[YEA]  01/21/2010: Pahoboye from Durham, England: "itchy scalp

i recently developed an intensly itchy dry scalp...and i been rubbing coconut oil in...but that did not help.... so i tried... a jar of five flower cream..i have sitting for years now.... and its all gone today...i feel great...i was going crazy yesterday... it took 2 days of rubbing it in each time it was unbearable... just a thought... not an advert!"

EC: For those who don't know, five flower cream refers to the Bach Flower "Rescue Remedy"

09/18/2010: Piper from Toronto, On: "I had a very itch scalp. I ruled out dandruff and lice. No bumps, or sores, just an itchy scalp all the time. After reading online, I thought it might be fungal. Tried several things but found this provided relief- cornmeal. First tried a paste of cornmeal and water. Applied to my hair and then rinsed in the bath. Over the day, I stood in the tub and poured the corn meal water over my hair (3 times). Now I just add cornmeal to a bath. About 1/4 to 1/3 cup."

[YEA]  11/09/2007: Joyce from Joelton: "Epsom salts will pull out infection from wounds. I mixed it about 1/2 cup to 1 quart of hot water. Submerge infected area in solution 4 times a day. If unable to submerge area, just use washcloth to dip in solution and apply over infected are (hot compress method) 4 times a day. I have seen this cure infection after red streak was running up arm (indicative of blood poisoning). No antibiotics were needed. I have many times bathed in 1-2 cups epsom salts in hot bath when muscles or nerves said "help".You really feel relaxed. I have used a saturated solution of ACV - epsom salts to clear up deep infected ulcers in scalp; No antibiotics were needed. Swab ulcers."

[YEA]  12/25/2008: Mike from Wellfleet, MA: "I had recurring problems with scalp fungus. It wasn't too bad in summer, when I was out in the sun and swimming in salt water, but come late fall and winter I would get large pieces of scalp flaking off and my hair would be greasy. My hair was thinning out and my scalp was itchy.

I tried GSE (grapefruit seed extract) by putting a few drops in my shampoo. I mixed them together in the palm of my hand each time I shampooed, which was every other day.I left the lather in for two minutes or so. The results were immediate, now I just have a slight touch of dandruff, no itch and my hair seems to be getting a little thicker. My hair and scalp definitely look better as well."

[YEA]  01/16/2012: Kate from Maidenhead, Berkshire, England: "I've had an itchy scalp for over a year, lost over 3/4 of my hair. I've been through all the meds the recommendations offered by everyone, don't think there is anything I haven't tried.

Well anyhow, this is what worked for me and it may or may not work for you: In a plastic container add a quarter teaspoon of tincture of iodine (the brown liquid) and about a quarter cup of warm water, mix. Daily during your shower, wash hair with cool water without any shampoo or conditioner, then apply this mixture as a final rinse, whilst ensuring none of it gets in to the eyes. Immediately wrap a clean towel to the hair. Leave hair to dry naturally and before you know the hair feels softer and manageable - the plus factor 'No Itching".... Hurrah! I also use this mixture for my final rinse after my weekly shampoo and conditioner application. Initally I used this mixture for 4 days, had a break for a couple of days, the itching returned with a vengence. Good luck. Kate"

01/17/2012: Francisca from Zug, Switzerland replies: "Hi Kate, my scalp doesn't itch normally speaking but I am interested in this rinse to make my hair feel softer without using a commercial rinse! Did you come up with the idea yourself or did you base it on some known method?"

01/31/2012: Kate from Maidenhead, Berkshire, England replies: "Hi Francisca, I came up with this remedy myself. Initially I used to pour the iodine in a bowl and apply it to my scalp with my fingertips. As my hair roots were weak due to the fungus or whatever was causing the itching the iodine strength was too strong. I thought of the idea of diluting the iodine which has seemingly worked. I also steam my hair once a day to get rid of the calcium deposits. I wish you the best and hope something will help you with your hair. Good Luck."

12/11/2010: Brooke from Montgomery, Tx, Usa: "I have had problems with my hair on and off for approx 20 years and I have just recently gotten it under control. I have started taking a formula made with Lactated Pepsin, Black Snake Root Extract, Essence of Wild Ginseng, Atomic Iodine, Extract of Liver, and Grain Alcohol. You can look that up and get it! I also use Pennsylvania crude oil and Vaseline on my scalp; I rub it in and then I use a small vibrator with a cup attachment for 20-30 minutes. I use this approx 3x a month. I also use Listerine on my scalp after I wash my hair, which I wash with an Olive Oil based shampoo and conditioner. I use Listerine about 1x per month. However, it will not hurt you to use it more! When I haven't drank any alcohol, I use the "Violet Ray" machine on my scalp for 2-3 minutes whenever I feel the need to use it. It may sound like a lot, and maybe it is, but I have done it for so long, it is second nature, the only thing I added recently was the formula."

