Smelly scalp - cure, hair care

I've had a smelly scalp for as long as I can remember (30 years?) and had given up on finding a solution.  Thought I'd try researching it again and found this discussion.  Many people have mentioned oil as a contributor.  I rarely have oily hair from my scalp.  My hair is very dense, thick, and dry.  (I thought maybe I have this condition because my scalp can't breath with all this hair...conversely I think all the hair helps trap the smell from escaping to others' noses) I wouldn't say my scalp is dry either because I don't have dandruff.  I did notice that my scalp smells better when I'm menstruating and also for a week after my hair is dyed.(I'm also prone to yeast infections, which may be related)  Because my hair IS highlighted/semi permanent dyed and thick, I need to use shampoos that are gentle to my hair...and it seems that all of these medicated type shampoos are pretty harsh based on some of the comments.  If it's an internal problem, I'd rather fix from the inside.  I read on one post/site that Pearls may help.  I will try that for a while to see if it works.  My husband thinks that if I work up a sweat from exercise, that it will release the smelly toxins, but I think there has to more to it.  Has anyone else tried Pearls?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
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.

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.