DANDRUFF issues ...

CMUgradgirl · 09-19-2004, 11:20 PM

Okay ... i think i may have a nervous breakdown if i have to look at my scalp flakes one more time. They are TERRIBLE. i've tried everything ... i've tried Head and SHoulders, expensive 'scalp remedy (by Aveda) shampoo, i've tried cheap shampoo, shampoo for dry hair, shampoo for oily hair... NOTHING works. No matter what i do, i keep having these awful awful flakes. they are like CRUSTED in my hair. I can feel clumps of it scabbed over on my scalp. It's terrible and I just want to hide everytime i get out of the shower and brush out my hair - people must think i'm disgusting. HOW in the world can i get rid of this!???? I bought some Nizoral today... finally broke down and paid 10 bucks for a bottle of it. Does anyone know if it might work? I am at the end of my rope.

Thanks so much for any suggestions or just a hug from those who know how i feel!
Candace

Bethann · 09-19-2004, 11:39 PM

The crusting in your hair sounds like it might be poriassis (sp?) of the scalp. Have you seen a dermatologist?

msvon · 09-19-2004, 11:51 PM

Actually it sounds more like a fungal infection of the scalp. I have the exact same symptoms and I had been using Nizoral for years, it does help somewhat but for me not completely. I started using a shampoo from JASON. Its an all natural tea tree shampoo that seems to help a litlle better than the Nizoral. But I would say try the Nizoral first because it may work for you. I would also be careful of really fragrant hair products, particularly those that smell sweet, I noticed it seemed to make the situation worse.

msvon

hanshab · 09-20-2004, 03:34 AM

It does sound like psoriasis to me too. You should see a dermotologist because they can treat the condition (by the way there is no cure-just another thing to add to our evergrowing list of ailments). I use a product called derma-smooth (only available by prescription) that is an oil that you put on the scalp before bed and wear a shower cap (real attractive). Supposibly it is to help restore the moisture to the scalp. It works wonders (but takes a few days). The only problem is that it comes back if you don't treat it regularly. If you are don't treat it, it will show up in other areas as well. I currently have a spot on both elbows, both knees, my fingernails (they actually become pitted) and a small spot on my forehead. Stress aggrevates it too, so stay calm (LOL). This on top of PCOS and diabetes makes me feel like I'm really falling apart. Good luck, make the appointment.

gwenlexky · 09-20-2004, 03:46 AM

Probably related to insulin issues.

gwen

notcrazy · 09-20-2004, 02:28 PM

Mine gets like that but only when I'm super stressed. I get those huge deep patches of dry scalp and lose chuncks of hair with them. I usually just go and try to de-stress. Haven't found anything that works better than anything else.

lillykat · 09-20-2004, 07:01 PM

It is called sebborea - it is a skin condition. Those shampoos actually can make it worse not better (from prior experience) - I FINALLY got a semi cure for this after having it for YEARS and listening to others tell me how to treat it.

hansab has the right idea - dermasmooth is a Rx though I haven't tried it yet but was told that "P & S liquid" IS over the counter and is supposed to be good.

I have just started using this but I find that it works for about 3 weeks then it comes back - I have been told that I have a severe case of it though.

One word of warning it is a pain to wash out of your hair - I had to shampoo it two-three times to get it out.

notcrazy · 09-20-2004, 07:33 PM

woohoo something else to blame on PCOS...

There's several causes, two of which are hormonal and stress.

Supplements and herbs
Seborrhea is unlikely to occur when sufficient B vitamins are present. Most important are B6, B12, folic acid and biotin. Vitamin B12 is often poorly absorbed; sublingual tablets should be used.

Treatment of seborrhea also requires the essential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids, especially the gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) found in evening primrose and flax seed oil, are building blocks for the body's own anti-inflammatories, as well as being nutrients for the skin. If the skin is very dry, vitamins A and E should also be added, as they maintain skin health.

