flakey scalp

I've started over the last year to start have a very itchy flakey scalp, it will go for a couple of weeks then come back.  I've tried lots of differant shampoos and conditioners, and have started useing tgel more and more, it doesnt seem to be making a lot of differance.  It thought i'd post here first before doing anything else - because it seems a bit extreme to bother my GP about, however i'm not really sure what else to do, and i'm sure i've read elsewhere that it might be somthing more than dandruff.  And that there might be somthing else that i can get done ? Advice anyone? :)

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Seborrheic dermatitis is one possibility for such symptoms. The other possibility is of dandruff scalp. It is usually caused by overgrowth of Malassezia furfur. This skin disease is aggravated by sweating and humidity. You can treat flaking and dryness with over-the-counter dandruff or medicated shampoos. Shampoo the hair vigorously and frequently (preferably daily). Active ingredients in these shampoos include salicylic acid, coal tar, zinc, resorcin, ketoconazole, or selenium.

If the symptoms persist, then it would be best to get it confirmed from a dermatologist.

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.