Suggest Treatment For Itchiness And Redness Of Head

Posted on Mon, 10 Nov 2014

Question: Probably about 2 yrs. ago the top of my head was very itchy. It would come and go. I've mentioned it to my doctor; she said to use creme rinse after shampooing. It persisted; I then saw a dermatologist who saw no apparent dryness, redness, etc. Gave me a script for a very expensive , medicated shampoo which I couldn't afford to fill. Now I still have itchiness which has gone into soreness and sensitivity which seems to be more pronounced at the end of my day. I've thought maybe from the sun without protection since I live in So. CA. , play tennis, walk and spend enough time outdoors. Someone mentioned it's due to stress. . . .I don't think I live with stress. . . .I'm retired. Any suggestions?

Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Causes to itchiness/dryness/redness of head...

Detailed Answer:
Hi my dear,

1. Let me congratulate for the healthy and sportive activities you spend on daily basis at your age.

2. There are many causes to dryness, and redness of the top of your head:

- shampoo or cleansers you use, especially if you use to change shampoo quite often
- not wearing hat to protect from the sun
- diet
- stress
- fungal infection of the skin/hair.

3. I usually advise my patients to run examination of head skin for pathological fungi. If not found, then, other factors to be considered.

4. As you are saying you are living a peaceful and sportive life, then, (psychological) stress is excluded. Unprotected exposure to the sun and poor diet are possible causes.

5. Advise to get a way to find the medications as advised by dermatologist and see improvements. You really need to get an immediate treatment. I am sorry you cannot afford it. If you would make a simple calculation: what might seem to be an expensive choice today; it will turn into priceless problem tomorrow.

All the best!
Dr.Albana
Let me know if I can assist you further!

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

Follow up: Dr. Albana Sejdini (5 hours later)

The fact that this has persisted for several years as itchiness and now developed into tenderness, soreness, sensitivity to touch makes me believe it is coming from internal causes.
Any comments about it being brain-related or neurological ?

Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Not related to inside brain;maybe neurological...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

The fact that it has persisted for several years is indicative for:

- no proper treatment has been done so far or
- what you have used has failed to treat such hair problems
- metabolic diseases (e.g. diabetes)
- not related to inside brain problems
- when it comes to neurological patterns, yes, it could be a possible cause. However, should rule out dermatological and metabolic problems first. Please bare in mind that neurological problems are not related to issues inside the brain. They are related to nerves innervating head.

Altogether, metabolic problems and stress can influence nerve function.

Hope it answered to your queries!
Dr.Albana

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

Follow up: Dr. Albana Sejdini (29 minutes later)

Thank you very much for more info and details re: the root of my problem.
Since I will be seeing my gen. doctor soon for my annual exam, what tests
should I ask for or what might he recommend to determine if it is metabolic-related. . . . .or related to nerve function??
I appreciate your time and continuing discussion.

Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Following tests....

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

Thank you for your following up query!

1. First, if I was your caring doctor would recommend to run examination of hair and skin scrapping of head to exclude fungal infection

2. Diabetes testing include:
- fasting blood glucose test
- HbA1C level

Thyroid function testing is also recommended.

3. Neurological examination by neurologist.

All the best!
Dr.Albana

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