Smelly scalp is a condition that is becoming more common in children.
In fact, it’s estimated that 3% of children have smelly scalps and another 6% have skin conditions that cause them to develop an odor on their scalps.
While this can sometimes be treated with over-the-counter remedies or prescription medications, there are some things you can do yourself at home to help prevent future problems as well as keep your child’s scalp clean and healthy.
The cause of smelly scalp is not limited to poor hygiene.
You may notice that your child’s scalp smells like it does because of poor hygiene.
But this is not the only cause of smelly scalp.
There are other reasons, including bacterial and fungal infections, hormone imbalance, and overactive sebaceous glands.
If you suspect that there is another cause behind your child’s smelly head (for example, an underlying medical condition), visit a doctor immediately to get a proper diagnosis from a professional.
There are likely many underlying culprits to the smelly scalp.
For example, poor hygiene can be a factor if your child has dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis on their head.
Another possibility is tinea capitis (a yeast infection), which causes itchy bumps on your child’s scalp and neck.
Scalp ringworm also causes an unpleasant rash on the skin and hair follicles.
If you notice that your child has been scratching themselves excessively at night or during nap time, this could be a sign of scalp ringworm infection as well.
If you suspect that there may be something more serious going on with your child’s smell issue than what we have listed here, then speak with their doctor before starting any treatment plans yourself!
Some of the best ways to treat the scalp that smells include antibacterial and antifungal agents.
You can use an antibacterial and antifungal agent to treat your child’s smelly scalp.
These treatments are the best way to prevent future problems with your child’s hair, and they can be done at home or even while you are out of town.
Antibacterial agents work by killing bacteria that cause infections in the skin or scalp area where the infection is present.
Antifungal agents kill the yeast that may be multiplying on the scalp causing an infection there too.
Consistency is key with your child’s hair!
In order to get the best results from antimicrobial treatments, it is important to follow a regimen that will help provide consistent results.
The best way to do this is by creating a consistent routine and sticking with it for at least four weeks.
If your child’s scalp feels better after two weeks of treatment but then starts itching again within three more weeks (for example), you should try switching up their product or adding an extra step into their routine.
It can also be helpful if parents remember not only what products work best for their child but also how much they need—so don’t buy too many bottles of anything unless they’re going through them quickly!
A good rule of thumb is one bottle per month.
However, some kids may only need one bottle once every few months depending on how often they wash/brush/etc.
Prevent future smelly scalp problems.
Here are a few of the things that you can do on a regular basis in order to keep your child’s scalp clean and free from odor as well as prevent future problems.
Wash your hands before touching the scalp.
This prevents bacteria from being transferred to your child’s head when they touch it, which could lead to an infection or other health issues.
Use a gentle shampoo with no sulfates, parabens, or artificial fragrances (these chemicals may cause irritation).
You should also look for one that is sulfate-free if possible; this will help reduce inflammation and promote healthy hair growth.
Rinse well after washing.
This will get rid of any residue left behind by soap suds and make sure there are no oils left behind either!
If you have dry skin around your eyes then try using some moisturizer before rinsing off again.
How do I stop scalp from smelling?
Healthy hair is the key to shiny, healthy scalps.
If you want to keep your child’s scalp from smelling like a locker room, you need to make sure it stays clean and free of dirt and oil build-up.
Wash hair regularly.
If you want your child’s hair to smell as good as possible, they need cleanliness in their environment.
Regular washing of the scalp will help eliminate any dirt or grime that may be causing an unpleasant odor on their scalps.
It is also important that parents do not use too many styling products during bath time because these can cause long-term damage if left on too long.
Use a good quality shampoo and conditioner designed specifically for children’s heads so that those little locks don’t end up feeling dried out after being washed repeatedly throughout the day.
This is especially true since most kids have shorter hair than adults do – which means less space between each strand!
This post is all about combatting your child’s smelly scalp.
Hopefully, we’ve helped you understand the causes and possible remedies for your child’s smelly scalp.
Remember that a healthy diet and regular exercise can help keep your child’s scalp clean and healthy, so make sure they are getting their fair share of these things!
If you found this post helpful (or you have a house full of kids with mixed curly hair), make sure to check my other posts below about mixed hair care and the best way to care for your child’s natural hair.
If you also have kids with opposite hair types, click here to read more and join us on Instagram to catch us in real-time as we live out our daily Do You Even Mom moments.
Other posts you may like:
- What Makes the Term’ Biracial Hair’ So Offensive
- Best Curly Hair Products for Biracial Boys (That Don’t Smell Girly)
- The Best Curly Hair Products at Target
