Please Help! 18 with induced itchy scalp and mild dandruff

[2710]

Hi! I have had dandruff for 3 years now, and I am 18.

Well, the first year I had dandruff, it was pretty bad, then the next year it was totally gone. I have no idea why. I think it was because I changed shampoo

But then the year after and till now, I have had dandruff problems. Here are my symptoms:

-Dandruff occurs about 12 hours after washing my hair. (When I go sleep, I have none, when I wake up, its horrible :S)

-My scalp itches LOADs when I even become a bit hot/sweaty (this started about my 3rd year of dandruff, wasnt there in the 1st 2 years). I.e when I take a walk/go to the gym. I have recently gone to the gym, and it is all fine walking into the gym. But then when my body temp begins to warm up, not even started sweating, my scalp would itch like crazy. I would have to go to the toilet to douse it with cold water.

But the magical part is, that it would keep itching, until about 10-15 mins into the workout. Then it would stop totally for the rest of the work out session.

So basically, if I don't exercise or become hot, my head wouldnt itch. Can anyone help? I play sports and stuff !! T_T

-I have red scabs occasionally, they are only very tiny and usually very few (I think). I only know this, because I have scratched them off due to itchiness. Otherwise they would have stuck to my scalp without me knowing.

- My hair gets quite oily as the day progresses. And it also feels uncomfortable (I think this may be a psycological effect)


NOTE: My scalp isn't always itchy/flaky, just when it starts to get a little bit dirty i.e. after 12-24 hours.

ANY help appreciated! I'm only 18, and I have other stuff to worry about! :(

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Dandruff can be due to internal or external causes. 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, fungal infections, 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.

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 the symptoms persist then please get it evaluated from a dermatologist and get fungal infections ruled out.

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.

[2710]

Please! Any help?

[2710]

Any help?