Annoyingly itchy scalp!

[Starchild494]

Help!

My daughter and I have been suffering from itchy scalp. I have tried sls free shampoo, no conditioner, no shampoo, medicated shampoo.... Its frustrating and annoying and we both scratch ourselves raw. I also tried tea tree oil treatment and still no go. Please any advice would be appreciated! TIA

[littlestarface]

Same for my youngest son. His head is so itchy he can't even sleep. He tried everything on his scalp too, nothing works, niozoral, tea tree, prell,acv,vinegar, head and shoulders,selsun blue. I dunno what to do for him when its so itchy at night and he can't sleep.

[Zesty]

Scalpicin helped me. It's hydrocortisone and aloe and such in a little applicator bottle. It doesn't make your hair greasy or anything either. You can get it at the drugstore.

My scalp issues are largely controlled by really harsh shampoo so *that's* not the best advice for everyone, but the scalpicin is good in a pinch and I would think be applicable to any cause of itchy scalp since it's just anti-itch liquid. :shrug:

[MusicalSpoons]

Could it be partly due to dry air?

I had problems with a dehydrated itchy scalp and only found relief with one specific light conditioner containing peppermint and tea tree - but using the EOs themselves didn't help at all - and now one specific shampoo that keeps it happy. The conditioner was UK-specific and now discontinued (:wail:) and the shampoo is EU-specific I think; Dr Organic Aloe Vera. I'm not saying the same things would necessarily work for you anyway, but just that for my scalp even general sulphate-free or general conditioner wasn't good enough :rolleyes:

I did find that FemFresh was the only sulphatey product my scalp tolerated for a little while, which made me wonder about pH (it was supposed to be about 5.5, for use as a feminine wash) which got me thinking about products with Aloe instead of water, because it's supposed to be a lower pH. Again, it may not be your problem at all but just mentioning in case it does help at all.

[Chromis]

Depending on your root cause, your strategy is going to be very different. Some people get an itchy scalp from too harsh of shampoos. Some people get the itchy scalp from stretching washes and need to use those harsh shampoos. I get itchy scalp and dry skin problems if I am not getting enough fats in my diet personally.

Some people get itchy scalp from skin conditions too, but I'm sure there will be the "see the doctor" brigade along shortly.

[Laurab]

Poor kid :(
It might be worth visiting a doctor, if you're able. It could be some sort of allergy or rash.

[lillabug]

yeast or fungus perhaps? a dermatologist can help.

[shelomit]

Hard to know what to do unless you have a sense of what is causing it ) : Did this start recently/at a specific time? Did it begin at the same time for both of you? Given your location it may well be dry winter air (either as the sole cause or exacerbating something else/making the symptoms more pronounced)?

In my case my scalp starts itching like crazy if I get anything too oily on it. Sebum is fine, a really quickly rinsed out conditioner on the roots is fine, but actual oil? It will pester me for weeks at a time, which made the process of figuring out what was causing it somewhat drawn out--the symptoms would be lasting long after the last contact with an irritant.

I find that covering my head with a scarf or cap, especially overnight, helps stop me from scratching my scalp and aggravating the problem further.

[Ylva]

Are you guys stressed out?

The only time my scalp has ever been so itchy that it disturbed my sleep was when I was in the process of taking extremely important exams and got stress hives. They gradually spread to different locations on my body, including my scalp.

[lapushka]

Yes I would get some help in figuring it out. I would go see a dermatologist. Or even your regular GP can surely help. Beats spending and spending money on things you have no idea will help or not.

[MusicalSpoons]

The problem is, if there are no visible signs, a doctor won't have any more to go on than we strangers over the internet have :wink: If you're able to get a good dermatologist, they may be able to ask the right questions to track down the cause ... though I feel I ought to mention that when I saw a dermatologist for my visibly dry, cracked, flaky patches she just said 'dry skin' which was no help whatsoever :shake:

[lapushka]

The problem is, if there are no visible signs, a doctor won't have any more to go on than we strangers over the internet have :wink: If you're able to get a good dermatologist, they may be able to ask the right questions to track down the cause ... though I feel I ought to mention that when I saw a dermatologist for my visibly dry, cracked, flaky patches she just said 'dry skin' which was no help whatsoever :shake:

You can't just say that. We don't know what it looks like, and doctors are smarter than you think. ;) At least they will help you set up a way to a solution, guide you through and figure it out in the long run. There is no sense in muddling along. I suffered with my SD for over 30 years before *finally* going to see a dermatologist. One visit and I had a medicated shampoo that actually *finally* worked for me. There is no sense in not going.

