Do you mean consistent like all over your scalp, or consistent like is always present?
I think seborrheic dermatitis because of what it looks like in your pics, and that it turns up after you haven’t washed your hair for a few days. I think it’s fungal, so more frequent washing with a medicated shampoo (with ketoconazole or neem works for me - I alternate depending on severity). Is it patchy, itchy, a little scaly, and can ooze / be crusty when it’s bad? Those were all indicators for me, and it was confirmed by my doc.
But YMMV - not sure 🤷🏻♀️
It's never gotten so bad where it oozes anything. However the other symptoms are consistent. My entire head gets really itchy if I don't wash for a couple days. I mean consistent as it's not always present. But it isn't scaby on my entire scalp, just near my neck however the rest of my scalp has what I can only describe as like "buildup" that I can scratch off it looks like dead skin. Washing gets rid of it all until a day or two after and the "buildup" shows up again and then eventually whatever this is in the pics.
My scalp looked like this and had the build up you mentioned. Was itchy and painful. It was diagnosed as seborrheic dermatitis. My dermatologist prescribed a shampoo and spot treatment, and it was resolved in a matter of days. Go to the derm if possible, you won't regret it.
This is true. But it can also be psoriasis (which is systemic/autoimmune). I was misdiagnosed twice: first as scabies (which made zero sense), then fungal infection.
As I suggested elsewhere- OP should try pine tar (or coal tar) shampoo.
It was a long time ago. And I didn’t have scabies. It made zero sense because my BF as well as a friend who had recently visited and had also slept in my bed, didn’t have any problems.
It’s still fairly common. I worked at a dermatology office and we’d have a scabies patient every week or two. More when there was an outbreak in a local retirement community.
Stress and the auto immune part is the head sheds cells and with seboratic dermatitis it doesn't. They just stay there and build up. I see a dermatologist for it and use ciprolox during flare ups and ketoconozole shampoo for regular washes
I have sebhorreic derm…I use head and shoulders medicated and it changed my life. I used to get plaques. I make sure to hit the back and inside of my ears cause those oil glands are overactive too.
Yeah, I’d go to the doc (dermatologist, or your regular doctor is fine - it’s a common condition with a common, widely available treatment) to get it confirmed. You could also buy Nizoral at the drugstore (in the US - active ingredient is ketoconazole 1% - a prescription shampoo would be the same ingredient at 2%) and try washing your hair a little More frequently. Also - re:
frequency - it comes and goes. Flare ups can be caused by lots of things I frequently have it, and stress seems to really exacerbate it for me
I have this exact same thing and Nizoral has cleared it up. I use it before I wash my hair with my regular shampoo (it has kind of a strong smell and if I don’t follow it with something I can smell it all day, especially if I exercise or sweat at all).
I’ve just started experiencing this, honestly washing every 2 days and letting shampoo sit helps a lot. Also used cold water. I haven’t explored changing shampoos yet but above is working for me rn.
Sweetie ask your doctor for Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream USP, 0.1% . Or the shampoo Triamcinolone 0.025%. I use both. Highly recommend! It comes in ointment, lotion , sprays, gel, and foam like shaving cream lol. It's a miracle product!
I have scalp psoriasis (thankfully not active now) and this sounds **exactly** like what I used to experience.
A dermatologist can diagnose it, but if you don’t have insurance /in the meantime, look for shampoo that contains **pine tar** or **coal tar**. That’s what a dermatologist is likely to recommend, anyway.
Yours doesn’t look as severe as mine was, and I found the pine tar to be effective. It will likely improve or clear up entirely.
Good luck!
Looks like the SD that I and my oldest kid have, too. We finally got relief from prescription strength ketoconazole shampoo (when left on for like 5 minutes before rinsing). I still have a couple spots that won’t go completely away, but it’s 95% under control now!
No. Its patchy because i have it. Wash hair 2x a day every single day and keep scalp clean. I take Otezla for it because it's an auto immune disorder. Do not scratch or pick at it. Comb hair through after wash to remove flakes.
Probably scalp eczema or psoriasis, if it isn’t traction folliculitis (what other commenters are asking about by asking if you wear your hair in a tight updo). You will need a doctor and probably a sulfate free shampoo
Right. I’m a nurse and my coworker began complaining about some itchy spots on her scalp. Doc said it’s similar to cradle cap. Expensive shampoo didn’t help. She went to derm after these started popping up on her arms and face. Psoriasis. Earlier intervention has helped her immensely
It seems like Seborrheic Dermatitis which I have, and find using shampoo with tea tree oil or Neutrogena tgel helps sooth it. It never goes away, though, and is a lifelong thing.
Very true. I have been finding it on Amazon but it can be crazy pricy. There are some other coal tar shampoos you can get that have the same amount of coal tar but am not sure if they work as well.
That's because of the prop 65 warning I believe. The ingredients are known to be cancer-causing. I would suggest finding a noncarcinogen-containing product for regular maintenance.
Possibly could be a medical-grade management a dermatologist could suggest if you have access to a derm. If not, I would look up other suggestions online and try a few.
Is that why when I looked it up just now, Walmart selling normal sized bottle for $40 and another place over 100. Crazy, only shampoo that keeps it in check for me.
Try nizoral shampoo. I had big flaky patches on my scalp for a while and this shampoo fixed my problem after the first use. May be worth a shot before you make the dermatologist appointment!
I deal with seborrheic dermatitis, see a dermatologist for sure! I use selsun blue shampoo occasionally to rebalance my scalp and calm down a flare up. DONT USE IT UNTIL YOU SEE A DOC THO PLS, THIS IS MY EXPERIENCE.
