Flakey, itchy scalp with hypothyroidism. - Thyroid UK

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Flakey, itchy scalp with hypothyroidism.

Flowers2 profile image
22 Replies

Can anyone help with a treatment for this distressing condition. I'm on levo 125mcg and my symptoms are well controlled but I have this awful flakey and itchy scalp and my head smells dirty even just half a day after washing my hair. I'm getting more and more distressed about it and extremely self conscious about touching or scratching incase I release the huge flakes into my hair. Is this a hypo thing or maybe a T3 conversion problem it something else. Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thank you.

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Flowers2
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22 Replies

Hello Alit, I have this too for years now. I think it's to do with dry skin, hypo and B12 deficiency. I've tried so many products and spent loads of money but I haven't found anything that works. Even gone down the antifungal route. The other thing going on is blocked pores so my skin feels like sandpaper, even on my chest now. Do you have this too?

Flowers2 profile image
Flowers2 in reply to

I am at the lower end of the range for B12 but am within range so GP won't treat me. I've taken B12 supplements but I stay the same place in the range so no difference is made to my levels there. No I've not got blocked pores but do have to severely exfoliate to get rid of the sand paper skin. What's going on. I wondered about anti fungal preparations but it's interesting that you mention low B12. What's your B12 level?

Clutter profile image
Clutter in reply toFlowers2

My B12 was 363 in Nov and is now 725 after supplementing with BetterYou B12 Boost spray 1200mcg daily.

Hasn't improved my flaky skin though :(

Hi Alit, my level was 400 but that was after supplementing for 10 years. I take cimetidine which causes low stomach acid, and my b12 folate iron aren't getting absorbed. I was diagnosed PA 10 years ago when a dermatologist ran bloods for psoriasis which seemed to come on overnight. I didn't get injections 10 years ago just 50 MCG cyanocobalamin, which only helps if you're vegetarian, ridiculously low dose anyway. Now have nerve damage in feet and legs. I obviously have read a lot about PA and have read dandruff can be a symptom.

Just because you're in range doesn't mean you're not deficient. That serum test is flawed. In other countries anything below 500 is treated. You also need to be high in the range re thyroid.

Clutter profile image
Clutter

Dry, flaky skin is a hypothyroid symptom. Use a very mild shampoo, baby or Aveda shampure so you don't dry your scalp out further.

Whatever you do, don't use dandruff shampoos.

Flowers2 profile image
Flowers2

Hi Clutter - where do you buy the BetterYou B12 Boost spray 1200mcg from. Did it help with your peeling scalp at all though. No, I'm not using the anti-dandruff shampoos. I'm going to try and scalp treatment by Nioxin though. GP's just don't think this is an issue, but its hard to live with. Thanks for the advice.

ebites profile image
ebites

Argh, I have this problem too! For about five months my scalp has been flaky and peeling to an incredible extent, but only in patches. I was diagnosed about ten months ago.

I'm sorry to say that I don't have an answer, I have just been using dandruff shampoo and it hasn't helped. I'm going to try something else because it's getting really upsetting! So. Itchy.

If I find anything that helps I'll get back to you, Alit. Good luck all!

Flowers2 profile image
Flowers2 in reply toebites

thank you ebites and I'll get back to you if I find that using the Itchy Flakey Scalp treatment by Nioxin helps.

malancy profile image
malancy

I had the most awful itchy scalp (no flaking) and someone recommended using a paraban free shampoo. I use Timotei Pure, a silicone, paraban and colourant free shampoo. It does not dry the scalp or hair. Baby shampoos are the worst for your hair and scalp - they are loaded with chemicals.

I also had very itchy skin - I now use a pure soap or Sanex Zero % shower gel. I feel so much better now I am not constantly itching/scratching.

Flowers2 profile image
Flowers2 in reply tomalancy

Thanks. I'll try the timotei Pure. I use Sanex Zero and agree its great for dry skin.

cyfrin profile image
cyfrin

Hi :) My head has broken out like this within the last 2 weeks - nightmare! I also have dry skin and cracking behind my ears :( I have been using Argen Oil and my scalp has calmed down and is slowly improving, as are the ears!! I was using Head & Shoulders for 'itchy scalp' but think I may change this. I have been told (here) it is a hypo thing. Good luck :)

MSC56 profile image
MSC56

Try a food allergy elimination diet. Wheat, coffee, gluten, sugar can all cause this AND stress! Omega 6 will help, Primrose Oil, Star-flower Oil and lots of oily fish. It has to do with lack of Omega s in the diet.

Flowers2 profile image
Flowers2 in reply toMSC56

Hi MSC56, thanks for your suggestions. I'm already gluten and wheat free, basically sugar free too and I eat fish a few times a week and take krill oil every day. EPO doesn't agree wit me, what else can I have to get extra omega in my diet? I have a very healthy only 'clean eating' diet. I dont know what else to do.

MSC56 profile image
MSC56 in reply toFlowers2

Avocados are brilliant source of omega 3's and asparagus is really wonderful for cell renewal and detoxing the system. Try eating a tablespoon of organic virgin oil coconut oil (can rub scalp with it like a conditioner and rinse) but best to eat it, cook with it too.

Flowers2 profile image
Flowers2 in reply toMSC56

Hi, I eat avocados several times a week and use organic virgin oil for all my cooking oil needs. I've not rubbed it in my hair though. I'll try asparagus. Thank you.

puncturedbicycle profile image
puncturedbicycle

Could it be psoriasis? I have it on my scalp and what you have sounds a lot like it. Red skin with large silvery flakes? Can look fine unless you disturb it and then it sheds a lot of skin? Spreads symmetrically (if you have it on the left temple you'll have it on the right temple)?

Horrible condition - I'm glad I only have a mild case in small areas but it has spread over the years. Like Hashi's, it is autoimmune.

xx

Flowers2 profile image
Flowers2

Hi, There is no redness. My sister in law has psoriasis so I know it's not that. Mine is different. My sister in law has found some reduction in her psoriasis by going gluten free. She also has light treatment at the hospital but not sure that would work in hair. Good luck. I hope you get it under control. x

puncturedbicycle profile image
puncturedbicycle in reply toFlowers2

Gf sadly didn't help me - during my gf year it spread down my forehead - but it's nice to know it is helping your sister in law. Mine is pretty minor and the worst of it is in my hairline, so at least it's covered!

Good luck with your skin. :-)

I have a very sensitive scalp. I am very careful to use paraben free soap. I now only wash my hair every 4 days. This week it lasted 5 days. I take vitamin e capsules which helps my skin. My local health food shop has advised trying pure olive oil soap which she has in large blocks and cuts off a piece as needed. I have tried a couple of times and my hair has been lovely with no itching. I did however have to wash after 3 days. Good luck.

Flowers2 profile image
Flowers2

Thank you summersweety1 I shall try a paraben free shampoo. Its awful what we have to put up with - just another symptom. Best of luck to you too.

rai44 profile image
rai44

i think stress is the culprtit..are u feeling weak all the time..hard time to sleep..then adrenal is to be blamed..check them out

Flowers2 profile image
Flowers2

Hi, No not weak at all. Im training for an Iron Run so I feel especially strong. I do think you may be right about checking out adrenals though. Thank you.

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