What you are describing sounds like seborrhoeic dermatitis, which is the commonest cause of an itchy, flaky scalp. The daily hair oil is very likely making it worse, because oil feeds the malassezia yeast that drives the dandruff, so please stop the oil for now. Use a medicated anti dandruff shampoo containing ketoconazole 2% or ziconazole plus zinc pyrithione, three times a week. The key is to apply it on the scalp, massage gently and leave it for 5 minutes before rinsing, otherwise it does not work. On other days you can use a mild shampoo. Avoid scratching and hot water, keep the scalp dry, and manage stress and sleep since flares often follow stressful periods. Most people see clear improvement in 3 to 4 weeks and then continue the shampoo once a week to keep it away. If the itching is severe, there are hair patches, pus points or thick scaly plaques spreading to the face and chest, it needs examination, as psoriasis or a fungal infection can look similar and needs different treatment. You are welcome to consult me on Practo or at Synergy Multispeciality Hospital, Miraj.
Answered2026-08-31 19:31:16
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