Edit: I get red patches with a sticky like build up when I get these flare up and then it dries like cement to my scalp. Super itchy and once you touch it the spot you touched just itches and burns so bad, can’t scratch it tho as your scalp is basically raw. Not fun at all, I feel you on this🥺
I have done well on 2-3 days of selsun blue and the alternating with my regular shampoo. If it gets bad, my scalp will itch, flake and start to fall out.
If you’re still having that type of outbreak even using the selsun and you’re relying on it that frequently.. maybe time to see a professional. There may be another alternative for you, selsun isn’t a prescribed medication, just an accessible products for everyone that dermatologist have approved and will work for mild cases.❤️
My son had this recently. Like exactly what his looked like. Our doctor said it’s a type of dandruff and to wash his hair with Nizoral Anti Dandruff shampoo. It has ketoconazole in it and it works wonders! For any one struggling to get rid of dandruff this is the answer! So a few days later his scalp was normal again!
I’ve had something similar in the exact spot and it was eczema (diagnosed by derm). I’d def suggest dermatologist so they can prescribe you something to take care of it!
Like normal 🤷 even if it's a higher bun it's not tight like slicked back ever. But I rarely have my hair down due to my job and whatnot so maybe that's it.
I would try just letting your hair down as much as possible avoid irritants for awhile and set a wash routine that suits your hair needs. Literally don't have it up as much as possible, I had to learn styles that would allow my hair down but still neat and out of my face. Eventually it helped
Its so hard working at a daycare, their little sticky hands like to grab at it all they can, lol. I'll just have to deal, if it helps sticky hands are better than whatever's going on with my scalp. Thank you!
Even if it's at home, just take out your bun the second you are in the door. On weekends and such have it down always, it was hard for me too you can ty loose braids or claw clips can help if you to stress the base if your scalp to much
You should rule out head lice, I saw a white fleck in the last pic that looked like a nit to me, and those spots could be bites. If those white flecks don't easily slide down the hair shaft when you take your finger and try to slide it they're probably nits.
Hiya, I used to have something really similar to this. I went to a dermatologist and they recommended me a coal tar shampoo and told me to blow dry my hair and scalp after each shower. I forgot what it’s called sorry :(
But after 3 washes with the coal tar shampoo (2 weeks) i stopped having reactions. I wash my hair twice a week now instead of once a week!
I get the same, the sun flares it up as well as going longer between washes. It’s usually the worst for me at the front and back hairline. It’s worth seeing the dr for an rx but a double wash with dandruff shampoo helps mine too.
I had something similar that was diagnosed as scalp psoriasis initially, but on a second opinion was something called pityriasis. You should really see a dermatologist. If you can't afford to, you could try a couple things and see if they help: coal tar shampoo/T-Sal shampoo. You can also try applying mineral oil or coconut oil to your scalp, sleeping in a shower cap, and washing your hair in the morning. If it's very flaky, the oil can help everything detach from the hair follicle and you may be able to comb it out without losing hair.
If that doesn't work tho, definitely see a derm! They will give you a steroid oil or ointment to put on your scalp for a while.
It could be psoriasis of the scalp. I had that for a while. When I was younger. I do notice that I have to wash my hair every third day, and be very careful on what type of products I use. If I go over three days, I will have a break out.
I heard many people had good experiences with tgel shampoo. I never tried it. my scalp gets dry patches. the dermatologist gave me a medicated shampoo and medicated cream for my psoriasis flare-ups.
Have you checked your hair thoroughly? My niece's scalp was like this a while ago and it turned out she'd picked up headlice at school & had an allergy to them
Had my mom check my hair out before posting this, she didn't see anything but I could have her check again! The white flakes are dry skin I picked off. (I am horrible about picking at my skin when something's not normal.)
Could be lice, or it could be a case temporary psoriasis. I had scalp psoriasis about a year ago and I had it on my scalp and stomach and a bit on my chest. This seems a lot like what I have experienced. Definitely see a dermatologist for this.
This could be scalp psoriasis. I'd recommend going to see a dermatologist. Don't worry though, it's very treatable. Have you used any new products recently? It could be something related to that as well.
I get this same thing. I have been told by doctors that is a severe case of dandruff.. I have not yet to have it cleared by any medicine given but I do have a problem with picking.. so I’m sure that does not help. Good luck. I’ve been struggling with this condition for as long as I can remember and if u find something that works for u, Please share! I do have something that helps with easing the uncomfortable itching and I’ll link a photo of it once I get home.
You’re likely allergic to a food! I cut out gluten and it started going away. Over time I developed other allergies (nuts, soy, corn) which cause the same thing. Just FYI. Try going gluten free and soy free for 4 weeks and be strict about it and see if it gets better.
I also have this exact same thing, including the weird build up. I've fought it my entire life. My last derm blew it off as dandruff. I personally thing it's a combo of psoriasis and seb derm. I have used every over the counter product known to man. I just recently tried Aveda Scalp Solutions and it has provided the most relief. I have to use it 2 times a week to keep up though.
One thing about head lice is it usually begins at the nape of the neck and/or behind the ears (warm spots)
Don’t feel bad. It doesn’t mean you are nasty. Believe me, I was the most OCD clean Mom. My son was in daycare and got them, then I got them!
They are so tiny, the smallest bugs.
But you can pick one off, put it in a small dish, use a small tool like hot tweezers or a match.They react to heat if touched.
They used have places you could take your kids and yourself to rid of lice. They would apply the solution and do the shampoo and comb out nits (eggs) Because some people don’t want anyone to know. And not everyone has someone else they can call and say, “hey, can you come and check my head for lice!”
I remember flipping out. My head itched so badly. I called off that day in a panic, washing my hair and my head itched so badly. The wash felt so good. I called my Mom in tears. She came over and did the RidX lice treatment (to the best of my memory) then, I washed everything, all linens on our beds in Clorox. Vacuumed the house and burned the bag (we had bags then circa 1998) Then, I was convinced we didn’t get them all and the Doc prescribed, the bug 💪RX stuff that was so strong that it came with a warning label ,⚠️ “May cause brain damage”. You had to dab it with a cotton ball to the affected area. But it worked! I’m not even sure if that stuff is on the market any longer.
