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Original poster

I have the most repellently flaky scalp - help

42 replies

Prunie · 20/11/2007 20:28

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?

OP posts:

Desiderata · 20/11/2007 21:39

I don't think anyone really knows, Champagne.

It can also result in psoriasis, etc, in other parts of the body.

binkleandflip · 20/11/2007 21:43

It's to do with the nerves.. I should know this, I did it at college last year but it wont come to me...something to do with cell renewal being disrupted by overactivity in the nervous system as a result of stress...or something...

Desiderata · 20/11/2007 21:47

Aha! Then someone does know!

That's interesting, binkle. That would suggest that dh is still stressed.

Original poster

Prunie · 20/11/2007 21:49

Ok that fits, I have been stressed.
I also get it worse when I have a hangover...

OP posts:

binkleandflip · 20/11/2007 21:50

Gawd only knows how I got qualified - clearly have the retention of a goldfish but definately something like that

Original poster

Prunie · 20/11/2007 21:52

What did you qualify as, binkle?

OP posts:

binkleandflip · 20/11/2007 21:54

Therapist in Beauty and Holistics

...was voted nominee student of the year too doncha know... didnt blardy win though!

fortyplus · 20/11/2007 21:57

Dh used to get very flaky scalp. He was prescribed Polytar shampoo, but you can buy it over the counter now.

Original poster

Prunie · 20/11/2007 21:57

Ah so this is up your street then
Nice nomination.

OP posts:

sallystrawberry · 20/11/2007 21:58

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

binkleandflip · 20/11/2007 22:00

You could put a cap on if you really want in bed but I think I would just leave it on for a few hours then wash out tbh, it is pretty quick acting particularly if you massage it well in

annobalthebignosereindeer · 20/11/2007 22:03

I've had this problem for years except when pregnant so seems to be hormonal as well. I recently started using this which I bought for my kids and it seems to work a treat...

BadKitten · 20/11/2007 22:30

For my scalp psoriasis I use coconut oil from holland and barrat. i leave it on for a couple of hours with cling film round my head (I know!) then comb it all out. then put shampoo on head before adding water and rub it in, wash it out and then wash as normal. dont get greasy head. lasts about 4-5days before I look like a mini snowstorm again.

Careful with the steroids on scalp please I'm 36 and ended up with steroid induced cataracts.

chopchopbusybusy · 20/11/2007 23:40

Prunie, I'm interested that your scalp feels worse when you have a hangover. I thought it was just me.
I have recently tried a shampoo bar from Lush (I really hate the smell in Lush shops but in my defence DD1 dragged me in). I can't remember which one it is, but the assistant would know if you asked. I found it helped a lot.

Wags · 20/11/2007 23:58

I have quite a dry flaky scalp and used to use the Nirvana shampoo. It was fantastic, the only thing that worked, then our local shop stopped selling it. Have just looked at the web site and will be placing an order! My hairdresser also said to buy a proper hair brush and brush my hair and scalp on a regular basis with that. Just as you would use an exfoliator on you skin. If I don't wash my hair every 2 days, even if my hair doesn't actually need washing, my scalp really starts itching. Does the menopause make it worse then Prunie? I am going through an early menopause - didn't realise that was a contributing factor.

delllie · 21/11/2007 18:18

May seem a bit extreme but could you ask for a referal to see a dermatologist?? Like you I had a horribly flaky scalp, was even losing hair, which was all put down to stress by my GP. Had the usual steroid lotions and shampoos and nothing really helped, got really fed up in the end and asked to see a dermatologist. Turned out I have/had a condition called Folliculitis Decalvans diagnosed which basically is a form of scalp infection. The dermatologist has prescribed a course of antibiotics over 6 months and I am now the proud owner of a clear scalp

laura032004 · 21/11/2007 18:31

I haven't read the whole thread, but dh had horrific flaky scalp, and Neutrogena T-gel has worked wonders for him. He has to use it every day though, if he misses a couple of days, or uses something else, it's back.

For anyone entitled to free prescriptions, DH gets this on prescription which saves us a fortune. He's in the Navy, so doesn't pay for prescriptions. We have been spending about £12 a month on this stuff for the last 10 years before we found out we could get it for free!

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