[MusicalSpoons]

You can't just say that. We don't know what it looks like, and doctors are smarter than you think. ;) At least they will help you set up a way to a solution, guide you through and figure it out in the long run. There is no sense in muddling along. I suffered with my SD for over 30 years before *finally* going to see a dermatologist. One visit and I had a medicated shampoo that actually *finally* worked for me. There is no sense in not going.

SD has visible signs, and is common enough that a GP really should know about it. I'm assuming there are no visible signs for OP and her daughter because nothing except itching was originally mentioned - of course if there *are* then seeking professional help may be useful.

Of course Drs are smart, I would never wish to imply otherwise! But that doesn't mean they have specialist knowledge about unusual conditions or in-depth knowledge of even 'minor' conditions (like a scalp issue, and even hair loss without a readily discernible cause is usually considered minor because it's cosmetic, and if blood tests are okay then clearly nothing's actually wrong :rolleyes:). That said, I'm not saying 'don't bother going to see a Dr' - they could rule out certain conditions, which would be useful - but I am saying 'don't get your hopes up' ;)

[bokeh]

My scalp gets itchy if I try to stretch out washings. Twice weekly washing (I use various methods) and occasional (every week or two) clarifying with a sulphate shampoo solves the problem.

[shelomit]

If you're able to get a good dermatologist, they may be able to ask the right questions to track down the cause ... though I feel I ought to mention that when I saw a dermatologist for my visibly dry, cracked, flaky patches she just said 'dry skin' which was no help whatsoever :shake:

LOL, reminds me of the time that I had to turn myself into the after-hours emergency care center, barely able to breathe, and the doctor diagnosed me with "a cough" and told me to take cough drops. . . weirdly enough, I could already tell I was coughing before spending $90 on this wisdom ( ; Turned out that I was actually having a pretty severe allergic reaction to a local plant that was blooming at the time. And no, the cough drops did not help!

[akurah]

SD has visible signs, and is common enough that a GP really should know about it. I'm assuming there are no visible signs for OP and her daughter because nothing except itching was originally mentioned - of course if there *are* then seeking professional help may be useful.

Of course Drs are smart, I would never wish to imply otherwise! But that doesn't mean they have specialist knowledge about unusual conditions or in-depth knowledge of even 'minor' conditions (like a scalp issue, and even hair loss without a readily discernible cause is usually considered minor because it's cosmetic, and if blood tests are okay then clearly nothing's actually wrong :rolleyes:). That said, I'm not saying 'don't bother going to see a Dr' - they could rule out certain conditions, which would be useful - but I am saying 'don't get your hopes up' ;)

I would argue they should go to the doctor anyway, and I say that as someone with a rare condition that's stumped doctors and I'm still putting up with. Especially since at least once suggestion in this thread involved "use hydrocortisone". Unless you're putting it on a temporary itch and you won't be using it over and over again? Bad advice. It thins your skin with use over time. Then you go scratch... It's just no bueno.

Most people don't know this. Doctors know this about hydrocortisone (at least, most do). The only reason I know this is because my mystery condition is permanent chronic itch.

They need to go to the doctor to figure out how to best treat it in a way that won't make it worse. The fact the doctor might not be able to help is a risk, but the doctor can also tell you stuff like "don't do this remedy, it will make it worse" even if they can't make it better.

EDIT: I dropped a phrase I intended to include. "go to the doctor anyway OVER listening to us". Left the original post as written, but my reply makes no sense in response to you because you're not saying exactly don't go to the doctor, you're expressing doubt they will do any better than anyone here

[MusicalSpoons]

I would argue they should go to the doctor anyway, and I say that as someone with a rare condition that's stumped doctors and I'm still putting up with. Especially since at least once suggestion in this thread involved "use hydrocortisone". Unless you're putting it on a temporary itch and you won't be using it over and over again? Bad advice. It thins your skin with use over time. Then you go scratch... It's just no bueno.

