Sweating, Staining Clothes, Bumps On Scalp Filled With Fluid, Painful, Smelling. Brown, Waxy Substance Accumulated. Help
Thanks for writing in.
I think we are looking at recurrent folliculitis. The "brown waxy stuff" is accumulated sebum which is accumulating due to a block in the duct of the glands.
What we need is the following measures:
a. You need to keep your skin clean and dry. After you bathe, we would need you to put an oil free moisturizer so that the skin doesn't become excessively dry.
b. Since you have been suffering for quite some time, I think a course of oral antibiotics like oxytetracycline is definitely in order. This would need to continue from anywhere between 1-6 months and will help us tackle the problem at the very root.
c. Also, for the scalp, you should be using a shampoo with ketoconazole or ciclopirox.
d. On the nose and the ears, you can apply an ointment with clindamycin and erythromycin or a mupirocin ointment
e. In the nose, I would also want you to apply mupirocin ointment just inside the nares twice a day for 5 days. also, speak with your physician for oral rifampicin daily for 10 days.
f. Keep your hands scrupulously clean. Good hand washing techniques are a must. The following link will give you an idea WWW.WWWW.WW You would need to see your physician for a prescription of the oxytetracycline.
hope this helps
Let me know if you have any more questions.
Given this history, I think we're dealing with a systemic disorder, most probably a rheumatological one ( could be lupus, PAN , or one of the several other possibilities that exist) rather than any localized skin disorder. That is why the prednisone is making you feel better. I think you need a detailed rheumatological examination, so that we can actually give you a solution to all your issues. Dealing with isolated issues will not help us address the cause, which is what I want to do for you.
Please see a rheumatologist. I can assure you that it would be the best way forward.
Let me know if you have any questions.
regards