What do you do with the ketoconazole not working for seborrheic dermatitis?

[Blondieee]

A dermatologist diagnosed me with seborrheic dermatitis. My scalp is VERY greasy, VERY itchy (it itches really bad in my crown area which ironically is where I have the most hair loss and where it is the thinnest). She prescribed ketoconazole shampoo and had me rotate it out with Head and Shoulders. I've been doing this and still no relief. My scalp is massively greasy, severely dry, and very itchy (which it was before I even used the shampoo). So frustrating!

And then I read online that seborrheic dermatitis isn't something you get rid of with the ketoconazole shampoo. It just becomes more under control. I can't keep living with this fungus on my head. Please help me get it off!!

I read about the Head and Shoulders intensive treatment but some say it smells horrendous and I don't know if that causes hair loss.

I read online that SD can be the result of a Biotin deficiency. Is this true? My doctor tested me and I'm deficient in Biotin because of malabsorption.

[lapushka]

I'd try doing the ketaconazole back to back, no H&S in between. And suds it into your hair, and leave it on for 5 to 10 min. I left mine on for 10 min. and it took care of it *pronto* last time I had to bust mine out.

Try!

[Blondieee]

Oh I didn't realize you were supposed to leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes. I just washed it out after shampooing like I normally do. My dermatologist didn't tell me that. That must be the problem. I will use it back to back too and hopefully that takes care of it. THANK YOU!!

[Blondieee]

Also, how often did you shampoo with it when you got rid of it last time? I might have to shampoo a little more often until it's gone so it keeps getting the treatment.

[lapushka]

Oh I didn't realize you were supposed to leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes. I just washed it out after shampooing like I normally do. My dermatologist didn't tell me that. That must be the problem. I will use it back to back too and hopefully that takes care of it. THANK YOU!!

No you don't just wash with it! You put it in your wet hair, suds it up some, then leave it on, and set a timer for 5 to 10 min. (this is on my insert, I'm in Belgium) - then when that time is up, you suds it up some more, rub it around and *wash* with it, then rinse it all out.

And you're welcome!!! :D

Hope it helps and now does something. Wasn't there an insert with it?

[Obsidian]

I normally wash every 2-3 days and will use my medicated shampoo 3 or 4 times if needed.

SD loves oily hair so you need to keep your scalp clean. This might mean washing more frequently.

Unfortunately SD isn't something you can get rid of, it will always be with you. Best scenario is learning how to prevent a flair and what meds work best for you.

You should never oil your scalp or let conditioner touch your scalp. Keep it clean.

[Kikyou]

Also, avoid keeping your scalp wet for a long time. So don't keep it wrapped after wash for too long. 10 minutes is enough to soak up most water.

[lapushka]

I can toweldry for 30 min., airdry for 2-4H (shorter in winter time), then I diffuse for 5 min. until my roots are dry, the ends (well, it is TBL) might be dampish but it will be dry at the roots. That's the longest I can go. I can't keep it wet for 8+H or I'm going to get into trouble, but a few hours is fine. In winter though, I do dry it faster with the diffuser than in summer.

[spidermom]

lapushka and Kikyou are correct. I used my ketoconazole shampoo about twice a week as directed until it was gone. I haven't had a problem with SD since. I've learned to keep my scalp clean and dry.

[ontheway]

The "use once, leave for 1 min, rinse off, then leave for 5 mins" thing is what helped me in my case. I was washing my hair with no relief, because I was too scared to wash twice... but that was what helped me bring down my flares a bit. Just make sure you're thoroughly going from area to area on your scalp so you aren't missing any areas. And I'd suggest rinsing thoroughly, too.

From what I've read and from the info my naturopath gave me, SD can be "temporary" if it's a gut issue or a food issue. Not everyone has awful SD forever if they know what triggers it. For me, I've worked on my eating habits, and it's helped alleviate some symptoms. I'd investigate that a bit further to see if you have any gut issues, food intolerances, maybe even a yeast infection. I've also read that SD is linked to mental health, so if you're in a bad period (whether it be stress, depression, anxiety), it can flare up. So it helps to address that also and make sure you're mentally good.