Most people don't know this. Doctors know this about hydrocortisone (at least, most do). The only reason I know this is because my mystery condition is permanent chronic itch.

They need to go to the doctor to figure out how to best treat it in a way that won't make it worse. The fact the doctor might not be able to help is a risk, but the doctor can also tell you stuff like "don't do this remedy, it will make it worse" even if they can't make it better.

EDIT: I dropped a phrase I intended to include. "go to the doctor anyway OVER listening to us". Left the original post as written, but my reply makes no sense in response to you because you're not saying exactly don't go to the doctor, you're expressing doubt they will do any better than anyone here

Ooh I totally missed that. I also didn't realise people don't tend to know hydrocortisone is a short-term solution only! (And there's me feeling bad for using it three days in a row as a last resort for an eczema flare :bigeyes:)

Very good points, I hadn't thought of it from that angle, especially the second bolded part.

To clarify in case there's any confusion: I'm not anti-doctor by any means, just realistic. It can be a good thing to go and get advice, but don't expect a cure - if you *are* in that fortunate position where there is a clear-cut treatment, brilliant! If not, you won't be disappointed because you weren't expecting it anyway :)

[blackgothicdoll]

Some people's internet bill is a lot lower than a specialist visit, especially if we're talking bald eagle land. I think it's safe to assume a person is asking in a forum because a doctor's visit could simply be a last resort.

Outside of my two cents it looks like OP has been provided with a lot of different clues as to what it could be. I personally get itchy scalp around this time of year due to dry air and eczema flare ups. Oiling scalp before washing helps a lot. Of course I don't want to recommend this if you have some sort of fungus as this could make it worse, but if you don't experience any form of dry skin it is less likely to be eczema anyway.

[akurah]

Some people's internet bill is a lot lower than a specialist visit, especially if we're talking bald eagle land. I think it's safe to assume a person is asking in a forum because a doctor's visit could simply be a last resort.

Outside of my two cents it looks like OP has been provided with a lot of different clues as to what it could be. I personally get itchy scalp around this time of year due to dry air and eczema flare ups. Oiling scalp before washing helps a lot. Of course I don't want to recommend this if you have some sort of fungus as this could make it worse, but if you don't experience any form of dry skin it is less likely to be eczema anyway.

OP is in Canada.

My advice, in this order, would be:

Check for lice. Skip if you've already done this.

Purchase a bottle of Head and Shoulders FRAGRANCE FREE. Can't emphasize the fragrance free enough, if fragrance is the culprit then the regular stuff won't help. Put it on your scalp and leave it there for 5-10 minutes before rinsing. Just washing normally won't cut it, as it's not on your scalp long enough. If you condition after, use fragrance free stuff.

If that doesn't work, look into Sarna anti itch lotion or another lotion with Pramoxine Hydrochloride. Don't use hydrocortisone. Hydrocortisone may temporarily relieve it, but it will cause worse problems. If you get to this step, you should also call your doctor.

[Kalamazoo]

Sometimes I've had dry skin (elbows & lips flaking & peeling) due to eating pasteurized butter. (Note: I stay FAR away from all the so-called "healthy" margarine. Eating hydrogenated vegetable oil gives me asthma attacks that land me in the Emergency Room. The pasteurized butter is a whole lot healthier for me than anything remotely hydrogenated.)

BUT!!!! I found a dairy farmer who sells his milk raw, & his wife churns some of their raw cream into butter. It's simply amazing how much healthier raw butter is than pasteurized!

Also, when it's cold enough to run the heater, I fill a crockpot with bottled spring water, turn it on Low, add a drop each of peppermint EO, clove EO, & tea tree oil, & let it run 24/7, uncovered. I have to add more water a couple times a day to keep it from boiling dry. That prevents a whole bushel basketful of wintertime health problems!

