How to Treat Scabs on The Scalp
Specialty: Integrative Dermatology
Dr. Veerula (Dr. V) is a diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology, a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and American Society of Dermatologic Surgeons. She is an energetic, proactive, and compassionate medical practitioner w... more
Anjali specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. Her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be h... more
Having scabs on your scalp is not only incredibly painful but also downright embarrassing. Yes, because they are unsightly. What exactly are these scabs?
- What Are Scabs On The Scalp?
- What Causes Scabs On The Scalp?
- Other Symptoms To Look Out For
- How To Treat Scabs On The Scalp The Natural Way
What Are Scabs On The Scalp?
When you scratch your head constantly, the outer skin of your scalp gets damaged. The damaged skin heals itself with platelets that stick together to form clots that hardenintoscabs. These scabs are yellowish, reddish, brown, or black and extremely itchy. Scratching them too much can cause bleeding.
There are several reasons these scabs are formed on the scalp. It might be due to an oily scalp or an indication of a serious medical condition like eczema or psoriasis. The key to treating scabs is knowing their exact cause. Here are a few possible causes.
What Causes Scabs On The Scalp?
Scalp scabs can be difficult to identify and might even lead to bigger issues like severe hair loss,infections, and scalp inflammation. Here are a few symptoms you need to look out for along with the scabs.
Other Symptoms To Look Out For
Now that you know what symptoms to look out for, let’s take a look at the easy remedies to treat them.
Note: Please consult a doctor if you notice any of the above symptoms before trying the natural treatments below. Perform a patch testto ensure no adverse reactions occur.
How To Treat Scabs On The Scalp The Natural Way
Since scabs are a sign of your skin healing, they usually fall off and disappear on their own. However, if they are bothersome, you can use a few home remedies to quicken the healing process and get rid of the scabs. These scalp scab treatments can be done with ingredients that are present in your pantry.
1. Warm Compress
If your scalp scabs are extra itchy and do not seem to be reducing, a warm compress is your best option. A warm compress softens your scabs and makes them fall off fast.
2. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel is an excellent soothing agent. Studies show that aloe vera can help soothe many of the causes of scabs, like seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff, eczema, and psoriasis (14), (15), (16). It helps reduce the pain and itching in and around the scabs on your scalp and prevents them from getting infected.
3. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice reduces dryness and itchiness of your scalp. Its anti fungal activity can help treats dandruff and ringworm, which are major causes of scalp scabs (17), (18). Since it is a harsh ingredient, mix it with a gentle carrier oil.
4. Neem Leaves
Neem leaves (Indian lilac) can help soothe itchy skin conditions. Their anti fungal and antibacterial properties help in getting rid of the scabs and preventing the scalp from getting infected (19), (20).
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is hugely popular as a home remedy for a ton of skin and hair-related issues. It has antibacterial and anti fungal properties (224370/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' >21), (22). It also helps to balance the pH of your scalp to reduce dryness and itchiness. A Palestinian study showed that apple cider vinegar helped prevent dandruff along with other hair issues (23). It also acts as a hair cleanser and keeps the scalp clean.
6. Oatmeal
This trusty (albeit bland) breakfast food does wonders for your skin and treating the scabs on your scalp. It soothes irritated skin and is highly moisturizing (24).Research shows that oats can help relieve and soothe itching, burning, scaling, and other scalp and skin discomforts (25).
7. Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is touted as the miracle worker in skincare. It soothes inflammation, burning, bumps, and itching and helps in wound healing (26). It can help relieve eczema and psoriasis. Jojoba oil prevents the scalp from getting dry and stimulates hair growth. Its anti fungal properties can help protect the scalp from infections that can lead to scabs. It regulates the balance of natural oils of your scalp and, thus, reduces scabs.
8. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has antifungal, antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties (27). It is effective in reducing dandruff and scalp lesions (28). It also prevents other scalp and skin disorders and relieves itching.
9. Olive Oil
Pamper your scalp while treating the scabs with olive oil. Not only does the hydrating squalene in it moisturize your scalp and help loosen up the scabs, but it also nourishes your hair and makes it super soft. Olive oil has been often used to treat many skin and scalp issues like dandruff, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea, which cause scaling and itching (29).
10. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a well-known hair and scalp moisturizer. It helps reduce scalp dryness and flaking (30). It also treats scalp issues like dandruff, eczema, and dermatitis and prevents headlice.
11. Fish Oil Or Omega-3 Supplements
Fish oil is rich in fatty acidsandcan help treat skin issues like dermatitis and allergies (31). It contains omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) that help protect the skin. It also contains alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and linoleic acid (LA), which are extremely beneficial for the skin. It is also beneficial for hair as it stimulates hair growth and keeps the scalp clean.
Now that you know the natural ways of treating scalp scabs say goodbye to this itchy annoyance forever.Make sure you check with a doctor before opting for any of these remedies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a scab to fall off on its own?
Small scabs fall off within 3 to 7 days, whereas large ones could take up to 2 weeks to heal.
Is it okay to pick a scab?
No, you should not pick the scabs (the ones on your scalp and otherwise) as the skin underneath them is not completely healed, and you can be exposing the new delicate skin cells to infections.
What does it mean when a scab is black?
There is no need to worry if the scabs on your scalp are black. It means that a little more than usualblood flowed out of the wound before it clotted and became a scab.
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