Bad Scalp Odor?

[cernel_joson]

I've been going to the gym for a while and using towel service. Recently I've noticed that my scalp is beginning to smell pretty rank at the end of the day, or even after a shower, like mildew and corn chips, even if I use a great shampoo like Clubman Country Club. I've gotten some advice about using a sulfur soap or Selsun Blue because it's likely a fungal or bacterial issue.

Anybody else here have to deal with this nightmare? Anybody treat it successfully?

 

[Lusitano]

If it's bacterial or fungal I'm sure almost sure that a tea tree based shampoo will do the job. Tea tree seems to be powerful fighting fungus and bacteria.

 

[malocchio]

are you wearing a hat all day or even a few hours of the day ? if so,it could be the hat,if not ,try an acne fash wash on your scalp,when all else fails,chlorophyll and charcoal tablets from the health store may help

 

[arturofinkus]

use one of the clubman hair tonics. i use it when i wear a hat and it lasts
all day. in fact you'll catch yourself smelling the inside of your hat.

 

[Go West Young Man]

Go see a doctor, you could have an infection of some sort.

 

[Pioneer]

Go see a doctor, you could have an infection of some sort.

+1

Also you could try this: put a cup or so of Apple Cider vinegar on your head, massage through scalp, and wrap with a towel for 10 or so minutes. Then shampoo out.

Doctor seems like a good idea, though.

 

[DavyRay]

You did mention your towel service. Try taking a towel from home to the gym, to see if there is any difference. I like Nizoral shampoo for these issues. The doctor visit is a good idea if your towels are not the problem.

 

[The Nid Hog]

I think I'd get to the doctor if I were you.

 

[Blue Raccoon]

Go see a doctor, you could have an infection of some sort.

I think I'd get to the doctor if I were you.

x3

 

[binowatch]

Check with your doctor or go see a dermatologist. Agree it is probably some type of infection, prob. fungal. If you have to wait to get an appointment the use of an antifungal shampoo-many are OTC now such as Nizoral - is usually harmless and worth a try. Selsun works for some fungi but you need to apply and let dry and head for 15 or 20 min then rinse off. Ask your pharmacist what they carry.

 

[cernel_joson]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I did talk to a doctor about it, and the conclusion is that it's a fungal issue. I was given a few options for treating it including medicated shampoos and pills, neither of which I'm too fond of, especially pills. I have ordered a medicated shampoo bar and I'll update everyone about what happens.

I was actually hoping I wasn't the only freak with stinking hair here. Ah well!

 

[cernel_joson]

For the sake of google searches and resolving this thread I have an update: after a few years, I can safely say that I cured the stinking scalp. 1% Ketoconazole shampoo did it. And it cleared up a long dandruff issue (and other related issues, not worth mentioning).

Sulfur soap, zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar, dawn dishwashing detergent (though this is great for cutting accumulated residue and grease [probably not great for the skin]), dial antibacterial soap, mentholated soap, all natural castile soap, etc.

None of the above worked like ketoconazole.