Mellisa, please discuss new or persistent skin changes with your doctor or a dermatologist, because Parkinson’s is only one possible part of the explanation.

There is a recognized connection between Parkinson’s disease and a greasy scalp or oily, flaky skin. People with Parkinson’s have an increased rate of seborrheic dermatitis. It commonly affects the scalp, eyebrows, forehead, sides of the nose, behind the ears, and sometimes the chest. It can produce excess oil with white or yellow scales, redness, crusting, or itching. It is not caused by poor hygiene and is not contagious.

Seborrheic dermatitis involves inflammation in oil-rich areas and a reaction to Malassezia, a yeast that normally lives on human skin. Researchers do not fully understand why it is more common with Parkinson’s. Possible contributors include changes in autonomic control of the skin and oil glands, dopamine-related changes, sweating abnormalities, reduced facial movement, and difficulty caring for the hair because of stiffness, fatigue, or limited movement. These are possible explanations—not proof that Parkinson’s directly causes every greasy scalp.

Dry skin elsewhere can occur at the same time. Parkinson’s and some atypical Parkinsonian diseases can disturb the autonomic nervous system, which helps control sweating and other skin functions. Reduced sweating in one area and excessive sweating in another can leave different parts of the body feeling completely different. Age, dry air, dehydration, hot showers, harsh soaps, eczema, thyroid problems, diabetes, nutrition, and medications can also contribute. Therefore, an oily scalp and dry body skin may not have the same cause.

Notice whether the scalp is only oily or also red, itchy, flaky, sore, or crusted. A doctor or dermatologist can distinguish seborrheic dermatitis from psoriasis, eczema, contact dermatitis, fungal infection, and other conditions.

For mild scalp flaking, a pharmacist or doctor may suggest a medicated shampoo containing ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, zinc pyrithione, coal tar, or salicylic acid. Follow the directions and avoid getting it in your eyes. A gentle fragrance-free cleanser, lukewarm instead of hot water, and fragrance-free moisturizer applied shortly after bathing may help dry skin. Avoid scratching, picking scales, or using strong products that increase irritation.

Seek medical attention sooner if the skin becomes painful, swollen, very red, warm, draining, bleeding, develops open sores, or changes suddenly. Ask whether any recently changed medication could be contributing.

So yes, Parkinson’s may be related—especially through seborrheic dermatitis and possible autonomic changes—but it should not automatically receive all the blame. The good news is that these skin conditions are usually manageable once the correct cause is identified.

Please check with your doctor or dermatologist before beginning medicated shampoos or skin treatments.  

Mellisa I'm experiencing the exact same thing along with that oily smell of dirty hair to even though it s not dirty I use head and shoulders shampoo for the hair and I wipe my face down with cotton balls soaked with alcohol and it helps me