Senhorrheic dermatitis- will I become a state?

[bitcoy]

In mid 40s, just developed this out of nowhere and nothing seems to get it under control on my scalp and eyelashes. Maybe stress or hormonal.
I'm booked in to see a dermatologist in two weeks.
But I'm wondering going forward can I have my hair highlighted and eyebrows/eye lashes tinted? I'm naturally dark blonde and starting to look a perimenopausal state, the thought I won't be able to do any of this makes me feel so down.

Hopeful bump!

Ahhhh commiserations... It's a bugger. What gets and keeps it under control is different for different people. Shampoo with ketoconazole didn't do much for me, but Ciclopirox olamine does. Some people find zinc and/or selenium sulfide helps too. I use sezia.co to screen all products for ingredients that are sebbderm friendly and have used the Reddit sebbderm to get advice. Specific types of coconut oil help with management and only using cleansers, moisturiser, foundation and hair products that are 'safe' has helped. Coloured hair doesn't seem to make a difference nor brow tints... It's not an every day thing so you wash it off....

@hettie
Thanks so much for replying!
So that's it for life now? Oh no.
I don't have it on my face, just my scalp and eyelashes it seems.
I've been using ketaconozole shampoo, coal tar and nizoral for a few weeks. I wouldn't mind the itching so much but it's the horrible greasy feeling, I've always had super dry hair and have about 50 hair oils and serum so that ironic really!
Any questions I should ask the dermatologist as it's costing a lot?

I developed that on my forehead postpartum. Face dandruff. Lovely.
Something stress related I think.
In the end someone on Reddit said to try head and shoulders on it and that worked. Ketoconazole was really harsh. Now it seems to stay away as long as I wash with cleanser daily.

It doesn’t work for everyone but I’ve had this since I was a teen - stress flares it, and strong kefir helps, as does watching sugar, ask the dermatologist if any lifestyle changes like that would help. Much sympathy - it makes you feel so yuck when it flares. I believe you can get some probiotics on prescription.

It is yucky.
I've never had any issues until we went on holiday this summer. Am under a lot of stress tho.

I may try H&s, I used ketaconozole this morning and it's more itchy and sore today. Flipping hell!!

My DH has had this . He is prescribed Nizoral shampoo and canesten hydrocortisone cream by the consultant dermatologist if that's any help ? He doesn't overuse either, just when it flares up.

Nizoral hasn't worked for me unfortunately.
I'm desperate to see the dermatologist to see what he says

Anything with selenium works for me and have recently discovered Head and Shoulders Itchy Scalp is brilliant but has to be that particular one as there are loads. Moo Goo scalp cream is excellent for the edge of your hairline if that is an issue.

Polytar shampoo works for me (has coal tar) and controls the itching on my scalp. I think you'll have to try a few things to see what works for you.

When I had this I cut down on sugar and took probiotics which helped massively

I had this on my scalp and it wouldn’t shift but in the end the doctor prescribed Enstillar foam, sebco ointment and ketoconazole shampoo. I had to use all three for a period of 4 weeks. That did sort it and so far it hasn’t come back. It may be that you need something similar if one product isn’t shifting it but I’m sure the dermatologist will advise.

I did get hair highlighted while I had it and it was fine except that I was very self conscious about it at the hairdressers.

Brilliant thanks, I'll note that for the dermatologist, nothing is shifting it.
I tried head and shoulders this evening and much much worse.

Much worse how,itchy or flaky? Do you shampoo and repeat? If it's worse flakes I wonder if it's shifting it but needed a second go.

Just wondering how you’re doing OP now? I’ve got similar symptoms and, despite seeing a dermatologist, nothing has helped.

I use Betnovate scalp application. It’s a steroid, but it’s the only thing that works. I have an ointment for my eye lid area called Dovobet which I use in weeny doses and when it’s cleared I maintain the area with Vaseline. I also have patches of eczema on the back of my neck that I treat with the Dovobet. Both items come on prescription from my GP. Don’t waste money on over the counter creams or cosmetic scalp serums because they don’t work. All of it flares up from time to time and stress definitely makes it worse.

Would your hair get on with a co wash, or is it very fine?

I really rate "Dry and Itchy co wash" by "As I am". I forget I ever had a scalp problem now, this has been working for me for years. Prior to that I'd tried every available medicated shampoo and some prescription stuff and nothing worked.

I don't even have to use this every wash for it to remain effective, so you could alternate with a shampoo if you found it too moisturising. The trick to making a co wash clean properly is to buy a rubber scalp brush.

Thanks, that’s really helpful. I have tried betnovate before but maybe I’ll try again with it. It’s so demoralising though and I realise that the heavy stress I’m continually feeling about various things will only be exacerbating the condition. I wish you better health and clearer skin. 💐