Seborrhea & Helpful Products

Hello All

Last relaxer was 10/2010 & I'm attempting a long-term transition. I just took a sew-in down (after 3 weeks b/c my scalp itched too bad) & used hot dog rods (flexi rods) to create a look. Well, I sweat a lot & sleep like a wild woman (as my grandma would say) so the curls were beyond repair in 4 days. So, I went back to my old routine of shampoo, condition, blow dry & flat iron but I sat under the dryer for 30 min w/ conditioner on my hair. I haven't oiled my scalp for fear of imflamming the seborrhea. If I put too much grease/oil on my scalp, it creates that clumps that hurt to remove. But if don't put anything on my scalp, it itches REALLY bad & looks like I've got frosted flakes in my hair. I know jojoba oil, coconut oil, & olive oil should help.

Any products out there that I could use? Anyone else have this same issue? How do you cope/manage?

Thanks in advance for any tips!!

Hi Gemini26, I have been there. What I can tell you is there is light at the end of the tunnel. First of all make sure the shampoo you are using does not contain sulfates. If you are using a medicated shampoo such as nizoral or nioxin scalp repair (only use them on your scalp, they can be drying, so wash your hair with a nourishing shampoo. I use Desert Essence) make sure you deep condition after every wash. If you sweat a lot you may need to wash your hair twice a week instead of once, as well.

I transitioned for a 9 months and in the beginning it was rough and my dermatitis was horrible. I switched to using only natural products and lightly oiled my scalp with castor oil, usually 3 times a week. I now have no signs of dermatitis and no flakes to be seen.

Good luck on your journey and don't give up! It's truly worth it in the end.

Last relaxer: May 8th, 2010
BC: February 19, 2011
LOVIN' MY CURLS !!

I posted this earlier... its from another thread....

I can totally relate to all of you! I have suffered with both dermatitis and psoriasis. I was totally natural until my junior year. I started “smelling myself” and got a perm for my junior prom. My hair was BSL and thick…. Over the years my hair started breaking and the scabs started forming. My edges started thinning and my hair became weak. While I was in college, I became the sew-in queen. Unknowingly, I started to become natural again. I haven’t had a perm in over 5 years (I didn’t start taking care of my hair until late 2009). I visited a trichologist this past year that explained that I had both dermatitis and psoriasis on my scalp.

Over the year I have had little to no break outs due to several treatments:
- Apple Cider Vinegar- Like someone suggested I place this on my scalp for about 20- 30 mins, but I do it after a shampoo and conditioner. It is the last thing that touches my scalp on a “wash day.”
- Neem Oil or Powder- The oil smell is horrible, so I stick with the powder. It reduces inflammation and has an antibacterial property that helps with the psoriasis.
- Vatikia Oil- I have a personal mixture that I use on my hair of Vatikia Oil, Rosemary, Avocado Oil and Jojo oil
- Henna- I henna once a month and I have seen a total difference in my scalp. I usually have a white film on my scalp which lets me know that I need to perform an ACV treatment; however in the past 6 months I haven’t seen that at all.

I also try to use shampoo with tea tree and peppermint (sulfate free). I have to shampoo everytime I wash because I have to clean my scalp. You can also purchase Nizoral at 1% in the store (I have 2% which I got with a perscription). It strips your hair; however I focus on my scalp and while it is on my scalp I put conditionor on my hair for about 5 mins then co-wash before I go onto my deep condition. I had to do this for about a month to get the scabs and flaking undercontrol, before I was able to focus on more natural products.

Now I try to use more natural products and less commercial product. Also diet plays a roll in out breaks.

I hope this helps… if you need any additional suggestion just IM me.

Great post ^^^^^^^^^^
I was going to say neem oil and tea tree oil.

Thanks so much for the advice!!! I'm thinking of trying natural products. I'm currently using organic (well, the bottle says it's organic) coconut shampoo/conditioner & it's sulfate free. I can tell that theres's a difference in my scalp; I'm also learning to massage instead of scratch b/c that can cause irritation. However, now that the season's changing, I'm experiencing a flare-up. Sigh. I'm not the world's most patient person & I have the feeling this experience is going to force me to learn some patience! Of course, that isn't a bad thing...LOL. Again, thanks for all your help!

I sat under the dryer for 30 min w/ conditioner on my hair

I suggest that you skip this step and see if you get some relief. I am all for deep condtioning, but leaving conditioner (regardless of its ingredients)on your scalp for 30 minutes plus the heat may be irritating it.

HTH