Suggest Treatment For Itchy And Inflamed Scalp With Hair Loss

Brief Answer:
Suggestive of male pattern baldness

Detailed Answer:
Hello Sir,
Thanks for writing in to us at hcm.
This is Dr.Riyanka and I am glad to be helping you with your query.

Telogen Effluvium is a hair loss condition where in the number of hair follicles producing hair decreases and the various atages of hair growth cycle is affected. It is seen in cases of stress, after major illness or surgeries, after emotional trauma. After recovery the hair follicles again start producing new hair.

From your symptoms it looks like you are developing male pattern baldness also known as androgenic alopecia. This occurs when dihydrotestosterone decreases the size of hair follicles , thus making the strands shorter and thinner. Usually the hair line recedes,baldness at the top(vertex) and also at the temples (giving an M shaped pattern).

Male pattern of baldness is due to hereditary causes . But , if it is accompanied with pathcy hair loss, irritation of scalp, fungal conditions, baldness after use of certain medication then the cause of baldness will have to be first rectified.

There are some over the counter topical hair lotions like minoxidil that slows down hair further loss . In some cases it helps in hair regrowth. The effect is seen after 4 months of application.

Finasteride is a prescrition drug to reduced hair loss . Therfore, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist regarding this medication.

You can also consult your doctor regarding laser therapies and hair transplants.

Unfortunately, male pattern baldness is not completely treatable. However, the rate of hair loss can be decreased.

The following tips shall be helpful:
1. Avoid rigorous combing of hair.
2. Do regular scalp massages to increase blood supply.
3. Eat a nutritious diet rich in proteins, fruits, green leafy vegetables.
4. Take biotin supplements 1000mcg/day.

If however there are underlying causes of baldness like hormonal disorders or fungal infections then your dermatologist shall first treat the condition causing baldness.

Hope this answers your query. Don't worry .
Do write back if you have any further doubts.
Get well soon
Dr.Riyanka

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Brief Answer:
Kindly visit a dermatologist to confirm if it is TE or Tinea capitis.

Detailed Answer:
Hello Sir,
Thanks for writing back to us at HCM.

I have gone through your problems.

You do have a slight tendency for MPB but presently it is quiet likely that since the hair loss has been sudden in nature, it is either Telogen Effluvium or Alopecia due to tinea capitis ( since you are complaining of itchy inflammed scalp).

Hair growth cycle is divided into 4 stages:
1. Anagen- growth phase 2-5 years
2. Transition phase - a week to 10 days
3. Telogen - resting phase about 3 months. Only about 15-17% hair is at this
stage at a time.
4. Exogen- fall of old hair and new hair grows.

At times of metabolic stress , hormonal changes or stress and medications , a large number of hair prematurely reach their telogen stage. This leads to rapid hairfall all of a sudden - Telogen Effluvium. In this case diagnosis is done by a Scalp biopsy .Telogen hairs are usually identified as hair strands having a white bulb and there is absence of a gelatinous hair sheath near the bulb.A complete blood count will help to rule out anemia and other metabolic disorders which can cause hair loss.

In your case since it is associated with itchy scalp and irritation, it hints towards fungal infections - tinea capitis. A diagnostic test like woods lamp test would be helpful in this case.

Therefore, i suggest kindly first visit a dermatologist to confirm the cause based on the above stated diagnostic tests as to treat your hair loss , the condition causing the hair loss has to be treated.

If it is a fungal infection then the following medications may be helpful:

1. Tablet griseofulvin 500mg once a day for 4-6 weeks and can be extended upto 8- 12 weeks depending on the severity.

2. 2% Ketoconazole shampoo to be used.

Donot keep hair moist for longer durations.

The above stated medication should only be taken after consulting a dermatologist.

Usually the hair grows back within 6 months so dont worry. Once the cause is treated your hair will grow back. Be relaxed.

A hair lotion containing Minoxidil , tretinoin and azelaic acid is usually helpful for hair regrowth. It can be applied twice daily on dry scalp for 4 months or more.

MPB cannot occur overnight . It is a slow process.

Also can you please upload a photo of the scalp. It shall be helpful.

Hope your query has been answered.
Do write back for further doubts.
Take care.
Regards,
Dr.Riyanka

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