Itchy Scalp

I have a very very itchy and flaky scalp. I have tried all the OTC remedies, Sea Breeze and Tea Tree Oil. It is driving me crazy. I wake up in the middle of the night sratching my head. I do not have this problem anywhere else on my body except the scalp. I have to constantly wipe my clothing off. I color my hair but have for years. I have not changed my shampoo or hair products at all.
Can someone tell me about a remedy that will help...I will try just about anything!

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

This could be seborrhoeic dermatitis. It is a skin disorder affecting the scalp, face, and trunk causing scaly, flaky, itchy, red skin. It particularly affects the sebum-gland rich areas of skin.

Side effects to inflammation may include temporary hair loss. If severe outbreaks are untreated for extended intervals, permanent hair loss may result, because of damage to hair follicles.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seborrhoeic_dermatitis

Soaps and detergents such as sodium laureate sulfate may precipitate a flare-up, as they strip moisture from the top layers of the skin, and the drying property of these can cause flare-ups and may worsen the condition. Accordingly a suitable alternative should be used instead.

Among dermatologist recommended treatments are shampoos containing coal tar, ciclopiroxolamine, ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or zinc pyrithione. For severe disease, keratolytics such as salicylic acid or coal tar preparations may be used to remove dense scale. Topical terbinafine solution (1%) has also been shown to be effective in the treatment of scalp seborrhoea,as may lotions containing alpha hydroxy acids or corticosteroids (such as fluocinolone acetonide). Pimecrolimus topical lotion is also sometimes prescribed.

It would be advisable to consult a skin specialist for your symptoms and a proper clinical examination if your symptoms persist.

Let us know if you need any other information and post us on how you are doing.

Regards.

[blessed333]

Thanks for your help!

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Glad to know that the post was of help to you.

It would be advisable to consult a skin specialist for your symptoms and a proper clinical examination if your symptoms persist.

Let us know if you need any other information and post us on how you are doing.

Regards.

[blessed333]

You have been very helpful and I really appreicate your time...Happy Holidays to you!♥

[rian2525]

I think you should start using TAR shampoo. It worked for me for about 3 weeks. You can alternate it with y our dandruff shampoo every other day.