Go Ad-Free
logoThe People's Perspective on Medicine

Simple Solution for Itchy Scalp

A simple home remedy to deal with the discomfort of an itchy scalp is a dilute vinegar rinse.

Q. My life is so much better since I read your column about rinsing my hair with vinegar. I am 56 years old and for the previous 30 years my scalp has itched intensely whenever I sweat. No anti-itching shampoo or skin specialist could cure me, but rinsing with vinegar did.

A. Itching and flaking can be caused by dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis. Dermatologists believe that these common conditions are caused by the yeast, Malassezia, that grows on the scalp. A vinegar rinse apparently makes conditions unfavorable for this fungus.

One 80-year-old woman has used a solution of four parts warm water to one part apple cider vinegar on her scalp for more than 50 years. Others prefer a more concentrated one-to-one water/vinegar mixture.

We discuss many other remedies for controlling itching and flaking (including milk of magnesia and Listerine rinses) in our new Guide to Hair and Nail Care.

Rate this article
star-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-empty
3.3- 28 ratings
About the Author
Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist who has dedicated his career to making drug information understandable to consumers. His best-selling book, The People’s Pharmacy, was published in 1976 and led to a syndicated newspaper column, syndicated public radio show and web site. In 2006, Long Island University awarded him an honorary doctorate as “one of the country's leading drug experts for the consumer.”.
Tired of the ads on our website?

Now you can browse our website completely ad-free for just $5 / month. Stay up to date on breaking health news and support our work without the distraction of advertisements.

Browse our website ad-free
Join over 150,000 Subscribers at The People's Pharmacy

We're empowering you to make wise decisions about your own health, by providing you with essential health information about both medical and alternative treatment options.