[YEA]  11/06/2009: M@d X from Brooklyn, New York: "Tinea Capitis (Cure !!!)

this should be curable for ANY and EVERYONE who is suffering '' Tinea Capitis '' .... i had to deal with the infection for almost a year until i tried 2 things

1. '' CLEAR NAIL POLISH '' this is the main remedy
(as far as to MAKE THE HAIR GROW BACK) , apply either at night everynight and the next morning PEEL or SCRAPE the polish off (yes it may hurt) and u should start noticing hair growing back little by little within 3 days .... for FULL spot treatment it will take either a month or two depending on how often u use polish .... 2 coats a day should be faster
BUT you need to use remedy #2 1st for a month ,#2 below

2.because tinea capitis is a fungal infection UNDER your scalp the polish aides for the hair growth but as far as KILLING THE FUNGUS SPREAD u need to get a presciption pill called '' Grifulvin '' and u need to take one a day for a month BEFORE U START USING THE POLISH , you need to at least stop the fungus from living PERIOD (this pill has a dozen side effects one mainly being migraines ALL DAY so just try to withstand them all) .... try this out it worked for me i suffered with TC for a year .... my nightmare is OVER .... and so should yours .... god bless"

11/03/2010: Coregon from Medford, Or replies: "I would hesitate to use a dangerous combination of chemicals (nail polish) on the scalp when it is so close to the brain. For the same reason that many won't use commercial shampoos with chemicals, I believe nail polish on scalp should be avoided. I believe the same applies to prescription anti fungal creams on the scalp. Of course these products will be absorbed by the body.. The skin transports to the body whatever we apply to it. (see below) I've used white vinegar/distilled water (50/50) to very effectively clear up scalp. (pour on as final rinse in shower, or use with q-tips on sore spots) White iodine combined with vodka for hair growth.

NEWS ARTICLE ON DANGERS OF NAIL POLISH:
"(NaturalNews) Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), a chemical used to keep nail polish from chipping, has been connected to cancer in lab animals as well as long-term fertility issues in newborn boys -- leaving the cosmetics industry in a heavy debate over whether to continue use of the ingredient. Environmental groups are calling for a ban on DBP in the United States, and some big name companies such as Estee Lauder have preemptively removed the chemical from their products, but other brands such as OPI, Essie and Sally Hansen continue to use it. While the FDA must approve nail polishes before they can be sold, there are no laws that require companies to prove their products are safe first."

08/06/2012: Lookingforcure from Alpharetta, Ga replies: "To Coregan: how much iodine and vodka do you use and how often?"

[YEA]  06/09/2012: User5293 from Plaridel, Bulacan, Philippines: "Good day! This post is about the treatment of human demodex on scalp, first, I would like to tell you guys my story on having human demodex, several months ago I have had these redness and itchiness in my scalp accompanied by a foul odor, the condition threatened me enough so I scheduled a visit to a dermatologist immediately to prevent it from getting worse, the she told me it was human demodex caused by mites. I then asked for a treatment, cure or remedy for it, she gave me both these Shampoo D'modex and Hair n Scalp conditioner, they are to be used together for best results, both of them are used to eliminate the mites. After a few days, I already noticed obvious improvements, the foul odor was gone immediately, the itchiness and redness lessened. I hope this post would help people in the future for treatment of human demodex. Thank you!"

11/30/2012: Nenny from Las Vagas, Usa: "pls I ve bin having scalp infection due fungi 4 five yrs now, at first I started having pain scalp, after sometime inflamation like tiny but very painful rashes coming out from scalp and now it has affected neck cos. I just noticed swelling on the left side of neck which is known as lymph node. pls what remedy should use scalp cos am in pain right now."

08/15/2012: Carrie from Bailey, Nc replies: "How long will it take to get an answer? I have been dealing with this for about 6 mths. now."

