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Original poster

Itchy flaky scalp- maybe even psoriasis? Shampoo please!

82 replies

GnarlyOldGoatDude · 01/04/2017 09:42

My poor scalp has always had a tendency to be flaky but it's awful at the moment. I suspect it may be psoriatic as I feel plaque like bits on the skin- can anyone recommend a shampoo that could help please? I've been trying the orange L'Oreal men's Elvive for months after seeing it recommended on MN, but it just hasn't shifted the problem.

Thank you Smile

OP posts:
Original poster
GnarlyOldGoatDude · 02/04/2017 10:26

Is elvive antifungal then?

Doh! Must have a look at container...

OP posts:
CurbsideProphet · 02/04/2017 10:35

I also have seb derm. I found GPs didn't recognise it and I was only diagnosed when I saw a Dermatologist (had it on my face too). I would be wary of the tar shampoos, as they can strip the scalp and make it sore. The Dermatologist recommended Dermax shampoo, which I buy from the pharmacy.

On the high street, Yes to Carrots has a soothing scalp shampoo which is nice and not harsh on sore skin.

MrsMarigold · 02/04/2017 13:21

Capasal it's kept behind the counter. DH got it for psoriasis

DavetheCat2001 · 02/04/2017 16:12

Haven't RTFT but apparently coconut oil is good not only for your scalp, but also your hair too as a deep conditioning treatment.

apologies if it has already been mentioned.

Original poster
GnarlyOldGoatDude · 02/04/2017 17:22

Thank you all- really appreciate it. You've given me hope that something might help! Flowers

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Silverstreaks · 03/04/2017 10:38

I know you said you tried going sulphate free and didn't like the feel of your hair but there are loads if different shampoos out there.
It's common to be sensitive to silicones in shampoos and conditioners, causing redness, itchiness or white plaques forming on the scalp.
As a PP mentioned rinsing with vinegar is good too. Especially if you live in a hard water area.
A combo of SLS free, silicone free conditioner and a vinegar rinse will soothe your scalp and leave your hair softer and shiny.

DO NOT us the L'oreal stuff in the tube claiming to be free from the above. I nearly writhed my scalp off after using just once.

Original poster
GnarlyOldGoatDude · 03/04/2017 22:30

Thank you- I've actually had 2 days off the orange Elvive and my scalp definitely feels less on fire. I wonder if I'd started reacting to that? Combined with stress? Who knows.

Can't get a GP appointment for ages so in the meantime am going to try the body shop ginger one as it sounds so nice!

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Melfish · 03/04/2017 22:39

There's a new Elvive range out which is working at the moment for me, with a nice scalp gel that you rub on. I saw it on offer in Superdrug this week. Having just said how good it is, I think it'll probably make my scalp flare up again (sods law).
I have sebhorric (sp?) dermatitis and usually have Nizoral, a cheap plain shampoo, and an anti dandruff shampoo on rotation. I've tried Body Shop Ginger, Kiehls, Lush and H&S and they all work for a short time before the flakes are back. I think it's probably cheaper to splash out on light coloured tops to hide the snowflakes!

Original poster
GnarlyOldGoatDude · 04/04/2017 07:23

Mine isn't realiy so much about visible flakes on clothes (unless I ruffle my hair, when I can produce an avalanche!). Instead it's more the scale like plaques and bumps I can feel on my scalp, which constantly scab over and I pick them. Horrible habit Blush

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skincarejunkie · 04/04/2017 08:41

gnarly you can drive yourself mad with it. I found having short gel nails meant I couldn't pick at it whilst I was treating it!

Steinbeck · 04/04/2017 10:52

OP, I have been using Aveda Scalp Benefits shampoo for around 4 years now...it is the the only shampoo which keeps the psoriasis (more or less) under control, other than the stinky coal tar stuff ☹️. Like you, I get a scabby scalp as well as an itchy, flaky patches.

It isn't cheap but well worth the expenditure for the relief! If you can afford it of course....

Check out their website for reviews.

Stormtreader · 04/04/2017 10:56

The only thing Ive found that worked is washing my hair every day. If I have a slobby weekend and dont wash my hair, I can guarantee itll be really bad again by tuesday/wednesday.

