Dry, flaky scalp help!

I had the same problem for years, tried antifungal shampoos, steroids to no avail.

Finally hit on a great scalp moisturizer that I put in each morning after washing my hair, and it really worked.  

It's called OGX hair butter.  I would just try to apply it to the scalp directly and leave it on.  It took a few weeks but the problem is gone.

https://jet.com/product/detail/dea1c10eb2d74e9da8fd199c70506f9b?jcmp=pl…

Good luck.

I have always had very sensitive skin and as an adult developed psoriasis (mild). I have it on my scalp and knees. Even prior to the psoriasis, I have long used a moisturizing, sulfate-free shampoo. There are several good ones on the market. (I use Traite by Mastey) It keeps my scalp happy. But, when I have flair-ups: winter, too much sun, high stress, hair coloring (I no longer color my hair though) the itching and flakiness increase. It may be worth a visit to your doctor to determine if you have psoriasis on your scalp. There are medicated shampoos that may be helpful for you. Psoriasis or no, I would suggest a good quality sulfate-free shampoo.

I've been dealing with what sounds like a similar situation.  My doctor prescribed a steroid shampoo (fluocinolone acetonide scalp oil), which you have to cover with a shower cap and leave in overnight.  It's a pain, but it does seem to help when the problem's at its worst.

Otherwise, I alternate between DHS Zinc Shampoo and Nizoral, both available over-the-counter at drugstores.  The combination, recommended by my cousin who also had a similar problem, seems to keep the situation pretty well under control.  I notice a difference (in a bad way) when I use other shampoos even for a few days.

Good luck.

I recommend a visit to a dermatologist. You may have a fungal infection or seborrhea, both easily fixed. At the least, they may have access to products not available OTC. Good luck!

I'd talk to a dermatologist. Personally I wash my hair a few times a week and use 0.05% solution of Lidex, a corticosteroid. My dry scalp is not pregnancy related.

Possibly psoriasis of the scalp, have you seen a dermatologist? They may be able to diagnose your problem.

Hi there,

You may want to check with your doctor to see if you have psoriasis. I never had it until after my son was born and it is on my scalp and itches sometimes and flakes. My dr sent me to a dermatologist who gave me a medicated shampoo and some topical ointment.  Hope this helps.

V.

If over the counter solutions are not working then it's time to see a dermatologist.  I had the same issue and no success with otc products.  One dr visit, one prescription and the problem was resolved.   No more itching.  

I had the same thing several years ago and have been treating with apple cider vinegar before shampooing.  I just pour a few tablespoons on the affected areas, rub it around a little and let it sit for 3 minutes. Then rinse and shampoo with a mild kids  shampoo that works for me.  Nothing else seemed to beat it and Kaiser just kept trying to get me to use steroid ointment on the areas, which caused more problems.  

Be careful with your eyes -- don't want to get the vinegar in them.

I know it is working, because if I stop with the vinegar for a week or so, the problem definitely comes back and takes a few weeks to go away again.

You may want to ask your doctor if it could be psoriasis. My scalp is often itchy and flaky because of psoriasis and there are treatments and diet changes that can help. Dairy is a common trigger (and it is for me) and not resisting getting a latte this morning has left me scratching my head all day. For me it's the right side of my head near the hairline above my ear. Took years to get this diagnosed so be sure you bring it up since many doctors don't seem to recognize psoriasis symptoms. Good luck.

Hi. I have also suffered from this. I tried to look at it as a problem with internal balance, instead  of applying external remedies. The things that seemed to work for me were less sugar, and including more fats in my diet. I had been on a low fat diet for a long time, and my body seemed to be low in some of the healthy fats. I focused on coconut oil 1-2 tablespoons daily, omega 3's (fish oil) and a whole saturated fat (ghee). Over time, my body seems replenished and I no longer have a dry scalp. 

I've had similar problems in the past and now stick to certain shampoos that I know won't irritate my scalp. Unfortunately they tend to be expensive, and I haven't found any drug store shampoos that don't give me trouble. Currently I am using Davines "award winning well being" shampoo every other day, which keeps me dandruff free most of the time. If my scalp starts feeling itchy or flaky, I'll use their "purifying" shampoo to nip it in the bud (once a month or less). 

Hope you find something that works for you. Dandruff sucks. 

Try treating your scalp with jojoba oil infused with tea tree essential oil. 

I used to have psoriasis on my scalp (it was bad, and there was a lot of it). I still have a little on elbows, knees, ears, but none on scalp. I attribute this to daily Vitamin D supplements (I take 5000 IU), and topically, using hair products with the shortest ingredients lists, no 'cones, SLS. Dr. Hauschka scalp and hair revitalizing tonic may have helped. A friend says she prefers the Aveda scalp product. Over the many years before Vit D, the tar and other medicated shampoos never worked for me. Finally, after some months on D, Elocon lotion worked (it hadn't in the past) in a week or so. That was ~7 years ago. I still color my hair with nary a flare up and no derm rx products on scalp. Also try a Fish oil supplement, taken with D, if you're not already. That works for someone I know who's had some itchy (arm) skin since pregnancy. Good luck!