Scalp itching: Dandruff and Lice
Scalp itching can be due to many reasons. The two most common agents causing such irritable itching are dandruff and lice infection.
THE COMMON FACTOR: Though vastly different, the eggs of lice called nits are often confused to dandruff as both are white in colour. Whatever the white flakes may be, if they are left untreated they can lead to various ailments of the scalp. Besides both are public nuisances, and cause embarrassment to the person concerned. Hence, you should immediately consult the doctor and take the prescribed measures.
DANDRUFF: Dandruff is chronic syndrome. The scalp skin flakes off in excessive amounts. Dandruff may be caused due to dry scalp or excessive secretion from the sebaceous or oil glands of the scalp. Studies are on to find out the exact causes.
DANDRUFF REMEDY: Dandruff is tackled by frequent uses of medicated shampoos as prescribed by the physician.
LICE INFECTION: On the other hand, lice infection is caused by the antlike parasite that survives on blood they suck from the scalp. Lice infection has been the subject of research among health detectives. However, till date all across the counter medications have proved to be solutions only to a marginal degree.
TOOLS VARIED, MISSION ONE: Varied items are generally used for the homemade anti-lice concoctions. These are as follows: lemon, butter, vinegar, Aloe Vera, mayonnaise, olive oil, and tea tree oil. (Pl check out the article on alternative remedies on lice control)
DEDICATION PAYS: These natural therapies are to be complemented with frequent combing of the hair with a close-nailed comb daily. These flea or lice combs are ideal tools to remove nits, nymphs and even adult lice. Nothing succeeds like a concerted battle against these parasites that can change their colour to adjust the color of the host hair. So, resolve to wage a non-compromising war against the parasite that survives on the blood of your scalp.
SHAMPOOING & COMBING: The strategies include washing the hair with anti-lice shampoos and following it up with a strenuous combing with a flea comb instead of a lice comb. The combing helps to collect the dead lice and even the live ones on a piece of white tissue paper. Any white wide linen or cloth is the better alternative. Such a process over a week’s time considerably helps to check lice infestation.
HOW LONG THE PROCESS BE CONTINUED? Even if the symptoms may diminish, it is advisable to continue the process to obviate any possibility of the lice or their eggs taking roots again.
