I have the most repellently flaky scalp - help

[Prunie]

Been under a bit of stress lately and a bit menopausal (don't ask). Central heating not helping, I'm sure.
My scalp is not great at the best of times but is really yucky atm. Normally I'd use Betnovate lotion on it but kind of don't want to be bothering going to the dr to get a new prescription [lazyarse].
What else can I do or use? Please don't say anti-dandruff shampoo - none of them really help and I am using Oilatum anyway which had previously shown promise but has turned out to be another dud.
Is there something dietary I could do or does anyone know why this happens in the first place? Is it psoriasis or fungal or dandruff...what is dandruff??
I have lots of questions...I need a dermatologist really, son't I?

I would put olive oil all over your scalp, let it soak in for a good half and hour or longer, then massage and the dead skin will come away easily (and the flaking should stop)then wash your hair as normal. Would imagine if you are menopausal your skin is drier than previous (as sebum productions slows in menopause) and also if you are under stress this will effect it too.

You do, prunie. There really isn't anything you can put on your scalp that will have any long term effect.

Some of these lotions can thin your skin, too.

My dh has had this for years (it coincided with a period of particularly huge stress, but it's never really gone away since).

I'm trying to get him to see a homeopathist, as I've heard anecdotal evidence that a good once can work wonders, but he's got an appointment with the dermatologist in December, so we'll see how it goes.

Any how, it can't be nice for you Start making some enquiries sooner rather than later, or you'll end up spending a wasted fortune on external treatments.

dh has really flaky scalp and uses L'oreal elvive anti-dandruff intensive - this seems to work (although L'oreal not great - ethics compromised a bit here)

I got diagnosed with seborrheic dermatitis (which I think just mean flaky scalp which isn't dandruff) and have kept it under control with T-gel.

DH has used T-gel - the l'oreal seems to work better atm - maybr scalp got used to the other

I just fine T-Gel and the Loreal one as well turn my hair into straw and don't get rid of it.
THe only thing that works is the steroid application, but I'm hoping for a cure...
(It's not that bad Des, I mean, I can feel it, but I'm not having to walk around with snow on my shoulders, thank goodness. Hmm, might if I wore black but I can get away with scuzzy jumpers and it's not so obvious.)

Yes, I use a really good conditioner!

But it does sound as if you need something much stronger (steroids) or much gentler (olive oil) if none of the middle ground ones work!

Ah! Now the scuzzy jumper is the route that dh tends to follow

I have psoriasis and can suffer really bad from dry flaky scalp, have tried all the shampoos etc in the world - do not work!

Best thing is the olive oil, can clear it up in a week. I get my partner to apply it in the evening, and wash it off in the morning. It can make your hair greasy for a while, but it does work!

Also with central heating, either put a bowl of water close by or hang wet washing over it. Increases humidity and stops your skin drying out

Ah - good tip about the washing, clur, I used to do that for my cello.
OK, olive oil it is. Will report back.

Des, I had a boyfriend who used to do that.
Sympathies...

Glad I found this thread as I am suffering with a very dry scalp and have tried the dandruff shampoos which really are rubbish. Might try the olive oil but don't fancy having greasy hair for days after - looks kind of unkept and like I don't wash .

I defo wouldn't use steroid cream on my scalp, did the Doctor say it was ok do it?

Have you tried hemp oil? It clears up all sorts of things - can pretty much achieve world peace according to its proponents. It is certainly very effective on the dry skin on my hands.

are you on any regular medication that might exacerbate it...i have to take gabapentin at the mo' and that does...

you wont have greasy hair as long as you wash the oil out thoroughly. My mum's scalp is very flaky due to chemo and I put oil on for her every fortnight or so and it really does help.

It's not a cream preparation - it's an alcohol application, dries quickly (you wouldn't go out with it on, though).
It's the business as it clears it up in a few days and you only need a maintenance dose every now and again after that - until the next flare-up.
But long-term use isn't that good, it does thin the scalp apparently.

Ooh hemp oil sounds good
But just because it's not olive oil...
(Too foody for me)

never heard of hemp oil. What is it, where do you buy it from?

Tesco sell it (I bought some once, mistakenly thinking it might be nice - it isn't.)

Yes, it has more cachet (ie, it is more expensive). However I feel bound to inform you that you can eat it as well as rub it in, Pruners.

You can get stuff called Good Oil from Waitrose (endorsed by Hugh Fearnley-Wetheringstonecholmondelyhaugh). I'm sure you could also get it from strong-smelling websites. Body Shop do the hand cream, lip salve etc but not stuff for hair.

Do you dye your hair? Dying my hair gives me dry flaky patches. That I can put up with - wiry grey hairs I cannot!

I ended up adding to to the mixture in the bread machine. Just to get rid. I can't bear the taste.

I had acute flaky scalp brought on by severe stress for a few years, and eventually sorted it out by going to a homeopath. I also used to use a brillint shampoo called Nirvana Naturals nettle jasmine shampoo and a camomile conditioner too, which really helped. Have a look on www.nirvananatural.co.uk. HTH

Didn't realise stress can cause a flaky scalp? Why is that?