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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See dermatologist to determine cause of itch

DEAR DR. GOTT: I have an itchy scalp and body. It’s not ringworm. I get small bumps on the skin when it itches. My doctor gave me pills that help on my body and lotion for my scalp, but these last only about 15 minutes.

DEAR READER: There are numerous causes of itchy skin, most of which are harmless. Then there’s the itch from stress, anxiety, hyperthyroidism, polycythemia, an allergic reaction, sun exposure, dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema and liver or kidney disease.

There are logical steps you might consider, such as ruling out food allergies, reducing stress levels, using cold compresses, over-the-counter antihistamines and anti-itch creams. [Read more...]