We can easily get scalp infections. There are three main types of scalp infections such as viral, bacterial, and fungal scalp infections. Also, there is another common cause for this condition which is known as parasitic infestation.
These kinds of infections are not making a big risk to our health. They cause many symptoms, such as inflammation, pus-filled blisters, redness, and itching. If you let this condition untreated, then this can lead to hair loss or hair breakage.
The skin of our scalp is sensitive as any other skin of our bodies. We should use natural cures for this condition because the skin needs gentle natural cures that can help us have healthy scalp skin, but also these cures also need to be intensive enough to eradicate the scalp infection.
Many natural scalp infection home remedies can help you to get rid of this condition. If you suffer from any scalp infection, then you need to talk with your doctor before you start using some of them.
11 Scalp Infection Home Remedy
Contents
Neem oil
Neem has antimicrobial properties. This is a reason why it has been used for decades as a natural remedy for many different types of infections [1,2].
When we suffer from hair fungus, we can use it as a natural scalp infection home remedy because it will kill the fungus. This will help us to get relief from hair fall and itching.
You should make a mixture of one teaspoon of neem oil and two to three tablespoons of coconut oil. The coconut oil will nourish your hair and scalp. You should apply this scalp infection home remedy to your scalp. Also, you should apply it to your hair. You should let this mixture stay on your scalp and hair throughout the night. When you wake up in the morning, then you should rinse your scalp and hair as you usually do. You should do this scalp infection home remedy treatment once per day every 3 days.
Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide has water and oxygen, which makes it a safe germicidal agent. This scalp infection home remedy will kill the organisms which are responsible for the scalp infections through oxidation which is a similar process to controlled burning.
Castor oil
If you suffer from hair fungus, castor oil is one of the best remedies for this condition. This kind of oil may be a little sticky, but it is very healthy for treating this condition. This scalp infection home remedy will kill the fungi because it has antifungal properties [3].
It can help you get relief from the symptoms of this infection and is also a good skin conditioner.
You need to dip a cotton ball in castor oil. You should apply this remedy to the affected areas. You should let this remedy stay on your scalp for one hour. Then, you should rinse your hair using cool water. You should blow dry your hair because if your hair is wet, then this can increase the number of fungi. They grow very rapidly in wet areas and can be contagious. You should do this scalp infection home remedy treatment three times per week.
When applying castor oil, you should avoid touching the infected areas directly with your hands.
Garlic
Allicin is an antifungal component that is found in garlic. This element can help you to eliminate this infection. It is very helpful if your infection is caused by Candida which is some fungus.
You need to crush six garlic cloves. You should let them stay in this position for ten to fifteen minutes. You should add five to six tablespoons of organic honey. Mix this mixture well. The honey has antifungal properties, meaning it can perfectly combine with garlic. Also, it has anti-inflammatory properties that can help you to reduce swelling and soothe your skin [4].
Then, you should apply this scalp infection home remedy mixture generously on your scalp. You should massage your scalp for one to two minutes. You should let this remedy stay on your scalp for a period of ten minutes. Then, you should rinse this mixture with water. You need to rinse your hair with shampoo because it can help you to remove the hair pack thoroughly.
If you have sensitive skin, then garlic can be a little stingy. This mixture has honey which can help you to soothe your skin. Also, you can dilute this mixture with some amount of milk.
Lemon
Lemon has acids, which act as antifungal agents for hair fungus [5]. This fruit can help you to treat this infection. Also, it will kill microorganisms, which can cause damage to your hair and scalp.
Also, this scalp infection home remedy will give a natural shine to your hair. You should add three to four tablespoons of lemon juice to one cup of warm water. You need to apply this remedy as a final rinse after you have washed your hair. You need to follow this treatment with a cool water rinse because this will help you to close the pores on your scalp. You should use this natural scalp infection home remedy once per week.
Olive oil
Olive oil has many healing and nourishing components, such as monounsaturated fatty acids and vitamins [6].
They can help you to get relief from the flakiness, dryness, and itching of your scalp. Also, it has antibacterial and antifungal properties, which can help you to treat scalp infections.
