Dermatitis seborreica
Over the last 16 months, I have been bothered by small wounds on my scalp, under the hair. I have been told I am suffering from dermatitis seborreica. I’ve tried numerous treatments, shampoos and skin lotions but nothing has helped. What should I do?
Despite the fancy name, what you have is dermatitis of the scalp which may be caused by a food intolerance, a hormonal imbalance or simply using the same old shampoo for far too long says Kathryn Marsden, the nutritionist and author of an excellent book called Super Skin (Thorsons, £5.99).
A qualified nutritionist can help you determine the underlying cause but until then, make sure you vary the shampoos you use and if you wash your hair everyday, use at least three different types and then cleansing shampoo at least twice a week.
The product Marsden raves about for your condition is called Foltene Research. Available in the UK from Boots, it was first marketed as a product to slow down hair loss but clinical trials showed one of the unexpected benefits was that it was brilliant for treating scalp dermatitis.
It’s totally natural, contains tricosaccharides, which stimulate blood flow to the scalp, and costs £23.95 for 12 x 100ml phials. Use half a phial a day and massage the lotion into your scalp after washing and towel drying your hair. If you have a dry flaky scalp, try treating it with evening primrose oil. Massage the oil into towel dried, washed hair and warm it using a polythene bag. Leave for 30 minutes before washing the residue out.