Menu
eMediHealth Logo
Subscribe
No Result
View All Result
eMediHealth Logo
Subscribe
No Result
View All Result

Home > Skin & Beauty > Hair & Scalp > 5 Home Remedies for Scalp Scabs

5 Home Remedies for Scalp Scabs

September 23, 2022 - Updated on September 25, 2022
7 min read
By Sarita Sanke, MD | Dermatology

In this article:

  • Home Remedies to Treat Scalp Scabs
  • Preventive Tips for Scalp Scabs
  • Final Word

Scalp scabs are raised crusty bumps on the scalp that tend to be quite itchy and prickly. Scab formation is part of the natural skin healing process.

home remedies and preventive tips for scalp scabs

When your skin is ruptured, it forms hard thick tissue over the wound to shield it from external irritants and further damage as it heals.

As the body produces new skin cells to repair the wound, the overlying scab tissue becomes drier and gradually loosens to fall off the skin. The removal of the scab will reveal new healed skin underneath.

But there is one issue that gets in the way of this process. As the scabs dry out, they become extremely itchy and discomforting. This triggers the urge to scratch or pick at them, which only damages the new skin formed underneath and delays the healing process.

Advertisements

Home Remedies to Treat Scalp Scabs

Here are a few home remedies that can help alleviate the itchiness associated with scalp scabs to keep you from scratching them. However, if the condition is severe, please consult a doctor.

1. Apply a cold compress

The application of cold temperature on the scalp will numb the underlying nerve endings to alleviate the itch and limit blood flow in the area to curb inflammation.

This is an easy way to control your urge to scratch the scab, although the effects only last for a short period. But you can use this remedy multiple times a day for maximum itch relief. (1)

How to use:

  1. Soak a clean soft towel or cloth in cold water.
  2. Wring out the excess liquid.
  3. Cover your scalp with this damp cloth for 10–15 minutes.
  4. Do this several times a day.

2. Apply a warm water compress

applying a warm water compress can help provide relief from scalp scabs

Scalp infections cause inflammation of the hair follicles, which leads to itching, irritation, and the development of open sores that scab over as they heal. But scab formation further enhances the itchiness in the scalp, urging you to scratch, which often leads to delayed healing and secondary infections.

Applying a warm compress to the scalp may help soothe the discomfort while you recover from the scalp infection. (2)

The gentle heat stimulates blood circulation under the scalp to relieve inflammation and thereby reduce itching, redness, and swelling. Plus, it gradually softens the scab so that it sheds easily without damaging the newly formed healthy tissue underneath.

Advertisements

How to use:

  1. Take some warm water in a bowl or bucket and dip a clean towel in it.
  2. Wring out the excess liquid.
  3. Wrap your head with a warm damp towel for 10–15 minutes to soften the scab.
  4. Gently run a comb over your scalp to get rid of any loose scabs.
  5. Do this at least once daily or 3–4 times if you feel comfortable. (3)

3. Use essential oils

Essential oils are derived from medicinal plants and therefore exhibit a wide variety of healing effects.

They are replete with terpenes and phenolic components that give them antimicrobial properties, which can help clear scalp infections faster. They also help curb scalp inflammation and promote skin repair due to their high antioxidant content. (4)(5)

There is substantial evidence that these potent liquids can be quite effective in controlling seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff. (5)

Some of the best essential oils for soothing and healing scalp scabs are tea tree oil, jojoba oil, neem oil, peppermint oil, lemon oil, and rosemary oil.

Note: Essential oils are quite potent at their original concentration and need to be diluted with a carrier oil before topical use to avoid skin irritation and damage.

How to use:

  1. Mix 10 drops of your preferred essential oil in ¼ cup of almond oil.
  2. Gently massage this oil mix into your scalp.
  3. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before rinsing it off with a mild shampoo and water.
  4. Use this remedy 2–3 times a week.

4. Aloe vera gel can help

aloe vera gel can help bring relief from scalp scab symptoms

Aloe vera is an excellent skin-healing agent that can help prevent and heal scalp scabs. It is credited with antimicrobial properties that help control scalp infections and the resultant itching.

Aloe vera is full of antioxidants that help alleviate scalp inflammation to reduce itching while also speeding up the wound healing process. Moreover, it is deeply hydrating, which helps soothe dry, itchy, and flaky scalp. (6)(7)(8)

Advertisements

How to use:

  1. Scoop out the gel from an aloe vera leaf into a bowl.
  2. Mix the oil from a vitamin E capsule into the gel.
  3. Apply this mixture to the scalp scabs with a clean finger.
  4. Leave it on for an hour before rinsing it off with a mild shampoo and water.
  5. Use this remedy 2–3 times a week.

5. Perform a warm oil massage

Gently massaging your scalp with warm olive or coconut oil can stimulate blood circulation in the area to relieve inflammation and itching. Plus, both these oils possess multiple healing properties.

