Smelly Scalp

For the last year or so I have had what I've come to know by searching on line as Smelly Scalp. I have been to a dermatologist twice now and have gotten no answers except to use Nizoral which has not helped in the least. I have tried everything under the sun from sulfur soap to Head n Shoulders to even Listerine but no matter what I do just hours after washing, my scalp gets oily and muggy smelly. I've always had to wash daily because my scalp would get a little oily but never had the smell until about a year ago. I have no dandruff or anything else wrong, just the smell. Please help!

[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. 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.

[chris163]

I believe it has everything to do with stress and or hormones! It all happened along with other med problems around the time I was going thru my divorce. I was diagnosed with eczema, alopecia (I lost a spot about the size of a 50cent piece on top of my head), got acne on forehead, which would get really oily, and had to use pro active. The acne went away and now its the smelly scalp! Its like the oil went from my face to the top of my head. Its so weird. I feel like no one will listen. Who knows their bodies better than anyone...you! So why when I saw the dermatologist, twice, didn't he listen or try to figure this out or have me come back for a follow up? Its like, here, try this, I have another patient to see. Its like he didn't even believe me. Like I would pay to see him if I didn't have to! I'm just so depressed by this. Its one thing after another and no one seems to be able to help. This being to me the worst, longest lasting to deal with.
So I guess my question is...what can I do? What should I do? Go back to GP? I'd rather do that than see the derm. Besides, it takes forever to get into one. Can they test for fungal infection? Or is there something to prescribe to help with hormones/stress? Please tell me what I should do. Desperate!

[Setaka]

A side note....

If you take a black light and go into a dark room and shine it on the scaley eczema patch it shouldn't show anything.  If it glows than you have a fungus.  That's the down and dirty way.

You might also try Neutrogena Coal Tar shampoo and leave it on for awhile before rinsing hair.

[aaaaaaaaaaaaa]

I definately feel your pain. Same problems, same lack of solutions. I've tried basically everything...it's depressing, isn't it?

It's interesting though, because you said that you had oily hair and I've had the same problem too before my scalp started smelling bad. The oilyness would get so bad that I couldn't wear my hair down and would always need to tie it up.

It HAS to be an internal problem. I just wish doctors would believe us when we tell them our problems...........*sigh*

[Tangy1985]

I already posted in another topic, so this a copy and paste:

WHAT WORKED FOR ME: I had the same odor coming from my scalp.. tried it all- tea trea oil, acv, coconut oil, medicated shampoos, etc. One thing is working for me is CITRONELLA oil. First I applied it every night for 3 nights and this cleared the odor. However the odor came back after a week so obviously whatever infection was on my scalp wasnt killed completely. Now I apply the citronella every 4 days and will continue to do so for a month. the citronella itself is found at pharmacies (its famous as an insect repellent, and remedy for lice in kids). hope this helps

[nikki7787]

I had the same problem with my scalp.I`m healthy 28 year old woman with beautiful long hair.Out of nowhere this odor came to me.I think I got it from the combs of the salons (they don`t really clean them-same brushes for all)I start going to hair hair salon since last year because my mom trimmed my hair till i`m 11 then i cut my hair myself( im pretty good) So,since then I have been struggling with this for almost a year until i took moms advice.
The bad smell is a fungus.It "grows" on oily skin especially on top of the head .They like less oxygenated and warm area.It doesn`t matter how often you wash -you cant get rid off the fungus. Get the small spray bottle and fill it up with alcohol and solve the problem-after shower while your hair is damp spray all over your head. Go generously on the top then massage your scalp for while.Alcohol will reduce the oil charge and eventually will kill the fungus.First week do the procedure every day and sleep on clean pillow case ,if you cant afford that cover the pillow with clean towels ,second week do the same for every other day.But remember you should wash your pillow cases in very hot water( since you sleep on it the fungus is still there),wash your towels regularly also wash your combs and brushes with hot soap water and spray them with alcohol before using.The purpose is -you want to kill the fungus everywhere.Otherwise anything left dirty with fungus on it it will get on your head.Try not to itch (there are a lot of bacteria/fungus under your nails too) ask your barber/hair stylist to clean the combs in front of you -tell them that you have been struggling with skin problems,Im sure they will understand.If not then after coming home wash and spray your head with alcohol.Dont share any hair/head accessories with anyone! Believe me,if you do this all - you will see  how it will change your life.It`s amazing wake up in the morning and feel the nice smell of your shampoo?! Good luck!
Nikki