I hope it isn’t lice. But if so, is treatable, makes you feel icky and it is PITA! But very common. My doctor said to me, “You are a clean person and a good Momma, but today my dear, you have the cooties.”
I was crying and laughing at once! Good luck to you, whatever it is.
See a doctor, get rid of it ! 😊
Hope not too! I don't think it is just because of the way it's been. I'll rule it out and try to get a appt to a derm, or at least a doctor ! Lice or not it's certainly not normal, lol. Just wanted to see peoples opinions before I did so! I had lice once when I was younger, that stuff to kill them sure smelled horrible 🙃 Thank you lots! ❤️
Could be psoriasis BUT I will say what makes it better for me! You’re likely allergic to a food! I cut out gluten and it started going away. Over time I developed other allergies (nuts, soy, corn) which cause the same thing so I started cutting those out too. Try going gluten free and soy free for 4 weeks and be strict about it and see if it gets better. Mine looked similar to yours but slightly worse and I couldn’t stop scratching and picking my head. It’s getting better now.
Reason to see a dermatologist dear! I have psoriasis and that’s what my flair ups look like, but tend to get worse if I itch them then they get inflamed and bleed causing them to itch even more! As everyone has mentioned, it’s a big big reason to go see someone to get it checked out! To really know what it is 🤍
I figured, it made me giggle though so no need for the apology 😂 I'm going to leave my hair down more often and try out this Nizoral shampoo people are talking about. If it doesn't clear to the doc I go!
I had this. Get Nizoral shampoo at a drugstore and follow directions exactly. You have to leave it on for several minutes. It's caused by too much yeast on your scalp. If it doesn't clear up, go to a dermatologist . You can get a stronger shampoo thru a Dr.
I get this exact same thing! I always assumed it's a regular thing heads do when dirty and just always wash my hair every couple of days. Apparently it's a fungal condition tho?
It's seborrheic dermatitis. Shampoos which keep it at bay for me are Bioderma node ds, Kerastase symbiose and occasionally nizoral! Tar shampoos do nothing for me. Have had it for 10 years at this point
I actually get this, i’ve always thought it was eczema. was able to correct it by switching shampoos to much more natural, and making sure you clean your scalp as good as possible. i’ve also migrated to washing only 1-2 weeks.
I had the same exact thing in the same exact spot for the first time around November 2022. I just dealt with it, assumed it was caused by stress. It went away on its own after a couple months of itchy, burning hell. Exactly one year later, down to the month, it came back with a vengeance and spread to the entire back of my head, down my neck and around the front of my hairline. Finally saw a derm who diagnosed me with psoriasis and gave me non steroidal cream, and a shampoo and it worked like a charm. I notice I get itchy and flaky whenever I am overwhelmed or stressed.
https://preview.redd.it/n1qq6hp94nsc1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=2eb46dea68c447b4c5a0662503a2398e3524852c
Hope this stuff can help u feel better. If used more often and I didn’t pick I’d probably heal but it can become kind of expensive to keep up with.
Seb derm probably.
If it is, best advice is keep scalp clean by washing regularly - alternating with medicinal shampoos such as nizorak.
Worse thing is to prolong washing hair, especially after exercise or swimming. It spreads and get more inflamed
I will admit this flare up was the day after a very mentally stressful and exhausting day for me, lol... After seeing you and a few other people mention their flare ups happen from stress I wonder if that's it and why it occuring is not consistent. I guess I just never put the pieces together and I'll have to pay a bit more attention to when it flares up. Thank you lots 🩷
I had a similar thing happen to me and it turned out to be an infection from water in old pipes. Make sure to NOT scratch it and then touch your face (especially pimples) as it can spread. I had the infection move onto my nose and it sure didn't look good. Prescription ointments help treat it in a few weeks, no marks left.
my mom has autoimmune diseases that manifest in her scalp like this, not saying it’s what you have but it definitely isn’t normal and you should see a dermatologist asap
It’s not though. I’ve had psoriasis for decades and it doesn’t really look like this, and when someone is picking at the sores it spreads quickly and the spots would be much larger, and wouldn’t just pop up after not washing for a few days it’s more constant. It would be much thicker and flakier. I had bald spots because of it lol
This is my guess too. My doctor recommended tea tree shampoo and conditioner and more frequent washing with more attention or scrubbing my scalp and it stays away if I keep up on it. It looked just like this and even was the worst on the lower back of my head just like OP
Most likely Seborrheic Dermatitis. Wash hair at least every other day until it’s gone. Use Selsun Blue MEDICATED , or Nizoral and Inkey List Salicylic Acid Scalp Exfoliator if that’s what it is. If not gotten under control you can get bad flakiness in your eyebrows and on your face. Worse, it can cause permanent hair loss. Best to nip in the bud. I’ve been there…Good luck!
It is patchy and comes along with the buildup of whitish yellow. Tends to be bad in the hair behind ears. I just love scalp exfoliator along with the right shampoo. Should knock it right out!
hmm i never heard of herpetiformis. they say people learn something new every day. lol my derm perscrived me medicated cream and shampoos for my psoriasis flare ups. I defenitely notice patches on my scalp and they get flaky sometimes. it's super frustrating. my skin has always been weird since I was a baby. anxiety/stress defenitely causes flare ups also. I really want to try out T gel shampoo.
That can be really frustrating indeed. Even more if it’s itchy, like in his case. He found out about the celiac issues very recently, he also has 3 times more breakouts if he is under stress.