[lapushka]

The "use once, leave for 1 min, rinse off, then leave for 5 mins" thing is what helped me in my case. I was washing my hair with no relief, because I was too scared to wash twice... but that was what helped me bring down my flares a bit. Just make sure you're thoroughly going from area to area on your scalp so you aren't missing any areas. And I'd suggest rinsing thoroughly, too.

From what I've read and from the info my naturopath gave me, SD can be "temporary" if it's a gut issue or a food issue. Not everyone has awful SD forever if they know what triggers it. For me, I've worked on my eating habits, and it's helped alleviate some symptoms. I'd investigate that a bit further to see if you have any gut issues, food intolerances, maybe even a yeast infection. I've also read that SD is linked to mental health, so if you're in a bad period (whether it be stress, depression, anxiety), it can flare up. So it helps to address that also and make sure you're mentally good.

From my perspective, my SD doesn't seem to be (and I'm 45, mind you so plenty of instances) related to any gut issues, food intolerance (I have none). So then... it's a big puzzle, and you have to be content with treating it locally/topically.

[AZDesertRose]

The "use once, leave for 1 min, rinse off, then leave for 5 mins" thing is what helped me in my case. I was washing my hair with no relief, because I was too scared to wash twice... but that was what helped me bring down my flares a bit. Just make sure you're thoroughly going from area to area on your scalp so you aren't missing any areas. And I'd suggest rinsing thoroughly, too.

From what I've read and from the info my naturopath gave me, SD can be "temporary" if it's a gut issue or a food issue. Not everyone has awful SD forever if they know what triggers it. For me, I've worked on my eating habits, and it's helped alleviate some symptoms. I'd investigate that a bit further to see if you have any gut issues, food intolerances, maybe even a yeast infection. I've also read that SD is linked to mental health, so if you're in a bad period (whether it be stress, depression, anxiety), it can flare up. So it helps to address that also and make sure you're mentally good.


From my perspective, my SD doesn't seem to be (and I'm 45, mind you so plenty of instances) related to any gut issues, food intolerance (I have none). So then... it's a big puzzle, and you have to be content with treating it locally/topically.

My dermatologist told me, when I went in for an appointment with her a few months ago because my prescription 2% ketoconazole shampoo wasn't doing a very good job of controlling the SD any more, that a number of other medical conditions can cause new dermatological problems or worsen existing ones. She said that the two things most likely to cause dermatological trouble were endocrine system problems and digestive problems.

I've been having some really heinous digestive trouble for most of the past year (I am seeing a gastroenterologist and a couple of other specialists to try to figure out what's going on so that maybe we can fix it), and as far as the SD goes, the solution for me has been to wash with the ketoconazole about every three days rather than every four days or so (which was what I had been doing that had quit working). My dermatologist also gave me a prescription steroid foam to apply to my scalp (very sparingly, because steroid) when the SD flares really badly, and so far that regimen seems to be working.

Also, stress, particularly prolonged stress, really just doesn't do anyone any favors ever. It can provoke some awful mood problems, and it can wreak havoc on one's physical health, so I'm not too sure that the naturopath was far off base with that part of their assessment particularly.

[lapushka]

My dermatologist told me, when I went in for an appointment with her a few months ago because my prescription 2% ketoconazole shampoo wasn't doing a very good job of controlling the SD any more, that a number of other medical conditions can cause new dermatological problems or worsen existing ones. She said that the two things most likely to cause dermatological trouble were endocrine system problems and digestive problems.

I think opinions vary on that greatly, even between doctors. If you ask mine, he says it is bad on its own.

I have none of those, and still I have SD. I also contracted CRPS when I was 23, and in recent years Menière's disease. My SD (seborrheic dermatitis) hasn't been so well under control as in the last couple of decades. Just because of using sulfate shampoos in a smart way (weekly).


Also, stress, particularly prolonged stress, really just doesn't do anyone any favors ever. It can provoke some awful mood problems, and it can wreak havoc on one's physical health, so I'm not too sure that the naturopath was far off base with that part of their assessment particularly.

Is stress *ever* good? Yet, we can't get it out of our lives, that is impossible. Everybody will always have certain stressors.

But everyone has their own version of SD (I strongly believe that it is different for everybody), and we all deal with it differently.

