Natural Remedies for Scalp Infections

Ted's Remedies

Posted by David (Orange County, CA) on 02/21/2007
★★★★★

I discovered this sit because i had a scalp infection and wanted to find out how i could cure it. i started to take the acv and baking soda internally that ted suggests. i felt really good and it seemed to help a lot. i put some acv on my head as well and i don't know if i worked. i also tried the peroxide on my head but i hasn't really done much either.i had read that eucalyptus oil is really good, so i realized that vic's vapor rub has eucalyptus oil in it so i put some on my head and it had the greatest effect than anything i tried.i can say that i went to the nutritional store to buy the tea tree oil that ted suggested, but unfortunately for me i listened to the homeopathic doctor there and didn't buy it. instead i bought the pills he suggested and the ointment that contained alison, i guess it's an extract from garlic, which is also suppose to clean your blood. that didn't seem to help at all so i started rubbing on the vic's again. i am going to buy the tea tea tree oil and maybe eucalyptus oil. i also have to mention, that i had blood work done there at the health food store and my blood was really clean. he said that he never gets to see such healthy blood and was very impressed! i had been taking the acv and baking soda for at least a month though, so i guess it really worked. i use to have a little bite of lower back pain and that even went away. i want to give a special thanks to tedd, your a gentle man and a scholar. well thanks to everyone as well, who have taken the time to try to help others by contributing to this site. god bless all of you and your families!

p.s. i forgot to note that the infection seemed to be fungus and discovered it because my hair was falling out. i decided to just go ahead and shave my head and discovered i had the read fungus/ringworm on different parts of my head .the acv and vic's vapor rub really helped and i started to regrow my hair and it's not falling out anymore. it even seems to be growing thicker on the area's that were growing thin. thanks!

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Jb (Home) on 02/09/2017
★★★★★

I am defeating the head, neck and shoulders issue with spots/sores. The easiest way to cover all areas for me is to take a bath with epsom salts, baking soda (50/50 mix) plus Apple Cider Vinegar OR Food grade vinegar in the bath water. This instantly treats and dries up the sores. They can and sometimes do return if not treated well in a couple of days again. I also apply 100% Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca) during the day. It works well as long as I keep from scratching or irritating it further. Right now it's in a good stage of remission. There are many good ideas on here so I may get some Aloe Vera soon.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Patricia (Michigan Usa) on 10/26/2016
★☆☆☆☆

About one month ago I started getting these small barnacles ( for lack of a better word ) I used a Rx shampoo

And I thought all was well UNTIL

I started getting these raised sores and stabbed areas.I went to dermatologist who then gave me Clindamycin and a gel - oily steroid to put on the open areas. That all went away ..BUT then comes these massive amts of sandy, grainy junk all over my scalp. I wash and soak it with OTC shampoos to know avail. I can pick off the mounds of sand but within a minute it seems there it is again. I am currently taking doxicyline for a month. I have tried a mixture of half n half organic ACV with water. Again no help. So does anyone have any ideas.?

Thank you for reading.

Tea Tree Oil

Posted by Sawyer (Nevada) on 09/08/2017
★★★★★

Hey I just totally saw this a few minutes after reading your post no it's not what I'm dealing with I just wanted to give you five things up for you are totally on track with your diagnosis and treatment why here it is sorry I feel the need to share but I'm going to :p

Demodex brevis mites feed on the glandular cells of the sebaceous gland that attaches to hair follicles (pilosebaceous glands) and meibomian glands. The sebaceous glands produce an oily substance known as sebum. Meibomian glands produce meibum which prevents tears from rapidly evaporating. It plays an important role in eye moisture.
Medication
TREATMENT:)
Tea tree 5% ointment.
Mercury oxide 1% ointment.
Topical insecticides like permethrin and crotamiton creams.
Topical antibiotics like erythromycin and metronidazole.
Oral medication like ivermectin for people with weakened immune systems such as in HIV infection.

