Itchy Scalp - Marietta,GA

Updated on September 01, 2010
J.K. asks from Marietta, GA
6 answers

After swimming in a friends' pool, my daughter, now son, and I have itchy scalps. I thought it might be lice, but school nurse and child care say none on the kids, DH says none on me. We have been using Head & Shoulders for a week, but still itchy. Suggestions?????

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.W.

answers from Indianapolis on

The chlorine in the pool would certainly no longer be irritating their scalps a week later, but I agree that it may have dried them out.

Since you've already talked to the school nurse about head lice, I'd keep checking to be sure. There was a recent publication from the American Academy of Pediatrics that said almost 1/2 of the head lice cases in the US are misdiagnosed (what appears to be head lice is actually food, dandruff, other airborn insects like mites).

Itching only really occurs with head lice after several weeks when an allergy to their saliva begins to aggitate the skin.

I'd ask a pharmacist their opinion on a good medicated shampoo (like T-Gel for people with psoriasis).
Products with essential oils (like tea tree oil) are generally not recommended because they're hard to clean from the hair, and the excessive washing actually dries the scalp out more.

You may also want to call your stylist to see what they recommend.

Good luck!

A.G.

answers from Pocatello on

try putting some deep conditioner on your scalp. It sounds like pool might have made it really dry.

L.M.

answers from Dover on

Sounds like irritation from the chemicals in the pool and now possibly dry skin.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

I.L.

answers from Alexandria on

Try a shampoo with tea tree oil in it. But be careful, don't just get the first on that says tee tree on the front. Check the ingredients list and get one that lists tee tree in the first 3 ingredients.
Sounds like you all are having a reaction to the chlorine or something else in the pool. Tee tree is oil is great for irritated skin.
If this does not help, or this does not clear up soon consider going to the doctor. I would think that if it were something fungal it would effect more than just the scalp, but you just never know.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.B.

answers from New York on

Did you shower/wash their hair right after swimming/as soon as you got home? That helps my kids big time! Try Aussie Moist. Good Luck.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.P.

answers from Spartanburg on

Are you using the Dry Scalp Head and Shoulders? If you're using the regular one, you are probably drying out your scalps and making it worse. I've had incredible success with Nioxin Scalp Therapy, which is available at almost every generic haircut place in the world. It's not cheap, but it provides quick relief. Apply directly to your scalp before you shower or bathe and let it sit for a while, then wash out. You will feel so much better.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions