Scalp treatments

[Monkey962]

For quite some time now I've had a bit of dandruff. In some places it's flaky, and in others it seems kind of like some kind of build-up. It feels as though I've tried all sorts of things to get rid of it. Scalp massages, a good brushing, washing the scalp more thoroughly in the shower in the hopes of washing it away, dandruff shampoo, and tea tree and jojoba oil. None of these things would get rid of the problem completely, though some would help reduce it.

Are there any sort of scalp treatments or oils to be massaged onto the scalp that can help my problem? I've heard that burdock oil along with nettle and plantain oil can be helpful, as well as reducing hair loss, which I think I have to some degree perhaps as a side effect of the dandruff. Can anyone help?

[ktani]

For quite some time now I've had a bit of dandruff. In some places it's flaky, and in others it seems kind of like some kind of build-up. It feels as though I've tried all sorts of things to get rid of it. Scalp massages, a good brushing, washing the scalp more thoroughly in the shower in the hopes of washing it away, dandruff shampoo, and tea tree and jojoba oil. None of these things would get rid of the problem completely, though some would help reduce it.

Are there any sort of scalp treatments or oils to be massaged onto the scalp that can help my problem? I've heard that burdock oil along with nettle and plantain oil can be helpful, as well as reducing hair loss, which I think I have to some degree perhaps as a side effect of the dandruff. Can anyone help?

Honestly, I would see a doctor/specialist first, to determine exactly what it is before I would use anything else on my own.

Nizoral is reported to be a great and fairly mild dandruff shampoo but it would be a great help to you, if you knew what kind of dandruff you have. You have tried several things already with no success, including dandruff shampoo. It may be that you need prescription level treatment.

[ChloeDharma]

I agree, it's best to get a diagnosis if you can. In the mean time things like jojoba oil, cider vinegar rinses etc might help.....i do find a rosemary rinse usually guarantees a clear scalp for me but a diagnosis will give a clearer picture of what you are dealing with.
Also bear in mind that it might take a while of regular use of any treatment to have an effect.

[ktani]

Some herbs, oils and too strong vinegar rinses can be irritating. Catnip tea is soothing and is a specific for scalp irritation but you should patch test everything when it comes to plants and what you have is not responding to any treatment so far.

Catnip is not for dandruff specifically. It may or may not help with the irritation in this case because of the actual problem. It should not make it worse, unless you are allergic to it, IMO.

1 tsp to just under 300 ml boiled water, steeped covered until cooled. Tap the condensation from the cover back into the container (I use a mug) before straining. I pour mine into a washed out shampoo bottle and it keeps refridgerated for up to a week.

[Monkey962]

Honestly, I would see a doctor/specialist first, to determine exactly what it is before I would use anything else on my own.

Nizoral is reported to be a great and fairly mild dandruff shampoo but it would be a great help to you, if you knew what kind of dandruff you have. You have tried several things already with no success, including dandruff shampoo. It may be that you need prescription level treatment.


I agree, it's best to get a diagnosis if you can. In the mean time things like jojoba oil, cider vinegar rinses etc might help.....i do find a rosemary rinse usually guarantees a clear scalp for me but a diagnosis will give a clearer picture of what you are dealing with.
Also bear in mind that it might take a while of regular use of any treatment to have an effect.

I have been thinking about seeing a dermatologist about it. I know of one who helped with my acne a few years back. I'll have to ask me mum if I can go for an appointment.

However, does anyone have any experience with burdock, nettle, and plantain oil? From what I've heard, they sound like they do amazing things.

[ktani]

I have been thinking about seeing a dermatologist about it. I know of one who helped with my acne a few years back. I'll have to ask me mum if I can go for an appointment.

However, does anyone have any experience with burdock, nettle, and plantain oil? From what I've heard, they sound like they do amazing things.

Again, patch test first. None of those are dandruff cures. Nettle has some cautions attached to it and your scalp is no doubt abraded from scratching. Soapnuts are recommended for dandruff but again, saponins are toxic if absorbed through skin and your scalp skin is abraded, so absorption is going to be an issue. You need to see a dermatologist, IMO.

You do not need a possible skin rash, http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showpost.php?p=400997&postcount=115.

Burdock, http://www.drugs.com/npp/burdock.html.

Plantain, http://www.drugs.com/npp/plantain.html

Have your mom help you get that appointment.

[Monkey962]

You need to see a dermatologist, IMO.



Alright, will do. I hope I get some answers :/

[ktani]

Alright, will do. I hope I get some answers :/

Good luck and please update.

Ask questions and tell the dermatologist everything that you have used so far, to help him/her get an idea of what you have been through.