You should apply virgin olive oil to your hair and scalp. You should massage your scalp with this mixture for a period of a few minutes. You should let this scalp infection home remedy stay on your scalp for a few hours. Also, you can let this remedy stay on your scalp throughout all night. When you are awake, then you should rinse your hair. You should do this treatment two times per week.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is one of the best natural remedies for hair fungus. There is a major group of hydrocarbons that are found in this oil. They have antimicrobial activity against fungi and bacteria. This natural scalp infection home remedy will help you to rid of the dryness and itching [7].
You should mix ten to fifteen drops of tea tree oil with ¼ cup of Aloe Vera gel. You should apply this mixture to your scalp. Massage your scalp for one minute. You should let this remedy stay on your scalp for a period of 30 – 45 minutes. Then, you should rinse your hair as usual. You should repeat this treatment two times per week.
Papaya
Papaya has an antifungal enzyme which is known as chitinase. This kind of enzyme will degrade the fungal cell wall, which means fungi will die.
You will need two to three papaya pieces, and then you should mash these pieces. Apply this remedy to the affected areas. You should let this scalp infection home remedy dry on your skin for a period of fifteen to twenty minutes. You should rinse your hair normally after this period has passed. You should apply this remedy once every week. [8]
Baking soda
If you have a scalp infection, then you can treat this condition with baking soda. It has antifungal properties that can help you against any fungi, which is a reason for this condition. We know that scalp infections can cause itchy and dry skin, which this natural remedy can soothe.
You should add one tablespoon of baking soda and a few drops of rosemary oil to one cup of warm water. You should mix this mixture. You should apply this scalp infection home remedy on your scalp directly and then massage your head with this oil in a few minutes. You should let this remedy stay on your scalp for a period of five to ten minutes, and then you should rinse it. You should use this natural remedy once per week.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil has lauric acid, which is a type of fatty acid. They have antimicrobial properties. You should apply this scalp infection home remedy on your scalp on a regular basis, and you will notice improvements in your condition in a period of a few weeks. This oil can nourish and moisturize your skin, which means your hair will be healthier.
Also, this oil will protect your hair from damage. You should apply virgin coconut oil to your scalp and hair.
You should massage your head for a period of a few minutes. You should let this remedy stay on your head throughout the night. You should rinse your hair in the morning as you usually do. You should do this treatment two to three times per week.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has antifungal properties, which can kill the fungus [5]. Also, they can help you to treat the infection. Also, this natural remedy has antioxidant properties, which will aid in the recovery and speed up your scalp’s recovery process.
You should add one cup of apple cider vinegar to four cups of water. You should mix this mixture. Before you apply shampoo to your hair, you need to rinse your hair with this mixture. You should repeat this scalp infection home remedy treatment two to three times per week.
References
[1] Niharika A, Aquicio JM, Anand A. Antifungal properties of neem (Azardirachta indica) leaves extract to treat hair dandruff. E-International Scientific Research Journal. 2010;2(3):244-52.
[2] Jerobin J, Makwana P, Kumar S, et al. Antibacterial activity of neem nanoemulsion and its toxicity assessment on human lymphocytes in vitro. International Journal of Nanomedicine. 2015;10(Suppl1):77-86.
[3] Ramya Maduri V, Vedachalam A, Kiruthika S. “Castor oil” – The culprit of acute hair felting. International Journal of Trichology. 2017;9(3):116-118.
[4] Maluki AH, Mahmood TM, Qabas NH. Treatment of alopecia areata with topical garlic extract. Kufa Medical Journal. 2009;12(1):330-34.
[5] Zaid AN, Jaradat NA, Eid AM, et al. Ethnopharmacological survey of home remedies used for treatment of hair and scalp and their methods of preparation in the West Bank-Palestine. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2017;17:355.
[6] Umar S. A scientific look at using olive leaf oil for hair loss. Retrieved from https://ugro.com/a-scientific-look-at-using-olive-leaf-oil-for-hair-loss/
[7] Satchell AC, Saurajen A, Bell C, Barnetson RS. Treatment of dandruff with 5% tea tree oil shampoo. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2002;47(6):852-5.
[8] Khan S, Bokhari TZ, Nazim K, et al. Qualitative phytochemical screening and antifungal activity of Carica papaya leaf extract against human and plant pathogenic fungi. International Research Journal of Pharmacy. 2013;4(7):83-86
