Serious issue with itchy scalp/dandruff.

I have a serious issue with an itchy scalp and dandruff in the top of my head. About 2 months ago I started using Tea tree and peppermint mix on my scalp and this would help only for a few days. Afterwards I "feel" like I need to wash my hair. I co-wash 3x's a week and wear twist and twist-outs weekly. I have eczema and have always dealt with dry skin; since I've been natural I don't use the medicated shampoo's I used to get from the dermatologist anymore b/c of the harsh chemicals that are in them (sadly enough---they worked).
Any thoughts on something I could use??

Hey ebonediva!

The medicated shampoos are really the only effective answer. I know people love home remedies but dandruff is caused by a fungal infection and those don't go away easily. ACV, for example, has antifungal properties, but it's potency is only 5% (you can see that on the bottle...5% acidity). You mix that with water and you end up with little to no antifungal benefits. Why let a fungal infection keep flaring up, when you can be done with it for good? It's kind of like trying to get rid of a migraine by meditating. I wish that would work....but trust me, it does not.

Nizoral is the best antidandruff shampoo and is probably most similar (if not the same) as what your derm recommended.

A pharmacist also showed me this shampoo recently....
http://www.amazon.com/DS-Laboratories-Revita-Stimulating-Shampoo/dp/B002UD52WQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=beauty&qid=1291171865&sr=8-1[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

It's a hair growth shampoo...it works because it contains caffeine (that's why tea rinses work). It has a lot of natural ingredients, but it also fights dandruff. It's not organic or anything though, just fyi.

HTH Good luck!

u can also use neem powder or oil, as they are are known to treat excema.

LittleOne wrote:Hey ebonediva!

The medicated shampoos are really the only effective answer. Nizoral works the best and is probably most similar (if not the same) as what your derm recommended.

A pharmacist showed me this shampoo recently....
http://www.amazon.com/DS-Laboratories-Revita-Stimulating-Shampoo/dp/B002UD52WQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=beauty&qid=1291171865&sr=8-1[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

It's a hair growth shampoo...it works because it contains caffeine (that's why tea rinses work). It has a lot of natural ingredients, but it also fights dandruff. It's not organic or anything though, just fyi.

HTH Good luck!

caffeine and certain teas (black, green, etc) work because they are dht blockers (dht is what causes hair to fall out), and as such give the illusion that ur hair is growing.

I too was going to encourage you to checkout neem. From Nature with Love has it on save--50% off. If anyone in your household has acne or eczema, it can also be used for that. Now, the smell is very obnoxious. You can get the powder and it is very cheap. There is another oil, Karanja, that is similar to neem and the smell is more palatable. You can also find it at the same website and it is on sale also.

www.fromnaturewithlove.com


http://www.livestrong.com/article/149440-herbs-for-itchy-flaky-scalp/

@dajewel: Well, if we're gonna be all technical...

Caffeine decreases DHT levels, it does not block its production. Either way, I mentioned that "caffeine works" because I know people think there's nothing topical that can truly affect hair growth. Caffeine is an effective ingredient.

Last week Naturally Curly had something called Scalpure on their site....I think Im going to try it. Its all natural so I suppose it cant hurt! The website is www.scalpure.com

Marie, I looked at the website for scalpure, but didn't see any ingredients. Do you know what is in it? I always like to see full ingredient lists and am quite skeptical when they are not on the site and the product intro comes across as the almost a miracle(maybe it was there and I just missed it). So, many times itchy scalp/dandruff has to due with products/diet/stress/hydration/climate, but companies continue to draw people away from diagnosis and what is often simple home remedies and behavioral changes (herbs/hydration/changing hair products,etc.). Just my heads-up regarding corporate America--LOL

Check the purchase page....https://www.scalpure.com/order/1-container/

For $15.99 I may try it....it definitely gets mixed reviews when it comes to hair growth!

I will take a look. Good luck!

My sister uses the African Black Soap line by Shea Moisture and it works for her. She has seborrheic dermatitis. Shea Moisture is all natural and is sold at Target.

ebonediva wrote:I have a serious issue with an itchy scalp and dandruff in the top of my head. About 2 months ago I started using Tea tree and peppermint mix on my scalp and this would help only for a few days. Afterwards I "feel" like I need to wash my hair. I co-wash 3x's a week and wear twist and twist-outs weekly. I have eczema and have always dealt with dry skin; since I've been natural I don't use the medicated shampoo's I used to get from the dermatologist anymore b/c of the harsh chemicals that are in them (sadly enough---they worked).
Any thoughts on something I could use??

maybe u are washing too much...? another reason that our scalps are dry is because they are not ph'd balance. i want to also suggest spritz ur scalp with aloe, witch hazel and castor oil.

Well I suffer from psoriasis and refuse to use the nizoral shampoos
because they just didn't work!

I now use baking soda +water to cleanse my hair & scalp and I could not be happier!

I have used it for over 3 years now, relaxed and natural, and it is always a winner for me!

@ Sweet Tee, Dang!!! baking soda can be used for just about everything huh??? From scrubbing pots and pans, to freshening the fridge to cleaning hair!!!! LOL WOW!!! That is some mighty stuff. I have never heard that before. So what do you use to moisturize? The baking soda seems like it is mighty drying? How often do you cleanse your hair with it???

LOL @ Miss Kris!

It is not that drying to me, however when I was relaxed, I did use hair cream mixed with olive or avocado oil then my heat protectant...

Now I add my Qhemet BRBC then my FX Curls Up or EcoStyler and that's it!

It has truly been a scalp/skin saver for me!

Ok, where do you get this EcoStyer from? I keep seeing people refer to it but where do you get it? Is that one I can find in Tar'je (LOL-Target) or online?

I got mine from Sallys- $3.49

I have heard of it being as cheap as $2.99
but not sure where it was bought from.

ETA: I get the Olive oil one...
(there are 2 or 3 to choose from.)

Baking soda huh?? Hmmm I might have to try that!

My sister and I used to crush aspirin and make a paste and that worked well too!!

@EMarie-

That's a new one for the hair.

I have heard to do that for pimples, though.

I was in JC for Thanksgiving to see my Grandma!

Lincoln HS grad too!

Ha! Im actually from NY....just live in JC but not for much longer and I so love it here!! Ahh well!

Meanwhile, I didnt know you could use aspirin for pimples...go figure!

LOL!!!

Where you moving to- back to NY?

& Yep- PIMPLES!!!

Go figure with the home remedies!

Nah just to Irvington.....against my will but I gotta do what I gotta do.

I LOVE it here....I live downtown 5 minutes from the PATH!!

WHEW!!
When have I ridden the PATH????
Memories...

I'm sure Irvington will be good to you!!!
Many Blessings there!!