Itchy Scalp

[MrsBeetham08]

I have had a flaky dry yet oily scalp for a little over a year now and have been under alot of stress lately. Three days ago I noticed small spots on my scalp that look like scabs. I have tried head and shoulders, tyea tree oil shampoos, vinigar and even peroxide and nothing has helped the flakes and what not. Now I am a suspicious about the scabs. Please help!

[MrsBeetham08]

Thank you very much I will try this and let you know if it works for me!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
This can be due to dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis. 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.
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.

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.