Allergic reactions to shampoo...?

[phoenixrose314]

Hi all, am thoroughly bewildered and need advice/other experiences?

I have been using the same shampoo as I have always used, Herbal Essences for dry/damaged hair, however since I got pregnant (I am 11+2) my scalp has become really (and I mean REALLY) itchy, and flaky too. At first I just suspected headlice, as I work with small children, but two lots of treatment have produced nothing except make my head even more sore and itchy. Finally got my hubby to look at the back of my neck and he said there's quite a few raised red bumps on the back of my neck, and it looks like a rash.

Has anyone else experienced this, or known of anyone who has? Can anyone recommend a shampoo I can use that won't cause this reaction? It's driving me absolutely barmy, especially when I get the urge to scratch out and about and people of course think you have nits, especially with my job!!

Please please help, if this continues I am going to go crazy!!

Have you tried johnsons baby shampoo? It's probably the mildest one out there. Boots sell it in small travel size so you can try it without buying a massive bottle to see if it helps. Hope it gets better for you.

Thanks Rainbowshine, I Googled "itchy scalp when pregnant" after I posted on here, and apparently it is one of the more slightly obscure symptoms. Others have recommended Tea Tree Oil or Head & Shoulders Itchy Scalp. Will go through the lot til I find something that works!!!

Looks like it's just me on here though!

Hope it gets better soon

Thanks :)

I'm allergic to salycilic acid. It's supposed to be good for your skin but it's actually part of a plant's immune system,and it triggers a reaction in me. I use the purple coloured solid shampoo bar from Lush, it contains a lot less chemicals because it doesn't have to make a stable, attractive looking liquid like normal shampoo. It lasts ages and it lathers really well.

I become unable to use soap when pregnant, all my skin gets itchy from it. I have to wash with unperfumed moisteriser instead like e45. My scalp gets really dry and itchy too but I can just about manage a mild shampoo. I use Philp kingsley itchy flacky scalp and the scalp treatment they do as well. both help a lot but they are pretty expensive!

The dr can prescribe shampoo for a really irritated scalp.

a good alternative is the unperfumed pure olive oil soap from Greece which you can find in health food shops, you can use it for your hair too.