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Question: I have an on-going condition with my scalp - it smells! Any advice or treatments for this?

Asked by  Abipoole more than 1 year ago

15 answers

Abipoole

Over the last 6 months my scalp has developed a nasty (cheesy!) odour. The smell appears pretty much a few hours after washing my hair. My boyfriend says he can smell it if he puts his face close to my hair but I can smell it much more.

Anyone had anything similar and managed to get rid of it? I've asked hairdressers about this and they look at me blankly and I've also been to the doctors who gave me a medical shampoo, which hasn't worked.
I've tried:

using different shampoos
not using styling products
making sure my hair is dry and not left damp

It'd be good to hear from any specialists who can give me some ideas on how to eliminate this smell as it's starting to become an issue now

Treatments:
Nutritional Advice & Treatments, Haircuts and Hairdressing, Allergy Testing

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TiffanyG

 TiffanyG more than 1 year ago

It sounds like you have severe seborrheic dermatitis (when your sebaceous or oil gland over produce oil, otherwise known as dandruff) and or have develped a yeast infection on your scalp. This can be hormonal, genetic.... if the case is over producing sebum (oil) I have seen good results with a combination of two products by Phytologie. The first is a scalp treatment called Phytopolliene and it has clarifying and PH rebalancing ingredients. The shampoo is called Phytoscylic and has a salicylic acid that will help exfoliate your scalp and help open up the glands and folicles.

If it is a yeast infection you would want to see a doctor to get an anti-yeast topical medication that can be applied directly to your scalp.

Other answers (14)

Hairetic

 Hairetic more than 1 year ago

I have also suffered from a scalp condition most of my life, and have tried most medicated shampoos. I finally found some relief by using Eufora's Purifying Shampoo and Urgent Repair Replenishing Treatment. You can also try Beautifying Serum by Eufora to release excess sebum from the scalp by massaging a liberal amount onto the scalp before shampooing. Beautifying Serum has neem, argan, cranberry, and kukui nut oils which together provide antibacterial, antiviral, and anticeptic benefits. You can learn more about Eufora International's products by visiting http://www.eufora.net. You can also find a eufora salon near you. This is no a cure but it will help. Let me know if you have any trouble finding a eufora salon near you.

Yours Truly,
Tina Van Kirk
Hair Designer

Sources: http://www.eufora.net

TRULYBLESSED

 TRULYBLESSED more than 1 year ago

I RECOMMEND YOU SEE A DERMATOLOGIST BECAUSE WHAT WORKS FOR OTHERS MAY NOT WORK FOR YOU

Sheena

 Sheena more than 1 year ago

my best gues would be that you need to exfoilate your scalp try a teatree scalp treatment ( paul mitchell has a great one ) its worth a try

LauraDutraHairDesigner

 LauraDutraHairDesigner more than 1 year ago

Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Shampoo or Lanza Remedy Shampoo are for problem scalp.
Rocky Mountain Oils carries a theraputic essential oil for hair & other infections that you can massage into the scalp at nite.
You may also want to consider having a Dermatolgist or Doctor test you for a yeast infection.

spigner

 spigner more than 1 year ago

I have had much luck with an over the counter product, t-gel. many of my clients have suffered from soriasis(sp.) this works great. and has helped with the odor also. good luck.

eiren

 eiren more than 1 year ago

Paul mitchell tee tree shampoo and conditioner is great 4 that

ShannanStewart

 ShannanStewart more than 1 year ago

All the advice below is great... Redken makes a Chemistry Set line you find at any redken salon. One is a specific dandruff/scalp treat shot. It lasts for about 4 weeks. I use this on my guests that have problems with their scalp and they say they notice a HUGE difference right away. I'm not sure if this would specifically help your problem but it definately would be worth a shot!!
~Shannan Stewart (Planet Hair , Fort Myers, FL)

Jackaaaaay

 Jackaaaaay more than 1 year ago

I agree with tiffany... but one more Idea that you can try is a spray shampoo .... rockaholic makes one called dirty secret and it smells wonderful... it is made to absorb excess oils and freshin the smell of hair.... sometimes I even use it directly after blowdrying my hair if I think I am going to sweat a lot during the day. this in conjunction with an anti yeast might help. you could also try an over the counter yeast cream.... or even a yogurt treatment on your scalp, which is also really good for the hair. Both can help yeast infections and are over the counter and inexpensive. Hope this helps

Reformednurse

 Reformednurse more than 1 year ago

Have you used a Neways product? There are no harmful chemicals in their products including sodium laurel sulfate, TEA, DEA, PEG, proplyene glycol, etc. Go to http://hhh.ineways.com. I can't imagine you having an infection that no one else has noticed. Do other people notice this odor? If not, the problem may be in your sinuses.

Katie-Ittner

 Katie-Ittner more than 1 year ago

It sounds like Tiffany left you so good advise. The only thing I would add is that you should see a dermatologist, not just a regular doctor; and if a shampoo with salicylic acid doesn't work, try one with coal tar.

DivaVonTease

 DivaVonTease more than 1 year ago

I would say to try Paul Mitchell tea tree as well

Toxic

 Toxic more than 1 year ago

I would recoment shampoose with coal in them. It will take away the uncomfortabeness, odor, and toxins. i would have to seeit my self realy in order to help you more Iam affraid.

hairandmakeupdesignbytara

 hairandmakeupdesignbytara more than 1 year ago

Sounds like you have been given some great advise already. I would also recommend seeing a dermatologist. It is possible for over-active oil and sweat glands to cause microbial growths on the scalp. Try an antimicrobial shampoo. That certainly could help. You can also try changing your towel and your pillow case often. Smokers generally have a horrible smell to their hair/scalp... It is important to remember that when you wash your hair the primary cleansing is to wash the scalp (most do not shampoo correctly). Also, thorough rinsing of your shampoo and conditioner is important. Build-up from styling products, shampoos, conditioner, etc. on the scalp can also combine with excessive sweating and/or oils on the scalp causing a nasty odor, irritation, etc. Maybe try changing your hair care products as well? How often do you shampoo? Same concept. "Oily dandruff" could also be the culprit... See your dermatologist to further investigate your hair care habits and a possible underlying cause to remedy this problem. Good luck! =)

scott39

 scott39 more than 1 year ago

yes you may have a prsite in you gut you need to get test i hav had 4 clients test and they all had prsite of funges shampoo and conditioner will cover it up look at where it coming from get a test on you gut look at your food see how much suger is in it and get it out there lots more you need to do but get test