Steinbeck · 04/04/2017 10:59

And you need to stop picking....it can cause patchy hair loss! Confused

Original poster
GnarlyOldGoatDude · 04/04/2017 11:42

I know, I'm sorry Blush

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Original poster
GnarlyOldGoatDude · 04/04/2017 11:43

And yes I did manage to stop picking when I had blunt gel nails. That's a good excuse to go get my nails done Grin

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gillyginger · 04/04/2017 16:12

Hi there was reading this post last night but was to tired to post so had to find it again, my Psoriasis has been really bad on scalp, very flaky and itchy, I was recommended this and has cleared up quite well, been using it about a month or so, if it is Psoriasis I was told to use a proper medicated shampoo, and I did find when I use any l'oreal shampoo it always made my head itchy.

Itchy flaky scalp- maybe even psoriasis? Shampoo please!
flapmyfunnels · 04/04/2017 17:07

I had the same problem and going sulphate free has completely solved it. You said that your hair was like straw when you tried that - did you realise that you have to go silicone free as well? Sulphate-free shampoos can't strip silicones from the hair and so it builds up quickly and looks/feels awful. By making sure that your conditioner and any hair products are silicone free then you will avoid that and your hair will feel really soft. I use Moogoo shampoo and Liz Earle conditioner.

Janey50 · 04/04/2017 17:15

Watching this thread with interest. I have days when I am driven mad by my scalp itching. It was so bad a couple of months ago that DD checked me for head lice (I have a 10 year old DGD who has had a couple of 'doses' in the last year). No head lice,no psoriasis,no dry patches,no dandruff even but STILL it is itching. Haven't bothered the doctor about it as there's nothing to see! I tried T-gel about a year ago and it helped slightly,but I couldn't keep on with it as it is SO expensive (approx 7quid a bottle which lasts a fortnight).

Jecan · 04/04/2017 17:27

I had an itchy flaky scalp but when I went to curly hair guru Matt James he said it was because even tho I was using a silicone free shampoo and conditioner, I was using a mousse that wasn't silicone free so there was constantly a build up from the mousse that the silicone free products weren't able to clear. So I've completely changed to the Trepadora products he recommended and it's 95% better. The last 5% is because I sometimes leave it a day or two too long between washing and it's itchy if it's greasy but apart from that the difference is amazing.

Original poster
GnarlyOldGoatDude · 04/04/2017 17:45

Thanks all!

Janey yes I've even nit combed too! Nothing though.

I used the Naked shampoo and conditioner for about a month as they were recommended as being everything-free, but really didn't do my hair any favours. Tried another healthy thing in a pump action bottle from Amazon and my hair didn't like that either. I think I need chemicals Grin

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Original poster
GnarlyOldGoatDude · 04/04/2017 17:45

Oh and I never use a hair dryer, only ever drip dry. Never use mousses or serums or anything.

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CurbsideProphet · 04/04/2017 19:19

Gnarly I also have a scaly scalp and practically have to sit on my hands to stop myself from picking it Blush

I tried a new shampoo last and my scalp doesn't feel prickly today: Neal & Wolf Harmony Intensive Care. I also use Giovanni Tea Tree conditioner. Unfortunately it can be trial and error. I do find my scalp better if I don't leave my hair to get greasy.

70ontheinside · 04/04/2017 19:38

Another vote for Moogoo here - shampoo and conditioner worked miracles on my scalp. They do a scalp cream, too, but I never tried it as the shampoo and conditioner worked almost immediately.

SuperPug · 04/04/2017 19:44

I'm using Aveda Scalp Benefits at the moment. Great for the first day or so, not so great beyond then. Can be like small white clumps that stick to the scalp?
It's a pain isn't it? Nanogen used to do a brilliant shampoo years ago, cooking menthol and great at cleaning the scalp. White bottle, not sure if they sell it anymore?

Steinbeck · 04/04/2017 19:54

Agree with superbug, it IS very hit and miss....and what is a 'miracle' solution for one person may not work at all for another. It's what makes it so difficult to deal with! 😐