08/15/2012: Lisa from Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa replies: "Hi Carrie, Basically, what you have is severe candida. This is why it is spreading from your scalp to other parts of your body. It's source is internal. You have what is referred to as systemic candida. The worst thing you could do is take antibiotics which only help this condition to strengthen and often are the cause to begin this condition because they kill off the good bacteria in the gut which keep the candida, which we all have, in its proper place (the gut) and keep it from getting out of hand. When the balance of the inner ecology is thrown off the candida runs amuck and wreaks havoc on the system. It's symptoms are many and most doctors don't even acknowledge it! Instead, they treat the isolated condition with antibiotics exacerbating the whole problem. The symptoms are a whole laundry list that candida can be the root cause of.

To begin, you must change your diet to help the body. There is much on this site regarding this and protocols that can be followed. I have given protocols to follow many times on EC so I will not re-iterate but you can do a search and find them. Bill of Luzon, Philippines has done so as well. Start taking a strong probiotic and in addition, begin adding in fermented foods/ drinks such as real sauerkraut and/ or real pickles found only in the refrigerated section. For sure, you could find them at your health food store. It is imperative you begin cleaning up your inner ecosystem! Eliminate all processed food, flour products and sugar immediately.

I hope this beginning can help you. Again, do a search on candida and you will find lots of info. Best to you, Lisa"

08/16/2012: Carrie from Bailey, Nc replies: "I'm sorry but it is not systemic candida. My blood was drawn today along with 2 biopsies on my back for this rash. Doctor states that he thinks it is hormonal or thyroid but I know that it's neither. Both had been checked recently by my OB/GYN and my immunolgist."

08/16/2012: Carrie from Bailey, Nc replies: "It is not candida. It is also not my thyroid or hormonal. Waiting for lab work to come back and biopsies of the rash. It will take about 2 weeks. The doctor told me to use dandruff shampoo to wash with but I see it like this, if it didn't work using it on the rash then what good will it do to use on my whole body. He also said he thinks it's horminal or thyroid but I know that's not the case. My OB/GYN checked hormones within the last 6 mths. And my immunologist checked my thyroid a few mths. ago. This dermitologist should just state that he is not sure and wait for the blood work and biopsies of the rash to come back. Until then, I really don't know what I can do. It's driving me batty!"

08/16/2012: Reader Of Ec from Los Angeles, Ca replies: "Im not so sure your condition is Candida as the previous post suggests. Though investigating the cause as bacterial, viral or as a mite infestation are logical possibilities that must be investigated.

Do you have pets? Are they experiencing more itching/scratching than usual. Recently visited someone with animals? Do you itch more so at night? This would indicate a mite presence. Sulfur soap and shampoo will help. Sulfur is very drying to the skin so test to see how your skin reacts 1^st before using. The drying action kills mites.

In the event your condition is a mite infestation, one must consider all clothing, bedding, car and house seating a source of constant perpetuation of the condition unless, sanitiezed, cloths/bedding changed every day, laundered in extremely hot temperatures and Borox added to the wash.

Sulfur soaps and creams are also good remedies for bacterial and viral skin infections. They have been used for thousands of years.

Something is causing an inflammation response on your skin. Keep in mind that what ever solution you may try on your skin natural or pharmaceutical, may also trigger an immune response. It does not mean medicated creams or lotions, sulfur soaps are not working but that your skin is reacting to all foreign substances it deems a threat.

Lavender oil mixed with coconut oil is also very healing for viral and bacterial infections. If your skin is just too inflamed to do any topical remedies, I would recommend getting a juicer and juicing 3 times a day 10 organic carrots, one whole green apple (seeds and all) and one whole lemon, seeds, peel and all. You are getting live enzymes, thousands of times of vitamin C daily requirement, a few thousand times the vitamin A of daily required values to aid in the healing and reduction in inflammation of the skin. Do this for 21 days no matter how tiring it gets.

If bacterial or viral you will see your skin improve from the inside out and the texture and color will be visibly healthy.

If a mite infestation, take a look at the section on this site for help."

08/16/2012: Carrie from Bailey, Nc replies: "I do have pets but they are always well bathed. They are not scratching or anything like that. I have dogs only. My rash is not itchy at all. It's gross to say but it is crusty. I will try the lavender and cocnut oil. Thank you for that advice. Seems like doctors just do not take the time to really look for the problem."

08/17/2012: Janet from Kendal, U.K replies: "This sounds very much a fungal problem, often occurs in warm, moist areas. A friend of mine developed something similar on her feet. We washed them in anbacterial soap, one that is sold for handwashing. Just one time and it, s gone already.

Your sounds like cradle cap, common in babies. ACV in your rinsing water would also help I, m sure. Good Luck."