Grapefruit Seed Extract

Posted by Sheila (Hallandale, Florida) on 01/07/2016 2 posts
★★★★★

I was originally using Tea Tree Oil for the scabs on my scalp. When it got worse (not from Tea Tree Oil) I used 3 drops of grapefruit seed extract in my shampoo, as suggested by someone. After only 2 hair washes, the scabs are 3/4 gone. I also use grapefruit seed extract for teeth and gums.

Multiple Remedies

Posted by Nate (Semmes, Al) on 11/25/2015
★★★★★

Scalp Fungus:

Used several RX shampoos and pills. I even tried multiple products and remedies over the years. Your site finally solved my scalp issues. I think it must have been more than one type fungus that was causing my head to itch, burn and go bald. I used the white vinegar, aspirin and Epsom salt spray twice a day for 7 days. The area burned and peeled but it was 85% better. Even the lumpiness of my scalp was immediately reduced. After it dried I applied pure coconut to soothe it. Sometimes the coconut oil burned. I occasionally used antibiotic ointment when peeling was too severe. Only the bald spot where fungi were burned and peeled. Then I used Absorbine Jr for a 7 days which burned more and peeled more. But still it was healing and getting better. Applied pure coconut oil to soothe. This also sometimes burned. I occasionally added an antibiotic ointment in place of coconut oil.

Finally I used Listerine as many times a day as I wanted. It tingled and felt refreshing but no burn. My hair is growing back and there is hardly ever any itch. I am continuing the Listerine twice a day until I never feel an itch! Thanks for your site Ted! God led me to this place of healing. I pray others with stubborn scalp issues are so blessed!

Ted's Remedies

Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee, Usa) on 01/13/2014

Dear Hamza,

I am no expert, but my thought is that baking soda and Apple Cider Vinegar are used by many people for cleaning their hair and many seem to use it long term with only positive results. I have recently begun trying it myself. As I see it, this has got to be safer than anything else I have been using to clean my hair, even most "natural" stuff.

Perhaps someone else with have some more thought that will shed light on why some say it is not good.

~Mama to Many~

Chronic Itchy Red Scalp Remedies

Posted by June (West Palm Beach, US) on 04/27/2014

Dear Melina,

I read a post on Earth Clinic last week where she cured her perioral dermatitis after switching to shampoos and hair styling products that do not contain wheat (most of them do). Have you tried that? If not, maybe that would help. Another thing that comes to mind is that maybe you have a severe iodine deficiency.

Burning Scalp and Hair Loss Remedies

Posted by Dave (Fountain Inn, SC) on 05/21/2013

Hello Penelope, To give us "medical detectives" some more insight, could you please elaborate on what your recent medical histor is... have you had any major infections, for instance? Or dental work? Or injuries to the head causing lacerations or puncutre? If the answer to the above three items is "yes" then that might give a clue to viral, fungal or bacterial infection inside the scalp which has spread from a previous infection.

Next, assuming we eliminate the infection possibility, go to reactions to topical ointments, allergies etc. Does anything you eat, for instance, make the condition worse, such as acidic foods? You might have developed a late developing allergy to some specific item. My mother in law is deathly allergic to sesame seeds and sesame oils. You can get to the bottom of this by process of elimination. Leave off certain items you may be suspicious of and see if the condition changes.

Next, could there be a deficiency of anything? Some latent genetic conditions could be triggered as we age and kick in a deficiency where previously was asymptomatic. Read relentessly to find any clue to vitamin deficiencies, such as the B complex or mineral deficency, eg magnasium.

One odd question: Have you been overseas where parasites could be another avenue of enquiry.

Oh, one more: Please advise whether you eat raw meat.

Yet one last one: Are you ear canals alright? Any new unsual ringing or clicking sounds? That could indicate fungus or virus. And your eyes... Is your vision recently blurred?

