36/female. Itchy Sore Scalp . Thinning Hair Help! What Could

Posted on Mon, 4 Feb 2019

Question: 36/female. Itchy sore scalp. Thinning hair help! What could it be?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (59 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Probably seborrhoeic dermatitis, more details are needed.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

Your symptoms can be related to many medical conditions.

In my opinion, it can be seborrhoeic dermatitis.

More details are needed to help me through the diagnosis.

How long do you have these symptoms?

What did your skin look like when your symptoms started?

Do you suffer from any other medical condition and are you taking any medications?

Do you have any contact with any kind of irritants?

I will be waiting for your response to be able to help you better.

Meanwhile, I suggest you to use steroid cream for local application in the scalp area.

I also recommend to use a specific shampoo such as Nizoral shampo with antifungal properties.

I also recommend using antihistamines such as Prozac to relieve the itching.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (3 hours later)

It has been this way a few months ago but then stopped. Now it is back. And my hair volume is just lacking. I am not completely clogging a shower but it notice a significant difference. I just sold my condo and went through a very stressful 6 months. Wondering if that does anything to the hair. I have no patches and no hairline problems. My least thickness is from my longest layer of hair. No medications. I am vegan but had blood tests and have no deficiencies. Although I had a little high blood pressure. My doctor tried to give me xanax. I am not one for pills. Instead I started taking a calming vitamin with rodialine root.

Answered by Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Your symptoms can be related to stress.

Detailed Answer:
Hi again dear,

I am sorry for my late response.

Your symptoms can be related to stress.

Stress produces hormones and pro-inflammatory chemicals that can compromise your scalp’s barrier function.

These changes produce a low moisture it the scalp causing dryness, itchiness and thin hair.

I agree with taking calming vitamin.

I also recommend to follow the advice above about taking antihistamines and using a steroid lotion for local application.

I suggest to wash your hair less frequently and use gentle shampoo.

I suggest you to eat a healthy diet and do daily exercise to lower the level of stress.

Hope it helps dear.

Take care,

Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng