EXTREME itchy scalp NOTHING helps!

I've generally just dealt with it over the years, because my mother was a horrible parent and never took us to the doctor for anything.

My entire scalp itches so bad that I dig and scratch at it constantly. All day, all night, all the time. I scratch so much that scabs form all over my head. I don't have lice. This has been me since I was a little girl and I'm 24 now. I have tried the medicated shampoos for seborrhic dermititis, and it seemed to help a little the first few treatments, but it has stopped helping me altogether. It seems like I've tried every shampoo on the shelf too, and that doesn't seem to have an effect either. I do have a touch of sensitive skin, with little spots of excema randomly showing up every now and again. My scalp doesn't seem to be like the excema though, because when I scratch, it's like very small little flakes under my nails. It almost feels like sand in my hair.

does anyone know of anything that can provide some relief to me? or any suggestions from others who have had similar things?? it's driving me nuts.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms this problem of dry itchy scalp can be due to dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis. You can treat flaking and dryness with over-the-counter dandruff or medicated shampoos. Shampoo the hair vigorously and frequently (preferably daily). Active ingredients in these shampoos include salicylic acid, coal tar, zinc, resorcin, ketoconazole, or selenium. But if your hair is colored, don't use products with selenium sulfide or sulfur.

If the symptoms persist, then it would be best to get it confirmed from a dermatologist and get fungal infections ruled out. Eat a healthy diet. You can also take vit B6 and vit A and E which are good for hair and skin.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.