Dandruff (or something like it)

[Nabootique]

In recent years my scalp has been on and off flaky. I'm not sure if it's dandruff or something else. Sometimes it itches a lot. It's particularly noticeable around the hairline. If I look through my roots I can see sheets of dry skin sort of lifting up ready to flake off Sometimes it's almost like cradle cap around my temples. I have tried the following:

Head & Shoulders (this actually makes it worse)
The Lush dandruff shampoo bar (can't remember what it's called)
T Gel
The Body Shop Ginger Shampoo

None of the above have helped. I've also tried that balm stuff in a metal tub from Lush that you rub into the scalp and leave for a bit before shampooing. Sometimes that seems to help a little, but it's hard to work it into the scalp anywhere other than the hairline. Any advice? Would some sort of oil treatment help, like olive oil? I have very fine, limp hair, so I'm reluctant to do something like that unless someone tells me it works. I thought oil might have a better shot at getting all over the scalp than the balm!

Sounds like psoriasis
My dd has similar
Perhaps coconut oil would help you? Try sleeping with it massaged in to scalp

It could be psoriasis - common, typical along the hairline and often mistaken for dandruff.
Improves in summer months (due to exposure to UV light), worsens with stress, alcohol, certain medicines.

I was worried it might be that. My understanding is that stress can make that worse, and I am having a stressful time at the moment, so that would make sense!

X-post about the stress! I don't drink much or take medication, but yes to stress! I think it probably was better in summer, come to think of it. I'll give the coconut oil a try. Thanks both.

My DSIS has psoriasis, she uses Capasal. Think it is only available from a chemist, its very good.

Thanks 123. Looks like it contains coconut! Great reviews. I'll give that a go too.

My scalp sounds similar to yours and I think I've tried all the shampoos! I'm currently having success with this shop.britishcurlies.co.uk/products/African-Black-Soap-Deep-Cleansing-Shampoo-12oz.html and the scalp masque in the same range. I also like putting coconut oil on my scalp

Mine was in a similar condition, everything I tried seem to make it worse, and I had really bad eczema behind my ears.

I've been using Moogoo shampoo and condition, and the scalp lotion behind my ears and the edges of my scalp, and it's made such a difference! Finally not itchy and flake free!

I have had the same - I assumed for years that if was just a major case of dandruff - but then it extended to various parts of my body over time. Was diagnosed with psoriasis and have tried multle treatments. Of everything Capasal was the best for my scalp but did not cure it. Stress definitely contributes ( guilty of that) as does alcohol ( guilty of that too). I am now humira which I inject every fortnight - not a heap option but it works. And I had tried everything else beforehand.

I was gonna say psoriasis. I suffered using tgel for years with limited affects but I use the body shop one now. I do remember reading that tea tree oil can help. Not neat though.

I have similar, although I think mine is fungal-it reminds me of cradle cap-and the only things that work (albeit temporarily) are Nizoral and blow drying your hair and scalp after washing. My hair is greasy on the roots and dry on the ends but I'd rather have dry ends than dandruff on my shoulders. I have tried loads of different shampoos and this seems to be the only one that works and has not been discontinued!

I get this if I use shampoo or conditioners with silicone. Unfortunately silicone are hard to avoid.
Sodium Lauryl Sulphate which is what makes your shampoo froth can also be an irritant.

It is possible to avoid SLS and Silicones but it takes research and persistence to find what is right for you.

I'm currently using Happy Days moisture shampoo which you can buy from large Sainsburys and I'm doing a vinegar rinse as I've given up on conditioners for the moment. I live in a hard water area and the vinegar rinse helps the texture of my hair without conditioner.

Locoid lotion on prescription got the GP works for my scalp psoriasis.

Nab you advice is always good o. Here.
Aside from going to docs I hVe had similar and I found ensuring that my hair isn't left damp after washing cleared it up.
If it is a fungal infection then leaving hair damp and warm will aggravate it at least.
Olive oil as a pre wash then wash with any old shampoo then rough towel dry and blast the roots with a hair dryer helped completely clear up all dandruff and flakes.
I now do massage my scalp a lot when washing. This method took around 1 week to work, doing it everyday

Wow, thank you everyone! Lots to think about. I definitely think there's something in the getting it dry quickly. I don't think it's as bad after I've blow dried.

Have you tried cider vinegar? Mixed 50#50 with water as an overnight treatment. No retail products bought over 15 years really helped with mine, tried this and haven't looked back.

I have this too, it's a nightmare. Drying and itchy and flaky. I have some prescribed coconoil (coconut and then some coal tar, I think) but it never really goes away. I drink too much alcohol, so will try cutting down to see if that helps.

If it's like cradle cap it's probably seborrhaic dermatitis. A pp mentioned Moogoo shampoo and conditioner, which are excellent, as is their scalp cream. In fact, it's obviously effective as you can now get it on prescription.
Has been tried and commended on other mn threads if you do a search.

Moogoo Scalp Cream.