[Aposiopesis]

Hey guys,

Not sure if I've put this in the right place, but I don't know where else it would fit so I'm asking here. I have oily hair and scalp, but I'm also sensitive and can get acne, eczema, infections and dandruff. I have short hair so I don't tend to get too much dandruff anymore, but lately I've been getting little pimples on my scalp. This is generally because of the shampoo I'm using; it normally means it's not working for me and is making the oiliness in my scalp worse.

The problem is, I don't know what else to use. I've spent a fair amount of money over the years trying different things, from supermarket brands to the more expensive, hairdresser only brands. Even some of the ones that cost upwards of $50 can cause this problem.

I don't know what else to try, so I figured I'd ask here: what's a good shampoo for someone with an oily scalp that is not just made up of chemicals? The more chemicals and artificial products, the worse the problem gets (acne wise, anyway) so having a more natural shampoo would be best. So what are some out there that are good, clean and won't break the bank?

[Marla500]

I am wondering if a diluted cider vinegar rinse might be helpful? Also not sure this would help the scalp but recently I had a deep acne eruption on my face that was taking forever to resolve and once I sat in the direct sun mid-day for about twenty minutes a couple of times it started to go down much faster.

[Unrigged64072835]

You may want to see a dermatologist to make sure there's not a medical issue. I went to one for my rosacea and acne and found out I had an infection, so I'm on meds for that.

[Artchic528]

I second the seeing of a dermatologist.

My mother and I both have psoriasis on our scalps. We both use this special dermatological shampoo:

T/Gel® Therapeutic Original Formula Scalp Treatment Shampoo | Neutrogena®

I'm no dermatologist, but I recommend you see one to check and see if this shampoo might be an option.

[Aposiopesis]

Hey guys,

Thanks for the feedback. To those who said to go to a dermatologist: it won't make a difference. I've had acne all my life, and this isn't a new issue. I've also had infections in the past, but I've had them treated with antibiotics from the doctor. There isn't much more a dermatologist could do that hasn't already been done - not to mention that there isn't actually one in my town. I know they can help some people, but I come from a family of people with sensitive skin and allergies. Its under control, for the most part, except for when I use something with too many synthetic products or when I use a product with something I have an actual allergy to, such as kiwi extract, strawberry extract, etc.

The sunlight idea is a good one - the sun kills infections and it's good for scalp and acne. I know before antibiotics were readily available people with more severe infections were told to stay in the sun to kill off the bacteria. I'm a little wary of too much sunlight, though - I live in a state with the highest rate of skin cancer, so I don't want to do that too often! :P

I have heard the cider vinegar is good for the hair, but I'm unsure how it would go for the skin, being sensitive and all...trial and error, eh?

[Marla500]

You would definitely want to dilute it quite a bit, maybe a couple of teaspoons per cup of water to start? And possibly use bottled water if your tap water has a lot of chlorine?

I hear you about the sun exposure, it's good to be careful and not over do it.

[scarlett35]

How often do you wash your hair??

I used to have really oily hair but I reduced washing it to twice a week and that has helped massively! At first it was very oily until my hair got used to it, but after that it is now a lot better than it was

[Aposiopesis]

Scarlett: Daily. If I don't, I tend to get dandruff, eczema and psoriasis.

Did I mention above my hair/skin combo is a nightmare? :P