chris5621
09-30-2008, 02:07 PM
For the past few months, I have been getting "pimples" all over my scalp. They start out red and sore, and end up with white/yellowish scabs. My scalp is getting very sore as the number/frequency of these pimples/sores/scabs keeps increasing.
I'm female, in my 30's, and have long, straight, very fine hair. I've also noticed my hair thinning quite a bit since these pimples started.
I've always had normal to oily hair, and have always shampood every day, sometimes twice a day. I have never had any adverse reaction or allergies or anything like that to any shampoos or products. I don't dye my hair, and I don't use any product or hairspray at all. I've never had dandruff. I've never had any other serious skin condition.
Since this started, I have tried several different shampoos/strategies. I've tried the nizoral and the head and shoulders. B/C of the oiliness, I've never used much conditioner...even so, I started trying different brands, and using less and less to the point that I've now completely stopped using conditioner. I've tried the neutrogena shampoo. I've even tried using a scrub brush when I shampoo! NONE of this has helped, and some of it has seemed to make it worse (particularly the h&s and nizoral).
What's happening to my head/hair??? Thank you so much for any advice or ideas you can give me!!!
I'm female, in my 30's, and have long, straight, very fine hair. I've also noticed my hair thinning quite a bit since these pimples started.
I've always had normal to oily hair, and have always shampood every day, sometimes twice a day. I have never had any adverse reaction or allergies or anything like that to any shampoos or products. I don't dye my hair, and I don't use any product or hairspray at all. I've never had dandruff. I've never had any other serious skin condition.
Since this started, I have tried several different shampoos/strategies. I've tried the nizoral and the head and shoulders. B/C of the oiliness, I've never used much conditioner...even so, I started trying different brands, and using less and less to the point that I've now completely stopped using conditioner. I've tried the neutrogena shampoo. I've even tried using a scrub brush when I shampoo! NONE of this has helped, and some of it has seemed to make it worse (particularly the h&s and nizoral).
What's happening to my head/hair??? Thank you so much for any advice or ideas you can give me!!!
Sponsor
AuntieLeela
10-01-2008, 10:07 AM
The scales/scabs sound like scalp psoriasis. It can occur without any other skin involvement. Color can be slivery white to a sickly yellow. Sebo-psoriasis is scalp psoriasis with scalp seborrhoeic dermatitis on top of it, the lesions tend to be more yellow and greasy in appearance. Do the lesions follow your hairline or behind your ears? Have you tried coal tar shampoos?
Scalp acne is the mildest form of scalp folliculitis, an inflammatory condition of the hair follicles.
In your case it sounds like you been through the ringer:( trying everything, maybe it's time to see a Dermatologist for a firm diagnosis and Rx strength products. You don't want to wait till there's irreversible hair loss.
Scalp acne is the mildest form of scalp folliculitis, an inflammatory condition of the hair follicles.
In your case it sounds like you been through the ringer:( trying everything, maybe it's time to see a Dermatologist for a firm diagnosis and Rx strength products. You don't want to wait till there's irreversible hair loss.
Nexis
10-06-2008, 10:44 AM
What a conincidence!
I had similar symptoms like you, had the pimples then warts, got nitrogen treatment to removed them. This was in December.
Today went back to the derm since I have severe scalp itching and flaking with redness.
I got a diagnosis for Seborrhea Dermatitis and will use a lotion treatment of "Ketoconazole" ( I don't know the brand name).
My doc took a scalp flake sample and found out that the the fungus "Malassezia" is the main culprit in the reaction on my scalp. This particular fungus likes to live in oily scalps. If you sleep with your scalp wet and damp without blow drying or letting it throughly dry out, it will be a breeding ground for the fungus.
Use a scalp cleansing shampoo and see your dermatologist. Hope you will be better.
I had similar symptoms like you, had the pimples then warts, got nitrogen treatment to removed them. This was in December.
Today went back to the derm since I have severe scalp itching and flaking with redness.
I got a diagnosis for Seborrhea Dermatitis and will use a lotion treatment of "Ketoconazole" ( I don't know the brand name).
