Smelly hair/scalp

[annie0000]

My 10 year old son seems to have developed a smelly scalp or hair. Even just after washing and drying, it smells - there is no flaking or nothing obvious to see - it looks and is clean, but it smells, even over the shampoo smell.

There seems to be a lot of info on the web, mostly saying what has failed.

Has anybody any personal experience of this and what if anything worked for them?

[Buenchico]

This is definitely one for your GP's attention.

Your GP can take a specimen sample (by using nothing more complex than a swab or a cotton bud) for analysis. That will show whether the problem is related to a fungus or to bacteria. He can then prescribe the correct kind of treatment, which will be free of charge (because your son is under 16).

That makes far more sense than paying for, and using, the wrong type of treatment for weeks, or months, upon end.

Chris

[what..the?]

have you tried a different shampoo, make and consistency, sometimes just changing helps. I am a huge fan of the creamy shampoos because a have dry hair but I find it makes my hair smell better because they lather better if their creamy. Unlike the very clear transparent coloured shampoos. Even if you always buy the same product and it has only just started there's nothing to say a can't just start to develop a allergy/reaction to that brand.Maybe try another brand for a few washes see if there's a change.

[boxtops]

Neutrogena T-Gel is a good shampoo - get your pharmacist to have a look at him if you don't to go to the doc's.

[annie0000]

We do change shampoos regularly and he swims 2 or 3 times a week and uses a sports shampoo at the pool, he has also used a tea tree one from time to time and I have just read that that's supposed to be good as well, I really just noticed it today and sent him up for a shower as he seemed a bit smelly (thought maybe his hormones were kicking in) I smelled him before he went in the shower and it was only his head that smelled. I watched him wash his hair and he wanted it blow dried before bed and I noticed it still smelled - I had a sniff at his pillow which wasn't great so I binned it and gave him a new one.

I think the docs is the way to go.

Thanks guys.