new thread
I've recently realized I've got some "dry parts" on my scalp.
I don't know if it comes from washing my hair too much...I mean, I wash it like every second day to third day.
Usually just before wintertime, I suffer from it in a bad way. My scalp will itch like hell. I've tried alot of different products in this regard, but none have really done anything to keep it under control.
And, my hair is on the oily side...how is it possible then to suffer from a dry scalp? I dunno...I need something that I can just sortof leave in. I've read alot about you guys talking about leave-in conditioner...could this perhaps help with it?
Any suggestions welcome,
Thee Longhaired Gal
You could try a little nizoral on your scalp to eliminate any yeast microbes which can exasperate the problem. I'd also recommend you supplement your diet with flak/lin-seed oils as your may have an essential fatty acid deficiency, also vit b6 and selenium can also be a factor. Alternativly you may have developed contact dermatitis from a product you use. A leave in conditioner would likely make it worse. Also inproper rinsing can cause this, but if it happens every winter then its probably just essential fatty acid deficiency.
Well, I don't hope so...I usually try and use the same products which I can trust, but sometimes my hair tends to get use to them so I have to use alternatives.
When you say dry scalp, what do you mean besides itching like hell? Is it flaky, do you have buildup of dead skin? I've had flaky skin on my scalp all my life, but never "dry". When I was a kid, and my hair was really greasy, my doctor prescribed a nasty anti-dandruff shampoo that was difficult and time-consuming to apply and did nothing to improve the situation. Washing with harsh shampoos tends to improve the situation, but is bad for the hair.
After a couple of days the oils produced will saturate the dead skin that needs to be shed, making my scalp icky and irritated. I've found that vigorous scalp massage during washing will remove the oily dead skin before it starts to be a problem, so I end up washing every two or three days.
Well, basically what happens (and I'm having it now) is that on some parts of my scalp there will be a buildup of some kind of dead dry skin I suppose...and then when I brush my hair, some of the "flakes" will then spread through my hair..and it doesn't look pretty, especially with me having dark hair.
And once I start brushing over it, it intensifies the itching, so I end up scratching my scalp to the degree of madness.
I've tried anti-dandruff, but it's not really good to use. My hairdresser doesn't really agree using it. Rather just plain conditioner and rinsing my hair well - which I do, but it's not helping me in the long run.
So, I'm left with a red scalp with a burning sensation.
What I've found is that if I don't wash and remove the buildup of dead skin, it itches, and the natural tendency is to scratch it off. This isn't a pretty sight, and it leaves irritated patches. I'm much better off removing it during a shampoo, when it is softened.
Yes, which I do as well, but as soon as my hair and scalp dries, it starts again...so, it could be something I'm missing in my diet as Ste said...I'm not sure...but it's really frustrating...I use hairmasks as well, and when I do, this helps a bit...but then I have to do it on a regular basis, but it also tends to make my hair more oily in the end when used in this way.
I used to think that the problem was some sort of interaction between the conditioner and the scalp, and I would apply conditioner to the length of my hair, being careful not to get any on my scalp. You might try this. In fact, it's not impossible that you have a sensitivity to some ingredient in one of your hair care products.
But this didn't work for me. Eventually I discovered that I also have the same skin buildup problem (to a lesser degree) on my face, and after I figured out how to cleanse my skin better without being harsh, my minor dermatitis problem cleared up as well.
I just consider myself to be a "shedder".
The best thing to do is to see a doctor.
Ed
That would be pretty pointless, and waste of the doctors time. They'd only prescribe you nizoral or some poo with tar or selenium sulphide actives, which you can buy over the counter anyway. Or if they're feeling particularly prescription happy they may over-prescribe you something like betnovate which is overkill. Doctors are pretty dumn when it comes to skin disorders, a derm would be much better, but you get the odd bad one of them too who hasnt a clue.
"Say no to hyrdocortisones" - Ste 2004
Try something simple like a shampoo with aloe in it. For sure it will help it when you start scratching it raw (worked for me in the past).
One thing you mentioned is that you have to change the shampoos every so often. This would indicate that you may be using low quality products. I have used the same shampoo for years without having to change because my hair gets used to it (build up). Maybe the additives that build up are causing some scalp flaking or irritation.
Just something to try if you haven't already.
Sounds like some sort of yeast infection, I'd have that checked.
You could try vinegar rinses twice a week if you aren't already. Apple cider vinegar is the best.
Thanks for all the suggestions! I'm going to try them all, and see which works best!
Again thanks!
Thee Longhaired Gal
Not sure if you will see this post - I go away for a few
days and miss alot of messages.
The symptoms you describe sounds like psoriasis.
I have had it for years, some times it is bad, some times
it goes away for long periods. Worse during winter, lots
of sun (UV rays) clears it up.
I would suggest seeing a dermatologist and I do sincerely
hope that I am wrong.
Hey Oversurf,
Thanks for replying!
Em, well it is clearing up at the moment, but I really hope it isn't psoriasis. I'm going to try these suggestions and see what happens, if it doesn't work, then maybe then visit the doctor.