My doc took a scalp flake sample and found out that the the fungus "Malassezia" is the main culprit in the reaction on my scalp. This particular fungus likes to live in oily scalps. If you sleep with your scalp wet and damp without blow drying or letting it throughly dry out, it will be a breeding ground for the fungus.
Use a scalp cleansing shampoo and see your dermatologist. Hope you will be better.
nancy435
10-11-2008, 02:52 PM
Hi,
If the prescription shampoos dry out your hair or skin, try this:
I use Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (Bragg's) for my seborrheic dermatitis and sensitive scalp. I typically take about 1/4 cup of Apple Cider Vinegar and 1/4 cup of water and mix it in a spray bottle (1 part to 1 part). I spray it directly on my scalp, by combing through the different sections. Then leave it on for at least 10-15 minutes. Then I rinse it out and use a mild shampoo & conditioner. The longer the better. Its best to do it on the weekends or at night because it does smell. (2-3 times week)The worse you have it the longer it will take to see results. I started using the ACV because the Nizoral shampoo started making my hair really dry and brittle and it started to break and fall out. I have pretty oily skin and I needed to wash my hair every day. For the face, take a cotton ball and dab the mixture on the spots.
Good Luck!
:D
If the prescription shampoos dry out your hair or skin, try this:
I use Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (Bragg's) for my seborrheic dermatitis and sensitive scalp. I typically take about 1/4 cup of Apple Cider Vinegar and 1/4 cup of water and mix it in a spray bottle (1 part to 1 part). I spray it directly on my scalp, by combing through the different sections. Then leave it on for at least 10-15 minutes. Then I rinse it out and use a mild shampoo & conditioner. The longer the better. Its best to do it on the weekends or at night because it does smell. (2-3 times week)The worse you have it the longer it will take to see results. I started using the ACV because the Nizoral shampoo started making my hair really dry and brittle and it started to break and fall out. I have pretty oily skin and I needed to wash my hair every day. For the face, take a cotton ball and dab the mixture on the spots.
Good Luck!
:D
zozzykid
11-22-2008, 07:41 PM
hello everyone it is so nice to c im not suffrering alone iv had these scabs for 8 years no and it gets worse each year iv seen the dermo 3 times and tryed different shampoos,ointments,antibiotics,creams and im now on steroids for it in ointment form.my scabs start with a huge lump and my scalp is very sensative to touch then the scabs come and they weep and i cant help but pick wich has resulted in bald patches in my scalp.
Is anyone else got a solution to this proplem let me know coz its so depressing and its getting me down big time i just want to be normal.:confused::o:(
Is anyone else got a solution to this proplem let me know coz its so depressing and its getting me down big time i just want to be normal.:confused::o:(
Nexis
11-23-2008, 08:00 AM
zozzykid,
What did your doctor say about the big lump that scabs off?
I had those and they ended up being warts that I had liquid nitrogen to remove them.
What did your doctor say about the big lump that scabs off?
I had those and they ended up being warts that I had liquid nitrogen to remove them.
zozzykid
11-24-2008, 06:59 AM
its a form of excema and its just one of those things that will take time to put it right.Charmin a.
iv started to put my hair up in bunches to enable air to get to them my glands tend to swell when the scabs are realy bad.I did say to the doc that i would shave my head and she said that if i did then it would be prone to infection coz they are exposed.i use t tree shampoo now with my steriod ointment so they starting to dry out slowely.
for how long i do not know.
iv had thrush on the scalp,boils,bad infections then they reffered me to the dermo who put me on steriods as a last resort.but its a form of excema as i suffer from blister,dry and this on the scalp
iv started to put my hair up in bunches to enable air to get to them my glands tend to swell when the scabs are realy bad.I did say to the doc that i would shave my head and she said that if i did then it would be prone to infection coz they are exposed.i use t tree shampoo now with my steriod ointment so they starting to dry out slowely.
for how long i do not know.
iv had thrush on the scalp,boils,bad infections then they reffered me to the dermo who put me on steriods as a last resort.but its a form of excema as i suffer from blister,dry and this on the scalp
nancy435
11-25-2008, 10:59 AM
It could be seborrheic dermatitis, but you should go to the dermatologist and make sure it’s not something else. My seborrheic got really bad and I had these patches of crusty yellow build up and some turned into sores. Nizoral shampoo works good, but it really dries out the hair and can cause breakage. I used the apple cider, above, but I started using the New Head & Shoulders intensive solutions for severe dandruff prevention and seborrheic dermatitis (Dark blue bottle) and it works good. I am about 90% free of scalp build up and flakes. And my hair doesn’t seem as dried out, but I also use a good conditioner just in case.
