I was diagnosed years after years trying to understand what the hell was up with my scalp. Like another poster said, I kept thinking my scalp was dry (as most blacks ppl do) and slathering it with oils only to have it worsen. I never thought the oil was making it worse, I kept thinking I simply wasn't finding the right oil. I spent $100s-$1,000s on products thru the years until i finally went to a dermatolgist.
My then Dr. also prescribed Nizoral and it works great. Although the flare ups for the last several years have lessened, I no longer get the large oily flakes and irritated red patches I used to on my scalp.
- I use the Nizoral periodically (I don't want to depend on Rx) but I also use other shampoos that have peppermint or tea tree. I think those have help me tremendously.
- They did also give me that Luxiq foam but like I said I didn't feel comfortable using so much prescribed items.
- Currently I do use Coconut Oil periodically I haven't had any adverse affects.
- I think the key is keeping your scalp clean and try not irritate it with an abundance of products
- I also think, there are just seasons when it will act up bad and long periods (like I'm experiencing now where it seems to die down). I only get bad flakes if I get lazy and dont' wash my hair for long periods of time. I have mid back locs and its not so easy to deal with washing my hair as often as I should.
One thing to also think about, if you have SD on the scalp chances are it can spread to you face and other areas. A few weeks back I went to the dermo, because I had excema patches on my body. She pointed out to me that the SD, had spread down to my face onto my forehead and the sides of my face. I used to get these small white flakes and never connect the two, just thought my skin was acting up. She said the bacteria that causing the flakes also acts as bleaching agent (which was why I've been so damned two toned, especially in my forehead area). She gave me a prescription gel which i used and decreased the flakes and evened out my skin alot.