Scalp Issues (TMI alert)

[Bonnie]

I don't know if this goes here or the beauty board - move it if necessary.

I have (self-diagnosed) seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp (think cradlecap for grown-ups), and some evidence of it on my cheeks and eyebrows, as well as wicked winter itch on my legs. Nothing new. Actually doing pretty well right now everywhere but my scalp. If I go too long between shampoos (like 48 hours) my scalp first starts itching, then gets crusty and oozy and if I scratch it, even scabby and bloody. Yeah, I know, TMI. But anyway, usually it stays pretty well under control with a selenium shampoo like Selsun Blue occasionally and a good tea tree one the rest of the time. The problem right now is that with holidays and visitors and sick kids, it's been like three and a half days since I shampooed, and I'm really hurting. My question is this: Do any of y'all know of anything that might soothe it enough to heal some? My medicated shampoo is pretty emphatic about not using it on broken skin, and I definitely have that. What would be safe in addition to a gentle shampoo to help it heal enough to use the bigger ammo later?

TIA!
Bonnie

[Mothering by Heart]

Sounds like mine :/

Although I haven't completely cured it, it is definitley better since I started taking flax oil. if you don't want to do that, maybe some Borage oil capsules?

I have feeling it might be related to the ingredients in shampoo, but I haven't been able to wean myself off of that yet.

I tell DH that I want to shave off all my hair, use a wire brush on my scalp and start over

[J3K]

I would suggest tea tree oil shampoo. Or baby shampoo. That's very gentle.

Are you taking acidophilus on a regular basis ? My teenage son had this problem until I started giving him acidophilus ( with eight strains) at least three times day and flax seed oil too. My notorious dry skin/eczema went away with acidophilus "therapy".

Also I suggest taking a baby oil and saturating your scalp. I know it's messy and nasty , but it really does work.

[Bonnie]

I'm taking acidophilus - started after some thrush issues with nursing dd, and haven't looked back . But not familiar with the flax. Isn't that an Omega 3 thing? Hmmm.

[milkmommy]

I have this issue its why I totally gave up the curly girl thing.. A tea tree oil shampoo really helps so does making a paste of baking soda honey and water I know sounds weird but its sooo soothing followed by a apple cider vinager rinse though you will smell a bit intresting

Deanna

[Bonnie]

Ooh. Fortunately I actually like the smell of vinegar, LOL. Anything related to Italian food, actually...

I seem to recall there are enzymes or something in honey - isn't that why it's used in so many skin treatments? Hmm. (rustles in cabinets)

[milkmommy]

lots of good things in honey Its been my miricle find my hairs gets very limp and icky if I over use conditioner but very dry and frizy if I don't I find mixing some honey in with my shampoo or baking soda treatment helps give me the softness I want with out the frizz.

Deanna

I havent found anything to help mine either. I have been dealing with it for almost 2 years now, since ds was born Ive taken allergens out. Ive stopped using any shampoo with laurel sulphates in it (you can get some without at the health food stores), and that did help some. the curly girl routine has helped some too, not *as* itchy, unless I skip a shower one day (which isnt often ) acv didnt even touch it I take CLO I used aloe vera on it for awhile, would just put some on my scalp every night before bed.

I tell DH that I want to shave off all my hair, use a wire brush on my scalp and start over

I say that as well. at least if I was bald I might be able to rub cream or oil or something on it.... ahhhhhh

[J3K]

Out of curiousity , have you tried beer ? Grab yourself a good beer in a big bottle , lightly 'poo your hair , rinse , towel dry it , then begin to pour the beer over your head concentrating on your scalp. Wrap it in a showercap (plastic wrap works well too) and with a large towel over that. Let it sit while you shave your legs/armpits...lotion your body , trim your other body hair , pumice your heels , do a facial mask , hyper-brush your teeth...blah blah blah... about thirty minutes. Then rinse your hair with cool water. It leaves my scalp feeling refreshed , my hair shiny and soft and it also keeps dandruff at bay for a couple of days.

No I don't know why it works. But it was one of those "I'll try anything once" things it I ended up liking it.

slightly off topic:
My mom and I started doing this when I was sixteen. Dad didn't have any clue. I remember once I'd used his last can of beer and then forgot to throw it out after I was done doing my hair. So I walk downstairs smelling like beer (still in my hair under the towel) and Daddy thought I had been drinking upstairs. I laughed hysterically and tried to tell him...but I didn't make a very convincing picture. Smelling like beer , laughing like a loon and the empty beer upstairs. It eventually got sorted out ,but I was in monster trouble sitting in my room giggling until Mom came home.

[Bonnie]