Head Smells Bad

My head has recently started to smell very bad.  It smells so bad that I can smell it myself every time I move my head.  I can't describe the smell but several people have told me that it smells like more than just sweat.  When I rub my scalp I can smell the odor on my fingertips.  Just a few months ago I started to use dandruff shampoo because my flakes were getting out of hand.  I recently started using selson blue approximately 3 times a weeks while using a regular shampoo/conditioner the remaining 4 days of the week.  Any ideas???

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Two possibilities are there for your symptoms.First of all,stress or hormonal changes may lead to excess oil produced by the oil glands in your scalp. This causes the harmless bacteria that live in the scalp to proliferate and feed off the oil, which produces the odor.

Second possibility is of a fungal infection causing tinea capitis.It is contagious and can spread direct contact with someone who has the condition, or if you touch contaminated items such as combs, hats, clothing, or similar surfaces. Diagnosis is by clinical examination of the scalp as well as a skin lesion biopsy with microscopic examination.Anti-fungal medications, taken by mouth, are used to treat the infection.

It is important to keep the area clean. A medicated shampoo, such as one containing selenium sulfide like selsen may also help.

If the symptoms persist then pls get it evaluated from a dermatologist.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted if you have any additional doubts.Kind regards.

[shunnap]

What type of antifungal medication is prescribed for this type of condition?

[janjan101010]

hi - i had the problem of scalp/head that smelled like sweat - even a few hours after a shower if i went outside. i ended up researching it extensively and began using regular head and shoulders. i do not have dandruff and my scalp really doesn't get that oily, but much to my appreciation - head and shoulders works for this problem.

my hair gets dry easily, but lets of people online said this was the best for smelly sweaty hair/scalp: Jason Natural Products - Shampoo Dandruff Relief, but i was afraid it would dry my out way out (google for ingredients).

at any rate, head and shoulders is working for me. it is drying my hair out a bit (even with really good conditioner). i researched gentler products and just got the following shampoo and condition from whole foods after researching the topic more. hopefully these ideas help!

Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Shampoo

[gilabanany]

I have the solution. I used  to have a bad smell on my head even though i washed my hair everyday. i finally found the solution and i want to share it. First of all, right after you shower, you HAVE TO BLOW DRY your hair. You must 100% dry your hair with the blow dryier right after your finished taking the shower and towel dry the hair. Cant wait 10 mins later, it must be right away and dont leave any spot slightly wet. Another thing, never but never go to sleep with your hair wet or humid. Obviously if u do what i told you before, that will never happen. Now, i didnt have dandruff but my head itched a lot..you can try Selsum MEDICATED and see what happens.. In my case, i tried this shampoo: HEAD and Shoulders CITRUS BREEZE, its hard to find but it is out there, or buy it online. For some reason it helps get rid of the smell more than any other shampoo or other Head and Shoulder shampoo. It smelles very good too. Do what i am telling you right now, and u will see the smell goes away, but once you stop drying your hair right after you finish showering, the smell will come back bc the problem is that Fungus live in wet or humid areas,, and are very resistant. If u keep ur blow drying ur hair 2 seconds after u shower.. u will see the smell desapear and u will be able to have a very good smell on your scalp and head. 100% guaranteed.