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Suggest Treatment For Eczema Patch On Scalp

Posted on Wed, 29 Jul 2015

Question: Hi. My son is 5 months old. He is Afro-Carribean. He has an eczema patch to the back of his scalp which flares most days and at the bottom of his neck. His scalp has always been quite light in colour.

For the last 2 months, I have noticed that his hairline, patches on his face are lighter than his face but the same pale colour as his scalp. There is still pigment there it's just lighter than his face. He gets an itchy scalp but this responds to ketoconzaole shampoo.

I'm using moisturising creams.

Please what is going on with his scalp ? And how do I treat it? I thought possibly pityriasis XXXXXXX but I'm also wondering if he has eczema affecting his hairline? Or whether this is vitiligo?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Possibility of Seborrheic Dermatitis; Upload Images for confirmation

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

I have taken note of your query and I understand that you are concerned about
-Dermatitic patches on back of scalp/ neck and
-lighter colored patches on face and scalp.

After going through the description I suggest a possibility of Seborrheic Dermatitis with post-inflammatory hypopigmentation.
Light colored patches on face are likely to be pityriasis XXXXXXX Or post-inflammatory hypopigmentation.

I suggest that you upload a few Images so that I am able to guide you better.

You may upload an Image either at "Reports Section"

Or

You may mail me the Images at YYYY@YYYY with the subject line of this mail as Attn:Dr. Kakkar.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (21 minutes later)

Thank you. I think this is probably the problem. What would you advise I do to treat the hypo pigmentation on the hairline and scalp?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (0 minute later)

Brief Answer:
A mild topical steroid

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

May use a mild topical steroid e.g desonide 0.05% cream, twice daily for 2-4 weeks.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (3 minutes later)

I have access to 1% hydrocortisone and 0.05% betametasone dipropotionate cream. Which one should I use? Also which areas should I apply this to? The scalp? The hairline? The areas with the pityriasis alba?
Thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 minute later)

Brief Answer:
Hydrocorisone is Ok

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Hydrocortisone is mild and would be Ok. Betamethasone is too potent to be used on face and specially in a child.
You may apply hydrocortisone on light colored patches on face, scalp, hairline as well as dermatitic patches on back of scalp and neck.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (5 minutes later)

Thank you so much for your clear advice. I can't wait to apply the cream. Hope it works!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (0 minute later)

Brief Answer:
You are welcome

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for writing to us

Regards

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar