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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:
curlydolly · 25/05/2011 23:25

Hi Chunky I have suffered from an itchy flaky sore scalp for about 20 years. Since January I have been using Liz Earle shampoo and conditioner and I can honestly say that within a couple of weeks my scalp had cleared up. I was having to use Nizoral at least once a week to keep the problem under control but apart from the odd flake I have had absolutely no flare ups. I'm not saying that it will work for everyone but I have tried every shampoo known to man which claims to sort out an itchy flaky scalp and never found anything until now which cured me. I have also been using her skincare products which are fab. I don't work for her either. If you're reading this Liz I would appreciate some freebies :o
Hope you get it sorted out anyway!

intertoyz · 25/05/2011 23:26

Is that pretty natural, curlydolly?

BitOfFun · 25/05/2011 23:28

That is the question, and why you should really visit the doc.

Dandruff is caused by yeast, and more associated with a greasy scalp, but eczema and scalp psoriasis is a dry skin condition. The treatments are different, depending on what the condition is.

intertoyz · 25/05/2011 23:31

Oh thanks. Not too trivial for the doc, then?

intertoyz · 25/05/2011 23:32

Sorry, OP, don't want to hijack. But hopefully info is useful to you too. Smile

BitOfFun · 25/05/2011 23:56

I don't think it's trivial, no. And getting it properly diagnosed will save you wasting time and money on ineffective treatments.

BitOfFun · 25/05/2011 23:59

I googled quickly and got this- it might be useful?

Original poster
ChunkyMonkeyMother · 26/05/2011 10:03

Wow BitOfFun that article is really helpful! I didnt know there was a difference, especially involving bacteria, quite scary actually - I've had this on and off for about 10 years so I hope its not dandruff now ha ha I'm off to see the doc to ask which type I have and what to do - Maybe he can get me some of the Kingsley stuff on script Grin - although trying to get anything out of him is usually very tricky! Thanks again guys - I really wasnt expecting this result from my first thread! Sx

OP posts:
intertoyz · 26/05/2011 18:03

Very impressive first thread, ChunkyMonkeyMother. Smile

Original poster
ChunkyMonkeyMother · 27/05/2011 18:03

I thought so too intertoyz! I'm amazed at the brilliant responses! Have been to see Doc and he confirmed dry scalp as aposed to dandruff and has given me some moisturising shampoo to use and then suggested a few other things to try such as blow drying my hair when its especially bad so its not wet all day - Going to get some of the Kingsley serum for my scalp and use the stuff hes given me too - Cant thank everybody enough for their help and advice!

OP posts:
BitOfFun · 27/05/2011 18:23

I'm so glad you are getting to the bottom of it- good luck Smile

TigerseyeMum · 27/05/2011 18:56

Hope it works! If it does, can you post the name of the shampoo? :) I have only ever been offered Nizoral which doesn't work for me.

RosieMBanks · 27/05/2011 19:13

A really helpful thread...this Boots treatment is good too, link and there is a shampoo and conditioner in the range too.

TigerseyeMum · 27/05/2011 19:27

Does that make your roots look greasy, Rosie? It looks good otherwise.

I can also highly recommend Snake Oil by Lush but that is a faff to use. You melt it and rub it into your scalp before washing off.

RosieMBanks · 27/05/2011 20:31

Not that I've noticed...I tend to slather it on, leave it for a few hours, and then wash with shampoo afterwards. A friend recommended it to me, and it works for her too.

TigerseyeMum · 27/05/2011 20:46

Maybe I could use it overnight then wash it off in the morning. Thanks for the tip, shall look for it tomorrow :)

Original poster
ChunkyMonkeyMother · 21/06/2011 19:04

Hi guys - quick update - used the normal Nizoral stuff Doc suggested and dried my hair with drier (total faff) anyway - nothing happened, in fact made it worse because I think I burnt myself with the drier ha ha :-l

So just been back to docs - told I have a fungal infection on my scalp bleurgh and have been given an anti-biotic shampoo (3% nizoral) and a steroid lotion - only just applied it this morning - Stung like a b**ch but havent had 1 itch all day! Got to apply lotion again this evening and then twice a day for 2 weeks and wash it every 3 days - Fingers crossed this works and thanks again for all the support!

OP posts:
Barbii97 · 22/06/2013 15:08

Hey Guys,
Just came across this site and thought I would leave my own personal story.
My son, who is now 16 had suffered with an horrendous itchy, flaky, sore scalp from the age of 7. We have had every potion and steroid from the Doc which only worked short term, every organic shampoo known to man etc.
The poor lad was in soo much distress trying to revise for his exams, it was heartbreaking.
Just by chance I walked into a little shop in town, explained to the woman our problem she went straight to PHILIP KINGSLEY ITCHY FLAKY SHAMPOO. We looked at the price and gulped but my son was so desperate we bought it thinking; it WONT work, blah blah blah. BUT IT WORKED ALMOST IMMEDIATELY, took a while for the flakes to be all removed but the itching stopped pronto, overnight!
We have tried to save money by trying other brands, Kerastase but it didn't work at all.
My son has now been using this shampoo for probably 5mths and NO ITCH, NO SORES AND NO FLAKES-WAHOOOOO!
Thank god for PK, this shampoo has been life changing for my son.
Yes, bit pricey but lasts for ages and best of all it is money well spent.
GOOD LUCK EVERYONE

Allthingspretty · 22/06/2013 15:47

Yy go to the.docs and they will give you a topical treatment

Talkinpeace · 22/06/2013 18:57

OP, before you spend lots of money on "product" please go and see your doctor : if possible get an appointment with the youngest doctor in the practice.

Having suffered from "dandruff" for 20 years, while at the doctor for something else I jokingly asked her what was causing the sore patches on my head
less than two seconds later she said "psoriasis" and wrote me a prescription for Dovonex

Within six weeks my scalp was clear, and has been for the last 15 years
I used to use a bottle every 6 months but once I started swimming outdoors - and getting sunlight / vitamin D on my scalp year round - its pretty much gone.

Dandruff is often not a 'cosmetic' issue, its your scalp breaking down due to disease
please do not be ashamed in any way at getting a doctor to look at it.

valiumredhead · 22/06/2013 19:00

L'oreal anti dandruff shampoo is amazing even of it's not technically dandruff. Dark blue bottle with orange lid sold in Boots.

valiumredhead · 22/06/2013 19:05

PK shampoo is practically the same as the Body Shop ginger stuff according to S and B peeps. Never tried PK but the ginger shampoo is very good.

Talkinpeace · 22/06/2013 19:09

but no shampoo in the world will hit either ecxema or psoriasis : get them checked first

valiumredhead · 22/06/2013 19:21

It did mine. It's trial and error ime.

valiumredhead · 22/06/2013 19:23

T gel for example is so good that many people use it on psoriasis on their bodies.

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