Anonymous wrote:I have the same issue and use a shampoo & serum (Nioxin) that I buy at my salon. It has solved the issue for the most part, although I still get a tiny bit if I scratch. Nioxin is a seborrheic dermatitis treatment system.

So you had what the OP has and don't have flakes?

I have the same issue and use a shampoo & serum (Nioxin) that I buy at my salon. It has solved the issue for the most part, although I still get a tiny bit if I scratch. Nioxin is a seborrheic dermatitis treatment system.

Anonymous wrote:I'm kind of doubting that it is shampoo build-up...

I have a kind of severe dandruff which is actually seborrheic dermatitis and stuff comes off my scalp when I scratch, sometimes it is flaky and other times it is oily due to the over production of oil. ( Sorry, I know this is gross!) I'd recommend seeing what your dermatologist has to say. I've tried loads of medicated shampoos and it is never really cured, however, I'm using Pureology dandruff shampoo now and my hair/scalp is the best it had been in a long time. Good luck!

I have this too- and apparently anti-fungals treat it? I had an anti-fungal shampoo for awhile- it worked great. Then, for completely different reasons, I was put on oral anti-fungals for 3 mos. My scalp was amazingly healthy for that whole year! It's basically baby cradle cap carried out into adulthood. Ick. I'm tired of it- but it runs in my family and I've dealt with it since I was a kid. Check in with a dermatologist. The shampoo is ketakonizol, and sometimes they'll give you a steriod rinse for added success to the treatment.

bump

You could try adding a few drops of tea tree oil to your normal shampoo and see if it helps.

Anonymous wrote:I'm kind of doubting that it is shampoo build-up...

I have a kind of severe dandruff which is actually seborrheic dermatitis and stuff comes off my scalp when I scratch, sometimes it is flaky and other times it is oily due to the over production of oil. ( Sorry, I know this is gross!) I'd recommend seeing what your dermatologist has to say. I've tried loads of medicated shampoos and it is never really cured, however, I'm using Pureology dandruff shampoo now and my hair/scalp is the best it had been in a long time. Good luck!

Me too, I actually have a rare form of sebhorreic dermatitis and psoriasis that appears nowhere except on my scalp. TotKly worth going to see a dermatologist just to make sure you're doing the right thing for your skin.

Anonymous wrote:Scalp is skin. We shed every single day. So if you have some gunk under your nail (presuming it's not a ton), you're just seeing dead skin.

totally normal

If I scratch my body skin, nothing.
If I scratch my scalp, depends on your definition of a ton. I need to clean my nail.

I had problems for years and assumed I had some sort of horrible dandruff. I asked a primary doctor, but really only got the "use dandruff shampoo" advice (I just gave up after that).

Then, I started using Aveda shampoo. And my problems went away - except for some occassional itching when I am really stressed out- but nothing like it used to be. I thought I had sort of grown out of it - and then tried to save money by going back to cheaper hair products. The first day, the itching was back. I don't think it is build up, I think its more like a skin reaction to some ingredient. So my suggestion is to try some sort of all natural hair products. I'm not saying it has to be Aveda, that is just what I found worked. Sound like the other poster had a cheaper alternative from Walgreens.

Scalp is skin. We shed every single day. So if you have some gunk under your nail (presuming it's not a ton), you're just seeing dead skin.

totally normal

Anonymous wrote:I'm kind of doubting that it is shampoo build-up...

I have a kind of severe dandruff which is actually seborrheic dermatitis and stuff comes off my scalp when I scratch, sometimes it is flaky and other times it is oily due to the over production of oil. ( Sorry, I know this is gross!) I'd recommend seeing what your dermatologist has to say. I've tried loads of medicated shampoos and it is never really cured, however, I'm using Pureology dandruff shampoo now and my hair/scalp is the best it had been in a long time. Good luck!

Thanks, PP. This was my fear. I don't have flakes on my hair or shoulders.

So, most people who scratch their scalps don't come up with anything, is that the truth?

I'm kind of doubting that it is shampoo build-up...

I have a kind of severe dandruff which is actually seborrheic dermatitis and stuff comes off my scalp when I scratch, sometimes it is flaky and other times it is oily due to the over production of oil. ( Sorry, I know this is gross!) I'd recommend seeing what your dermatologist has to say. I've tried loads of medicated shampoos and it is never really cured, however, I'm using Pureology dandruff shampoo now and my hair/scalp is the best it had been in a long time. Good luck!

Could it really be shampoo build up on my *scalp*?

Everyone's hair is different. I have really thick and curly hair and I can go two or three days without shampooing and there is no build up. However, in the winter I have to shampoo more often b/c the dry air/lack of moisture.

Also, I use olive oil on my scalp once a week for 30 minutes before shampooing it out. It really helps when it's itchy and shampoo alone is too harsh.

Anonymous wrote:What should my scalp be like a day or two after washing?

TMI but if I scratch my scalp, a lot of {what?} is under my fingernail. I do try to clean my scalp and not just my hair when I wash my hair.

Shampoo and conditioner buildup is a major problem. I have had a scalp problem and went through medicated shampoos, everything. Finally, went to a dermatologist who recommended a shampoo and conditioner called, "Fresh and Clear." It is hard to find and I had to have it special ordered through Walgrens (you can also order on line for a bit less) and it was around $11.00 for the two bottles and each has about 12 ounces. It lathers extremely well, so need to lather a 2nd time. No sulfates, detergent, etc. I have found a big difference since I've been using it and began in April. I also put some Tea Tree Oil in the shampoo and this helps. I only wash my hair twice a week.

What should my scalp be like a day or two after washing?

TMI but if I scratch my scalp, a lot of {what?} is under my fingernail. I do try to clean my scalp and not just my hair when I wash my hair.