Herbal Remedies

Eradicating the problem usually requires a good bowel cleansing program. This might include aloe vera juice, senna, buckthorn or cascara sagrada. To stimulate the scalp and blood circulation, loosen scales and disinfect, rub the scalp with one of the following herbal combinations.
Tea tree oil, aloe vera, silica gel and calendula cream can be applied topically to relieve the skin.
Chaparral, goldenseal or red-clover tea help clear up the condition. Add 1 tsp. of herbs to 1 cup of boiling water; steep, strain, let cool and rub into scalp.
Combine 1/2 tsp. each of lavender oil, calamus oil, burdock root oil and 2 tsp. of gentian tincture. Add rosemary spirit to make 1/4 cup. Shake well before rubbing into scalp. To make rosemary spirit, fill 1/2 cup with rosemary herbs, cover with vodka and let stand in a sunny place for four to six weeks, shaking several times. Rosemary is both antiseptic and astringent. Soak 1 tbsp. of rosemary herb in 1/2 cup of ordinary shampoo for two weeks before using.
Stinging nettle and gentian tincture, St. John's wort oil, calamus oil, lavender oil, rosemary oil, burdock root oil or onion juice rubbed into the scalp provide relief. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp. of herbs, steep for thirty minutes, strain, add 2 tbsp. of vinegar and rub into scalp. Soap bark has anti-inflammatory and cleansing properties. Mix 1 cup of decoction of herbs with 1/2 cup of soft soap and use as shampoo.
More useful herbs
Cleavers.

What else you can do
Apply vitamin E oil the affected area or break open a capsule and apply externally.
How much to take
Vitamin B complex, 50 mg three times daily.
Vitamin B12, sublingual form, 100 mcg
Evening primrose oil, two 500 mg capsules three times daily
Flax seed oil, 1 tbsp
Vitamin A, 25,000 IU (avoid during pregnancy)
Vitamin E, with mixed tocopherols, 400 IU
Colloidal silver, or apply externally, 1/4 tsp.

CMUgradgirl · 09-23-2004, 12:46 AM

Thanks for the helpful replies.

I used the Nizoral on Monday morning and i only had a few minor flakes left in my hair. Tuesday, I didn't wash my hair cause i woke up late, but didn't have but just a few... today, i used my regular shampoo and had a few but it's DEFINATELY much better than before. I am hoping that this continues to work. I will be using the Nizoral every 3 washings. I'm so glad to have something that MIGHT work!!

Thanks again,
Candace

baileygirl1997 · 09-25-2004, 03:31 PM

it sounds like seborrhea to me, too. I had it as a kid, and sometimes I still have outbreaks, but not nearly as badly as it used to be.

Mine would ooze a little, and i would also have it behind my ears, too. I went to the dermatologist and got some cream for behind m y ears and it usually works, but I can't remember what the name of it was. I also used Denorex...it's a medicated shampoo that I would get over the counter. It works for me. It's about $8 for a small bottle. I use it about once every 2 weeks, and it helps to keep it in check. I leave it on for about 5 minutes until I feel it burning, then I wash it off.

It's worth a try. hope it helps.

mom2dylan · 10-19-2004, 10:09 AM

I have exactly the same problem!!!!! Have you found anything that works for it!!! I would love to know!!!!

Quote:

Originally posted by CMUgradgirl
Okay ... i think i may have a nervous breakdown if i have to look at my scalp flakes one more time. They are TERRIBLE. i've tried everything ... i've tried Head and SHoulders, expensive 'scalp remedy (by Aveda) shampoo, i've tried cheap shampoo, shampoo for dry hair, shampoo for oily hair... NOTHING works. No matter what i do, i keep having these awful awful flakes. they are like CRUSTED in my hair. I can feel clumps of it scabbed over on my scalp. It's terrible and I just want to hide everytime i get out of the shower and brush out my hair - people must think i'm disgusting. HOW in the world can i get rid of this!???? I bought some Nizoral today... finally broke down and paid 10 bucks for a bottle of it. Does anyone know if it might work? I am at the end of my rope.

Thanks so much for any suggestions or just a hug from those who know how i feel!
Candace