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Original poster

Flaky, scaly scalp.

37 replies

RichTea90 · 10/04/2024 17:44

Hi all,

I have always suffered from dandruff, but lately in particular my scalp is flaking these large scales!

I have used T Gel before but didn’t find that helpful. I’m using a clarifying shampoo atm.

can you recommend anything else?

also why does this happen to me?

thanks

OP posts:
blubberfuzz · 10/04/2024 17:47

Betacap scalp lotion works a treat. I tend to only use it once or twice and it clears things pretty quickly. It doesn't smell great, very chemically, so I use it at bedtime!

seeitthroughmyeyes · 10/04/2024 18:01

Get a scalp scrub! It's amazing. Christopher robin do a seal salt one, literally removed all my flaky skin on my scalp

Baldpatchkid · 10/04/2024 19:27

alberto balsam teatree shampoo- it's the only thing that calms my scaly scalp. I've tried all the expensive fancy ones and all they did was irritate. Only once or twice a week though. I can't wash more often than that with anything

SleepingisanArt · 10/04/2024 20:23

I've given up shampoo completely as my scalp has developed an allergy to some of the ingredients (especially in shampoos for itchy, flaky scalps!) I have short hair so it didn't take long for my hair to adapt (it looked a bit unkempt for a couple of days) but after 6 weeks my scalp was completely clear. I just massage my scalp with warm water in the shower and then dry as usual. Best advice I've ever been given (by a dermatologist).

GoodVibesHere · 10/04/2024 20:25

I get this when I'm stressed. I try to eat more oily foods in the hope that I'm moisturising from within. I don't know how effective that is really, but upping the nutritional foods does seem to help a bit.

DistinguishedSocialCommentator · 10/04/2024 20:25

Head and shoulders, 2 in 1 - we use it daily. The trick is to massage it in.
Then at time, me and my OH use a coconut based oil about one a month for me and once 2/3 months for OH

Also lightly dry haird with hair drier and drink pleanty of water

Rebusmyfire · 10/04/2024 20:26

I'm currently on an Aveeno gentle clarifying shampoo. My scalp is less itchy.

TraitorsGate · 10/04/2024 20:31

Could it be psoriasis, a dermatologist could advise you. Did you want to post a photo.

Original poster
RichTea90 · 10/04/2024 21:43

GoodVibesHere · 10/04/2024 20:25

I get this when I'm stressed. I try to eat more oily foods in the hope that I'm moisturising from within. I don't know how effective that is really, but upping the nutritional foods does seem to help a bit.

Yes, I am very stressed at the moment so I think there is a correlation.

what nutritional foods would you recommend?

OP posts:
Original poster
RichTea90 · 10/04/2024 21:46

TraitorsGate · 10/04/2024 20:31

Could it be psoriasis, a dermatologist could advise you. Did you want to post a photo.

I’ve got a funny feeling it is Seborrheic Dermatitis. I’ll post a photo tomorrow maybe

OP posts:
RosesAndHellebores · 10/04/2024 21:47

Head and shoulders shampoor, conditioner and scalp balm for very very dry and itchy scalp (green packaging) worked a treat. Then I gave up wheat about 9 months ago and every scrap of eczema cleared up within a fortnight!

TraitorsGate · 10/04/2024 22:04

Don't post a photo if you don't feel comfortable, there are plenty of images of scalp conditions on dermatology websites. I am on a strong steroid gel for my psoriasis at the moment which fingers crossed works, the itching and redness has reduced, I'd see a doctor if you can.

Fuddlefiend · 10/04/2024 22:10

Nizoral. I swear by it. The little bottle not the tube (not tried the tube) struggling to find it ATM but its the best thing I've found by a long way.

OdeToBarney · 10/04/2024 22:21

Fuddlefiend · 10/04/2024 22:10

Nizoral. I swear by it. The little bottle not the tube (not tried the tube) struggling to find it ATM but its the best thing I've found by a long way.

I can't get it either 😕 my hair is full of dandruff and Nizoral is brilliant at clearing it. It's making me so self-conscious!

lovemybooks · 10/04/2024 22:25

@seeitthroughmyeyes Another vote for the Christophe Robin salt scrub . It acts like a shampoo and is amazing . A bit expensive £40 plus but you can shop around / look fantastic or cult beauty and a couple of other sites will have offers

marmaladeandpeanutbutter · 10/04/2024 22:57

@OdeToBarney

www.boots.com/nizoral-anti-dandruff-shampoo-60ml-10025089

Seaoftroubles · 11/04/2024 14:28

@marmaladeandpeanutbutter Is the otc Nizoral shampoo 2% ketoconazole? I have mine on prescription as the otc ones used to be only 1% so not strong enough for me. Just wondering if things have changed now.

marmaladeandpeanutbutter · 11/04/2024 19:50

@Seaoftroubles Yes I think so. You only use amount and it isn't basic anti dandruff shampoo-it's for s.dermatitis.

Original poster
RichTea90 · 11/04/2024 21:36

Sorry grim I know but here’s a pic of the flakes!!

Flaky, scaly scalp.
OP posts:
Original poster
RichTea90 · 11/04/2024 21:37

This looks like more than just dandruff to me?!

OP posts:
Original poster
RichTea90 · 11/04/2024 21:42

Another one… freshly washed hair but you can kinda see my scalp

Flaky, scaly scalp.
OP posts:
Georgie8 · 11/04/2024 21:47

I had a fungal infection like this following chemotherapy.

Tried an expensive brand -didn’t work - advised to try Head & Shoulders (I used the coconut version) and it stopped the itching almost immediately and the infection also cleared up.

I was also advised to leave the shampoo ‘in’ for a while before rinsing (like you’d do with conditioner).

Btw don’t pick off the plaques as you could damage the follicles.

Original poster
RichTea90 · 11/04/2024 21:52

Georgie8 · 11/04/2024 21:47

I had a fungal infection like this following chemotherapy.

Tried an expensive brand -didn’t work - advised to try Head & Shoulders (I used the coconut version) and it stopped the itching almost immediately and the infection also cleared up.

I was also advised to leave the shampoo ‘in’ for a while before rinsing (like you’d do with conditioner).

Btw don’t pick off the plaques as you could damage the follicles.

Thank you, I’ll try that… thanks for sharing.

I know you shouldn’t pick it, but I can’t help it. It’s like some kinda OCD.. I do it when I’m stressed. Will try to leave it alone.

OP posts:
Georgie8 · 11/04/2024 21:52

This was post chemo (had cold cap).

Flaky, scaly scalp.
ThankFitsFriday · 11/04/2024 21:53

blubberfuzz · 10/04/2024 17:47

Betacap scalp lotion works a treat. I tend to only use it once or twice and it clears things pretty quickly. It doesn't smell great, very chemically, so I use it at bedtime!

I second this. I spent a fortune trying different treatments, this is the only one that works!