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Original poster

Sore scalp and dandruff problems :-(

52 replies

ChunkyMonkeyMother · 24/05/2011 07:32

Can anybody reccomend a good anti-dandruff solution?
I usually use head and shoulders but this doesnt seem to be working anymore Sad I have very thick, long hair which I usually wash 3 times a week - I look like I have nits at the moment from scratching and it is getting me down.
I have recently started at an exercise class 4 times a week so I think it could be down to sweating but just don't know what else I can try, have used many different anti-dandruff shampoos but am at my wits end - HELP?!?

OP posts:
Emo76 · 24/05/2011 08:09

Have you tried the Neutrogena treatment shampoo?

Sounds really serious, perhaps you should see GP to cancel out any other causes?

Original poster
ChunkyMonkeyMother · 24/05/2011 08:30

Don't really want to bother Docs TBH and also don't want to shed out the best part of £8 for a script if it doesnt work - Will have a look for the neutorgena - Thank you! Sx

OP posts:
Havingkittens · 24/05/2011 10:22

Oilatum shampoo is brilliant for sore, itchy flakey scalps. I prefer it to T Gel personally.

IreadthereforeIam · 24/05/2011 12:56

You really should try the doctor - it sounds similar to my scalp, and I've recently been told that it's eczema. I was given some shampoo and a lotion to put on when it flares up - I've had far fewer flare ups. Neutrogena shampoo was about as useful as Head and Shoulders for me (i.e. NOT useful at all), and the stuff from the doctor is all that's worked. I think it's the lotion more than anything that's worked (Betnovate, I think).

Just go - I was miserable before I sorted it out, and I'm certain that made it worse (stress related!!).

whoneedssleepanyway · 24/05/2011 13:17

If you have a dry scalp then a tea-tree shampoo should help sort this out.

Nickoka · 24/05/2011 13:36

Nizoral is the best thing. It is expensive £6 for a little bottle but it is good.

MrsRyanReynolds · 24/05/2011 13:49

Drink lots of water.

My friend uses Nizoral which the GP recommended to her.

If you are feeling flush then Kerastase does a very good one, as does Philip Kingsley (he is a scalp specialist).

roary · 24/05/2011 16:27

Philip Kingsley has been absolutely lifechanging for me. But I'd still get checked if you are itching that much!

ellangirl · 24/05/2011 17:16

All of these (nearly) have worked for me at one time or another. I rotate shampoos. At the moment Head and shoulders is working for me, interspersed with Oilatum scalp. Make sure you are leaving the shampoo on for 3 minutes before rinsing. I also find taking a probiotic helps, as I think it can be caused by yeast on the scalp. can't hurt to try anyway!

FreeButtonBee · 24/05/2011 17:20

Agree with Philip Kingsley Itchy Faley Scalp shampoo. It's totally fantastic. Use with the Scalp Toner for a month and then just the shampoo after that. I used to get a greasy dandruff-y build up on my scalp with lovely crusty sores. It wouldn't exactly snow but the itching was unbearable and I would scratch the flakey buld up with anything I could get my hands on; pens, my nails. I flirted briefly with other shampoos for the past 2 months but it's back to Philip now. No alternative.

frazzzled · 24/05/2011 17:51

worth getting it checked out, i had a bad scalp with sores that turned crusty.. and turned out i had an infection so a course of antibiotics sorted it out.

Original poster
ChunkyMonkeyMother · 24/05/2011 22:13

Ooooh thanks guys - I didn't even think of eczema which is a very common problem in my family which I thought I had previously escaped! I do drink a lot of water - usually no less than 6 pints a day as I get headaches otherwise, I think you're all right - quick trip to the docs in the morning - Thank you very much!

Will also keep my eye out for the Philip Kingsley products as well - Just need something doing about it, so embarassing, lots of snowy shoulders and funny looks when I scratch my scalp off! Thank you so much for all of your help - This is the first thread I've posted and it has done me very good! Fab! Sx

OP posts:
snail1973 · 24/05/2011 22:21

Philip Kingsley for me too. Nothing else worked and I would never use another shampoo now I have found it :)

Original poster
ChunkyMonkeyMother · 25/05/2011 21:10

Crikey have just been looking at the Philip Kingsley stuff online and it is pretty pricey! Anyone know where I could get it cheapest? Thanks!

OP posts:
fustyarse · 25/05/2011 21:21

Chunky - I had the exact same problem, excema on my scalp. It's worse when Iget even mildly stressed,and I end up scratching like a madwoman.

Anyway,I have had this for years,on and off (disappears when pregnant, for some reason) and was recently recommended Body Shop's Ginger shampoo. It has been fabulous. I've only used it a few times, not every day,and just realised earlier today that my scalp is miles better -- not itchy and not all raised red bumps, wet 'scabs' (sorry, tmi), no flakes...

it's about £4. Worth a punt?

psychovillemum31 · 25/05/2011 21:26

Cut out foods with a high yeast content from your diet. I get the same problem if I eat too much bread.

Original poster
ChunkyMonkeyMother · 25/05/2011 22:02

Oooooh more fab ideas! Thanks! £4 sounds like a real bargain - may start there then move on to the Kingsley stuff if I have to - also got a docs appointment for tomorrow to see if it is excema!

OP posts:
madhousewife · 25/05/2011 22:06

someone recommended the l'oreal elvive with selenium on a thread months ago - i tried it and it really worked well. cheap as chips, not smelly like t-gel and left my hair clean and full of body.

smokinaces · 25/05/2011 22:10

Vosene is really good. the Mild one. My mum and I have both suffered from itchy, spot, flakey scalps for years and this regularly really helps.

smokinaces · 25/05/2011 22:10

Mild medicated that should have said

TigerseyeMum · 25/05/2011 22:38

I was hankering after the Body Shop Ginger shampoo which I used to use when I was a teen, I didn't realise they still did it!

I also suffer from flaky itchy scalp, it is really bad at the mo.

I rotate: L'Occitane essential oils shampoo for itchy scalp, Dr Organic Aloe Vera shampoo & conditioner.

I never use: SLS, parabens, artificial fragrance

The best thing I have found is: soluble aspirin mixed with shampoo, massaged into scalp and left for 3 mins then rinsed. The alternative is to mix 9 aspirin with warm water in a jug, then rinse hair after washing. This is brilliant but sadly only temporary.

I also have eczema/psoriasis but nothing from my GP ever helped.

bilblio · 25/05/2011 22:55

I get the cheaper version of Nizoral from my Dr's plus some ointment to put on. You can buy Nizoral over the counter, but the ones I have are prescription only. If I have a flare up I use the Nizoral stuff every couple of days, and the ointment twice a day. Once it's all calmed down I just use the Nizoral once every 2-3 weeks. I have really thick, long hair too, but a bottle of Nizoral lasts about 12 months, so worth the prescription.

Mine runs in the family too.

TigerseyeMum · 25/05/2011 23:17

Nizoral stopped working for me :(

Wotznotnow · 25/05/2011 23:19

T/Gel shampoo use for about two months

intertoyz · 25/05/2011 23:23

I suppose this is the million dollar question, but does anyone know what this is supposed to be caused by - eg, fungal infection, or dry skin, or....???

Am asking as a perplexed fellow sufferer. It just came on suddenly and I can't get rid of it. Am very keen to try Body Shop shampoo, thanks for that tip. I usually just use treatments as natural as possible for other things.