It's normal for your toddler to scratch her head once in a while, but if she's constantly itching, it may be caused by a medical condition. Common scalp conditions that affect toddlers include eczema, or dry skin; dandruff, or a flaky, scaly scalp; and ringworm, a fungal infection. Although home remedies may alleviate the itchiness, these conditions might require prescription or over-the-counter treatment. Talk to your doctor before using any home remedy to soothe your child's itchy scalp.
Eczema Remedies
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a skin rash that can affect your toddler's arms, legs or scalp. The rash is dry, itchy and uncomfortable. If your child's pediatrician approves, apply a cold compress to her scalp as needed to reduce itchiness and bathe her daily with a mild shampoo. Encourage your child not to scratch the rash, because any irritation makes it worse. Keep your child from scratching the rash at night by placing socks on her hands, recommends the BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board in the BabyCenter.com article "Eczema."
Ringworm Remedies
Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection that requires treatment with a prescription oral or topical antifungal medication. Although home remedies do not eliminate ringworm, they may prevent your child from getting ringworm in the future. Shampoo your child's scalp on a regular basis, particularly after she gets her hair cut, notes MayoClinic.com in the article "Ringworm." Do not let other children share your child's brushes, towels or clothes.
Dandruff Remedies
Dandruff is a common scalp condition that occurs when dead skin cells shed rapidly, causing itchiness and white flaky skin on the scalp. Rub a small amount of warm olive oil into your toddler's scalp and allow it to sit for 20 minutes. Brush the oil through her hair and scalp with a boar bristle brush, then wash her hair as usual. Repeat the process twice a week. If olive oil is ineffective, her pediatrician may recommend over-the-counter medicated shampoos to eliminate dandruff.
Warnings
In rare cases, ringworm on the scalp may be misdiagnosed and left untreated. In severe cases, ringworm causes kerion, a severe scalp inflammation that causes permanent hair loss. Individuals with kerion have pus-filled areas of swelling on the scalp, and the hair might pull out of the scalp easily. To prevent untreated ringworm from advancing to kerion, consult your doctor as soon as possible to properly diagnose your child's itchy scalp.
References
- BabyCenter; Eczema; January 2011
- MayoClinic.com; Ringworm (Scalp); January 2011
- "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies"; Deborah Tkac; 1990
