bLACK dots that unravel into hair/help

[Susana]

Hi guys!
I am really hoping someone can help me with this. I am slightly terrified.
I experienced massive hair thinning/loss when on accutane at 18. I am now 23. Hair returned only partially.
I went to my hair dresser who cut my hair really short and realized in the process that the hair on the bottom of my head is way thicker and more than on the top of my head (which I had noticed). She said that the scalp has the white gunk stuck to in (almost like layers of dandruft) I suspect from all the drying and flaking that I got from accutane. She said that there are black dots, which is hair that doesn't have the strength to push through.
I believe her because I just noticed that I have the same thing on my legs. I had some dots that I thought were black heads. Scratched and picked vigorously and TA DA! they unraveled into hair. I have hundreds of these....

HELP!!!!!!!!!1

[jacqueline101]

That's interesting maybe that's how we grow hair. I don't know what it is but its interesting.

[WaitingSoLong]

I have never heard of this but I hope you can figure it out. The only thing I can think to suggest is massaging oils into your scalp to help free any particles that can block hairs from emerging. (((hugs)))

[infinity_girl]

Maybe she means that you have ingrowing hair on your head where the dryness/flakiness has built up a barrier, like you get on your legs sometimes? I think ingrowing hairs often look like little black dots. Perhaps just do a thorough scalp clean to strip it of oils/flakes and see what happens?

[Yosha]

Is it certain those are hairs that are not going to come through? They may be new hairs that will come through, but I'm not an expert. I hope they are a positive sign that those black dots will be new hairs, I'm gonna keep my thumbs up for you!

[Alaia]

Definitely do a thorough clean/scrub of your scalp. If you have ingrown hairs (which is what those black dots should be and what your hairdresser meant) getting rid of flakes/buildup and stimulating the scalp should help.

If you don't have any medical problems that would prevent it, you could maybe try using a facial scrub on those areas of your scalp to help remove the flakes and maybe help some of the hairs sort themselves out.

[Amber_Maiden]

I was on Accutane as well for a long time, about 5 years ago.

I think the best thing to do is not pick or scratch- leads to scars even months/years after stopping Accutane. Best to leave it alone. Just let your body sort itself out. Might take another year or two.

[Madora]

If you're concerned about this situation, perhaps a visit to a trichologist (hair doctor) might help (if you haven't seen one recently).

[Gothchiq]

It seems that your scalp needs exfoliation to get rid of this buildup. I'm not sure where on the boards it is, but I think there is a sugar scrub for scalp recipe on here. Anyone?

xoxo
gothchiq

[Gothchiq]

It seems that your scalp needs exfoliation to get rid of this buildup. I'm not sure where on the boards it is, but I think there is a sugar scrub for scalp recipe on here. Anyone?

xoxo
gothchiq

[Gothchiq]

Sorry for the double post, I don't know how that happened!

[Arctic]

I use fine grain sea salt mixed in my shampoo for scalp scrub. I also use full strength vinegar (any type is ok) on scalp before washing, it helps to exfoliate (gentle chemical exfoliator). I have also seen special comercial products meant for scalp exfoliating, claiming they clean the insides of the follicles/pores too.

[proo]

Tell us what you're currently using.

[Aveyronnaise]

castor oil can also help with soaking and pulling away built up skin on the scalp and help with bringing extra bloodflow to the area.

[CrunchyMama]

It sounds like you have a layer of dry skin/dead skin on your scalp? It reminds me of cradle cap, which is like baby dandruff. To treat it, you rub EVOO onto their scalp, let it sit for a while, and then use a fine-toothed comb to gently lift the dead skin from the scalp, or gently rub with a towel... Maybe try that?

[kittymallow]

Maybe it actually is a layer of fungus of some kind.. have you tried monistat? I hear a lot of the people on here with bad scalp gets relief from antifungal creams. :)

[luckyduck]

I would seek the help of a dermatologist as soon as possible. I think trying to handle this on your own could lead to more damage to your already fragile hair and scalp.

[ktani]

I completely agree with Madora and others who stated that you should see a specialist as soon as possible to deal with this. I have never heard of such a thing and self remedies may make things worse.

You need to do two things.
1. Determine the cause to stop it from from continuing to happen.

2. Remedy the problem.

See a medical professional with experience in dealing with all of it, so you can get relief and your hair back, It is trying to grow through the scalp. It needs the help of someone who knows what to do (a professional, qualified someone).

[Kaelee]

Those black dots are ingrown hairs...I get them from my epilator. :)

Definitely exfoliate. Eventually the ingrowns will work their way out I think.

ETA: seeing a specialist as others have suggested is definitely a good idea! I don't know a great way to exfoliate your scalp, either, but it will help your legs. :)

[ktani]

I have had ingrown hairs too but never on my scalp.

This is an unusual case and should not in my opinion be left to speculation as to remedies.

You will probably need to exfoliate your scalp. That is not the issue. The cause of the problem and proper treatment are the issues.