Flakey skin on sides of head/back of neck. - Skin Problems Message Board

astarinspace · 06-23-2004, 08:20 AM

Can anyone please help? I've had this problem for a while now, I've got flakey skin on the sides of my head where from about half way down my ear, where the sideboards grow, that goes up to the sides of my head. It's also the same on the sides of the back of my neck where the hair starts. It's never really been a problem as if i scratched it most of it would flake off, and it wasn't really noticable, but my recent girlfriend is a hairdresser trainee, and wants to cut my hair for her portfolio and I keep having to make excuses as to why I don't want it cut yet!

I don't think it's a dandruff problem as I've tried a few anti-dandruff shampoos, and none of them have cured/helped it, please help me!

Thanks in advance

- Andrew

stacynb · 06-26-2004, 11:18 AM

see a dermatologist.. Possibly Psoriasis?

MrsLee · 06-29-2004, 11:47 AM

I used to have dandruff, and the only shampoo that worked was neutragena t-gel.

Now I get flakes on my neck and sometimes my head because I have eczema caused by allergies to product additives. They are red, flaky spots that hurt. I use a prescription steroid cream on my neck, which makes it go away temporarily. The only thing I could do for my scalp is quit using hair products with chemicals I am allergic to (which is every hair product out there).

If it is on your neck too, I don't think it is dandruff. I know this stuff can be really embarassing. Your best bet would be to see a dermatologist. I was so relieved after I did, because I was getting it all over my face and lips too, and I felt like a freak. Now I am able to control it though. I wish you the best of luck! Take care.

sergecosta · 07-03-2004, 04:46 PM

To me, it sounds like seborrheic dermatitis. If you use hair product, most likely it will exacerbate it. The classic areas are the scalp, the hairline, the folds around your nose, sideburns, and eyebrows. There are good enough creams that can help you. I would stay away from topical steroids (they tend to cause acne which can ultimately lead to excess oil on your skin which you don't want). I recommend Dovonex Cream if these areas are inflamed (there is a scalp solution as well). You should ask your dermatologist for a prescription strength shampoo - zinc pyrithione based is good.

Your dermatologist will help - but take my advice - followup with the doctor. If something is not working, go back. Don't worry about being a pain - that is what they are there for.

cth · 07-07-2004, 04:51 PM

Hi, Perhaps you can try Nizoral shampoo...READ THE DIRECTIONS, and a mild steroid cream if you have crusts. If that does not work...dermatologist! Maybe you can ask the pharmacist what kind of cream. ps nizoral shampoo is a dandruff shampoo with other components. cth