Nexis
11-26-2008, 07:07 AM
It could be seborrheic dermatitis, but you should go to the dermatologist and make sure it’s not something else.
I have seborrheic dermatitis and I think that Zozzykid should make sure that's this is ruled out since I have very similar symptoms.
I have seborrheic dermatitis and I think that Zozzykid should make sure that's this is ruled out since I have very similar symptoms.
zozzykid
12-01-2008, 04:03 PM
finaly i have Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp and at present i have an infection on the scalp because of this and is now on antibiotics but if anyone was woundering this is what iv been dignosed with.
bollyknickers
01-26-2009, 07:37 PM
finaly i have Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp and at present i have an infection on the scalp because of this and is now on antibiotics but if anyone was woundering this is what iv been dignosed with.
dermatitis just means "inflammation of the skin", I am suffering with this condition and have been for 3 years! it was triggered when I used some cheap shampoo ( a very well known brand! ) that contained plasticides which caused some allergic reaction, even though I now only use premier hair care products I still get the odd outbreak! Ive had various creams and lotions from the doctor but they only soothe the soreness, they do not prevent new outbreaks, I think Im stuck with this for life! I cant help but to pick at the scabs and I end up with mini bald patches where I have damaged the hair follicles!!
dermatitis just means "inflammation of the skin", I am suffering with this condition and have been for 3 years! it was triggered when I used some cheap shampoo ( a very well known brand! ) that contained plasticides which caused some allergic reaction, even though I now only use premier hair care products I still get the odd outbreak! Ive had various creams and lotions from the doctor but they only soothe the soreness, they do not prevent new outbreaks, I think Im stuck with this for life! I cant help but to pick at the scabs and I end up with mini bald patches where I have damaged the hair follicles!!
poolboy167
01-29-2009, 05:02 PM
I have had these sympons for over 20 years. I contacted doctors and dermitoligists with no solution. T-gel left my scap tender. Head and Shoulder feed the pimples and made them worse. I noticed that when I swam in our pool during the summer, the pimples virtually disappear. I found that is the clorine in the pool, which is bleach and a cleaner was controlling the out breaks. I started dabbing clorox bleach with my finger on the area(s) prior to showering, wait 15 minutes and shampoo. The pimples are under control.
Nexis
01-30-2009, 10:36 AM
The fungus "Malassezia" is a common reason for the dermatitis. A derm will scalp off a layer of a flake from the scalp and look under the microscope for an active fungus infection.
nancybotwin33
04-03-2009, 10:52 AM
I am only 18 years old and I have multiple scabs on the left side of my head, which led to loosing hair in those spots!! Its irritating and flakes all the time. Sometimes its bright red and has honey like juice all around it and in my hair! Some areas of the head are raised. Which is making me think it might be Psoriasis because my grandpa had that but Im young for all that you'd think? So now i'm thinking it's exzema seeing as i've had it so many other places on my body. I've gone to the doctors and got many creams and expensive shampoos and even tried my own things and nothing works! I do use hair spray and teeze my hair everyday which could have something to do with it but it never goes anywhere near the effected area, and the rest of my head seems to be okay. I had really bad exzema when I was younger on my neck and arms and legs but it has gone away until this week. The sores on my head have been going on for months and months and months. Also at the very back of my neck I have a real bad rash thats been there for a verrry long time. I think its because I cant wear fake jewlerry because of my skin but I havent worn any since and it just gets worse and worse! Some days I get real bad pains under my left hip aswell that are shooting pains (but 100% not cramps) that come and go. Im not sure if they are all something different or similar, they seem very different. What started out to be a little cut has grown all over my head and im balding. What could it be?! :confused:
Nexis
04-03-2009, 10:43 PM
my update, since my scalp was still very irritated and the nizoral was too weak, the doctor gave me topical steroids for my scalp. Lets see if this will work.