[AZDesertRose]

My dermatologist told me, when I went in for an appointment with her a few months ago because my prescription 2% ketoconazole shampoo wasn't doing a very good job of controlling the SD any more, that a number of other medical conditions can cause new dermatological problems or worsen existing ones. She said that the two things most likely to cause dermatological trouble were endocrine system problems and digestive problems.


I think opinions vary on that greatly, even between doctors. If you ask mine, he says it is bad on its own.

I have none of those, and still I have SD. I also contracted CRPS when I was 23, and in recent years Menière's disease. My SD (seborrheic dermatitis) hasn't been so well under control as in the last couple of decades. Just because of using sulfate shampoos in a smart way (weekly).

She didn't say that digestive or endocrine problems were the only things that cause or worsen dermatological problems, just that those types of systemic problems are very likely to cause or worsen digestive dermatological issues. And certainly, everyone's body behaves a bit differently. It's why a medication that's a wonder drug for one person is a horrible allergen for someone else. ;)


Also, stress, particularly prolonged stress, really just doesn't do anyone any favors ever. It can provoke some awful mood problems, and it can wreak havoc on one's physical health, so I'm not too sure that the naturopath was far off base with that part of their assessment particularly.


Is stress *ever* good? Yet, we can't get it out of our lives, that is impossible. Everybody will always have certain stressors.

But everyone has their own version of SD (I strongly believe that it is different for everybody), and we all deal with it differently.

Oh, yes, absolutely, everyone has stress and it's not ever fun, but what I meant was that if someone is under a lot of stress for a long time, it's going to have a detrimental effect on their health, physical and mental.

But yes, YMMV is a cliché for a reason. :flower:

Also, I'm sleep deprived so I'm probably not writing as clearly as I ought. :oops:

[ontheway]

From my perspective, my SD doesn't seem to be (and I'm 45, mind you so plenty of instances) related to any gut issues, food intolerance (I have none). So then... it's a big puzzle, and you have to be content with treating it locally/topically.

I really think it depends on the person. Before this year, I never had an issue with alcohol, and didn't experience ab bloating 24/7. Earlier this year (not anymore, thankfully), my ab area was alwaysss bloated. Since cutting out certain foods, I don't feel it. When I re-introduce those foods, I feel it. So, again, it's my particular case, which is why I mentioned it as a possibility. Doctors are so confused about the subject though so they'll all say different things. I ultimately think most things can be linked back to your internal health, especially skin issues. I'm kind of a hippy in that sense but the funny thing is, my parents and sister are all MDs and they all agree that internal health definitely is linked to skin/hair etc.


My dermatologist told me, when I went in for an appointment with her a few months ago because my prescription 2% ketoconazole shampoo wasn't doing a very good job of controlling the SD any more, that a number of other medical conditions can cause new dermatological problems or worsen existing ones. She said that the two things most likely to cause dermatological trouble were endocrine system problems and digestive problems.

I've been having some really heinous digestive trouble for most of the past year (I am seeing a gastroenterologist and a couple of other specialists to try to figure out what's going on so that maybe we can fix it), and as far as the SD goes, the solution for me has been to wash with the ketoconazole about every three days rather than every four days or so (which was what I had been doing that had quit working). My dermatologist also gave me a prescription steroid foam to apply to my scalp (very sparingly, because steroid) when the SD flares really badly, and so far that regimen seems to be working.

Also, stress, particularly prolonged stress, really just doesn't do anyone any favors ever. It can provoke some awful mood problems, and it can wreak havoc on one's physical health, so I'm not too sure that the naturopath was far off base with that part of their assessment particularly.

Yes, exactly. It sounds like you're experiencing digestive issues, too, which is like me and my case. I haven't gone to a specialist for that yet because most of my issues are gone now (my bloating is gone, and I'm regular), but I would if I was experiencing the same symptoms as I was back in April. I cleared mine up by eating a bit healthier and by drinking lemon water, but I really do remember those days where I felt like I "couldn't lose weight" there no matter what I did. Now, I know exactly how to flatten my tummy again. It's been a tough experience but it's been a learning experience. These kinds of things teach you about what you can and can't handle.

