Glad to have found you…but sad I have to!
Hello everyone,
I am very happy to have found an online support group to deal with SD!
I have been diagnosed with it three times since last September.
However, I am willing to take whatever action I need to before I am
made into a believer.
Long story short: late last summer, I started taking an herbal
supplement called "Fertility Blend". About a month after taking it, I
noticed my scalp started itching and flaking which quickly led to the
skin behind my ears to crack and bleed, followed by a rash on the sides
and back of my neck. My hair started falling out at a drastic rate.
Immediately quit using the Fertility Blend (although I inquired with
the company regarding this side effect, they said it was not a noted
side effect). Went to a dermatologist who immediately diagnosed it as
SD but failed to truly explain what that meant. I used the
prescription shampoo (Nizoral, I believe) followed by a daily
application of Betamethasone. Although my hair was very dry and
brittle, it cleared up in two weeks and I resumed with my regular hair
products. Dry, itchy, flaky scalp returned again. Went to my general
practioner who said that it was SD brought on by depression and/or
stress. I disagree with the depression aspect.
I began using the Nutragena shampoo for itchy scalp, it helped however,
my hair was extremely dry, breaking off and I continued to lose hair.
I have now since February been switching shampoos every three days in
order to keep SD to a minimum. I have used organic tea tree oil
(again…left my hair dry and course) and other typical otc brands
which make my hair *seem* healthy. However, the outbreak starts again
very quickly.
I went to a different dermatologist last week who once again diagnosed
SD. After and in depth conversation with him and lots of research, I
now understand what I am dealing with. 
So, my problem is the shampoos that help are hard on my hair; those
that make my hair nice, soft and shiny cause me extreme discomfort
within 2-3 days before I switch again.
My question to you all is: where do I go from here? I only have the
outbreak on my scalp and without proper treatment it does spread around
my neck and behind my ears. Can you recommend shampoos that you have
tried that do not dry out your hair and cause it to be brittle? How
often do you use these shampoos (in conjunction with another shampoo?)
Is there an herbal remedy you recommend?
I am just not convinced that I am NOT allergic to something in the hair
care products that I am using (although I have used probably 10
different brands in the last two months). However, the three doctors I
have visited are not interested in conducting an allergy test.
OK…that was actually a long story, lol. Please offer any suggestions
you may have as I go forward in learning to live with this. I have had
about all this I can take and I am frustrated, tired of crying about it.
Thanks.
Stephanie
October 30th, 2006 at 11:10 pm
Chances are slim that you are allergic to something in the shampoos as SD is
not really a allergic condition, but moreso an automimmune disorder like
psoriasis. Iit is just that the effective ingredients to treat seb derm
generally are not that great for your hair because the shampoo is meant to
be a scalp/skin treatment.
I have found that Loreal Vive for Men with Pyrhtione Zinc and Garnier
Fructis with Pyrhtione Zinc are the least drying. You can also try Head and
Shoulders 2 in 1 (shampoo and conditioner). You can use any of these
shamppos daily with out having to switch to a non-dandruff shampoo. If I
use a regular shampoo, my SD comes back almost instantly. These shampoos all
cost about $5 each so you won’t break the bank by doing soem trial and
error. Hair gels and hair sprays will also aggravate SD so stay away from
them
You should also try apple cider vinegar on yoru scalp 1 to 2 times per week.
This stuff works the best for getting rid of the itching.
October 31st, 2006 at 9:19 am
Blood tests won’t identify seb derm. The basics of this condition is that
our skin reacts abnormally to normal fungi living on our skin–several types
of inflammatory skin cells go bonkers when the fungus excretes its waste
products. Seb derm only effects about 5% of the population, so the other
95% of the population, while having the same amount of fungus on their skin,
and that fungi excreteng the same amount and type of waste, don’t get the
same inflammatory response that we do. Our cells go into this inflammatory
cycle because they are perceiving a hostile threat, even though in reality,
the fungus poses no threat at all.
When the skin goes into inflammatory mode, it becomes very red and sensitive
(flare-up) and then attempts to renew/heal itself (the flaking)–however,
unless the inflammatory response is stopped, this cycle continues on,
seemingly indefinitely. This is why the condition is so frustrating.
Other things may have effects on seb derm flare ups as well, such as
temperature, humidity levels, certain foods, and other topical irritants
(like checmiclas in soaps, shampoos, hair spray, etc etc). But hte basiic
cause of seb derm is that our cells are having an abnormal response to some
thing that is quite normal–that is my high level understanding of an
autoimmune disorder, so until the cells either naturally de-program
themselves (doubtful), or it is done chemically (topically or internally),
the cycle will pretty much continue.
October 31st, 2006 at 8:01 pm
Hi Stephanie.
I probably mention this in every post I make to this group, but of
course I do so because I really believe its important. Try avoiding
the following:
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate)
Most people don’t have a problem with them, but Seborrheic Dermatitis
makes your skin ultra-sensitive. I find that If I use anything
containing these ingredients (apart from toothpaste and shaving gel
for some reason) my skin becomes dry, itchy and red.
You will find one or the other in over 90% of shampoos. Even those
meant for sensitive skin. Which could explain your still having
problems even though you’ve tried several different products.
There are some Neutrogena T/Gel shampoos that contain these chemicals
and some that don’t. I believe the one that is labelled for treatment
of Seborrheic Dermatitis DOES contain them. Go figure.
Anyway, the one I use is "Neutrogena T/Gel Shampoo Sensitive Scalp".
It doesn’t contain SLS or SLES and is also fragrance free. I just use
it once a day and it seems to keep things under control.
Good luck!
Richard