08/17/2012: Reader Of EC from Los Angeles, Ca replies: "Glad to hear its not itchy. Try the sulfur soap to see if that works. Remember its very drying so use good lotion after showering. If it is a fungus or bacteria try to sit in the sun with the affected areas exposed for 20 mins every day. By the 3rd day you should see results.

My best friend had a skin issue that cleared up with sunlight. Her insurance refused to pay for medical UV treatments recammended by her doc.

I read on this site that a few people had similar skin issues that cleared up after swimming in the ocean for a few days."

08/17/2012: Carrie from Bailey, NC replies: "I get a good amount of sunlight every day. I take vitamins daily and also 50,000 units of vitamin D every 2 weeks due to a mild form of Cystic Fibrosis. (I have a CF Gene and an SP Variant) I also take B-12 everyday in addition to the rest. I am now trying the ACV, it doesn't burn but it stinks reallly bad. Lol... I cannot take things internally due to my 2 heart conditions. It don't take much to trigger the one heart condition that I have which is Long QT Syndrome. All I can do is topical. Where can I get sulfur soap? I seen where some people on here stated that he had to be presrcibed due to mixture."

08/19/2012: Tracy from San Augustine, Texas replies: "Fresh whey is also good for removing scalp infection, especially that known as "cradle cap". Whey is the liquid separated from the curds in milk when making cheese. You should be able to buy whey at a health food store or from a dairy if there is one in your area. Just apply the whey like you would your shampoo. Leave on overnight if you can, wearing a showercap to bed."

09/02/2012: Kay from Destin, Fl replies: "Re: SULPHUR SHAMPOO & Soap: Can anyone reccomend any brands of shampoo (available in the USA) with sulphur; and where I might find it?

After trying most everything else, I am having some notable success with Mexican made sulphur soap on scalp & skin infection; but the soap leaves an unmanagable sticky/murky residue on my hair. I am also not able to find sulphur soap in the USA (my old bar is from Mexico and almost gone). Any help greatly appreciated!

Good Health & Blessings to All contributors here!"

10/09/2012: Lou from Tyler, Tx replies: "Try onion juice. Apply gently with a Q-Tip. Then put on a disposable shower cap (from the dollar store). Leave on 1/2 hour. Shampoo with tea tree oil shampoo. Condition with tea tree oil conditioner."

03/14/2013: Francis from New Castle, Pennsylvania replies: "Carrie, from your description of bumps on the neck, back and upper arms it sounds like keratosis pilaris and perhaps actinic pilaris on the scalp. Keratin deposits build up under the skin. They are not pus filled, but filled with a hard white keratin substance. On your head, you may have grain like particles. The keratin builds up at the base of the hair follicle and blocks it from blood supply and nutrients. The hair becomes very dry. For the scalp lactic acid or uric acid desolve the build up. Though sometimes can dry the hair even more. As disgusting as it sounds, urine will disolve the build up, and damage the hair less. Morning urine is best. Pour on scalp; let stand for 1/2 hour before washing. Your scalp will improve quickly. Once a week until the problem is resolved. On your neck and shoulders--gently exfoliate follow by moisturizing. These steps will treat the symptoms and restore the balance. To treat the core problem, check your alkalinity. Your body may be too acidic. Adjust your diet to a more alkaline diet. Also consider going gluten free. Since most wheat is genetically modified it contains much larger amounts of gluten than in the past. It binds to the cilli of the small intestines and flattens them out, creating a barrier that makes it difficult to absorb the vitamins and nutrients needed for healthy hair. The remedies should show results within weeks; the gluten free diet may take six weeks before the situation is improved with absorption. Alkalinity can be tested with ph strips, either testing the inside of your mouth or your urine. Goo luck. Wish you the best"

03/19/2013: Citygirl27 from Richardson, Tx, Usa replies: "I have two suggestions: vinegar, and coconut oil. Don't use them together but do this. Wet hair, and before normal shampoo and conditioning, pour 1 cup of white vinegar (I suppose you could use ACV but I use white vinegar for my scalp health and hair shine) over your head under a running shower. Keep eyes closed til vinegar is confidently rinsed out. You'll know because the whiff will be largely gone. A few days later, if no improvement, try a coconut oil scalp mask. Cover your scalp in organic coconut oil, and leave it for 20-30 minutes. It will take some effort (and hot water) to rinse it out, but coconut oil works wonders on infections and dandruff, etc. Alternate these every few days if needed."

06/23/2012: Louwrence from Rustenburg, North West, South Africa replies: "Hi Connie, Try your own best medicine, urine, it will solve your problem. Just put it on & leave for a while then rinse off. That is all."

