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As women navigate menopause, a dry, itchy scalp can become a common complaint, frequently enough linked to declining estrogen levels. Dermatologist Dr. Yael Adler offers simple yet effective home remedies, including a vinegar rinse, and highlights crucial treatments for more serious conditions like alopecia areata.
Home remedies and tips: Dry scalp
The hormonal shifts during and after menopause can significantly impact skin hydration, leading to dryness not just on the face and body, but also on the scalp. This can manifest as a dry, itchy scalp and hair that appears duller. Dr. Adler’s go-to home remedy for this discomfort is a simple rinse with diluted apple cider vinegar. This natural treatment helps to rebalance the scalp’s pH, smooth the cuticle layer of the hair, stimulate blood circulation, and ultimately reduce itching.
To prepare the vinegar rinse, mix one to two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 500 ml of water. After shampooing and conditioning as usual, pour the mixture over your hair and scalp. You can either rinse it out or leave it in; the faint vinegar scent typically dissipates as the hair dries.
Beyond the vinegar rinse, Dr. Adler also recommends incorporating hair masks rich in natural ingredients like shea butter. For those experiencing persistent issues, she suggests considering nutritional supplements or a dietary adjustment focused on providing the body with essential micronutrients and amino acids, wich can further support scalp and hair health.
treatment: circular hair loss
Distinct from menopausal dryness, alopecia areata, commonly known as circular hair loss, is an autoimmune condition. It is not directly caused by hormonal changes but is often linked to other autoimmune disorders, allergies, and has a genetic predisposition.
Treatment for alopecia areata typically involves direct injections of corticosteroids into the affected areas of the scalp. Alternatively, topical applications of cortisone ointments or creams can also be prescribed.
Further therapeutic avenues include UV light therapy and phytotherapy. Psychological support, such as stress management techniques, is also considered beneficial. Dr. Adler also emphasizes the role of a healthy gut microbiome, recommending the inclusion of soluble fibers like acacia fibers and probiotic-rich foods such as unpasteurized sauerkraut or kimchi to support overall well-being, which can indirectly benefit hair health.