Question:
Dry Itchy Scalp
My scalp is so dry and itchy I don't know what to do! I am a black woman, so I put oil on my scalp daily and this doesn't seem to help. I have scratched sores on scalp, I wake up at night because of the itch. I was told that it could be because I am not getting enough protein. Can someone give some help. — noreale (posted on June 25, 2008)
June 25, 2008
I am not sure what kind of hair-do you are wearing, weave of glue, non-glue
weave, pressNcurl, braids, relaxer, or coloring, but now is the time to
make sure you give your hair the best of the care, due to WLS. Make sure
you do get your protein and vitamins, and some say Biotin works too,
drinking lots of water, and nightly good nights rest. If you can, use a
vented hair band to keep your hair in place while at home, try not to wear
rollers to bed, and too much hair oil and curling irons. Your scalp will be
irritated from the extra dryness and scratching. Try not to scratch because
eventually you could get scabs and infections which can be really hard to
control and heal. Since you are on line, use a search engine to find a
black hair care supply store because they will carry an assortment of
specific products made for people of color trying to manage their hair.
This what I recommend, even though I am not a profession hair person, but I
have three sisters and a daughter and I have done my and my sisters hair
since I was in 4th grade. Light oils with bergamot, calendula, sage, and
citrus mixture with a base oil of almond will help a lot. I you have the
extra cash; there are natural oils vendor-carriers who specifies in these
type of product, which have great scents for hair, face, and body all
related to people of color. I am a self taught hair do lady wishing you the
best.
— sor09
June 25, 2008
Hi Mary. I am not black and cannot address the issue of if you are using
some type of chemical in your hair that may be causing this because I am
not familiar with that, but I did have RNY (14mos out), I did have a very
similar problem with my hair, and did work in a WLS center. I'm not sure
the lack of protein is causing dry scalp, but here is what I do know and
recommend. Do make sure you are getting enough protein, for lack of it
will cause your hair to fall out! You need at least 60g per day, and if
your hair is thinning, then increase it to 70-80g. Make sure you are
getting enough water. You need at least 64oz per day, but with it being
hot like it is right now, your body needs closer to 80oz, especially if
your skin is dry and you are outside any at all. (this has been a recent
problem with me!) I also had my hair hightlighted about 5 months post RNY,
and it totally burned my hair. I had to have it cut pretty short to get
the dry burnt hair off and I'm just having to let the gray shine thru for a
while :-). And lastly, do make sure you are taking your vitamins! All of
them! Not sure which WLS you had, but if it's Lap Band or Sleeve, you
should be taking a good multivitamin a day plus calcium if it's needed. If
you had RNY, then you should be taking vitamins specifically made for RNY
patients, such as Bariatric Advantage. RNY patients should be taking
multis, calcium, iron, and B12. I hope this helped and feel free to email
me if you want to talk more! Happy losing!
— pam2007
June 25, 2008
I agree fully with the thoughts of upping your protein and water, but also
suggest something like "Silk" or "SoSilk" to help with
the itch and possibly the texture of your hair
— Ravenwulf
June 25, 2008
I have, through out my life experienced dry and itchy scalp. I am almost 3
months post-up and I haven't experienced any hair issues. However, my
recommendation is that along with getting in your protein and water, that
you find a good conditioner that will not only work for your hair, but for
your scalp too. I like the cholesterol conditioner when doing my hair at
home. You may also want to make sure the shampoo you are using doesn't
contain a drying agent such as alcohol. You might also try a hot oil
treatment. If all else fails you may want to check with a qualified hair
dresser or your dermatologist.
— Carmie08
June 26, 2008
Haven't had WLS yet, but I run into that problem quite a bit myself because
my scalp is pretty sensitive. When it gets bad I wash my hair more often,
since nothing is wetter than water. ;) It also helps because being hot and
sweaty in this weather can aggravate things. Then I deep condition with a
cholesterol treatement and let it stay on for a while. As far as more
long-term relief goes-- when my hair is braided/twisted this product called
Sulfur 8 directly on my scalp. It feels WONDERFUL, all cool and tingly when
it first goes on. It does have a bit of a smell, but there's also a light
version without the odor that works almost as well.
— snickersblk
June 28, 2008
I was told that it is a lack of vitamin D
— bariatricdivalatina
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