ETA: Also, tapwater makes me itch, so I use bottled spring water for hair-washing & bathing.

[littlestarface]

OP is in Canada.

My advice, in this order, would be:

Check for lice. Skip if you've already done this.

Purchase a bottle of Head and Shoulders FRAGRANCE FREE. Can't emphasize the fragrance free enough, if fragrance is the culprit then the regular stuff won't help. Put it on your scalp and leave it there for 5-10 minutes before rinsing. Just washing normally won't cut it, as it's not on your scalp long enough. If you condition after, use fragrance free stuff.

If that doesn't work, look into Sarna anti itch lotion or another lotion with Pramoxine Hydrochloride. Don't use hydrocortisone. Hydrocortisone may temporarily relieve it, but it will cause worse problems. If you get to this step, you should also call your doctor.

Thank you for this!

[The Lizard Wife]

I don't know if this will help you, but I've always had dry, itchy, flakey scalp that's at its worst right after being washed. It improved greatly after switching to sulfate- (and therefore also silicone-) free, but is still a problem. For the past couple of years I've been using conditioner only on my length, because LHC said that was how it worked and it sounded good at the time, why not, despite the fact that I've always stubbornly maintained "if I shampoo all of my head I obviously condition all of my head, that's clearly just logic." Well, last wash, I said "eh whatever" and dumped my conditioner on my scalp instead and it was. Amazing. The least itchy my scalp has been in years. Next time I'm massaging the conditioner into my scalp just like I do my shampoo.

I'm not sure if this is a chronic problem for you or if this is something that's just started more recently. If it's the former, this might be something to try; but if this is a more recent development, I doubt this advice will help.

[Starchild494]

Poor kid :(
It might be worth visiting a doctor, if you're able. It could be some sort of allergy or rash.

We went and he prescribed an over the counter medical shampoo, niozoral.... Not wotking for either of us. :(

[Starchild494]

SD has visible signs, and is common enough that a GP really should know about it. I'm assuming there are no visible signs for OP and her daughter because nothing except itching was originally mentioned - of course if there *are* then seeking professional help may be useful.

Of course Drs are smart, I would never wish to imply otherwise! But that doesn't mean they have specialist knowledge about unusual conditions or in-depth knowledge of even 'minor' conditions (like a scalp issue, and even hair loss without a readily discernible cause is usually considered minor because it's cosmetic, and if blood tests are okay then clearly nothing's actually wrong :rolleyes:). That said, I'm not saying 'don't bother going to see a Dr' - they could rule out certain conditions, which would be useful - but I am saying 'don't get your hopes up' ;)


We have seen our GP and there isnt any visible signs... Just an overwhelming itchy heads

[Starchild494]

Also, my daughter is autistic so putting things in for long periods of time is very difficult for her to handle. Dr recommended for us to wash her hair daily.... That is not an option lol. So im a little on the lost side on this one any advice would be greatly appreciated

[lapushka]

I would go back to the doctor. A lot of people give up after one thing doesn't work, but that's not how it works. It is expected for you to return if things don't work, so that the doctor can try and figure out what's the problem. Prescribing Nizoral is often the first "option". If that doesn't work, there are other things they can do, but it relies on you giving them all the necessary feedback. It's a process, often, not just going to the doctor once.

[Obsidian]

Also, my daughter is autistic so putting things in for long periods of time is very difficult for her to handle. Dr recommended for us to wash her hair daily.... That is not an option lol. So im a little on the lost side on this one any advice would be greatly appreciatedThe shampoo really does need to sit to do any good. Is there anyway you can make a game out of it? Would it help if she saw you leave it on your hair?The only other thing I could think of is to ask the doctor if the medicine come in a leave on form, either a liquid or powder.

[akurah]

We have seen our GP and there isnt any visible signs... Just an overwhelming itchy heads

When you run your nails across your skin, does a red line form?

