Oil (sebum) is naturally produced in our body by the sebaceous glands on the skin and scalp. It has a moisturizing and protective function. When there is increased sebum production on the scalp, this leads to an oily scalp (seborrhea). This may also be accompanied by some other complaints. These include itching, bad odor from the scalp, dandruff and greasy hair. It can also lead to acne (pimples). It is also one of the main predisposing factors that can lead to a fungal infection on the scalp. There are several reasons that can lead to an oily scalp. It can occur in hot, humid weather, from washing the hair too often or too little, from using shampoos that contain excessive chemicals, from hormonal changes during puberty, menopause and pregnancy, and from eating foods that contains unhealthy fat. Someone with a history of oily scalp in family members is also prone to this. Using oral contraceptives can also increase oil production. An oily scalp can be caused by disorders of the pituitary and adrenal glands. These conditions increase sebum production, leading to an oily scalp.
Homeopathic treatment
Homeopathy has been found to be effective in controlling various scalp problems including oily scalp. Homeopathic medicines work well by moderating excessive sebum production by overactive sebaceous glands. These medications gradually reduce the intensity of this complaint. They also help manage associated problems like itching, dandruff, pimples and fungal infections on the scalp that can sometimes accompany an oily scalp. Homeopathic medicines are selected based on individual characteristics. Although these medicines are safe to use, it is advised to use any homeopathic medicine after your case has been assessed by a homeopathic doctor and avoid self-medication.
Homeopathic medicines for oily scalp
1.Natrum Mur – Leading homeopathic medicine
Natrum Mur is a very effective medicine to treat cases of oily scalp. If necessary, itching occurs on the scalp and neck. Whitish dandruff may appear on the scalp. A person may complain of hair loss. The scalp may be sensitive to the touch. This medicine is also indicated for controlling scalp eruptions and crusting. The blowouts can release a glue-like, sticky fluid that causes the hair to stick.
2. Thuja Occidentalis – With white flaky rose
Thuja Occidentalis is the next well indicated medicine to treat oily scalp with white flaky dandruff. A burning sensation may be felt on the scalp. The scalp also itches, which is relieved by scratching. This may be accompanied by a stinging or tingling sensation on the scalp. In addition, white, flaky peeling eruptions may be present on the scalp. The eruptions may extend to the ears and neck.
3. Sulfur – To control itching of the scalp
Homeopathic medicine Sulfur can be used to treat itching on oily scalp. In most cases, the itching gets worse in the evening. The scalp may be painful to the touch. Painful and itchy pimples may also be present. This medicine is also effective in controlling discharge on the scalp due to fungal infection. Cases of small pus-filled bumps on the scalp that become covered with scabs after drying are also observed. In some cases, fluid-filled eruptions can be seen on top of the scalp, which later become covered with yellow or brown crusts.
4. Calcarea Carb – When there is an oily scalp and excessive sweating on the scalp
Calcarea Carb is of great use in treating cases of oily scalp accompanied by excessive sweating on the scalp. Where this medicine is needed, a burning and stinging sensation on the head may be felt. There may also be itching and a feeling as if something is crawling over the scalp. This starts from the tip of the scalp. Scratching makes it worse. A burning sensation and itching are felt both on the neck and scalp. In addition, moisture flaking may occur on the scalp. The flakes can be thin or thick and small or large. These are colored yellowish white. Finally, it is indicated if thick scabs appear on the scalp as a result of a fungal infection.
5. Phosphorus – for controlling dandruff and hair loss
Phosphorus is of great use in controlling excessive build-up of dandruff and hair loss. At the same time, excessive itching on the scalp occurs. It gets better for a while if you scratch, but it gets worse again. There is excessive sweating on the scalp. This medicine can also treat itchy pimples that can sometimes form on the scalp.
6. Merc Sol – For greasy sweat on the scalp
This medicine helps treat cases of greasy sweat on the scalp that has a bad odor. It worsens at night while lying in bed and hair loss is an indication of its use, especially from the sides of the scalp. Apart from those mentioned above, this medicine can be considered to control moisture eruptions on the scalp, which can also lead to hair damage in some cases.
7. Silicea – To treat oily scalp with pimples
Silicea can be used for an oily scalp with pimples on the scalp, forehead and neck. Pimples can also be filled with pus. These are accompanied by itching and burning sensations that are only felt during the day. The scalp may be sensitive to the touch. There is also a stinging sensation on the scalp. There is profuse, bad-smelling sweat on the scalp. Silicea is also well indicated for the treatment of eruptions covered with thin scales on the scalp.
8. Psorinum – With sticky sweat
Psorinum is a beneficial medicine for treating cases of oily scalp accompanied by sticky sweat on the scalp. This is accompanied by a burning sensation over the entire scalp. Additionally, pus-filled bumps may appear on the scalp that have a foul odor.
9. Lycopodium – For an oily scalp with bad smelling dandruff
Lycopodium is an important medicine in treating cases of oily scalp with bad smelling dandruff on the scalp. It is accompanied by itching on the scalp. Lycopodium is also useful in controlling skin complaints that can sometimes occur with an oily scalp. Here it is indicated when eruptions appear at the tip of the scalp. These are covered with thick crusts. These emit a foul-smelling liquid. Bleeding may also be an accompanying factor in fluid drainage. The eruptions are itchy and cause an urge to constantly scratch. This medicine is also useful to control hair fall.
10. Sepia – In case of itching of the scalp and sensitivity to touch
Sepia is useful in controlling oily scalp with itching and sensitivity of the scalp to any kind of touch. Itching occurs at the tip of the scalp and also behind the ears. Bad-smelling sweat is visible on the scalp. There is also a formation of small red pimples on the forehead. This medicine is also highly recommended for treating fungal infections on the scalp. Next, this medicine works well to control eruptions on the top and back of the scalp with an unpleasant odor. These eruptions cause itching and a stinging sensation. In some cases, hair loss can also occur.