HomeAnswersHomeopathyflaky scalpWhat can be done for dry scalp with white flaky layers on the front and sides?

I have dry scalp with white flaky layers on the front and sides. Please help.

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At February 15, 2019
Reviewed AtJune 8, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have a very dry scalp. There is a white flaky layer on the front and on the sides of the scalp. I have tried different shampoos but no help. Hair is getting thin day by day. I shampoo my hair twice weekly and before shampoo only I apply oil.

Please help.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understood your concern. You can start with the following medication regimen: Take five pills of Sulfur 30 in the morning, noon, and at night. Similarly, take five pills of Arsenicum album 200 in the morning and evening. For Psorinum 1M, take five pills in the morning on an empty stomach. Please note that this is a one-time dose only. However, I suggest you consult the specialist, talk with them and take the medications with their consent. Based on your symptoms, it appears that you are dealing with scaly dandruff. In addition to medication, it is recommended to consume foods rich in protein as it is beneficial for hair health. You can also prepare a mixture of coconut oil, castor oil, sesame oil, and ten drops of a homeopathic medicine. Massage your scalp with this mixture twice a week. Avoid frequently changing your oil and shampoo. Including black sesame and fenugreek seeds in your diet can also be beneficial, as sesame acts as a good hair tonic. To provide further guidance, I would need some additional information. Do you have any other complaints, such as hair fall, a persistent smell from the head, scalp itching, bleeding after scratching the scalp, or hair sticking together? How long have you been experiencing these symptoms? Did you have any prior illnesses before the onset of these complaints? These details will assist in determining the appropriate medication and the duration of treatment.

I hope this has helped you. Kindly follow-up with this information.

Thank you.

Differential diagnosis

1.Dandruff.

2.Psoriasis.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for your prompt response.

Here are more details of my condition. I have been experiencing hair loss, and there has been a significant decrease in volume. I also notice a smell coming from my scalp and experience itching. Although I try not to scratch, occasionally it does result in redness. Additionally, my hair has become curly, whereas it used to be smooth and straight. There are times when I develop acne on my scalp. I had a vitamin D deficiency and have been taking supplements to address it. I have been dealing with these symptoms for over two years, but they have become more persistent recently. I have not had any prior illnesses before the onset of these problems. My diet mainly consists of outside food, which is often spicy, and the chapatis are made from refined flour. I exercise daily, leading to excessive sweating. Please advise if it is suitable for me to start the medications mentioned earlier, or if any modifications are necessary considering these symptoms.

Kindly help.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

You can start above mentioned medicines. And provide some information in your next follow-up regarding below mentioned things:

1. How much do you feel better after scratching?

2. Does cold or warm water gives you relief from itching?

3. Does bleeding occurs upon scratching?

4. When does your complaints increases and decreases?

5. Which food intake aggravates your condition?

6. Does particular weather worsen your condition?

7. Is there a specific time of day or night when you experience more itching or a worsening of your symptoms?

8. Do you have any stress in life?

9. Kindly attach one picture affected area of your scalp. (I suggest you take one picture today and take another picture on the day of the follow-up).

In the meantime, I suggest you use a high-quality scalp shampoo for washing your hair. In addition to medication, it is important to develop a habit of consuming healthy food instead of relying on outside options. (Outside food is often prepared without proper hygiene and care. It contains numerous preservatives and chemicals that are detrimental to health.) Exercise alone is not sufficient, your dietary choices also have a significant impact on your well-being. Both medication and nutrition play crucial roles in recovering from any health issues. A well-managed lifestyle will manifest as improved health. Ensure you have a balanced and nutritious diet, prioritize restful sleep, and maintain a consistent schedule. To increase your vitamin D levels, consider sunbathing and minimize extended periods under air conditioning. Vitamins cannot be adequately stored in the body through tablets alone, you must consume proper food and receive sufficient sun exposure. With these adjustments, you will experience improvement in your condition. I hope this has helped you. Kindly follow up if you have more doubts.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor for your advise,

I would like to inquire about the recommended duration for taking these medications.

Kindly suggest.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

The duration of your treatment can be determined based on how your body reacts to the medications and your follow-up progress. It would be beneficial if you could provide details regarding the questions I mentioned in my previous response for making an appropriate decision. These details will help in determining any additional medications that may be necessary. I suggest if possible, kindly send a picture of the affected area of your scalp as well. Kindly follow up.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor for your prompt response,

Here is the information you requested earlier:

  1. When I occasionally scratch, it tends to increase the itching and burning sensation.
  2. I have not specifically noticed, but I think that cold water increases the itching.
  3. There has been no occurrence of bleeding.
  4. If I go without shampooing for three to four days, the itchiness and flakiness worsen. However, applying lemon juice along with oil before shampooing provides significant relief.
  5. I have not found any correlation between my food intake and the symptoms.
  6. The issue started in a comparatively colder climate.
  7. The symptoms persist throughout the day, without any specific time variation.
  8. I do not experience much stress. Overall, everything in life is going well.

In addition to the previous information, I would like to add a few more facts. Firstly, ever since I started experiencing flakes on my scalp, I have also noticed similar flakes coming from both of my ears. When I scratch the inside of my ear, a significant amount of white flakes appear. Secondly, I have been having trouble getting proper uninterrupted sleep. Thirdly, I have been experiencing digestive issues, including gas and mild acidity. I have been following your prescribed medication for approximately 12 to 13 days now, and I have also started applying a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, and castor oil every third day. This regimen has provided considerable relief. Currently, my scalp is around 70 % clear, and the flakes are barely noticeable. I will attach a picture in my next follow-up. Please let me know if there are any other details I should provide. Also, would it be acceptable to take these medicines with water instead of globules? If so, could you please advise on the appropriate number of drops and the amount of water to use?

Kindly suggest.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I suggest you continue taking the medications Arsenic alb and Sulfur for a period of 15 days. Kindly provide a follow-up report after the completion of the 15 day course.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor for the prompt response,

I will continue the suggested medications for 15 days. Can you suggest me whether I can take these with water instead of globules?

Kindly help.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

It is good that your scalp itching is minimal, indicating that the medications are effective. However, please note that complete resolution of your concerns will require some time. Based on the picture you shared (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity), it appears that you will need to continue taking the prescribed medications for a few days to months in order to achieve a complete clearance.

Kindly follow up if you have more doubts.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor for the prompt response,

It seems like I am suffering from scalp psoriasis as it has been ongoing for the past two to three years. This is the first time I have ever experienced such a condition. I have noticed that using warm water exacerbates the flaking. Additionally, I have symptoms of acidity such as burping and bleeding. But I have not noticed any worsening of symptoms after experiencing anger or worry. However, my symptoms intensify significantly in cold weather. I do not take baths daily and experience minimal itching, without any specific time-related effects.

Kindly help.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Since your complaint is chronic, it will not be completely cured within a few days. However, rest assured that with time, it will improve significantly. Your recovery will require a longer duration. I will suggest additional medication shortly.

Kindly follow up if you have more doubts.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I do not have a headache. However, there is a foul smell coming from the flakes. Additionally, should I continue taking the previous medications in conjunction with these new ones?

Kindly suggest.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I suggest you stop your previous medicines and continue taking new suggested medication. I hope this has helped you. Kindly follow up if you have more doubts.

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Sheetal Nanji Dama
Dr. Sheetal Nanji Dama

Homeopathy

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Homeopathy

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy