Scalp Infections - Symptoms, Causes & Natural Options For Fast Relief & Treatment

There are many definitions and symptoms commonly described as "scalp infections". There are in fact quite a few quite different reasons why your scalp may be sore, itchy, inflamed burning red or infected. If you are like many people with chronic scalp issues - it may be driving you completely up the wall and not knowing what it is or how to treat the problem effectively after many unsuccessful attempts to eliminate it can make it seem far worse - like you are never going to get to the bottom of the problem. Well that need no longer be so! It can be simple to diagnose and treat it now and for good.

So if you are dealing with any of these symptoms lets first identify the problem and then some of the underlying causes.

Firstly, if you want to get to the root of your problems, so to speak, you need to be able to identify what your problem actually is. Of course, many scalp infections & conditions look alike, so here is a brief description of some of the most common scalp conditions:

Red Burning Itchy Scalp
Dandruff
Ringworm
Dry Scalp
Scalp Dermatitis
Eczema of the Scalp
Scalp Psoriasis
Folliculitis
Stress Related Itching

Red burning itchy scalp can be characterized as any tingling,burning, prickly, and sensitive to the touch or a fiery hot sensation. Often associated with an allergy, sunburn, chemical burn (sensitization of the scalp),or fungal infection.

Dandruff as most of us know is the process of continual shedding of skin cells on our scalps. Often the cause of dandruff is simply the result of toxins, pollutants and products that have built up on the scalp particularly products like silicone- a cheap commonly used artificial shine enhancer in conditioners sold in supermarkets.

When the natural balance of our scalps is disturbed, this creates the perfect environment for the yeast fungus Melassezia Globbosa to move in and thrive. This is when the natural process of shedding our cells gets a little out of hand resulting in an unsightly condition known as "Seborrhoeic Dermatitis" (fancy name for dandruff) and we see the highly visible tell-tale signs of flaking and crusting.

The accompanying itch and urge to scratch are often made worse by the multiplication of the fungal yeast pityrosporum-ovale (having one big party on your scalp). Another follow on effect of this is that the relentless scratching by the sufferer can cause small lesions which weep and ooze or become infected resulting in scalp infections.

Lumps bumps and sores are also common when the scalp is highly irritated or sensitivity has been aggravated. Candida can be an underlying cause of yeast infections of the scalp.

Ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitols) is a superficial fungal infection of the scalp. Scalp ringworm is caused by mold-like fungi called dermatophytes. Ringworm infection occurs when a particular type of fungus grows and multiplies anywhere on your skin, scalp, or nails. It is far more common in children and symptoms include red, itchy patches on the scalp, leaving bald areas. The skin might itch and be red and peel or be scaly, have swollen blisters or a rash (that can spread) and looks like black dots. The rash is highly contagious. It is normally treated with over the counter products containing miconazole, clotrimazole, or similar. Sometimes prescription anti fungal skin medications, such as ketoconazole are needed to clear it up. There are also products direct from nature's factories that can aid the healing process and act as natural antibiotics, although it must be said that ringworm is an aggressive fungus which needs to be monitored closely and treated accordingly.

Dry scalp can feel "tight", a sensation that is sometimes accompanied by flakiness. It is often the result of natural oils being stripped from our scalps by the frequent use of shampoos, hair dyes and or other hair products.

Dermatitis of the scalp (Seborrheic dermatitis) is an inflammatory disorder affecting areas of the head and body where sebaceous glands are most prominent. It can vary from mild dandruff to dense flakey and greasy scale. Once again it is often an accumulation of toxins and products built up on our scalps that our body is trying to rid itself of.

Eczema of the scalp similar in appearance to Seborrheic dermatitis but instead has the name Atopic dermatitis.

Scalp Psoriasis commonly occurs on the back of the head however multiple areas of the scalp or the whole scalp may be affected. Scalp psoriasis is characterized by thick silvery white scales on patches of very red skin and can extend slightly beyond the hairline. Scalp psoriasis, despite being partially hidden by the hair is often a source of social embarrassment due to flaking of the scale and severe 'dandruff'. Scalp psoriasis may be extremely itchy or on occasion have no itch symptoms. It can also cause temporary baldness on the affected areas. It is a common, chronic, inflammatory skin disease and is associated with increased risk of melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma.

Folliculitis of the scalp is a superficial bacterial infection of the hair follicles. It is characterized by pustules around the hair follicles and symptoms include painful brushing of hair and tenderness when rubbing your scalp around the hair follicle sites. Treating with antibiotics for the particular bacteria is the usual course of action but can eventually cause resistance to the antibiotic used. Options include applying Evoclin Foam which is topical. Folliculitis is commonly caused by staph bacteria which also reside inside the nose and sinus cavity. Natural oils such as tea tree and lavender have good antibacterial properties and can also be used to treat this condition.

If you have a bump or lump under the skin (commonly a lump behind the ears with no broken skin or rash developing, then this could be a cyst. Cysts are liquid filled pustules which can be painful when they become infected. If you have such symptoms I recommend seeing a doctor to be safe. Doctors can also treat cysts with antibiotics if they have become infected or incise them as a further but uncommon procedure if the antibiotics are not sufficient.

Stress Related Itching Stress can contribute to or worsen scalp itching as it plays havoc with our immune system and hormones which have an effect on production of sebum from your sebaceous glands. Although it can contribute to the problem it is still somewhat of a myth. It may appear that you have a"stress rash", but it is more likely that the problem was already there in a less noticeable way, then aggravated by increased stress levels making it harder for your body to deal with the problem on its own and eliminate the problem. Many of the treatments below include stress relieving properties - like Lavender oil for example which calms the mind and soothes the body.

Solutions - what YOU can do about it

Going to your doctor may be the best way to get an accurate answer to diagnosing your problem, but I understand that many of you may have already done this, been prescribed some form of medication of cream (even "heavy duty" cortisone based ones where the cortisone potency may need to be increased after time).

Often the problem either doesn't go away from the start - or seems to subside but comes back with full a vengeance later leaving you wondering with more unanswered questions and a VERY unhappy scalp! Well the good news is if you don't like using these expensive and often impotent products- or even want to help them along you can use natural remedies and essential oils known to be super effective anti-bacterial busters such as tea tree oil for instance to inhibit or stop the growth of the infection and assist healing/re balancing of the scalp.

Something that is also important to understand in curing scalp conditions and scalp infections - a factor that is missed by so many doctors, and something not disclosed by companies who sell hair products and treatments is the number of people who are allergic or sensitive to commonly used ingredients in shampoos, dandruff treatments and other hair products. In fact MOST hair products (as many as 90%) contain at least one ingredient that is used in engine degreasers, another is a common ingredient in antifreeze.

These ingredients are cheap to produce foaming agents that make shampoo foam up, and do a fantastic job of stripping dirt and oily build up from hair. Problem is that they sometimes do SUCH a good job that they remove all of the natural oils and sebum from the scalp thus removing the scalps natural against bacteria etc. Another little known fact is that the most common ingredient (Sodium laureth sulphate) is used to induce skin irritation in test patients by drug companies to test the effectiveness of their itch relief skin creams. When first produced and for year's afterwards manufacturers did not know that skin was not a barrier but an absorber of ingredients & that they caused skin irritation in so many people.

So sometimes the beginning of a scalp condition can have originated from something as simple as an imbalance to the skins (scalps) sebum or an allergy to an ingredient that can easily be rectified.

Like your immune system, if your skin has an opportunity to rebalance itself and not be subjected to "incoming foreign matter" and the daily stripping of its natural oils that further aggravates the problem you can allow your body to re balance and heal itself. Obviously buying products that do not strip your hair and scalp is an obvious step in the right direction.

