Mushy scalp after shower, what is it?

Hello... Well where to start... About 4 months ago I was hit with the dreaded winter dandruff. At first it was the typical type of dandruff I usually get every winter but after about 2 months it started getting bad. I have tried head and shoulders and various NATURAL shampoos (NON SLS, no chemical shampoos) including lavender and tea tree but with no avail.

For the past 2 months my dandruff has gotten much worse. The amount and size of the flakes has increased and my hair is beginning to fall out much more often AND on top of that my hair follicles seem to be MUCH MUCH thinner than they used to be.

Well, my problem is this; for the past month, after I take a shower and dry my hair my scalp has begun to look "mushy". Today, after taking a shower and drying my hair (using only a towel, I never use a hair dryer) I decided to run my finger nail through an area of my scalp. I picked at my wet scalp and looked at the bottom of my finger nail only to notice there was a white mushy substance underneath it (kind of like semi-wet flour).

At this point I have no clue what to do... Is it the shampoo or conditioner I am using? They are both for dry hair. Could I have oily hair and not know about it? How would I know?

And most of all, why is my scalp like this?

Thank you for any help in advance!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It looks like dandruff. Eat a healthy diet. You can also take vit B6 and vit A and E which are good for hair and skin. Try medicated shampoos for dandruff. There are a number of over-the-counter shampoos available that can help. The most effective ingredients -- antimicrobials -- to look for are zinc pyridinethione, selenium sulfide, sulfur and ketoconazole (also available by prescription). If your hair is colored, don't use products with selenium sulfide or sulfur.

If the symptoms persist please consult a trichologist for the confirmatory diagnosis and treatment.
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 dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.