Nexis
04-03-2009, 11:22 PM
Nancybotwins, your scalp sounds alike like mine, I had the sore raised and bloody, puss-filled. Mine turned out to be warts with acne/pimples mixed throughout my scalp. I had the warts cold liquid nitrogen off. Some of it came back yet not severe.
I also had dermatitis (flaky and itchy scalp) too and was treated with Nizoral cream and shampoo, yet was not strong enough and now I am applying a topical steroid liquidy cream.
See your dermatologist. I am sure you will be treated properly. Be well.
Also when your immune system is weak, people tend to have these conditions, do you have any other medical conditions?
I also had dermatitis (flaky and itchy scalp) too and was treated with Nizoral cream and shampoo, yet was not strong enough and now I am applying a topical steroid liquidy cream.
See your dermatologist. I am sure you will be treated properly. Be well.
Also when your immune system is weak, people tend to have these conditions, do you have any other medical conditions?
nancybotwin33
04-04-2009, 08:44 AM
They are more bright red than actually bleeding. There is no puss just a sticky juice-like coming from the cuts or scabs. I have had over 3 different Nizoral type and tar type shampoo's, and a few creams nad nothings seems to work. Right now im using this $110 shampoo that hasn't done anything. I'm pretty sure I have a very weak immune system due to poor eating habits. I rarely eat and when I do its junk. Im thinking it might have something to do with the exzema that I have because its been irritating my arms lately. butttttt i guess we'll see. Thank You.... I feel like a monster!!!:dizzy:
Nexis
04-04-2009, 09:12 AM
Have you had steroid topical cream dispensed by the doctor? The nizoral is very weak and you need to ask your doctor what the red raise bumps are, the juice has got to be the same as what I had, regardless if they are not puss or not, liquid coming out like that is not normal!
If they do not know you need to try to get a second dermo's opinion. I hope you get better soon.
If they do not know you need to try to get a second dermo's opinion. I hope you get better soon.
poolboy167
04-05-2009, 11:44 PM
I have had this problem for years and could not determine what I was doing differntly. I found out it was not what I was doing, it was what the health and beauty care product that I was using was causing my problems.
Skin Care Warning
THE TOXIC TWELVE LIST
Former international cosmetics company executive and beauty pageant queen Susan Jeske cautions women to avoid these "Toxic Twelve" chemicals commonly found in skin care products and cosmetics.
1. Benzoyl peroxide
2. DEA (diethanolamine) and MEA (monoethanolamine) and TEA (triethanolamine)
3. Dioxin
4. DMDM hydantoin and imidazolidinyl urea
5. Synthetic Colors and Pigments
6. Parabens (methyl, butyl, ethyl, propyl)
7. FEG (polyethylene glycol)
8. Phthalates 9xenoestrogens)
9. Propylene glycol and butylene glycol
10. Sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate
11. Sunscreen chemicals like avobensone, benzphenone and PABA
12. Triclosan
The Toxic Twelve List
Aging is not just the way we look but, more importantly, it’s the degenerative diseases which prematurely change our life.
Breast Cancer Heart Disease
Depression Hormone Disruption
Obesity Memory Loss
Birth Defects ADD
The following are the worst of the worst, toxic, carcinogenic list commonly found in most skin and personal care products. Each is directly linked to one or more of the above conditions.
Benzoyl Peroxide: Frequently used in acne products, the MSDS states “Facilitates action of known carcinogens…Possible tumor promoter. May act as mutagen; produces DNA damage in human and other mammalian cells in some concentrations. Also, toxic by inhalation. May be harmful if swallowed and in contact with skin. Eye, skin and respiratory irritant.”
DEA (Diethanolamine), MEA (Monoethanolamine), & TEA (Triethanolamine): This foam booster is a skin/eye irritant and causes contact dermatitis. Easily absorbed through skin to accumulate in body organs, even the brain. Repeated use resulted in major increases of liver and kidney cancer.