01/08/2012: Linda from New Haven, Connecticut replies: "Helen, although I don't know what is causing this problem for you I think you might give the coconut oil another try but take it internally instead of externally. I've read many posts here that indicate that internal use gets the "cure" where the body needs it, not where we think we need it.

Whatever is causing your scalp condition may be starting far from the top of your head & is simply a symptom of another underlying cause.

Try taking a tablespoon of pure unprocessed coconut oil two or three times a day. It is antiviral, antifungal (kills yeast too) and antibacterial.

Good luck! "

01/08/2012: Kay from In The Valley, Ca replies: "Two things that I have had good success with for skin issues are lugol's iodine and castor oil from the health food store. One or both of these things might help. I wish you luck."

01/08/2012: Helen from Austin, Tx replies: "Thanks! I did try the white iodine and the castor oil 3 years ago when it started, with no results. I've been hesitant to use the Lugol's--I am 67 and have very white hair--since its all over my scalp, I'd have orange hair. Perhaps I'll try a tiny bit at the back."

01/08/2012: Helen from Austin, Tx replies: "To Linda: Yes, I've considered that it may be internal and I have been taking 1-2 tablespoons coconut oil per day and have been for years, even before this started. I shall try to increase it now. Thanks for the reply!"

01/09/2012: Debbie from Melbourne, Australia replies: "Helen if you have white hair that means you have a copper deficiency. Google Joel Wallach. He has a great book. He says that copper deficiency will eventually lead to an anueryism. Farmers actually know that animals who lose the colour from their fur are copper deficient. I am not saying it is related to your scalp problem. Many pesticides used on our foods will actually deplete copper from the body."

01/09/2012: Kay from In The Valley, Ca replies: "Helen, I think orange hair is in now, isn't it??!!!"

01/10/2012: Jen from Bozeman, Mt, Us replies: "Hello Helen, Are you taking the lugol's internally as well as the coconut oil? Iodine is needed by your skin cells as well as many other organs. Maybe you could try a few drops internally before trying it on your hair:) I wouldn't want orange hair even if it is in right now:) But that's just me. Another thing you might try is Vit D3. Your skin needs it as well and right now during the winter months you could be deficient in it.

There are also some diseases that can cause "skin thickening." One of them has to do with your adrenal glands so you may want to get them checked out just in case. It may not be a skin issue at all but rather something hormonal. Another disease that causes skin thickening or Myxoderma in this case is Hypothyroidism. I would get your levels tested to see for sure. Then even if you decide to use natural treatments you will know what you are up against. Dermatologists don't know anything about hormonal issues so see your general practitioner, or a naturalpath to get a good diagnosis. Then go from there."

01/11/2012: Helen from Austin, Tx replies: "Thanks, Jen I had my iodine levels checked and I'm ok there. And yes, I do have adrenal issues. I had one gland removed 17 years ago and take hydrocortisone daily as well as DHEA for replacement. And yes, I'm hypothyroid, too--take Armour Thyroid daily. Plus estrogen replacement in the form of compounded TriEst. Take 5000 IUs of Vitamin D. I've been taking all those for 17 years and get blood tests for all of those regularly. I never had a scalp condition until 2-3 years ago and I'm 67.

I will research the adrenal stuff more and see what I can find about skin thickening. All my other skin is great. I do go to a great family physician who is willing to try new things, especially hormones. The derm was less than useful.

Thank you!"

01/11/2012: Helen from Austin, Tx replies: "Maybe for young folks! Not for late 60's!"

01/11/2012: Helen from Austin, Tx replies: "Thanks, I'll check on it; I do take a 2 mg copper supplement each day."

03/05/2012: Helen from Richmond, In replies: "I have had the same problem you have for at least 30 of my 58 years. I've tried everything to address this embarrassing problem. For entirely different reasons I gave up sugar completely, except for 2 fruits (not juice) a day about 4 weeks ago. My scalp has completely healed. No itching, bumps or smell. I will never eat sugar again. I can even use shampoo for normal hair! If only I had known this years ago."

08/14/2011: Monnie from Kerala, India replies: "Why don't you see a dermatologist? Nizoral (2%) is a good shampoo but I am not sure if it's suitable for women."

08/15/2011: Mecka from Seattle, Washington replies: "Try to use tea tree shampoo. Stay away from oily and sugary foods and drink lots of water."

01/18/2012: Kate from Maidenhead, Berkshire, England replies: "I was prescribed Nizoril by my GP, I noticed more hair loss with this & immediately stopped using it."