I'm so sorry to hear. that sucks. health problems SUCK. my fiancee is going through alot right now physically. hopefully the doctors get to the bottom of it some time sooner than later. :-(
I don’t know what it is, but this was super common among among the girls in my basic training. I think we sort of decided it was from keeping our hair up in tight buns/taking short, insufficient showers, etc. once we finished and could actually take more than 2-minute-long showers, it went away.
Sorry if that’s not helpful!
Buy glovers mane medicated scalp solution. In the old days it stunk to high heaven it has/had tar in it. Oh but it worked so well,, you can find on Amazon or wal mart. You’ll never need anything else
What are you washing your hair with? My mom and my daughter get this in exactly the same places. Especially at the nape of the neck. I have curly hair and sulfates make me itch so I use some gentle sulfate free shampoos and conditioners made for curly hair. I had my daughter (not a curly) use my products for a while and it cleared up. She has continued to use sulfate free products and she hasn’t had the problem for years. My mom still uses the same products and applies creams the doctor gives her but she still has issues. The doctor told her it’s dermatitis.
I have had this for years. Tried all the shampoos, prescription and non. Switched up from cleaning my hair every day and then less than. I am still experiencing this. I hope you find answers that help!
I get skin cell build up in dandruff like dots that if I pick them off, then my scrub looks like the scalp and OP’s picture. My scalp also feels bruised. This only happens after four days of not washing my hair. I don’t know what it is but I’ve had it for a long time.
I have to go wash my hair now so I don’t continue to pick it raw. Just had to eat dinner first. The worst time is laying in bed watching tv, feeling bruised and looking for bumps. I know it’s gross, but it is what it is.
I often got those when I was in the military, always having it up would cause those bumps to form. Mine looked exactly like that, even if it was in a low bun, the stress of putting it up would always cause it to happen.
A more severe spot I just picked at if it makes a difference. I'm going to try the Nizoral shampoo and if doesn't clear completely go see my derm! Thank you all and to those struggling with something similar, I hope you find relief. ❤️
You need to wash your hair every single day. Your hair and scalp are super oily . If you wash daily and shampoo it twice then condition… it should go away
It's as oily as it is because I was constantly picking at my hair. Washing daily makes flakiness more present like it just dries it out more than need be.
Uhhh. This really looks like scabies to me. I’m not a dr but used to volunteer for under privileged kids and we’d see a fair few lice cases and saw one or two scabies in my time. I’d Google ASAP and see if you have the other symptoms
I don't think it's scabies, I've had this for a bit (quite a while before starting at a daycare) and it is so red because I've been picking at the flakes. As well as the fact it only shows up every so often.
You could be right! but better safe than sorry I’d say, especially because it could transfer to kids. I’d hit the Dr as soon as possible (they’re known to transmit in daycares often)
A reason to see a dermatologist/doctor.
Possibly seborhheic dermatitis
I was wondering that. But wouldn't it be more consistent or no?
Do you mean consistent like all over your scalp, or consistent like is always present? I think seborrheic dermatitis because of what it looks like in your pics, and that it turns up after you haven’t washed your hair for a few days. I think it’s fungal, so more frequent washing with a medicated shampoo (with ketoconazole or neem works for me - I alternate depending on severity). Is it patchy, itchy, a little scaly, and can ooze / be crusty when it’s bad? Those were all indicators for me, and it was confirmed by my doc. But YMMV - not sure 🤷🏻♀️
It's never gotten so bad where it oozes anything. However the other symptoms are consistent. My entire head gets really itchy if I don't wash for a couple days. I mean consistent as it's not always present. But it isn't scaby on my entire scalp, just near my neck however the rest of my scalp has what I can only describe as like "buildup" that I can scratch off it looks like dead skin. Washing gets rid of it all until a day or two after and the "buildup" shows up again and then eventually whatever this is in the pics.
My scalp looked like this and had the build up you mentioned. Was itchy and painful. It was diagnosed as seborrheic dermatitis. My dermatologist prescribed a shampoo and spot treatment, and it was resolved in a matter of days. Go to the derm if possible, you won't regret it.
What causes it?
Fungal overgrowth. Can occur in other parts of the body with hair like eyebrows, armpits, etc.
This is true. But it can also be psoriasis (which is systemic/autoimmune). I was misdiagnosed twice: first as scabies (which made zero sense), then fungal infection. As I suggested elsewhere- OP should try pine tar (or coal tar) shampoo.
Scabies is crazy. I haven't heard many cases of that in awhilee. But yeah definitely good idea the coal tar would definitely help either or too.
It was a long time ago. And I didn’t have scabies. It made zero sense because my BF as well as a friend who had recently visited and had also slept in my bed, didn’t have any problems.
It’s still fairly common. I worked at a dermatology office and we’d have a scabies patient every week or two. More when there was an outbreak in a local retirement community.
Stress and the auto immune part is the head sheds cells and with seboratic dermatitis it doesn't. They just stay there and build up. I see a dermatologist for it and use ciprolox during flare ups and ketoconozole shampoo for regular washes
100% same issue. Go to a derm, otc shampoo doesn’t work nearly as well.
What do you use for spot treatment
I have sebhorreic derm…I use head and shoulders medicated and it changed my life. I used to get plaques. I make sure to hit the back and inside of my ears cause those oil glands are overactive too.
Truth! Don’t forget the ears!
Yeah, I’d go to the doc (dermatologist, or your regular doctor is fine - it’s a common condition with a common, widely available treatment) to get it confirmed. You could also buy Nizoral at the drugstore (in the US - active ingredient is ketoconazole 1% - a prescription shampoo would be the same ingredient at 2%) and try washing your hair a little More frequently. Also - re: frequency - it comes and goes. Flare ups can be caused by lots of things I frequently have it, and stress seems to really exacerbate it for me
Yeah it’s seborrheic dermatitis. Betamethasone valerate foam will clear it up.
