Thank for this question! Typically, seb derm is actually caused by an over production of oil called sebum. Those flaky patches are a response from your scalp trying to rid it. The best thing to do is find a good oil that can restore the pH balance of your scalp. I'd be happy to make some product suggestions!

I realized that pre oiling my scalp made me itchier. I have stopped using ketaconazole 2 % shampoo now and currently use Oribe Serene Scalp 2 % salicylic acid shampoo. I also use the Serene Scalp conditioner which has no salicylic in it. It has been great and much better for my hair than T Sal shampoo. I use Oribe leave in Alchemy serum and have their Moisture in Control Curl Silkening cream when I let my hair dy naturally. I just had my hair colored and highlighted for the first time in over 4 months and I had no issues, thankfully. They use Goldwell color, and she used Goldwell Nectaya on my roots, which is ammonia free and made for sensitive scalps.
I am currently deciding on another Oribe Shampoo and conditioner to interchange with the Serene Scalp line. All in all, my head hasn't felt this good in well over 4 months. Grateful!

I get freaked out too and think all sorts of things. I just got the Gold Bond so I’ll use it and see. I like the Vagisil dimethicone powder gel for the bra thing. I do get itchy from the scalp dryness so I’ve been doing as my dermatologist told me and using a pre shampoo oil on scalp.

Also pro tip: STEER CLEAR FROM LIPIDS WITH LONG CARBON CHAIN LENGTHS (about 11-24)! I.e. coconut oil, olive oil. The reasoning being, Malassezia is lipophilic- IT LOVES LIPIDS!! The fungus feeds off them. Some of these fatty acids may have antifungal properties, however, these will not necessarily work for clearing Malassezia. For example, there’s a high percentage of lauric acid in coconut oil which has a medium carbon length of 12. There’s a lot of misleading info out there about using olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, etc for treating sebderm. It helps to learn more about the funguses involved with sebderm and their different properties. It’s a life savior I promise!

What’s helped me with the scalp itchy and scaly spots has been Dermazen’s calming serum- it’s all natural ingredients that disrupts the biofilm “sticky” layer the Malassezia creates, helps clear the fungus, and soothes the scalp to help moisturize the scalp. Also, the best thing that has helped restore my scalp’s Ph balance during my journey has been raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar with the mother. BUT, make sure to dilute with water first!! Apple cider vinegar is corrosive and can cause skin burns if not diluted, use a ratio at least 1:1; and use a patch test first to make sure it’s not going to further irritate your skin. Like your skin, your scalp and hair’s natural Ph is about 4-5.5, a lot of products and hard water make your scalp more alkaline, making it more dry and itchy. A couple drops of pure tea tree oil rubbed in your scalp tends to ease the inflamed itch as well. Both tea tree oil and apple cider vinegar have natural antifungal and antimicrobials as well, leaving in overnight as a tonic tends to help clear the fungus for me. Using a pure boar bristle brush also helps in the long run. Boar hair is very similar to human hair and each boar strand has a plate that gently pulls through your hair strands to prevent breakage (unlike nylon pins). Boar bristles also pull the sebum from your scalp and distributes it through your hair strands, keeping the sebum from collecting on your scalp (ultimately helping your sebaceous glands from overproducing sebum) and naturally moisturizes you hair strands. These are just tips that I’ve learned on my journey that have helped me keep the fungus at bay. I hope this helps!