My scalp is so irritated and itchy I have to take anti-histamines

[VerityBrulee]

My scalp is driving me crazy, something is irritating it, it is so itchy and sore. I have been scratching it so much I've had to take anti-histamines.

I dye my hair, but haven't done so for about 4 weeks, and this started a week ago. I got Neutragena T-Gel and have used it 3 times now, it had eased off slightly, but is desperately itchy again today.

Any ideas? Thanks!

Might be stating the obvious but have you checked for nits with a comb? You can't always see them. Also could it be shampoo or conditioner?

Go to GP_ you could have eczema and need a steroid lotion.

I second checking for nits/lice
they can eat your scalp to peices

if not then gp

Pinkteddy, nits was my first though! Thankfully not!

Have stopped using all products, and changed to shampoo for scalp problems, but not much mprovement.

Purplepeony, do you think so? Argh, 65Euro for GP visit, so only go if REALLY need to.

I had dh check for nits, he didn't think it was. Might try treatment for them just in case. What the best do you think?

You could try going back to basics and just use baby shampoo.

But tbh think a trip to gp may be inevitable, or maybe ask hairdresser to have a look at your scalp for you?

Can you get Selsun shampoo it is over the counter and expensive but it is good.

My scalp has been really dry and itchy the last few months and it usually isn't - perhaps it's the unusual weather we've had?

I have developed a bizarre occasional allergy to Nurofen that can give me a furiously itchy head.

I have sometimes had a milder version of this, when tired and run down. I have been demented all week as 3 dc and dh have had swine flu, maybe the stress has effected it?

I'll see if I can get Selsun, thanks.

Is your scalp red, flaky and sore- or just itchy?
If any of the former, you could have eczema/dermatitis.
Where do you live? if you are in Europe, can you not ask a pharmacist to have a look and maybe give you something? Lots of medications that are PO in the UK can be OTC in Europe.

Purplepeony, it's just itchy - I should have thought of asking the pharmacist, I was in the twice today alone, just didn't think of it. Will do so on monday, thanks.

I can only use head and shoulders original. Even then it gets itchy sometimes.T Gel doesn't work for me. If I use anything else it's terrible. The GP prescribed something, I forget what and it made it worse though she did say to go back if it didn't work. I find it's ok if I just stick to the H&S. I'd love to be able to use the volume stuff or something nice again.

When you say you had DH check for nits, did he use a comb? They are really good at hiding and its not always easy to see them. When dd and I had them, I couldn't see them at all, only when I combed.