I am assuming you have already checked on your acidity... I refered to that above but make sure you are drinking enough alkeline liquid (one half teaspoon of baking soda twice a day) would help neutralize an acid body. If you suspect that, then get off coffee, meats and acidic foods such as tomatoes.

Diatomaceous earth is an interesting "test" to see if key digestion issues are a problem. Really high quality "green" drinks is something that could give you another hint; that is is after consuming for a week if the condition improves.

Please forgive me for suggesting so many things but I thought I'd run some ideas out to give an expanded check off of possible cures. And don't lose hope... Because there is a solution. It may be as easy as soaking in boron (borax) and/or epsom salts.

Just keep trying. But go back to my first request... is there anything else you can give "us" to help you by way of hints concerning your midical history; prescriptions drug interaction for instance.

Burning Scalp and Hair Loss Remedies

Posted by Happy In Florida (Dunedin, Fl) on 05/29/2013

Hi, I had a similar problem, got really panicked. What do you use to wash your hair? I suspected that my issue was related to that so I started researching and found Castile soap. I bought tea tree one to try and washed my hair with full strength couple days in the row rinsing with apple sider vinegar. Those were ponytail days until I discovered dr Broner's rinse. The inflammation is gone, my scalp does not itch or hurt anymore. I am not sure if hair is growing back but at least it is not falling out and my scalp does not bother me. Now I wash my hair with 3:1 ratio of water to Castile soap and rinse using the rinse. You can find it on amazon or vitamin world. My hair looks better than it did in years. I would also recommend detoxing and doing flushes (liver, colon etc). Good luck, hope this is helpful. Victoryia

Burning Scalp and Hair Loss Remedies

Posted by Patricia (N. Vancouver, WA) on 02/22/2025

Hi Joy,

Yes, a high TSH number means you are hypothyroid. I have to fight with my doctors to stay on my 'regular' dose of Synthroid. The medical field has also changed the 'normal range'. I feel best if my TSH is at .05. They always want to decrease my dosage because it's 'too much medication'. I have to go on about how it's right for me, ie. regular bowel movements, non foggy mind, warm hands and feet, feeling awake and ready to go, feeling good and vibrant. She should definitely ask for a therapeutic does to see how you feel. The TSH test is not a good measurement, never has been. Trish (very close to Battle Ground).

Aloe Vera and Tea Tree Oil

Posted by Kay (Fl, US) on 05/31/2014
★★★★★

Dear Desperate NY: What you describe is "classic" ringworm of the scalp (it is a fungus); there are great photos of this ailment on Web MD. My brother's family picked up a spot on arm & leg; the best/fastest treatment (after trying many) came from the dollar store (in the USA) called "Blue Goo"; found in the foot section, for nail fungus; cost $1.00 for an 4oz bottle (which was enough to treat ringworms, toe fungus, and yellow ingrown toenails too)! It's 1% clotrimazole cream plus tea tree oil. They applied it before bed, let it dry, then climbed into bed, washed it off each morning, after about two weeks; cured!

I tried the remainder on the (lifelong) calluses and ill-formed nails one my funnky little toes; the calluses flaked off and the nails grew out normal!

Urine

Posted by Louwrence (Rustenburg, North West, South Africa) on 10/18/2012
★★★★★

To treat scalp infection problem I will soak it with urine which will quickly solve your problem. It works.

Borax

Posted by Susan In Dallas (Dallas) on 04/03/2012

I had the same scalp issues for about 4 years. I had tried everything multiple times without permanent relief. I started using "a horse" shampoo with Zinc daily. After using about 1.5 bottles (2 months of use) my scalp issues are totally gone and haven't returned with continued use of this shampoo.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Jen (Denton, Tx) on 09/23/2011
★★★★★

Kerri,

I have tried the ACV on my scalp, and while it didn't do the trick for my itchy flaking scalp, it makes my hair amazingly silky and easy to brush, no conditioner needed. It strips haircolor, so I don't use it when my color is fresh, but as it wears out, I like to do an ACV rinse once a week just for the way it conditions my hair. It is amazing.

