Dandruff

[NGC2017]

Hi all

I'm not even sure here is the appropriate place to post but over the last few months my scalp has got terrible.

I've never had an issue before. And I have never had dandruff. My scalp is becoming very sensitive and sore. And my scalp is lifting awful.

I know there are people with much bigger problems than this but it's getting me really down and self conscious now as I can't hide it. I have dark hair and the size of the flakes are huge. I can see people keep glancing up at my hair when we are talking for me to then discover I have dandruff on show. At my sons parents evening his teacher literally spoke to my hair lol. It seems to be worse on the top and front of my head.

I've just washed and dried my hair ready to go out. It's everywhere I've literally had to get a nit comb through my hair to drag it all out and it comes out full of dry skin.

I can't understand why my scalp is this bad. I've been very lucky that my hair has always been able to take any shampoo and conditioner. I even get it with Salon shampoos and conditioners.

Does anyone have any words of advice what I can do to ease things please? I'm sorry if this sounds silly but it's getting my down now.

Thank you

Try Alphosyl shampoo. Works miracles for me when I get bad flare ups like this. My scalp gets so bad I end up with sores which look grim (and feel horrible).

Neutrogena shampoos are also good for keeping things under control.

try using tgel shampoo- its the only thing that worked for me to get rid of dandruff. for conditioner, use this. all the best x

Weird that it's happened all of a sudden, has anything changed?

I'd resist the urge to try a whole series of different shampoos. Or to wash too frequently. I'd go every few days. Apparently a cider vinegar rinse if also useful...

The Body Shop ginger shampoo ( buy on line as there's nearly always an offer on) and conditioner. Really massage the conditioner into to your scalp,it's miraculous on my dry, itchy,flaky scalp.

www.thebodyshop.com/hair-care/shampoo/ginger-anti-dandruff-shampoo/p/p000120

Thank you all.

Well that's why I'm abit confused by it all as its happened all of a sudden. I am getting sores too.

I've had bloods taken recently as I've been having trouble with my bowels and everything came back fine but am awaiting further investigations.

I'm washing every other day, as my hair get greasy fast. It used to be every day. And has never been an issue.

I didn't know whether it warranted a trip to the doctors. But I've just looked at my scalp again. It's flipping dry and awful . It shouldnt upset me but when the flakes are visible through my hair it's embarrassing

Honestly, a week of the ginger shampoo and you'll be sorted .

I've just looked it up. I'm going to get some. Thank you very much x

Hope it works for you,let me know how you get on

That shampoo sounds fab. I've contacted my local body shop seller about it.

My concern is though why this has happened so suddenly. I don't want to waste the doctors time but my scalp is sore and has sores on it. I suppose I'm abit worried on an infection. Is it worth a trip to the doctors or not. It's mostly the top front of my head

I had this and hair breaking. Had GP bloods for something else and it turned out my Hb was 77! I’m guessing that was why my hair and skin (and every other part of me) were knackered. Assuming your recent bloods included a full blood count?

Yes funny you mentioned exhaustion as I am, chronically.
Yes I has the FBC and other than raised folates she was happy with the results

Are you sure it is dandruff and not a dry scalp? Have you tried lathering oil on?
If it’s very sore then absolutely go to the doctor or at least the pharmacist.
dandruff or dry scalp

I'm not going to lie, it feels like my scalp is on fire

I'm not going to lie, it feels like my scalp is in fire

Hmmm almost sounds more like an eczema type thing???

I would go to the doctors with it, ideally before you gave a go at fixing it with head and shoulders/t gel/ginger shampoo/alphosyl. Reason I would is that it could be linked to low iron, thyroid or hormone problems, various vitamin deficiencies - if the doc sees it at its worst combined with symptoms of fatigue or whatever else you have going on it might tie up what may or may not be wrong with all if you. Personally, I am diagnosed with hormone issues and v low iron so now use t gel (coal tar) pretty much all the time, take iron tablets (properly - with vit c and only water an hour either side) and it’s improved, not perfect but acceptable.

Sorry it’s so crap

I have also been known to wear a hat/scarf/hairband to hide the forehead/crown a bit.

Just looked online for appointments with my doctors. First one is 3 week away so will have to call on Monday. It's just so sore.
I will defo speak to my doctor about fatique, though I am sure they will be tired of hearing it. I've been complaining of chronic fatigue now for over a year. At times it's horrendous. In the last 18 months I've had at least 8 blood tests, all come back within normal ranges. Though the last one I had raised folates but the doctor wasn't worried as I supplement. I am deficient in vitamin D so am on tablets for life. I also take a multivitamin, vitamin b12, and iron tablet. She said she was baffled why i was feeling so low as my bloods don't show anything to indicate why.
My scalp though has come on over the last 2 to 3 months. I recently had a few weeks where it wasn't so bothersome, but today it really feels on fire

Could you go to the pharmacy about your scalp (as well as your doctors appointment)- they might be able to take a look at it and prescribe something short term until you can get to the doctors.

@sleepismysuperpower1 I will go tomorrow. Even if for a temporary solution

Hi there I've just been reading about your problem feeling tired and problems with your scalp have you had a blood test done to check your iron you should go onto YouTube and type in sally jacks tv mum she has a very interesting video about getting her iron checked as she was tired all the time and her blood tests were showing her iron levels were normal until she went to Harley street and had them checked and she was really surprised with what they found out about her iron levels no harm in looking it might help you

Thank you. Will check it out. Iron deficiency has always sprung to mind which is why it always amazes me what i am told it fine

Fantastic advice @Faybaline thank you for this. I'm going to request FBC and make sure it includes the bits in her vlogs. I don't get brittle nails but my hair does fall out. I have brain fog. I cannot explain the exhaustion though. I can sleep a good 8 or 9 hours and wake up feeling great but within less than an hour I am in a slump trying to work out how I'm going to get through the rest of the day. I can be out and all of a sudden on overcome with exhaustion. I've often been reduced to tears feeling like my body I giving up.
I need to get to the bottom of it x

I'm glad I could help x

I would recommend using Espa pink hair and scalp mud overnight. Then wash out. It's very soothing and usually has any flare ups of mine sorted in a couple of days. I also second the body shop ginger shampoo. X