itchy scalps

[poppyscorner]

Hi all,

In our family we all have dry itching flaking scalps my hubby has it quite bad (his family all have psoriasis(sp?)) I never had any probs with my scalp until I had the kids and it is now awful I could scratch my scalp off now and I only washed it this morning.

DS1 has big chunks of skin which will scrape off but pulls his hair out at the same time and tbh I wont do it as I read somewhere that it only makes matters worse now I was prescribed T-Gel by my gp which does stop the flakes but not the itching and I can buy that over the counter anyway BUT can anyone suggest a shampoo or remedy that will help me treat this problem DS1 has suffered since being a baby but cradle cap shampoo did nothing nor did cradle cap cream DS2 has the same thing and his is kept in check by covering his head in olive oil leaving overnight and then brushing his scalp with his baby brush this does not bother him but I cannot do that forever hair length seems to make no diffeence can anyone help?

TIA Poppy x

[suki1964]

Sounds like seborric dermatitis which does tend to run in families. have you tried Nizoral shampoo (not nizorelle). I find it works for me when things are really bad and the rest of the time I use head and shoulders sensitive.

You could also cut out dairy products see if that helps and there is a yahoo self help group which advocates the use of apple cider vinegar - seems if you follow the regime you get results

[Softstuff]

My husbands head is terrible for this. I find if it gets bad I resort to combing quite roughly with a nit comb to remove the large flakes, then I rub tea tree oil into his scalp.

[Bumbles2]

My head was terrible for this just after I moved house. In fact my whole body would be really itchy after a shower. I tried lots of different things, doctor thought I was allergic to water so I had to take a antihistamin everyday. I eventually got a water softner fitted and it has gone away completely!

[dora37]

We have used Polytar shampoo on DS2's scalp before - takes a few washes to get rid of it all.

It is in a brown bottle, sold in most places - and it doesn't smell very nice!!!

[happinessfactory]

You may well be deficient in iron (do you have other symptoms, eg headaches, tiredness and lethargy?) or in vitamin B or in essential fatty acids.

Have a blood test at your GP's to check your iron and vitamin B levels and take supplements if you come in at the lower end of the acceptable range.

Solgar Vitamin B Complex is really good except it turns your pee green.

Iron tablets are hideous - try Spatone if you can afford it (£12 for a month's supply as opposed to about £3 for iron tablets). You can get it 3 for 2 at Boots.

EFAs are easily available but the good ones are expensive. I like Udo's Oil - it tastes manky but it definitely works on my itchy scalp and skin. You can get it from health food shops.