Ugh! What is wrong with my scalp?

[Angelfire3]

Greetings,
Since I've been natural for 3.5 years, I've experienced extremely dry and flaky scalp. Can you look at these photos and tell me what it is? Dry scalp, dandruff, scalp psoriasis, or seborrheic dermatitis. The bad part is, I just washed my hair on Monday night. I washed it, conditioned it, put a little of olive oil (food-grade), then I braided my hair in about 8 plaits. I have to wash my hair every week b/c of my scalp. I'm unable to wear twist-outs/braid-outs or any hairstyle that requires me to wear my hair out. I can't wear puffs or Afro's. I have to wear a half-wig daily and I take it off nightly.

I've tried several types of shampoos: Head & Shoulders intensive treatment (H&S), peppermint shampoo and many others that are for natural Black hair. Nothing works. I've tried real shea butter, that seems to worsen the problem. I've tried Kemi Oyl, Africa's Best Herbal oils, nothing seems to work for my irritating scalp. My scalp constantly itches and flakes. As soon as I wash and towel blot my hair, my hair starts to itch and my hairline becomes white white. The constant scratching leads to bleeding.

Look at these photos and tell me what you think I may have or your recommendations. Thanks in advance.

http://images12.fotki.com/v197/photos/2/1058202/8605556/Closeupofflakes1-vi.jpg

http://public.fotki.com/Angelfire3/scalp-problems-what/close-up-of-flakes7-jpg.html#media

[Angelfire3]

Thank you for replying. I am going to get a referral for a dermatologist and get my scalp examined. I bought Neutrogena T/Gel therapeutic shampoo and washed my hair. It has been two days and the white flakes/dry patches are back. I will keep you updated on my condition. Thanks.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms this problem of dry itchy scalp can be due to dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis. You can treat flaking and dryness with over-the-counter dandruff or medicated shampoos. Shampoo the hair vigorously and frequently (preferably daily). Active ingredients in these shampoos include salicylic acid, coal tar, zinc, resorcin, ketoconazole, or selenium.

If the symptoms persist, then it would be best to get it confirmed from a dermatologist. Eat a healthy diet. You can also take vit B6 and vit A and E which are good for hair and skin. Sometimes dandruff can be due to external or internal factors, fungal infection and some sort of food allergies. So they also need to be ruled out.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.