Itchy dry scalp...no matter what I try!

[ScarletBegonia1234]

I have been suffering from dry itchy scalp for a while. I have tried various shampoo but it seems to be that whatever I switch to solves the issue for a while (a couple of months or so) then it starts again! Could I just be getting sensitive to a build up of ingredients? Would alternating shampoos weekly help? I am currently using body shop ginger shampoo which totally sorted me at first but the itch is back any advice appreciated!

Have you gone sulphate free? That might help. Could it be a fungal infection?

Likely things would be: sensitive to SLS - go sulphate free. Dandruff not being sorted - Neutrogena T-Gel or Nizoral. Or you actually have something like scalp psoriasis and need a proper treatment from your GP.

Same here OP, I've spent money on a list of shampoos recommended on here, finally admitted defeat and have made a GP appointment.

Alphosyl seems to have sorted my teenage son's problems
www.amazon.co.uk/d/Shampoos/Alphosyl-974782-2-1-Medicated/B006EHYRK2?tag=mumsnetforum-21

It has cola tar in it like T-Gel but worked so much better (don't think it is SLS free) it lathers well so you only need a tiny amount and smells great.

We tried everything T-Gel, Nizoral, Selsun, all sorts of SLS free/organic/ baby shampoos etc to no avail

We also found that blow drying on coolish until dry helped - I think damp hair irritated the skin.

Thanks everyone. It's definitely not a fungal infection (I'm a microbiologist ) I had thought about SLSUNDAY but the body shop one is sls free.

Wormuloniun - the damp hair thing is interesting; I have curly hair and don't ever dry it. I don't even own a hairdryer!

I think I'll get one of the hard hitting antidandruff shampoos mentioned above and see how that goes. Do you use things like Aphosyl every day? Or just to resolve the issue and then switch back?

My son uses Alphosyl3 times a week (every other shower) to keep things under control.He stopped using it and his dandruff and severe itchy, crusty scalp returned

I think success depends on what type of bacteria is causing your problem and using the right shampoo for it e.g. nizoral has a different active ingredient to the coal tar ones

If I'm not drinking enough water my scalp gets itchy.

Have you tried Eucerin shampoo?