And yeah, stress is a big problem. Not even every day stressors, but the build-up of stress, and the lack of letting that stress go, not having a good support system, etc. That's one of the reasons why I've changed my lifestyle completely since a few months ago, because I actually was stressed out without realizing it until my flare-ups, hair issues... and now, even with these problems, I don't feel consistently anxious/worried/unhappy because I've made changes and have let go of a lot of extra work and ties I didn't need. If you feel stressed out, definitely re-evaluate your life and see what can be changed.

[arelrios]

I'd try doing the ketaconazole back to back, no H&S in between. And suds it into your hair, and leave it on for 5 to 10 min. I left mine on for 10 min. and it took care of it *pronto* last time I had to bust mine out.

Try!

I did this. First week I washed my hair daily and then, every other day... it’s been over a year and I only use the medicated shampoo. No issues for me with SD, not even a single flake on my scalp or an itch

Well, I use Purad’or once a week... but my first wash is always with ketoconazole ...

[Kikyou]

Digestion does play a role in my case. High sugar&carb intake gives me a flare up. Generally I'm quite vulnerable to fungal infections so I need to have my diet under controll.

[lapushka]

I did this. First week I washed my hair daily and then, every other day... it’s been over a year and I only use the medicated shampoo. No issues for me with SD, not even a single flake on my scalp or an itch

Well, I use Purad’or once a week... but my first wash is always with ketoconazole ...

That's amazing. Thanks for sharing that. Looks like you have found a good routine.

I think I must be lucky not to have digestive issues. :flower:

[Reservechic]

I suffer with scalp eczema that is so bad till I have had to get approved for laser scalp treatments, plus I also suffer with seborrheic dermatitis on my face also. I have been prescribed a plethora of stuff, prescription medicated shampoos, prescription medicated scalp sprays, along with prescription medicated creams as well. And, I have even been prescribed pills and given shots too. I have not found a prescription shampoo, cream, or otherwise that provides my scalp with long-term relief. Instead, they leave my scalp and hair terribly drier than without, and they have also cause a level of irritation to my scalp (as these products are definitely not without side effects associated with them at all). Which is why, I personally decided to go on a more natural based route at this time, even though my derm just wants to keep me on prescription stuff because he feels that's the best route for me. However, I just don't feel cool subjecting my body to long-term use of these very strong, medicated products at all. Which is why, I have started a new regimen that consists of only using hair care products with no sulfates, mineral oil, dyes, parabens, etc., in them. I don't currently use any prescription medicated products on my hair and scalp. I use shampoo bars to wash my hair and scalp with. I deep condition my hair as needed after doing a detoxifying cleansing of my hair and scalp, and I use only 1 product to style my hair with at the most. I do pre-poo my hair, as my schedule allows me. I do not pre-poo my hair before every shampoo, because i personally don't always have the time. But, when I do pre-poo my hair, I will use either coconut oil, grape seed oil, or Amla Oil to do so. Oh and i normally wash my hair every 5-7 days (which is typically once a week), but if my scalp is acting up terribly for whatever reason, I will wash my hair and scalp twice a week. Right now, the weather has started to cool off where I live at, so I have been wearing my hair in a bun, as a quick protective style that is super easy for me to maintain, and what I will definitely continue to rock all the way from Fall, all the way thru Winter, and even possibly beyond that.

My best advice to anyone suffering with scalp or skin issues, sometimes prescription products can make a huge difference for some, but not for others. Which is why, it is okay to not have to feel like you have to be stuck with only using prescription products as your only option, if you see where they aren't delivering you the type of results that you truly need. Never be afraid to explore other options, and try new methods or products, just to see just how much of an impact they can possibly have towards treating ones scalp or skin condition.

[akurah]

Digestion does play a role in my case. High sugar&carb intake gives me a flare up. Generally I'm quite vulnerable to fungal infections so I need to have my diet under controll.

Ooooooh?

I've had an abnormal amount of fungal infections this year. I've had at least 4 now this year (possibly more, I don't track time well, and only recently started tracking this cause it was getting old) and the most recent one was a week or two ago, and the second most recent one before that was in August. Could adjusting diet potentially alleviate this? I've also got a couple of other orphan problems as well, namely dermatographia and raynaud's (both of which are apparently typically symptoms of other disorders and not standalone?) as well as bipolar.