Fortunately there are a lot of manufacturers such as Aveda and Akin (Purist Company) who know what consumers are suffering from these issues so have addressed this problem. They have applied this knowledge to produce some amazing products with all of the benefits of natural ingredients, with none of the side effects at a price we can afford (Akin especially). It need not be difficult, nor expensive to make these choices and a move to healthy hair and scalp long term.

So yes you can eliminate harsh shampoos containing sodium sulphates and go for natural Sulphate and paraben free shampoos that contain ingredients such as macadamia, wheat germ or jojoba oils. These oils mimic our natural sebum to some extent to help to re moisturize and nourish our scalp.

Then there are lavender, rosemary and tea tree oils which contain antibacterial, healing properties. Neem oil great for its antiquing and stops itching. You can apply these topically to your skin for fast relief, to assist healing as well as looking out for shampoos with these natural ingredients in them.

Lavender calms the skin (as does chamomile tea cooled and used as hair rinse).
As well as buying quality shampoos containing these ingredients, you can
create your own combinations of remedy or remedies to soothe your scalp.
You can also help it along by using natural remedies to treat your scalp such as this scalp treatment containing natural oils to assist healing, detoxify and stimulate hair growth: (Add to
water (4 parts water 1part oil) and spray onto scalp and you can add to your shampoo and conditioners also).

Oils To Relieve Itching: Lavender, German Chamomile and Eucalyptus Oils
(Mixed together and dabbed locally on effected areas has a soothing effect).

Neem oil is also a very good dandruff preventative which can be added to any of the formulas detailed below and is excellent for psoriasis and eczema & scalp infections.

Scalp massage with lavender oil (not scented - the real oil) is another
wonderful way to relieve the tension from a sore scalp as well as treat the
issue. It also helps to re grow hair and repair the damage done to your
follicles by chemicals in shampoos causing thinning hair. (Lavender is known to stimulate hair growth too).

There are many more powerful scalp remedies you can use to treat your scalp as well as many shampoos that are excellent value, contain no nasties to aggravate your scalp and hair follicles. It can be really simple to treat scalp problems by treating yourself to your own pampering session using natural oils to help heal your scalp infection. And then be kind to your hair and scalp by using only products that nourish your hair and scalp such as Aveda or Akin brand shampoos. You can assist the healing process and help restore balance back to your scalp and you hair will appreciate and reward you for it too by becoming less brittle, stronger and shinier.
As with all natural remedies please patch test first. It is not intended for this information to replace a doctors medical advice, so please see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The responsibility of obtaining doctors diagnosis and using remedies is yours.

Balding Itchy Scalp - Natural Remedies to Treat a Balding Itchy Scalp

A balding itchy scalp can be a difficult thing to endure. The hair loss can be sudden, and the accompanying itch can drive you mad. What can you do to treat an balding itchy scalp problem, and are there any natural remedies to take care of, and cure it?

Is A Balding Itchy Scalp A Normal Part Of Pattern Baldness?

An irritated scalp is not a symptom of male or female pattern baldness (the most common natural form of balding and hair loss. The fancy medical name for this is Androgenetic Alopecia. Pattern baldness is currently understood to be mainly a genetic and hormonal problem due to androgens particularly an androgen called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and is not seen to be accompanied by an irritated scalp.

This could be good news as in most cases of balding itchy scalp, the hair loss is only temporary and not permanent. So by treating and curing the itchy scalp condition, your hair should eventually grow back.

Therefore, if you are suffering from a balding itchy scalp it could be one of the following:

Ringworm (tinea capitis) - this is a particularly aggressive and contagious fungus that can produce symptoms like red, itchy burning patches on the scalp, hair loss and if left untreated can lead to cicatricial alopecia, i.e. permanent hair loss.

Ringworm requires some pretty tough treatment to clear it up and I would recommend you see your doctor or dermatologist for advice on this. Most prescriptions involve a medication like miconazole, clotrimazole or similar ingredients. There are natural antibiotics available that can be used to tackle this nasty fungal infection.