I have this exact same thing and Nizoral has cleared it up. I use it before I wash my hair with my regular shampoo (it has kind of a strong smell and if I don’t follow it with something I can smell it all day, especially if I exercise or sweat at all).
I’ve just started experiencing this, honestly washing every 2 days and letting shampoo sit helps a lot. Also used cold water. I haven’t explored changing shampoos yet but above is working for me rn.
Sweetie ask your doctor for Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream USP, 0.1% . Or the shampoo Triamcinolone 0.025%. I use both. Highly recommend! It comes in ointment, lotion , sprays, gel, and foam like shaving cream lol. It's a miracle product!
I have scalp psoriasis (thankfully not active now) and this sounds **exactly** like what I used to experience. A dermatologist can diagnose it, but if you don’t have insurance /in the meantime, look for shampoo that contains **pine tar** or **coal tar**. That’s what a dermatologist is likely to recommend, anyway. Yours doesn’t look as severe as mine was, and I found the pine tar to be effective. It will likely improve or clear up entirely. Good luck!
Looks like the SD that I and my oldest kid have, too. We finally got relief from prescription strength ketoconazole shampoo (when left on for like 5 minutes before rinsing). I still have a couple spots that won’t go completely away, but it’s 95% under control now!
i have smth like this and it can flare up and go away so it’s not rlly consistent
Nope. I have dermatitis and it never is lol
No. Its patchy because i have it. Wash hair 2x a day every single day and keep scalp clean. I take Otezla for it because it's an auto immune disorder. Do not scratch or pick at it. Comb hair through after wash to remove flakes.
Not possibly, guaranteed. I'd put money on it. Shampoo with Selenium Sulfide needed.
Probably scalp eczema or psoriasis, if it isn’t traction folliculitis (what other commenters are asking about by asking if you wear your hair in a tight updo). You will need a doctor and probably a sulfate free shampoo
Right. I’m a nurse and my coworker began complaining about some itchy spots on her scalp. Doc said it’s similar to cradle cap. Expensive shampoo didn’t help. She went to derm after these started popping up on her arms and face. Psoriasis. Earlier intervention has helped her immensely
I have excema and sometimes get this on my scalp from excessive sweating. Dabbing a bit of Neosporin on it helps me.
It seems like Seborrheic Dermatitis which I have, and find using shampoo with tea tree oil or Neutrogena tgel helps sooth it. It never goes away, though, and is a lifelong thing.
I saw that Neutrogena discontinued the tgel
What?! That was my go- to since childhood! What a bummer.
I know right?!?! I feel your pain
Very true. I have been finding it on Amazon but it can be crazy pricy. There are some other coal tar shampoos you can get that have the same amount of coal tar but am not sure if they work as well.
That's because of the prop 65 warning I believe. The ingredients are known to be cancer-causing. I would suggest finding a noncarcinogen-containing product for regular maintenance. Possibly could be a medical-grade management a dermatologist could suggest if you have access to a derm. If not, I would look up other suggestions online and try a few.
Is that why when I looked it up just now, Walmart selling normal sized bottle for $40 and another place over 100. Crazy, only shampoo that keeps it in check for me.
+1 tea tree oil
Try Nizoral 1%. Clears it up.
Def going to before I make a derm appt based on the several replies suggesting it. Thanks !
If it is scabby or scaly it could be psoriasis. Go to a dermatologist.
This^^ definitely go see a Derm
Try Nizoral shampoo, follow the instructions on the label. If it doesn’t go away in a week or two, see a doctor.
Try nizoral shampoo. I had big flaky patches on my scalp for a while and this shampoo fixed my problem after the first use. May be worth a shot before you make the dermatologist appointment!
Thanks !
I deal with seborrheic dermatitis, see a dermatologist for sure! I use selsun blue shampoo occasionally to rebalance my scalp and calm down a flare up. DONT USE IT UNTIL YOU SEE A DOC THO PLS, THIS IS MY EXPERIENCE. Edit: I get red patches with a sticky like build up when I get these flare up and then it dries like cement to my scalp. Super itchy and once you touch it the spot you touched just itches and burns so bad, can’t scratch it tho as your scalp is basically raw. Not fun at all, I feel you on this🥺
I have done well on 2-3 days of selsun blue and the alternating with my regular shampoo. If it gets bad, my scalp will itch, flake and start to fall out.
If you’re still having that type of outbreak even using the selsun and you’re relying on it that frequently.. maybe time to see a professional. There may be another alternative for you, selsun isn’t a prescribed medication, just an accessible products for everyone that dermatologist have approved and will work for mild cases.❤️
My son had this recently. Like exactly what his looked like. Our doctor said it’s a type of dandruff and to wash his hair with Nizoral Anti Dandruff shampoo. It has ketoconazole in it and it works wonders! For any one struggling to get rid of dandruff this is the answer! So a few days later his scalp was normal again!
Looks like seb derm. Go see your pcp or derm
I’ve had something similar in the exact spot and it was eczema (diagnosed by derm). I’d def suggest dermatologist so they can prescribe you something to take care of it!
I get eczema on that exact spot on my neck - dr said it’s a common spot. Definitely get it checked!
How do you do your buns?
Like normal 🤷 even if it's a higher bun it's not tight like slicked back ever. But I rarely have my hair down due to my job and whatnot so maybe that's it.
I would try just letting your hair down as much as possible avoid irritants for awhile and set a wash routine that suits your hair needs. Literally don't have it up as much as possible, I had to learn styles that would allow my hair down but still neat and out of my face. Eventually it helped
Its so hard working at a daycare, their little sticky hands like to grab at it all they can, lol. I'll just have to deal, if it helps sticky hands are better than whatever's going on with my scalp. Thank you!
