Spray your hair, leave it on for five or 10 minutes, then rinse.
4. Consult a doctor if your complaints are severe or persistent. If you've noticed flaky patches, yellow scabs, or inflamed red areas, your scalp may need medical treatment. See your doctor if you experience these symptoms, or if the scaling and itching persists despite your efforts to treat the problem at home.
   • Your doctor or dermatologist may be able to recommend a prescription dandruff shampoo. If another medical condition is diagnosed, your doctor can treat it - such as allergies to cosmetics, psoriasis or ringworm.

Method 3 of 3: Identify other underlying causes

1. See a dermatologist if you think you have psoriasis have. Psoriasis can cause itching and scaling and is easily confused with dandruff. Dandruff tends to have a yellowish-white hue, while flakes associated with psoriasis are silvery-white. With psoriasis, plaques, or red, inflamed patches of dry flakes may develop on the scalp, neck, and behind the ears.
   • To make an accurate diagnosis, a dermatologist will perform a physical exam. They can also take a small skin sample and send it to a lab for testing.
   • Psoriasis is treated with medicated shampoos and corticosteroid ointments. In severe cases, your medication may be prescribed to take. Your dermatologist will come up with the right treatment plan for your specific condition.
2. Keep ringworm within limits with oral medications and medicated shampoo. Signs of ringworm include itching, round, red patches of irritated skin, and round or oval areas of hair loss. See your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treat ringworm with an oral anti-fungal medication and anti-fungal shampoo.
   • When you start the treatment, wash the towels, bedding and clothes in the washing machine and dry them on the hottest setting of your dryer. Ringworm is spread through direct contact with infected skin or contaminated objects, such as clothing, combs, hats, or bedding.
   • Soak your combs and brushes in a solution of one part bleach and 10 parts water for one hour a day for the first three days of treatment.
   • When treating ringworm, don't share hygiene products, hats, pillowcases, or anything that hits your head.
3. If necessary, apply an insecticidal shampoo against it head lice. If your itchy scalp isn't due to dandruff, psoriasis, or ringworm, then head lice could be to blame. Lice are small, brown insects that lay white eggs. To treat head lice, use an over-the-counter permethrin shampoo and remove the bugs and eggs with a fine-tooth comb.
   • As with ringworm, you should machine wash and dry towels, bedding, and clothing during treatment. Avoid sharing hats, helmets, pillows, and anything that hits your head.
   • In stubborn cases, you may need a prescription insecticidal shampoo.
4. Ask your doctor about medications for itching caused by nerve damage. Conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease can cause neuropathic itching, or itching due to nerve damage. This could be the source of itching, but no signs of a skin condition. See your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and discuss medications that can provide relief.
   • Oral or topical corticosteroids and nerve blockers can provide relief. Possible side effects vary but may include fatigue, drowsiness, weight gain and a weakened immune system.
   • Take all medications according to your doctor's instructions. Before you stop taking any prescription medications, consult your doctor.

Tips

• Do your best to relax. Do breathing exercises, meditate, and take time for fun, relaxing activities. Stress can aggravate almost all scalp-scratching conditions - from compulsive scratching to dandruff and psoriasis.
• If you compulsively scratch your scalp, trim your nails short to avoid damaging your skin. In addition, keep combs, brushes, tweezers, or other hygiene tools that can trigger you to scratch in drawers and cupboards so they stay out of sight.
• If practical, consider wearing a hat or bandana to avoid compulsive scratching.