[Laurab]

Also, my daughter is autistic so putting things in for long periods of time is very difficult for her to handle. Dr recommended for us to wash her hair daily.... That is not an option lol. So im a little on the lost side on this one any advice would be greatly appreciated

Oh dear!
Yeah, if she already has problems with sensory stuff adding shampoo sitting on her head wouldn't be fun for her.
How old is she? Can you talk to her about it or is she too young to understand?
Maybe try and cut out all other stimuli to make it easier. Like, turn the lights out, turn the water off so there's less sound, have something she likes there for her to focus on. Maybe something soft she can touch? or a stress ball?
And then if she's old enough to care, offering a small reward for keeping it on her head long enough. I'm not sure what she likes, but apart from the classic candy other rewards I like recommending are extra TV time, getting to stay up an extra half hour on the weekend, getting an extra story at bedtime, basically just finding something she already likes and doing more with it.

[Starchild494]

Of course but with the holidays season upon us and is traveling most of it it will have to wait until things settle a bit. But will definitely be making another Drs visit!

[Starchild494]

When you run your nails across your skin, does a red line form?

Yup, no flakes or residue that I can see. No bumps or hives.... Just red scratches and raw spots on both of us.... Which of course forms scabs which of course makes us scratch and pick...

[akurah]

Yup, no flakes or residue that I can see. No bumps or hives.... Just red scratches and raw spots on both of us.... Which of course forms scabs which of course makes us scratch and pick...

Well I mean if you take a bare non-red patch of skin, such as on your arm, and draw on it with your nail, does it leave a red line or a welt? If so, that is dermatographism. It's what I'm diagnosed with, which is extraordinarily unhelpful because it's not a disorder, it's a symptom.

[littlestarface]

Well I mean if you take a bare non-red patch of skin, such as on your arm, and draw on it with your nail, does it leave a red line or a welt? If so, that is dermatographism. It's what I'm diagnosed with, which is extraordinarily unhelpful because it's not a disorder, it's a symptom.

Oh my I must have this wow. This happens to me all the time.

[MusicalSpoons]

Well I mean if you take a bare non-red patch of skin, such as on your arm, and draw on it with your nail, does it leave a red line or a welt? If so, that is dermatographism. It's what I'm diagnosed with, which is extraordinarily unhelpful because it's not a disorder, it's a symptom.

My childhood best friend had this - we used to play Noughts and Crosses on her arm, and she'd draw patterns on herself. I don't think she was itchy though (not that I ever asked her outright because I had no reason to think she might be at the time; we were friends into our teens so even if constant itching had been her 'normal' I'm sure she'd have somehow realised it's not everyone else's 'normal' by then). We also didn't know what it was called, which makes me think she can't have been itchy otherwise she'd surely have seen a doctor about it.

[akurah]

My childhood best friend had this - we used to play Noughts and Crosses on her arm, and she'd draw patterns on herself. I don't think she was itchy though (not that I ever asked her outright because I had no reason to think she might be at the time; we were friends into our teens so even if constant itching had been her 'normal' I'm sure she'd have somehow realised it's not everyone else's 'normal' by then). We also didn't know what it was called, which makes me think she can't have been itchy otherwise she'd surely have seen a doctor about it.

Not everyone with it is itchy if I understand correctly, but enough of us are. People who are only mildly itchy I suspect (and am not sure) are only itchy on scalp. On the rare good days that is sometimes the only place I itch.

It's typically a symptom of a larger disease but I believe it can also be idiopathic (by itself), kind of like Raynauds is typically a symptom of a larger disease but can also be idiopathic.

I have both, so I suspect in about 20 years I'm going to pick up more symptoms of something and they'll be like "oh you have a mild case of thyroid problems/something else that can be treated with X if the symptoms are bothering you but it's mild enough you don't need treatment if you don't want it", and that whatever it is it's so mild now it's undetectable because of the range of normal humans can have.

[lapushka]

Of course but with the holidays season upon us and is traveling most of it it will have to wait until things settle a bit. But will definitely be making another Drs visit!

Oh yep; totally understandable. What all have you tried, in case I repeat the obvious. Things like eliminating sulfates, oiling the scalp previous to shampooing, those kinds of things.

Haven't you had a similar thread? I believe you once had the exact same issue?
Or am I wrong on that, in which case, it's fine to say so! :)

[Starchild494]

Quite possibly....