[AZDesertRose]

Ooooooh?

I've had an abnormal amount of fungal infections this year. I've had at least 4 now this year (possibly more, I don't track time well, and only recently started tracking this cause it was getting old) and the most recent one was a week or two ago, and the second most recent one before that was in August. Could adjusting diet potentially alleviate this? I've also got a couple of other orphan problems as well, namely dermatographia and raynaud's (both of which are apparently typically symptoms of other disorders and not standalone?) as well as bipolar.

Possibly, yes.

Also, the weather can affect it. I had a fungal infection of the skin on my upper chest a few years ago when we had a colossally hot and humid summer even by Floridian weather standards, so if it's been warmer and/or more humid than usual in your part of the world, that could be contributing to the fungal infection problem.

If you can see a dermatologist, that might be a good idea re: the fungal infections, and honestly, with that combination of symptoms, a rheumatology and/or endocrinology consult might not be a bad idea either, assuming you can arrange that.

[lapushka]

If you can see a dermatologist, that might be a good idea re: the fungal infections, and honestly, with that combination of symptoms, a rheumatology and/or endocrinology consult might not be a bad idea either, assuming you can arrange that.

My dermatologist said no when I asked him if other things could affect it, but I wasn't disabled then at the time (remember I am 45 and I have had this since I was a baby), so maybe opinions on that vary across the world? I'm in Belgium, BTW.

I have had this as a baby (cradle cap), so was fresh out of the womb... I mean. My mom doesn't have it at all. My dad does, though. He also has no digestive issues that I know of. And he's pretty healthy at age 71.

[AZDesertRose]

Ooooooh?

I've had an abnormal amount of fungal infections this year. I've had at least 4 now this year (possibly more, I don't track time well, and only recently started tracking this cause it was getting old) and the most recent one was a week or two ago, and the second most recent one before that was in August. Could adjusting diet potentially alleviate this? I've also got a couple of other orphan problems as well, namely dermatographia and raynaud's (both of which are apparently typically symptoms of other disorders and not standalone?) as well as bipolar.


Possibly, yes.

Also, the weather can affect it. I had a fungal infection of the skin on my upper chest a few years ago when we had a colossally hot and humid summer even by Floridian weather standards, so if it's been warmer and/or more humid than usual in your part of the world, that could be contributing to the fungal infection problem.

If you can see a dermatologist, that might be a good idea re: the fungal infections, and honestly, with that combination of symptoms, a rheumatology and/or endocrinology consult might not be a bad idea either, assuming you can arrange that.


My dermatologist said no when I asked him if other things could affect it, but I wasn't disabled then at the time (remember I am 45 and I have had this since I was a baby), so maybe opinions on that vary across the world? I'm in Belgium, BTW.

I have had this as a baby (cradle cap), so was fresh out of the womb... I mean. My mom doesn't have it at all. My dad does, though. He also has no digestive issues that I know of. And he's pretty healthy at age 71.

I'm not trying to be rude here, but why are you so insistent that no one's experience with SD is permitted to differ from your own?

Also, when I replied to akurah, she mentioned a number of symptoms in addition to fungal infections/SD, and I suggested that, if she can arrange it, she might be best served to see a couple of specific types of specialists who might be able to help her sort out what's going on with her body. Why do you think I'm so wrong?

If YMMV ever applies, it's in medicine. One person's Holy Grail treatment is another person's horrible allergen. Why do you feel the need to invalidate other people's experiences if they differ from yours?

[lapushka]

Wait, who says I'm doing that? I'm just sharing my experience as it differs from everyone here who is apparently of the conviction it does have to do with internal issues. I don't have that experience, and I'm just saying what my doctor said. I can have a differing opinion, right? I'm not being "insistent" at all, as far as I know. :shrug: I can still share *my* experience, right? :confused:


I'm not trying to be rude here, but why are you so insistent that no one's experience with SD is permitted to differ from your own?

[AZDesertRose]

Wait, who says I'm doing that? I'm just sharing my experience as it differs from everyone here who is apparently of the conviction it does have to do with internal issues. I don't have that experience, and I'm just saying what my doctor said. I can have a differing opinion, right? I'm not being "insistent" at all, as far as I know. :shrug: I can still share *my* experience, right? :confused:

Absolutely you can share your experience, but it keeps coming across to me like you're saying "I'm right and the rest of you are all wrong because your experience isn't the same as mine," which is what sparked that response.

