flaking,itchy scalp

Hi,
As of recently I have been having an itchy, flaky scalp. I have never had dandruff before. The flakes are pretty big and there is this one spot where if i go to scratch my scalp it always bleeds. I have tried changing shampoos and washing my hair with cold water instead of hot but nothing has made it go away. I notice a reduction in flakes the day i shower but after that it gets worse. Im not sure if i should see a doctor or not. What could it be?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Dandruff can cause either an overly dry scalp with itchy white flakes that may be waxy or greasy, or it can manifest as an oily scalp with scales.
Internal causes include hormonal imbalance, poor health, poor hygiene, allergic hypersensitivity, lack of rest, emotional stress, excessive consumption of sugar, fat or starch and heredity predisposition.
External causes include excessive use of hair sprays and gels, improper use of hair-coloring products, cold weather and dry indoor heating, infrequent shampooing of the hair or inadequate rinsing of the scalp and hair.

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.

Take care and regards.

[AndreaMac]

Hello,
You could have eczema or psoriasis of the scalp.  If you do, i have heard that using a tea tree shampoo and conditioner can greatly reduce the symptoms.  Hope you get it squared away