Itchy scalp may not be due to seborrheic dermatitis

DEAR DR. GOTT: I have seborrheic dermatitis. I’ve been to many doctors, and no one has ever relieved the itch or the loss of hair. I take clobetasol propionate topical solution, fluocinolone acetonide topical solution and a half hydroxyzine HCL tablet at night for the itch. Nothing has helped. I have no dandruff or pimples but a pink scalp that itches. Can you help?

DEAR READER: Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin disorder that commonly attacks the scalp. It commonly presents with dandruff and scaly and itchy red skin on the scalp but can also appear in the groin, armpits, between the eyebrows and in other locations. You certainly don’t exhibit the classic symptoms, so I question whether you have been diagnosed properly. Similar conditions include tinea capitis (ringworm), which causes bald scalp patches that itch but are red; scalp psoriasis, which covers the scalp with silver-colored scales; and actinic keratoses, presenting with pink patches.
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Daily Column

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I would like to share with you and your readers something that has helped me with dandruff and rosacea problems.

For many years I was embarrassed by problems with dandruff and flaking on my clothes. I would also have facial skin problems related to rosacea. My dermatologist gave me several different prescriptions but none ever seemed to give me any long lasting relief.

Somehow or another, I found a very simple solution that has helped me tremendously. I use a product called Brass, ZP-11 Anti-Dandruff Hairgroom. I rub it into my scalp after shampooing and then rub a light application onto my face and eyebrows. Something in the formulation works for me. It is a very inexpensive product at about $6 a bottle. Perhaps some of your readers will benefit from it as I have. [Read more...]