Like I said, I wasn't trying to be rude, but your comments keep reading like no one's experience is valid except yours, and that really rubs me the wrong way.

I don't think anyone ever said that SD must be caused by internal issues, just that it can be caused or worsened by problems in other body systems, and it is medical fact that the body is interconnected; it's not like the skin exists as a separate entity, functioning in isolation from every other body system.

I will restate what my dermatologist said; of all systems, the two that might have problems that are most likely to cause or worsen dermatological problems are the endocrine and digestive systems. She did not say that all skin problems stem from endocrine and/or digestive systemic issues, just that endocrine and/or digestive troubles often can cause or worsen skin problems.

Maybe this is a cultural clash problem in terms of communication styles, but your comments read to me as very invalidating of the experiences shared by others in the thread, and that is why I said something.

[lapushka]

Absolutely you can share your experience, but it keeps coming across to me like you're saying "I'm right and the rest of you are all wrong because your experience isn't the same as mine," which is what sparked that response.

Like I said, I wasn't trying to be rude, but your comments keep reading like no one's experience is valid except yours, and that really rubs me the wrong way.

I don't think anyone ever said that SD must be caused by internal issues, just that it can be caused or worsened by problems in other body systems, and it is medical fact that the body is interconnected; it's not like the skin exists as a separate entity, functioning in isolation from every other body system.

I will restate what my dermatologist said; of all systems, the two that might have problems that are most likely to cause or worsen dermatological problems are the endocrine and digestive systems. She did not say that all skin problems stem from endocrine and/or digestive systemic issues, just that endocrine and/or digestive troubles often can cause or worsen skin problems.

Maybe this is a cultural clash problem in terms of communication styles, but your comments read to me as very invalidating of the experiences shared by others in the thread, and that is why I said something.

Well that is *not* my intention at all, and that is not what I said at all either.

[Kikyou]

akurah there is quite a close relationship between fungal infections and diet. Carbs make your body more alkaline when you digest them, and fungus grows best in alkaline environments (also high glucose levels after carb intake feeds it). When you eat less carbs and more protein, that makes your body more acidic, therefore, an unfriendly environment to fungus. That's why vinegar kills mould :) And I can clearly confirm that with the state of my scalp every time I decide to 'treat ma'self' with more sweets than I should.

[thunderseed]

I think I might have this, because head and shoulder's isn't working.

Has anyone tried to use Apple Cider Vinegar rinses to get rid of it? Apparently apple cider vinegar is supposed to get rid of fungus?

I also have bad digestive issues like what everyone else was mentioning on this thread.

But I noticed in my case, that my scalp itching improves when I drink lots of water - I mean, perhaps my skin becomes less dry and dehyrdated then, but I think it's more than just dry skin, I think drinking lots of water flushes something out of my system that is causing that skin reaction.
And I haven't been drinking enough water lately.

I also noticed that it was very important for me to keep my scalp clean on a regular basis, or else it just builds up with way too much sebum and gunk, my skin sometimes becomes way too greasy, but flakey dry on my face as well.

But I think putting some coconut oil on my scalp and skin actually helps. I heard that coconut oil is also a natural antifungal, but I don't know if that's true or not.

Anyway, I'm going to start doing some apple cider rinses and see if that helps clear up my flakes.

[akurah]

I think I might have this, because head and shoulder's isn't working.

Has anyone tried to use Apple Cider Vinegar rinses to get rid of it? Apparently apple cider vinegar is supposed to get rid of fungus?

I also have bad digestive issues like what everyone else was mentioning on this thread.

But I noticed in my case, that my scalp itching improves when I drink lots of water - I mean, perhaps my skin becomes less dry and dehyrdated then, but I think it's more than just dry skin, I think drinking lots of water flushes something out of my system that is causing that skin reaction.
And I haven't been drinking enough water lately.

I also noticed that it was very important for me to keep my scalp clean on a regular basis, or else it just builds up with way too much sebum and gunk, my skin sometimes becomes way too greasy, but flakey dry on my face as well.

