Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Discomfort And Itching On Scalp?
Question: For about a week I felt a very small discomfort and itch on my scalp but didn't feel anything on my skin.
last night however itch got stronger and I discovered a very dry itchy bumps on very top of my head. At least so far this is the only area that slightly bothers me, but I am afraid of getting worse. I don't know why it might happen, but I recently had a lot of severe migraines, hot weather bothers me and yesterday I went to sauna and in the morning used a new product for my hair? According to internet any of these can cause my condition, but I am more concern with how I can stop it before it got worse?
last night however itch got stronger and I discovered a very dry itchy bumps on very top of my head. At least so far this is the only area that slightly bothers me, but I am afraid of getting worse. I don't know why it might happen, but I recently had a lot of severe migraines, hot weather bothers me and yesterday I went to sauna and in the morning used a new product for my hair? According to internet any of these can cause my condition, but I am more concern with how I can stop it before it got worse?
Brief Answer:
may be a fungal rash
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
The most common causes of an itchy rash in the scalp are : (1) tinea capitis which is fungal rash to the scalp or (2) seborrheic dermatitis (3) allergic reaction to a product
Of these the fungal rash is more likely. In the case of an allergic or irritant response, the rash and itching would be more generalized unless the product was only used on that particular area of the scalp (the new shampoo would affect the entire scalp unless used on that particular area).
With seborrheic dermatitis, there may be a previous history or involvement of other areas as well.
You can try using an antifungal shampoo and topical cream but in the majority of persons, oral antifungal medication is needed. That would be prescribed by your doctor.
Examples of antifungal shampoos are nizoral or ketozal shampoo
Topical antifungals are ketoconazole, econazole, miconazole. These may be available over the counter
It can sometimes take 2 to 3 weeks for a fungal rash to resolve
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
may be a fungal rash
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
The most common causes of an itchy rash in the scalp are : (1) tinea capitis which is fungal rash to the scalp or (2) seborrheic dermatitis (3) allergic reaction to a product
Of these the fungal rash is more likely. In the case of an allergic or irritant response, the rash and itching would be more generalized unless the product was only used on that particular area of the scalp (the new shampoo would affect the entire scalp unless used on that particular area).
With seborrheic dermatitis, there may be a previous history or involvement of other areas as well.
You can try using an antifungal shampoo and topical cream but in the majority of persons, oral antifungal medication is needed. That would be prescribed by your doctor.
Examples of antifungal shampoos are nizoral or ketozal shampoo
Topical antifungals are ketoconazole, econazole, miconazole. These may be available over the counter
It can sometimes take 2 to 3 weeks for a fungal rash to resolve
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
thank you for the answer. I do have two follow up questions.
first, you mentioned that this could be related to a previous history. As a matter a fact just about this time last year I had sudden severe case of swelling and irritation on my face, which according to a dermatologist was a reaction to certain beauty products. I noticed that was worse after accesive sweating, which I am experiencing now too due to a hot weather, frequent hot flashes and I do try to stay active.
Second, if this is a fungal related, what could cause it? Is there something I did that I should avoid in the future so I would not continue having these issues?
first, you mentioned that this could be related to a previous history. As a matter a fact just about this time last year I had sudden severe case of swelling and irritation on my face, which according to a dermatologist was a reaction to certain beauty products. I noticed that was worse after accesive sweating, which I am experiencing now too due to a hot weather, frequent hot flashes and I do try to stay active.
Second, if this is a fungal related, what could cause it? Is there something I did that I should avoid in the future so I would not continue having these issues?
Brief Answer:
avoiding any known irritating ingredients would be important
Detailed Answer:
HI
Beauty products can cause irritation of the scalp and other areas of the skin but the reaction is normally generalized as with your previous reaction, not limited to an area.
Avoiding any harsh products or products containing ingredients that caused a previous problem would prevent this reaction from recurring.
In terms of the seb. dermatitis , there is normally a previous history of flaky rash on scalp, eyebrows and sometimes on the upper trunk.
Generally red scaly itchy rash with white scales.
Heat and moisture can worsen fungal rashes or make them itch worse.
It normally initially starts with contact with an infected area or person.
If confirmed by your doctor can be effectively treated with the oral antifungals, shampoos and cream.
Please feel free to ask anything else
avoiding any known irritating ingredients would be important
Detailed Answer:
HI
Beauty products can cause irritation of the scalp and other areas of the skin but the reaction is normally generalized as with your previous reaction, not limited to an area.
Avoiding any harsh products or products containing ingredients that caused a previous problem would prevent this reaction from recurring.
In terms of the seb. dermatitis , there is normally a previous history of flaky rash on scalp, eyebrows and sometimes on the upper trunk.
Generally red scaly itchy rash with white scales.
Heat and moisture can worsen fungal rashes or make them itch worse.
It normally initially starts with contact with an infected area or person.
If confirmed by your doctor can be effectively treated with the oral antifungals, shampoos and cream.
Please feel free to ask anything else
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
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