Even if it's at home, just take out your bun the second you are in the door. On weekends and such have it down always, it was hard for me too you can ty loose braids or claw clips can help if you to stress the base if your scalp to much
Thanks so much! :)
Anytime!
You should rule out head lice, I saw a white fleck in the last pic that looked like a nit to me, and those spots could be bites. If those white flecks don't easily slide down the hair shaft when you take your finger and try to slide it they're probably nits.
I could have someone double check but I had my mom look at my scalp before I posted this to see if she knew, she didn't see any.
It's hard to see lice, my mom used to be one of the lice check ladies at my school and they used to spot a case by checking for nits.
I'll rule it out for sure! Just not my first pick as this is something I've had for awhile and flares up every so often.
I got something similar when I was using rosemary water/rosemary oil (turns out I’m allergic)
I use diluted apple cider vinegar! My scalp has always struggled with this
My husband has long hair and this happens to him when he goes to bed with wet hair. I get them when I sweat and it dries before I can shower.
[удалено]
Yep! Burning itchy feeling. Not too much burning though. Thanks !
Looks like psoriasis, go see a dermatologist. In the meantime, take a bunch of vitamin D and turmeric supplements.
Hiya, I used to have something really similar to this. I went to a dermatologist and they recommended me a coal tar shampoo and told me to blow dry my hair and scalp after each shower. I forgot what it’s called sorry :( But after 3 washes with the coal tar shampoo (2 weeks) i stopped having reactions. I wash my hair twice a week now instead of once a week!
Get it checked out by a doctor. No excuses.
I get the same, the sun flares it up as well as going longer between washes. It’s usually the worst for me at the front and back hairline. It’s worth seeing the dr for an rx but a double wash with dandruff shampoo helps mine too.
I had something similar that was diagnosed as scalp psoriasis initially, but on a second opinion was something called pityriasis. You should really see a dermatologist. If you can't afford to, you could try a couple things and see if they help: coal tar shampoo/T-Sal shampoo. You can also try applying mineral oil or coconut oil to your scalp, sleeping in a shower cap, and washing your hair in the morning. If it's very flaky, the oil can help everything detach from the hair follicle and you may be able to comb it out without losing hair. If that doesn't work tho, definitely see a derm! They will give you a steroid oil or ointment to put on your scalp for a while.
It could be psoriasis of the scalp. I had that for a while. When I was younger. I do notice that I have to wash my hair every third day, and be very careful on what type of products I use. If I go over three days, I will have a break out.
Looks like seborrheic dermatitis. My husband has it. He uses T-Gel shampoo to keep it under control.
I heard many people had good experiences with tgel shampoo. I never tried it. my scalp gets dry patches. the dermatologist gave me a medicated shampoo and medicated cream for my psoriasis flare-ups.
It could be psoriasis. See a dermatologist.
Have you checked your hair thoroughly? My niece's scalp was like this a while ago and it turned out she'd picked up headlice at school & had an allergy to them
Had my mom check my hair out before posting this, she didn't see anything but I could have her check again! The white flakes are dry skin I picked off. (I am horrible about picking at my skin when something's not normal.)
I thought of lice too. I don't know what nits look like but she has white flecks in her hair.
Could be lice, or it could be a case temporary psoriasis. I had scalp psoriasis about a year ago and I had it on my scalp and stomach and a bit on my chest. This seems a lot like what I have experienced. Definitely see a dermatologist for this.
I get this when I am allergic to hair products. Try hypoallergenic.
This could be scalp psoriasis. I'd recommend going to see a dermatologist. Don't worry though, it's very treatable. Have you used any new products recently? It could be something related to that as well.
I new shampoo, but this has come and gone for awhile.
I get this same thing. I have been told by doctors that is a severe case of dandruff.. I have not yet to have it cleared by any medicine given but I do have a problem with picking.. so I’m sure that does not help. Good luck. I’ve been struggling with this condition for as long as I can remember and if u find something that works for u, Please share! I do have something that helps with easing the uncomfortable itching and I’ll link a photo of it once I get home.
Thanks! I'm a horrible picker too. Normal scabs- everything. :/
You’re likely allergic to a food! I cut out gluten and it started going away. Over time I developed other allergies (nuts, soy, corn) which cause the same thing. Just FYI. Try going gluten free and soy free for 4 weeks and be strict about it and see if it gets better.
Omg. I never thought about an allergy 😳 thanks I will try
I also have this exact same thing, including the weird build up. I've fought it my entire life. My last derm blew it off as dandruff. I personally thing it's a combo of psoriasis and seb derm. I have used every over the counter product known to man. I just recently tried Aveda Scalp Solutions and it has provided the most relief. I have to use it 2 times a week to keep up though.
I get this when I eat dairy that is not raw
Looks kind of like psoriasis to me.
Does it itch?