Dioxin: Won’t appear on an ingredient list. Often contained in antibacterial ingredients like triclosan, emulsifiers, PEGs and ethoxylated cleansers like Sodium Laureth Sulfate. Dioxin causes cancer, reduced immunity, nervous system disorders, miscarriages and birth deformity. It’s a hormone-disrupting chemical with toxic effects measured in the parts per trillion – one drop in 300 Olympic-size swimming pools! Our bodies have no defense against its damage. Most visible example was Yushchenko, the Ukrainian President, who suffered from dioxin poisoning and looked old overnight.
DMDM Hydantoin & Urea (Imidazolidinyl): Just two of many preservatives that often release formaldehyde which may cause joint pain, cancer, skin reactions, allergies, depression, headaches, chest pains, ear infections, chronic fatigue, dizziness, and loss of sleep. Exposure may irritate the respiratory system, trigger heart palpitations or asthma, aggravate coughs and colds.
FD&C Color & Pigments: Synthetic colors from coal tar contain heavy metal salts that deposit toxins in skin, causing skin sensitivity / irritation. Absorption can cause depletion of oxygen and death. Animal studies show almost all are carcinogenic.
Parabens: (Methyl, Butyl, Ethyl, Propyl) - used as preservatives and aren’t always labeled "parabens." They’re used in deodorants and antiperspirants and have been found in breast cancer tumors. Parabens, as xenoestrogens (hormone disruptors), may contribute to sterility in male mice and humans. Estrogen-like activity causes hormone imbalance in females and early puberty.
PEG (Polyethylene glycol): Made by ethoxylating Propylene Glycol. Dangerous levels of dioxin have been found as a by-product of the ethoxylation process. PEGs are in everything including personal care, baby care and sunscreens.
Phthalates: Xenoestrogens are commonly found in many products, usually not listed on labels. Health effects include damage to liver/kidneys, birth defects, decreased sperm counts and early breast development in girls and boys.
Propylene Glycol (PG) and Butylene Glycol: Petroleum plastics act as surfactants (wetting agents, solvents). EPA considers PG so toxic it requires protective gloves, clothing, goggles and disposal by burying. Because PG penetrates skin so quickly, EPA warns against skin contact to prevent brain, liver, and kidney abnormalities. There is NO warning label on products where concentration is greater than in most industrial applications.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): Detergents and surfactants that pose serious health threats. Used in car washes, garage floor cleaners, engine degreasers and 90% of personal-care products that foam. Animals exposed to SLS experienced eye damage, depression, labored breathing, diarrhea, severe skin irritation - even death. SLS may also damage skin’s immune system by causing layers to separate, inflame and age.
Sunscreen chemicals: avobenzone, benzphenone, ethoxycinnamate, PABA are commonly used ingredients that are known free radical generators and are believed to damage DNA or lead to cancers.
Triclosan: Synthetic "antibacterial" ingredient with chemical structure similar to Agent Orange! EPA registers it as a pesticide, posing risks to human health and environment. Classified as a chlorophenol, chemicals suspected of causing cancer in humans. Tufts University School of Medicine says triclosan is capable of forcing emergence of 'super bugs' it cannot kill.
All information taken from The ToxicAlarm™ Guide - courtesy of The ToxicFree® Foundation
Skin Care Warning
THE TOXIC TWELVE LIST
Former international cosmetics company executive and beauty pageant queen Susan Jeske cautions women to avoid these "Toxic Twelve" chemicals commonly found in skin care products and cosmetics.
1. Benzoyl peroxide
2. DEA (diethanolamine) and MEA (monoethanolamine) and TEA (triethanolamine)
3. Dioxin
4. DMDM hydantoin and imidazolidinyl urea
5. Synthetic Colors and Pigments
6. Parabens (methyl, butyl, ethyl, propyl)
7. FEG (polyethylene glycol)
8. Phthalates 9xenoestrogens)
9. Propylene glycol and butylene glycol
10. Sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate
11. Sunscreen chemicals like avobensone, benzphenone and PABA
12. Triclosan
The Toxic Twelve List
Aging is not just the way we look but, more importantly, it’s the degenerative diseases which prematurely change our life.