Psoriasis is an extremely common condition, and psoriasis of the scalp can lead to temporary hair loss. It is normally identifiable as white scales on patches of very red skin, severe itching and temporary baldness on the affected areas.

Natural Remedies To Treat A Balding Itchy Scalp

First thing to do is look at your shampoo and bathing habits. Have either of these changed lately? Are you using a new shampoo? Have you recently had your hair dyed or been to the hairdressers?

Often times the beginnings of scalp reactions and infections can be traced back to the products we put on our hair. Look out for harsh chemicals that dry out your scalp like Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLS) - as this will only serve to aggravate your balding itchy scalp problem.

Try using a shampoo containing Zinc Pyrithione (the natural stuff, not the synthetic one). This is commonly used as an anti-dandruff ingredient, as it has very strong anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.

Home remedies that make use of birch or avocado oil are extremely effective in soothing and healing psoriasis.

Natural essential oils such as Tea Tree, Rosemary, Lavender and Manuka are superb at treating balding itchy scalp problems and can even stimulate hair growth. Combined with a scalp massage they can alleviate the symptoms of balding itchy scalp.

Insights Into The Best Natural Ringworm Cures

Also referred to as Dermatophytosis, Ringworm can be a condition that is the result of a fungal infection from the skin. It make a difference pets and also farm animals as well as humans, with the fungi feeding about the keratin which occurs inside skin, nails and hair. Finding the best natural ringworm treatment is often a case associated with experience and learning from your errors, but there are a number of easily accessible natural answers to the problem.

The symptoms with the illness consist primarily regarding enlarged red rings which stick out on skin; these are caused by the infection, which grows in very hot, humid conditions. Players associated with contact sports such as wrestling or rugby tend to be vulnerable to be able to infection, as this kind of activity creates the best kind regarding conditions for that infection.

Garlic is among the most adaptable of obviously occurring therapeutic substances, and it could be used as a natural remedy for ringworm too. Crushed garlic can be used to make a poultice to be held for the infected area with a bandage. Soaking a few cloves oil for up to three days produces a lineament which can be topically placed on the ringworm, perhaps the top and easiest way of making use of garlic.

One natural treatment is a plant known as 'woody nightshade' or even Dulcamara. This botanical herb, when properly used by a qualified herbalist, is remedy for ringworm, and can be apparently useful for a selection of conditions induced by heat changes, such because fevers. It could also be used as one of the best kinds of treatment for other epidermis conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.

A diverse herb which is often used as one of the best types of natural ringworm treatment is bay leaf. This botanical herb has anti-septic as well as anti-fungal qualities, and can, using drinking water, be ground in to a paste as a treatment regarding ringworm. The stick soothes irritation and swelling, and combining it in this way is the easiest way of with it.

Tea tree oil is a very adaptable substance which can be used to treat many conditions, from acne breakouts to cuts, as this is a strong anti-septic. Diluted quantities of tea tree can be obtained from pharmacists and health meals stores. The essential oil is used topically for the affected areas plus it is one of the best kinds of natural remedy available.

Obviously, details of the greatest natural ringworm treatment can be found from consulting a practitioner or healthcare provider of natural healing, such like a Chinese acupuncturist as well as herbalist. However, some kinds of natural treatment can be simply applied and may even in the long run be much more efficacious compared to conventional remedy. It must be stressed nevertheless that various individuals respond to natural therapy in often various ways, and safety is definitely the most crucial consideration, with the best treatment for one individual not at all times the greatest for an additional.

Natural and Effective Ringworm Treatments

Getting a ringworm sounds a lot worse than it actually is, and can be cured fairly easily. Ringworm- which, by the way, isn't actually a worm, it's a fungus- is generally spread by contacts with pets or animals that have been infected. It is most common among children because they run around passing it to one another like a game of tag, but adults can get it too. It's highly contagious so the first thing to do would be to limit the ringworm exposure. If you have pets, they should be quarantined to prevent further infection.