Jen

Corn Meal

Posted by Piper (Toronto, On) on 09/18/2010
★★★★★

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.

Ted's Remedies

Posted by Diane (Ottumwa, Ia ) on 08/10/2010
★★★★☆

Here is what worked for my itchy scabs on my scalp, Colloidal Silver. I made a 20% concentration. It knocked one of the scabs out in three days. The other scab near my neckline did not respond to Colloidal Silver, but has responded to a modification of Ted's Remedy. I took about 8oz. Of Ted's Hydrogen Peroxide, Vinegar, Water Mixture and added about a teaspoon of Epsom salts and a teaspoon of Borax to it to make a heavily saturated solution. I applied it numerous times per day with a cotton ball. It's gradually getting smaller and in about two more days should be gone. I can't tell you all the stuff I tried that did not work, the list would be too long. I figured the Borax would be good if it was a mite, the epsom salts, vinegar and peroxide would be good if it was bacterial or fungal in nature. I tried every anti-fungal and every anti-bacterial in the natural world and every over-the-counter remedy I could think of. By the way, Vicks is a nightmare to get out of your hair and should never be tried. Hope this helps someone. I agree with the posters who say this is from a cat or kitten. Never had any skin/scalp infections until we took in a cat.

Apple Cider Vinegar, Hydrogen Peroxide

Posted by Mama To Many (Tn) on 04/17/2017

Dear Kevin,

I would be careful about using hydrogen peroxide in your hair. It can bleach it.

For the build up you might try baking soda paste. Just mix baking soda and water and apply to the scalp and rinse out after 10 minutes. Repeat once or twice a week but not more often and the scalp really wants to remain more alkaline.

Some use apple cider vinegar to rinse the hair daily.

I dilute Apple Cider Vinegar with water - half of each. Then pour over head. If I really want it touching the scalp, I put the mixture in a bottle with a little spout and can squirt it right onto my scalp. (Worked great when my head was itchy one time.)

As a teen with greasy hair I did vinegar after washing my hair every day for a good while. I used distilled white vinegar for that back then.

~Mama to Many~

Ted's Remedies

Posted by Anthony (Beaumont, Texas) on 03/01/2009
★★★★☆

Hey Ted, I started having scalp problems when I was 15 years old. I had nasty pustules on my head, thinning hair along with a itchy and flaky beard when I hit 18 years old. The doctors didnt help much. Seems like pills are their answers to everything. Anyways, I am 26 now and I read your post several months back. I tried the ACV & H202 with the tea tree oil and lavendar and my hair hasn't looked this good since it started falling out. My scalp is fine and I see hair growning on my scalp in places that use to be really thin. Now it seems like it has been at a stand still and sometimes it looks just a tad bit worst. I am thinking it must be something that I am eating, something extra that I need to take or both. Do you have any suggestions for me? My scalp looks 60 percent better and I need something to help it get over the hump. By the way, sometimes the skin on the side of my nose gets dry and cracky. That's when I notice my hair getting thin again. Maybe the two are linked. Please help! Thanks!

Grapefruit Seed Extract

Posted by Mike (Wellfleet, MA) on 12/25/2008
★★★★★

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.