But I think putting some coconut oil on my scalp and skin actually helps. I heard that coconut oil is also a natural antifungal, but I don't know if that's true or not.

Anyway, I'm going to start doing some apple cider rinses and see if that helps clear up my flakes.

I would go to the doctor and not self treat. Fungal infection is not a joke when it comes to hair and nails. I only just finished growing back my toenails.

[thunderseed]

I do not have anything as serious as that, just annoying flakey skin that isn't going away. And sometimes itching that can get pretty bad.

My two cats have dandruff also, and my one cat gets frequent red spots and fur loss, but the vet said it was an allergic reaction of some kind, that caused an infection. They tested her for fungus and parasites and everything and only found bacteria, and sure enough when they put her on antiobiotics, it disappeared, but it keeps coming back off and on. One thing I noticed is during the summer, her skin issues get worse, in the fall it was better, then come winter time, it was bad again, and in the winter she likes sleeping by the fireplaces, so I was starting to think it also might be dry skin. Whatever it is, having humidifiers going in the house as well as doing apple cider vinegar rinses on her problem areas, and putting coconut oil on her skin seems to help quite a bit.
Anyway, my cat has A LOT of food allergies too, and she is on the most expensive hypoallergenic food I can find, yet I don't even think that food is perfect.
I also have a lot of food allergies and intolerances.

[lapushka]

I do not have anything as serious as that, just annoying flakey skin that isn't going away. And sometimes itching that can get pretty bad.

You might not believe it, and you don't have to believe me, or akurah, but those are *sure* and clear signs that you have to go see a dermatologist. Do not self-treat.

The worst thing you can do is throw oil on your scalp. Oils of any kind feed the fungal overgrowth (if it is indeed SD). We aren't doctors.

Best of luck to you. You don't want to keep running around with this issue!

[akurah]

I do not have anything as serious as that, just annoying flakey skin that isn't going away. And sometimes itching that can get pretty bad.

My two cats have dandruff also, and my one cat gets frequent red spots and fur loss, but the vet said it was an allergic reaction of some kind, that caused an infection. They tested her for fungus and parasites and everything and only found bacteria, and sure enough when they put her on antiobiotics, it disappeared, but it keeps coming back off and on. One thing I noticed is during the summer, her skin issues get worse, in the fall it was better, then come winter time, it was bad again, and in the winter she likes sleeping by the fireplaces, so I was starting to think it also might be dry skin. Whatever it is, having humidifiers going in the house as well as doing apple cider vinegar rinses on her problem areas, and putting coconut oil on her skin seems to help quite a bit.
Anyway, my cat has A LOT of food allergies too, and she is on the most expensive hypoallergenic food I can find, yet I don't even think that food is perfect.
I also have a lot of food allergies and intolerances.

You don’t even know what the problem is, and a variety of skin ailments with different treatments present with similar symptoms. You’re at risk of your planned home remedies making it worse. You’re also not a cat, you can’t really compare her skin conditions with yours

[arelrios]

I tried for the longest time home remedies to ‘treat’ my scalp issues. It was only when I started using the medicated shampoo that I got it under control.

My derm told me the shampoo was the first step and if it didn't work, we should try something else.

Go see a doctor if you have the chance... I know I regreted it not going to see one sooner

Best of lucks!

:)

[abby257]

Hi everyone! I am not sure if anyone has mentioned this before but I found something that really helped my SD inflammation and I was hoping that maybe it could help others as well!:) I have been struggling with SD for the past 3 years and went through many methods ranging from steroid ointments, shampoos to natural methods like ACV and tea tree oil. I am not SD free yet, but I think I am finally getting there! I noticed a HUGE improvement lately thanks to manuka honey. I suppose any natural honey will help but manuka is a bit stronger. I just dilute honey with water and massage the solution into my scalp and leave it for a few hours and then rinse it off. Repeat this method a few times a week. My scalp at first was really inflamed/red and itchy and after doing this twice the redness is completely gone! I also do ACV rinses which help with the flaking. Hopefully the hair loss will stop once the scalp is better *fingers crossed*. I noticed that sticking to dairy free diet and limiting sugars/gluten is beneficial when fighting with SD. Good luck to everyone! :)