Ringworm treatments

Ringworm treatments range from the topical to the oral and can be expensive, not to mention the many possible side effects. However, this article won't point you to creams and antibiotics. Nappyhead prefers a natural, alternative approach to ringworm treatments. So here are a few helpful hints to get rid of ringworm.

Ringworm of the scalp is sometimes more difficult to cure than other areas, but shea butter soap has been found to be helpful in most cases. Also an herbal tea made from goldenseal root can be used topically to clear up the infection. Moisten the affected area with a solution consisting of one teaspoon of goldenseal, steeped in a pint of boiling water. Allow it to cool to room temperature then apply. Goldenseal root is a popular fungus-fighting herb used for detoxification.

Tea Tree Oil is most frequently recommended for the treatment of fungus infections like athletes foot, candida treatment, and ringworm treatments. Tea tree oil can be used undiluted on the skin, but in sensitive cases, some may wish to dilute it with a carrier oil such as Jojoba oil (12 drops of tea tree oil to 1 ounce of carrier oil).

Oil of Oregano contains compounds that inhibit the growth of fungi, worms, and other organisms. It is an excellent anti-fungal and anti-microbial agent making it another option for ringworm treatments.

Don't feed the ringworm!

Fungi thrive in an acidic environment so naturally you should combat this by making your body as alkaline as possible. This would mean eliminating or minimizing sugar, milk and dairy products in the diet to supplement the ringworm treatment. By cutting back on acidic products in the diet you are starving the fungus. If it can't feed, it can't live. In addition to an alkaline diet, consider probiotic enzymes with acidophilus to build up the good bacteria that will help fight the fungus.

To recap, an effective all-natural ringworm treatment would include:

*Avoiding antibiotics. They kill the friendly bacteria that the body needs to keep everything in check.

*Modifying the diet to eliminate acidic, fungus-loving foods (milk,dairy, sugar)

*Cleanse the affected area with anti-fungal oils and herbs

*Using digestive enzyme supplements and probiotic enzymes with acidophilus to promote healthy intestinal flora

There is always a natural treatment for disease if you are willing to do a little research and exploration. Why should finding an alternative ringworm treatment be any different? Be well...and ringworm-free.

Ringworm Treatments - Conventional Or Natural?

Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin, scalp, feet and nails. With so many treatments available to you its difficult to make a decision as to use a conventional ringworm cure or a natural ringworm cure. This article focuses of treatments for ringworm of your skin and scalp.

The information below is for information only, and is in no way a replacement for a doctors diagnosis or advice.

A conventional treatment for your ringworm fungal infection is usually an anti fungal cream lotion or powder. These work by killing the fungus living on your skin. The active ingredients in these treatments are clotrimazole and miconazole, which are anti fungal drugs commonly used against most external fungal infections. You have a very small chance of an allergic reaction to these active ingredients, and if you think you are suffering from a reaction you need to stop the treatment immediately, and see your doctor.

If you have ringworm of the scalp, then this is treated with tablets that usually have to be taken for up to 10 weeks. Women can't use this treatment if they are pregnant, and men can't father children for up to 6 months after treatment. The active drug in this tablet is griseofulvin which has an unpleasant taste.

Natural treatments are completely different to conventional drugs when treating your ringworm. Natural treatments will not only treat your ringworm fungal infection, but they will aid in the healing of your skin. You can also treat your skin and scalp with the same natural ringworm treatment. There's no need to start buying more than one kind of cure.

The right natural ringworm treatment will also cure your ringworm from underneath your skin. It will penetrate your skin and push the fungus out so there is a very tiny chance of a reoccurrence of the infection.

Your whole family can be treated with the same treatment at the same time with a natural ringworm cure. And you can expect to see results within a couple of days. Your skin will be healed in about 7 to 10 days.

A natural ringworm remedy saves you a lot of money in the end especially if you have more than one family member infected with the fungus. A natural treatment also comes with a guarantee which you don't get with a conventional, drug treatment.