A
female
age
30-35,
anonymous
writes:Uh... Hi.This is embarrassing.Well, I suffer from really dry skin and kinda bad dandruff. I use moisturiser and special shampoos and conditioners but nothing helps! I've used sensitive stuff as well but everything I've tried fails. I'm worried this may ruin my chances of getting a guy. Is there anything I can do or use to make it either less noticeable or go away completely?Thank you. Reply to this Question
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male
reader, harshbutfair +, writes (11 April 2008):
 The dandruff is best treated with a shampoo containing Ketoconazole, the brand name here in the UK is Nizoral or Nizorelle and it's now available without a prescription I believe (try Boots or your supermarket). As long as you follow the instructions (wash hair, keep it on for 5 minutes, rinse off, twice weekly until under control) it works really well, better than anything else because it targets the cause rather than the symptoms. It kills the spores responsible for dandruff.
As for your dry skin, try not washing with water or getting water on your face in the shower. Use sensitive skin face wipes to clean your face or a lotion that you apply then wipe off with cotton wool pads. Also be patient it can take a couple of weeks for your face to recover.
If those suggestions don't help after a couple of weeks you should see your GP or a dermatologist. Whatever you do, NEVER apply steroid creams to your dry skin you will make it 100 times worse and ruin your face.
A
female
reader, birdynumnums  +, writes (11 April 2008):
 My son has had problems his whole life with dry skin and his latest dermatologist has told him NO MORE SHOWERS. Hot water is the most drying thing that there is. He now only takes bird baths - washing under his arms and groin - and running warm water through his scalp a few times a week. No harsh chemicals, and only the very lightest application of moisturizers and creams to encourage the skin to get back to normal. I also bought him a shower head that has a chlorine removing filter in it.
I only have a few patches of dry skin. For myself, my dermatologist told me to use Head and Shoulders in my hair and put a bit of the suds on the dry patches for a few minutes (because of the mild zinc), then rinse. The only cream that my skin doesn't react to is Vanicream. My skin is dry around my mouth and it overreacts to cortizone creams and petrolium based ointments. I know - it's a big pain in the butt. The problem is, what works for me, doesn't work for my son, and might not work for you. I'm afraid it's all trial and error, even with a dermatologist.
Have you been tested for allergies? There are pin prick tests on your arm for environmental allergies, and patch tests on your back for topical allergies. Sometimes finding out what's irritating you is a big part of the cure. My son found out he couldn't wear shoes with rubber inside them! And don't worry, he has had plenty of girlfriends in the past and had his current girlfriend for two years now, so take heart! Good Luck and Take Care, Dear!
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A
female
reader, Tisha-1  +, writes (11 April 2008):
 Hi there, sorry to hear about the skin and hair condition. I have to agree with the previous poster that you might consider seeing your doctor for the dandruff if over-the-counter special treatments haven't helped. Sometimes, you just need something stronger, which would have to be prescribed.
Here's a link for a little more information:
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/understanding-dandruff-treatment
As far as the dry skin, when I had that problem, I would bathe, then slather on baby oil, not too much, and not towel dry at all. You have to stand around in the bathroom while you air dry, which is a bit of a pain, but it helped me. Avoid using really hot water too.
Good luck!
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A
female
reader, LethalInjection-x +, writes (11 April 2008):
 If special shampoos & moisturisers aren't working for you, you could try speaking to your doctor, they can provide subscription moisturisers and shampoos which are specially made for that skin type, and they're generally so much better than "off the shelf" products from shops.
As for the dandruff though, avoid using hairdryers, they dry out your scalp even more. Also, when you wash your hair, try rinsing with cold water. Hot water removes natural oils and leaves dry, flaky skin, so by rinsing with cold water, you allow some oils to stay and moisturise naturally. Avoid using loads of hair products too, the alcohol in them worsens it.
I hope that has helped, but I really do think that you should try speaking to your doctor if shop-bought products haven't worked.
Take care :)
x
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