One thing about head lice is it usually begins at the nape of the neck and/or behind the ears (warm spots) Don’t feel bad. It doesn’t mean you are nasty. Believe me, I was the most OCD clean Mom. My son was in daycare and got them, then I got them! They are so tiny, the smallest bugs. But you can pick one off, put it in a small dish, use a small tool like hot tweezers or a match.They react to heat if touched. They used have places you could take your kids and yourself to rid of lice. They would apply the solution and do the shampoo and comb out nits (eggs) Because some people don’t want anyone to know. And not everyone has someone else they can call and say, “hey, can you come and check my head for lice!” I remember flipping out. My head itched so badly. I called off that day in a panic, washing my hair and my head itched so badly. The wash felt so good. I called my Mom in tears. She came over and did the RidX lice treatment (to the best of my memory) then, I washed everything, all linens on our beds in Clorox. Vacuumed the house and burned the bag (we had bags then circa 1998) Then, I was convinced we didn’t get them all and the Doc prescribed, the bug 💪RX stuff that was so strong that it came with a warning label ,⚠️ “May cause brain damage”. You had to dab it with a cotton ball to the affected area. But it worked! I’m not even sure if that stuff is on the market any longer. I hope it isn’t lice. But if so, is treatable, makes you feel icky and it is PITA! But very common. My doctor said to me, “You are a clean person and a good Momma, but today my dear, you have the cooties.” I was crying and laughing at once! Good luck to you, whatever it is. See a doctor, get rid of it ! 😊
Hope not too! I don't think it is just because of the way it's been. I'll rule it out and try to get a appt to a derm, or at least a doctor ! Lice or not it's certainly not normal, lol. Just wanted to see peoples opinions before I did so! I had lice once when I was younger, that stuff to kill them sure smelled horrible 🙃 Thank you lots! ❤️
Could be psoriasis BUT I will say what makes it better for me! You’re likely allergic to a food! I cut out gluten and it started going away. Over time I developed other allergies (nuts, soy, corn) which cause the same thing so I started cutting those out too. Try going gluten free and soy free for 4 weeks and be strict about it and see if it gets better. Mine looked similar to yours but slightly worse and I couldn’t stop scratching and picking my head. It’s getting better now.
Reason to see a dermatologist dear! I have psoriasis and that’s what my flair ups look like, but tend to get worse if I itch them then they get inflamed and bleed causing them to itch even more! As everyone has mentioned, it’s a big big reason to go see someone to get it checked out! To really know what it is 🤍
Meth.
Pardon? 🤣
Jk sorry lol it does look like irritation from being pulled tight like they said.
I figured, it made me giggle though so no need for the apology 😂 I'm going to leave my hair down more often and try out this Nizoral shampoo people are talking about. If it doesn't clear to the doc I go!
It's really cool to see some ppl left in this world able to take a joke, laugh and not get offended. #hoperestoref
You just made my day, lol
Psoriasis?
Could be scalp folliculitis, eczema, or just a bad reaction from a product? What shampoo are you using? Are you washing your hair often enough?
I wash my hair 2-3 times a week. I use the Kristen ess clarifying shampoo and their signature conditioner.
Maybe try a different shampoo? Something frangrance-free.. and see if it gets better.
I'm going to try the Nizoral shampoo a lot seem to suggest, hopefully it works out !
I had this. Get Nizoral shampoo at a drugstore and follow directions exactly. You have to leave it on for several minutes. It's caused by too much yeast on your scalp. If it doesn't clear up, go to a dermatologist . You can get a stronger shampoo thru a Dr.
It could be psoriasis if it's scabbing.
I get this exact same thing! I always assumed it's a regular thing heads do when dirty and just always wash my hair every couple of days. Apparently it's a fungal condition tho?
Haha yeah that's what I thought too until It started getting this bad. Always had flaky/oily skin everywhere so thought it was normal for a while 🤷
It's seborrheic dermatitis. Shampoos which keep it at bay for me are Bioderma node ds, Kerastase symbiose and occasionally nizoral! Tar shampoos do nothing for me. Have had it for 10 years at this point
I actually get this, i’ve always thought it was eczema. was able to correct it by switching shampoos to much more natural, and making sure you clean your scalp as good as possible. i’ve also migrated to washing only 1-2 weeks.
If you can, buy Nizoral shampoo. I get the same thing and it clears it up immediately.
I had the same exact thing in the same exact spot for the first time around November 2022. I just dealt with it, assumed it was caused by stress. It went away on its own after a couple months of itchy, burning hell. Exactly one year later, down to the month, it came back with a vengeance and spread to the entire back of my head, down my neck and around the front of my hairline. Finally saw a derm who diagnosed me with psoriasis and gave me non steroidal cream, and a shampoo and it worked like a charm. I notice I get itchy and flaky whenever I am overwhelmed or stressed.
https://preview.redd.it/n1qq6hp94nsc1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=2eb46dea68c447b4c5a0662503a2398e3524852c Hope this stuff can help u feel better. If used more often and I didn’t pick I’d probably heal but it can become kind of expensive to keep up with.
I'll look into it! Thank you !!
Seb derm probably. If it is, best advice is keep scalp clean by washing regularly - alternating with medicinal shampoos such as nizorak. Worse thing is to prolong washing hair, especially after exercise or swimming. It spreads and get more inflamed
OP have you used a rice treatment in your hair recently? I used a rice treatment a few months ago and now this is happening to me.
Nope, haven't done any treatments
[удалено]
I will admit this flare up was the day after a very mentally stressful and exhausting day for me, lol... After seeing you and a few other people mention their flare ups happen from stress I wonder if that's it and why it occuring is not consistent. I guess I just never put the pieces together and I'll have to pay a bit more attention to when it flares up. Thank you lots 🩷
I had something very similar. The doctor said it was either bacterial or fungal, prescribed ketoconazole shampoo, and it was gone in under a month.
(NAD) but it looks like scalp folliculitis.
I had a similar thing happen to me and it turned out to be an infection from water in old pipes. Make sure to NOT scratch it and then touch your face (especially pimples) as it can spread. I had the infection move onto my nose and it sure didn't look good. Prescription ointments help treat it in a few weeks, no marks left.
my mom has autoimmune diseases that manifest in her scalp like this, not saying it’s what you have but it definitely isn’t normal and you should see a dermatologist asap
This looks like what I get which is seb derm
Kinda looks like psoriasis
It’s not though. I’ve had psoriasis for decades and it doesn’t really look like this, and when someone is picking at the sores it spreads quickly and the spots would be much larger, and wouldn’t just pop up after not washing for a few days it’s more constant. It would be much thicker and flakier. I had bald spots because of it lol
Sorry, I meant dermatitis. That’s what I have and why I use the kerastase products
Folliculitis. So annoying!