Olive oil is replete with fatty acids and triglycerides that lubricate the scalp as well as the crusty scabs. This moisture loosens the dry scab tissue so that it sheds faster. (9) Olive oil is also loaded with antioxidants including polyphenols that exhibit strong anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. (10)

Similarly, coconut oil provides intensive moisture and reduces that scalp dryness that leads to itching and thereby scab formation. It also works as a potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent that protects the scalp from irritation, itching, and infection. (11)

How to use:

  1. Warm ¼ cup of extra-virgin olive or coconut oil.
  2. Use your fingers to gently massage the oil over your scalp for 5–10 minutes. You can use a comb to spread the oil on your hair.
  3. Wear a shower cap to avoid dripping and product transfer.
  4. Leave the oil overnight before rinsing it off the next morning with a mild shampoo and water.

Preventive Tips for Scalp Scabs

Here are some tips to reduce scalp itching and irritation:

tips that can help prevent incidence of scabs on the scalp
  • Avoid hair products that contain harsh chemicals such as sulfates and parabens, especially dyes and bleach. Instead, use mild shampoos and conditioners that come without artificial fragrances or preservatives. (1)
  • Keep stress under control through yoga, deep breathing, relaxation therapies, regular exercise, and other pleasurable activities that calm your mind.
  • Do not scratch your scalp as it will only make the itching worse and lead to more scratching.
  • Don’t wash your hair excessively.

Final Word

Even though scalp scabs are completely harmless and self-resolving, you must resist the urge to scratch or pick at them to ensure proper healing.

The home remedies shared in this article can help reduce the dryness, inflammation, and itchiness associated with scalp scabs. Plus, they help accelerate skin repair to get rid of the scabs quickly.

Advertisements

You can also use these remedies to relieve inflammatory scalp conditions such as dandruff, psoriasis, and dermatitis, which make your scalp itchy and lead to scab formation.

Continue Reading Continue ReadingScalp Scabs: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
References
  1. Rattanakaemakorn P, Suchonwanit P. Scalp Pruritus: Review of the Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Management. Biomed Res Int. 2019;2019:1268430. Published 2019 Jan 15. doi:10.1155/2019/1268430.
  2. Winters RD, Mitchell M. Folliculitis. [Updated 2022 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547754/.
  3. Acne-like breakouts could be folliculitis. American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/folliculitis.
  4. Donato R, Sacco C, Pini G, Bilia AR. Antifungal activity of different essential oils against Malassezia pathogenic species. J Ethnopharmacol. 2020;249:112376. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2019.112376.
  5. Jain S, Arora P, Nainwal LM. Essential oils as Potential Source of Anti-dandruff Agents: A Review [published online ahead of print, 2021 Jul 11]. Comb Chem High Throughput Screen. 2021;10.2174/1386207324666210712094148. doi:10.2174/1386207324666210712094148.
  6. Hekmatpou D, Mehrabi F, Rahzani K, Aminiyan A. The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review. Iran J Med Sci. 2019;44(1):1-9.
  7. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of an aloe vera (A. barbadensis) emulsion in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis. Taylor & Francis. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/09546639909055904.
  8. Feily A, Namazi MR. Aloe vera in dermatology: a brief review. G Ital Dermatol Venereol. 2009;144(1):85-91.
  9. (PDF) plants used in cosmetics – researchgate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/9027603/.
  10. Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. Int J Mol Sci. 2017;19(1):70. Published 2017 Dec 27. doi:10.3390/ijms19010070.
  11. Saxena R, Mittal P, Clavaud C, et al. Longitudinal study of the scalp microbiome suggests coconut oil to enrich healthy scalp commensals. Sci Rep. 2021;11(1):7220. Published 2021 Mar 31. doi:10.1038/s41598-021-86454-1.
  • Was this article helpful?
  • YES, THANKS!NOT REALLY
Spread the Love❤️
Advertisements
Advertisements
Advertisements
Advertisements

Newsletter

Get our BEST updates delivered to your inbox:



This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Categories

  • Nutrition
  • Wellness
  • Oral Care
  • Eye Care
  • Heart Health
  • Skin & Beauty
  • Women’s Health
  • Ear, Nose & Throat
  • Respiratory Health

Links

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Cookie Policy
  • Editorial Policy
  • Advertising Policy
  • Subscribe to Newsletter
eMediHealth

This site provides content for informational purposes only. The information provided is not intended for use as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. In case of a medical concern or emergency, please consult your healthcare provider.

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation.

Our Network: Little Extra

© 2019 eMediHealth. All rights reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Nutrition
  • Skin & Beauty
  • Wellness
  • Yoga & Meditation
  • Women’s Health
  • Heart Health
  • Allergy & Immunology
  • Bones & Joints
  • Child Health
  • Digestive
  • Ear, Nose & Throat
  • Eye Care
  • Glands & Hormones
  • Health News
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Mental Health
  • Nervous System
  • Oral Care
  • Pain Management
  • Respiratory Health
  • Sleep Disorders
  • Urological Health

© 2019 eMediHealth. All rights reserved.