Help with scalp odor as it smell bad all the time
For the past 6 months, my scalp has developed a bad hair odor. The smells occurs after my hair is dried. I used to wash my hair once a week but because of the smell, I wash my hair 2-3 times a week. I did go to the dermatologist and was prescribed Keketoconazole 2 % but it doesn’t work as the smell comes back. The doctor did an exam and there was no appearance of dandruff. I have washed my hair with Head & Shoulders, T/Gel, and Knot Today Clarifying Shampoos (as I have naturally curly hair) but nothing seems to work. I also thought it was my styling product so last week I just shampooed my hair and let it dry and the smell appeared after it dried.
This odor is taking an emotional and physical toll on me as I try to isolate myself from people because this problem makes myself and other people around me uncomfortable. People are always holding their noise and telling me I smell. If you have any ideas why this might be happening, please share!
Has anyone had anything similar and managed to get rid of it? It'd be good to hear from any specialists who can give me some ideas on how to eliminate this smell as it's starting to become a big issue now.
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Hi @molawson88, Welcome to Connect. I know that you mentioned you've tried a bunch of different shampoos and the dermatologist prescribed prescribed Keketoconazole 2 % (ketoconazole?). I read an article with some home remedies for smelly scalp which listed ketoconazole along with some other recommendations and also mentioned if the first one you try doesn't work to try another one.
What’s Causing My Scalp to Smell and How Do I Treat It?: https://www.healthline.com/health/smelly-scalp
Did your dermatologist happen to mention if the Ketoconazole based shampoo doesn't work to try another one with a different active ingredient?