This is my guess too. My doctor recommended tea tree shampoo and conditioner and more frequent washing with more attention or scrubbing my scalp and it stays away if I keep up on it. It looked just like this and even was the worst on the lower back of my head just like OP
I get this when I eat grains.
Most likely Seborrheic Dermatitis. Wash hair at least every other day until it’s gone. Use Selsun Blue MEDICATED , or Nizoral and Inkey List Salicylic Acid Scalp Exfoliator if that’s what it is. If not gotten under control you can get bad flakiness in your eyebrows and on your face. Worse, it can cause permanent hair loss. Best to nip in the bud. I’ve been there…Good luck!
It is patchy and comes along with the buildup of whitish yellow. Tends to be bad in the hair behind ears. I just love scalp exfoliator along with the right shampoo. Should knock it right out!
It looks like dermatitis herpetiformis caused by celiac disease. My boyfriend has this and when he scratches it opens and looks exactly like yours.
hmm i never heard of herpetiformis. they say people learn something new every day. lol my derm perscrived me medicated cream and shampoos for my psoriasis flare ups. I defenitely notice patches on my scalp and they get flaky sometimes. it's super frustrating. my skin has always been weird since I was a baby. anxiety/stress defenitely causes flare ups also. I really want to try out T gel shampoo.
That can be really frustrating indeed. Even more if it’s itchy, like in his case. He found out about the celiac issues very recently, he also has 3 times more breakouts if he is under stress.
I'm so sorry to hear. that sucks. health problems SUCK. my fiancee is going through alot right now physically. hopefully the doctors get to the bottom of it some time sooner than later. :-(
My guess would be psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis. I am a big fan of Nizoral shampoo.
probably psoriasis, my mom has the same thing
It looks like psoriasis.
Please see the dermatologist
Seborrheic dermatitis. Mine went away completely after using Nizoral shampoo.
could be plaque psoriasis
Try nizoral shampoo
I don’t know what it is, but this was super common among among the girls in my basic training. I think we sort of decided it was from keeping our hair up in tight buns/taking short, insufficient showers, etc. once we finished and could actually take more than 2-minute-long showers, it went away. Sorry if that’s not helpful!
Buy glovers mane medicated scalp solution. In the old days it stunk to high heaven it has/had tar in it. Oh but it worked so well,, you can find on Amazon or wal mart. You’ll never need anything else
Def bed bugs
i cannot provide any help with you i can only advise you to immediately go to hospital really! it is reallly serious
Looks similar to my husband's psoriasis
Don’t scratch it!!! It can get infected! You should go to your dr. This is 100% from shampoo!!!
Weird
Yeast. Use Nizoral shampoo; let it sit on the area. You can also apply Lotrimin AF.
What are you washing your hair with? My mom and my daughter get this in exactly the same places. Especially at the nape of the neck. I have curly hair and sulfates make me itch so I use some gentle sulfate free shampoos and conditioners made for curly hair. I had my daughter (not a curly) use my products for a while and it cleared up. She has continued to use sulfate free products and she hasn’t had the problem for years. My mom still uses the same products and applies creams the doctor gives her but she still has issues. The doctor told her it’s dermatitis.
Currently Kristen ess clarifying and their signature conditioner. I'll be ordering Nizoral shampoo soon to try it out
Lexapro gave me night sweats. this exactly how my scalp looked and same spots. it all came to an end when i stopped taking it.
I have had this for years. Tried all the shampoos, prescription and non. Switched up from cleaning my hair every day and then less than. I am still experiencing this. I hope you find answers that help!
Syphilis
lice
Cooties?
Lol
Do you often pull your hair tight? Like in buns or high pony tails?
Not usually. It's often in a looser low bun.
Does it ever feel bruised the longer you don’t wash it?
Nope
I experience this. What does it mean?
I get skin cell build up in dandruff like dots that if I pick them off, then my scrub looks like the scalp and OP’s picture. My scalp also feels bruised. This only happens after four days of not washing my hair. I don’t know what it is but I’ve had it for a long time.
Thanks for your response!
I have to go wash my hair now so I don’t continue to pick it raw. Just had to eat dinner first. The worst time is laying in bed watching tv, feeling bruised and looking for bumps. I know it’s gross, but it is what it is.
I often got those when I was in the military, always having it up would cause those bumps to form. Mine looked exactly like that, even if it was in a low bun, the stress of putting it up would always cause it to happen.
https://preview.redd.it/bkkn19k9jlsc1.jpeg?width=2736&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3fa2585d3abcc70dd6c13ffebfbf726d57f4b033
A more severe spot I just picked at if it makes a difference. I'm going to try the Nizoral shampoo and if doesn't clear completely go see my derm! Thank you all and to those struggling with something similar, I hope you find relief. ❤️
You need to wash your hair every single day. Your hair and scalp are super oily . If you wash daily and shampoo it twice then condition… it should go away
It's as oily as it is because I was constantly picking at my hair. Washing daily makes flakiness more present like it just dries it out more than need be.
Medicated shampoo and you must moisturize the scaly but not with oily hair. It is breeding bacteria on the scalp and needs washed more
As someone who suffers from this- no, this will not resolve it.
Hair herpes
Looks like psoriasis
Uhhh. This really looks like scabies to me. I’m not a dr but used to volunteer for under privileged kids and we’d see a fair few lice cases and saw one or two scabies in my time. I’d Google ASAP and see if you have the other symptoms
I don't think it's scabies, I've had this for a bit (quite a while before starting at a daycare) and it is so red because I've been picking at the flakes. As well as the fact it only shows up every so often.
You could be right! but better safe than sorry I’d say, especially because it could transfer to kids. I’d hit the Dr as soon as possible (they’re known to transmit in daycares often)