Breast Cancer Heart Disease
Depression Hormone Disruption
Obesity Memory Loss
Birth Defects ADD
The following are the worst of the worst, toxic, carcinogenic list commonly found in most skin and personal care products. Each is directly linked to one or more of the above conditions.
Benzoyl Peroxide: Frequently used in acne products, the MSDS states “Facilitates action of known carcinogens…Possible tumor promoter. May act as mutagen; produces DNA damage in human and other mammalian cells in some concentrations. Also, toxic by inhalation. May be harmful if swallowed and in contact with skin. Eye, skin and respiratory irritant.”
DEA (Diethanolamine), MEA (Monoethanolamine), & TEA (Triethanolamine): This foam booster is a skin/eye irritant and causes contact dermatitis. Easily absorbed through skin to accumulate in body organs, even the brain. Repeated use resulted in major increases of liver and kidney cancer.
Dioxin: Won’t appear on an ingredient list. Often contained in antibacterial ingredients like triclosan, emulsifiers, PEGs and ethoxylated cleansers like Sodium Laureth Sulfate. Dioxin causes cancer, reduced immunity, nervous system disorders, miscarriages and birth deformity. It’s a hormone-disrupting chemical with toxic effects measured in the parts per trillion – one drop in 300 Olympic-size swimming pools! Our bodies have no defense against its damage. Most visible example was Yushchenko, the Ukrainian President, who suffered from dioxin poisoning and looked old overnight.
DMDM Hydantoin & Urea (Imidazolidinyl): Just two of many preservatives that often release formaldehyde which may cause joint pain, cancer, skin reactions, allergies, depression, headaches, chest pains, ear infections, chronic fatigue, dizziness, and loss of sleep. Exposure may irritate the respiratory system, trigger heart palpitations or asthma, aggravate coughs and colds.
FD&C Color & Pigments: Synthetic colors from coal tar contain heavy metal salts that deposit toxins in skin, causing skin sensitivity / irritation. Absorption can cause depletion of oxygen and death. Animal studies show almost all are carcinogenic.
Parabens: (Methyl, Butyl, Ethyl, Propyl) - used as preservatives and aren’t always labeled "parabens." They’re used in deodorants and antiperspirants and have been found in breast cancer tumors. Parabens, as xenoestrogens (hormone disruptors), may contribute to sterility in male mice and humans. Estrogen-like activity causes hormone imbalance in females and early puberty.
PEG (Polyethylene glycol): Made by ethoxylating Propylene Glycol. Dangerous levels of dioxin have been found as a by-product of the ethoxylation process. PEGs are in everything including personal care, baby care and sunscreens.
Phthalates: Xenoestrogens are commonly found in many products, usually not listed on labels. Health effects include damage to liver/kidneys, birth defects, decreased sperm counts and early breast development in girls and boys.
Propylene Glycol (PG) and Butylene Glycol: Petroleum plastics act as surfactants (wetting agents, solvents). EPA considers PG so toxic it requires protective gloves, clothing, goggles and disposal by burying. Because PG penetrates skin so quickly, EPA warns against skin contact to prevent brain, liver, and kidney abnormalities. There is NO warning label on products where concentration is greater than in most industrial applications.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): Detergents and surfactants that pose serious health threats. Used in car washes, garage floor cleaners, engine degreasers and 90% of personal-care products that foam. Animals exposed to SLS experienced eye damage, depression, labored breathing, diarrhea, severe skin irritation - even death. SLS may also damage skin’s immune system by causing layers to separate, inflame and age.
Sunscreen chemicals: avobenzone, benzphenone, ethoxycinnamate, PABA are commonly used ingredients that are known free radical generators and are believed to damage DNA or lead to cancers.
Triclosan: Synthetic "antibacterial" ingredient with chemical structure similar to Agent Orange! EPA registers it as a pesticide, posing risks to human health and environment. Classified as a chlorophenol, chemicals suspected of causing cancer in humans. Tufts University School of Medicine says triclosan is capable of forcing emergence of 'super bugs' it cannot kill.
All information taken from The ToxicAlarm™ Guide - courtesy of The ToxicFree® Foundation