Ted's Remedies

Posted by Benny (Anchorage, Alaska) on 09/14/2008
★★★★☆

I have had chronic scalp infections for around 25 years. My symptoms are very painful green puss filled pimples when it gets really bad, and primarily in the back part of my scalp. I didn't do anything for it when I was a teen, because my parents wouldn't pay for any medical treatments for it. As an adult I have regularly gone to the doctor for this problem and they always prescribe anti-biotics and some anti fungle cream. The anti-biotics worked for only a short time before I would get the condition back. The anti fungal cream didn't seem to do anything but make me feel more uncomfortable. I took antibiotics around three months ago and was doing great until now. The infection came back with a vengence. My priority this morning was to try Ted's approach and shop for the supplies: ACV, Hydrogen Peroxide, and Epsom Salt, costing me just a few bucks. The directions for mixing Ted does give, as 1 part ACV, 1 part Hydrogen Peroxide, and 10 parts water. I made a solution of 1/2 cup Epsom salt and 1 quart water to clean and soften my scalp first. I also bought a turkey baster to apply the soltion to my scalp while in the tub, with the back of my head dipped in a plastic bag to hold the solution on my head. I kept the salt solution on as long as I could, then rinsed it off. Then I did the same with the ACV, Hydrogen Peroxide solution, but only for a couple minutes. It did not hurt or feel bad puting it on. Actually it was soothing. I must say that after this first try, my scalp really felt better, and most of the pain went away and became more tolerable, as the swelling went down. I did have my wife apply triple antibiotic ointment on the sores after I dried my hair. I also would like to say I did find a natural shampoo and conditioner (under ten bucks each)that includes both tea tree and lavender oil in it. The brand name is Desert Essence. It was located in the health food section of a regular grocery store. I will try using these to see if they do the trick. So far after the first try I feel better. Wish me luck. I hope this will prove to work as well as save money and trips to the Doctor.

Coconut Oil

Posted by Chu (Edmond, Oklahoma) on 03/19/2007
★★★★★

Hi, I haven't seen a remedy for smelly scalp, I used to have a foul smelling scalp, even though I showered everyday, I tried all kinds of shampoo, but the one thing that cured me of this embarrassing condition was applying virgin coconut oil to my scalp for an hour. I think it disappeared after two applications.

I hope this helps others who suffer from this condition.

Turpentine

Posted by Namaw (Bama) on 10/27/2016
★★★★★

I, too, get eruptions on my scalp. I think it's fungus. I've been using turpentine on it. I usually dip a q tip into the turp and apply it to the spots but, sometimes, I can feel a spot coming on and then I smear it around. I had a fungus on my neck as a child (looked like I had a dirty neck) and it eventually went away on its own (my mom wouldn't apply the cream and I was only like 8 yrs old). Anyway, I see great results from the turp after several days of doing this. I put it on when I first get up and then, an hour or so later, take my shower and shampoo.

Jojoba, Tea Tree Oil, Clove Oil

Posted by Lenore (Massachusetts) on 02/17/2016
★★★★★

Staphylococcal Folliculitis Scalp Infection:

I have been very successful with a mixture of jojoba oil/tea tree/clove oil in a spray bottle. I put the nozzle to my scalp and get just the right amount with no mess. I massage my scalp and leave this on overnight. No more itch or follicle pain and my hair is growing back. I also added biotin to help the hair grow.

Dietary Changes

Posted by Micaela (Buenos Aires, Argentina ) on 06/01/2015
★★★★★

Scalp Infections With Hair loss:

Change your diet! No more fats, no more dairy.. Diet is everything! I experienced myself! I did a fast, 5 days only water, and itchiness went completely away, after years! Then continued eating raw vegan, perfect, after a few months I started again with gluten (cookies, bread) and dairy and blooom, instantly dandruff and itchy scalp went back heavily, until I started to loose hair (I'm female 28 years old! ) and then I said stop! Did a 2 days fast to cut straightforward, and went back to eat fruit fruit fruit, and cooked potatoes, pumpkin, veggies, but nothing else. No oils at all, no avocado, no chocolate..

Borax

Posted by Timh (Ky) on 11/05/2015 2042 posts

N: Boric Acid, Boron, and Borax are interchangeable substances but Borax is preferred for scalp conditions, however Boric Acid in small amounts added to shampoo would likely help.

Also, look for "medicated shampoo" at your local retail market, which would have a variety of medicinals for scalp.