Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Recurring Itchy, Red, Greasy Areas On Scalp, Eyebrows, Eyelashes, Public Area, Pain From Roots Of Hair Attached With White Waxy Substance. Advice
Hello!
I have had this problem for about twenty years now. I never had a doctor look at it because I am self conscious about it. My symptoms are reoccuring itchy, red, greasy areas on my scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes (lids), and pubic area. I notice the hair in those regions are very brittle and I feel a painful sensation from the roots. The hair easily comes out and attached to the end of the hair is an oblong off-white waxy/sticky substance. On my scalp, the symptoms occur in the same areas and are usually round in shape. What is this?
I have had this problem for about twenty years now. I never had a doctor look at it because I am self conscious about it. My symptoms are reoccuring itchy, red, greasy areas on my scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes (lids), and pubic area. I notice the hair in those regions are very brittle and I feel a painful sensation from the roots. The hair easily comes out and attached to the end of the hair is an oblong off-white waxy/sticky substance. On my scalp, the symptoms occur in the same areas and are usually round in shape. What is this?
posted on
Mon, 22 Jul 2013
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Mon, 22 Jul 2013
Answered on
Mon, 22 Jul 2013
Last reviewed on
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
I am so sorry to hear of what you have been experiencing for about 20years today.
From your symptoms, i think you maybe be having seborrheic dermatitis. This is a fungal infection of the sebaceous glands of the body that produce sebum to keep the skin protected fro germs. It constantly sheds flakes that fall off and itching is constant. Your sypmtoms seem classic for this disease.
Treatment is mainly by using low dose steroid based creams. You will be able to see significant improvement and reduction in symptoms with days of starting treatment. Anti fungals have no place in the treatment of this disease.
You may consider seeing a doctor to make a prescription based on locally available products.
Hope you find this helpful. I wish you a speedy recovery and good health.
Dr. Ditah, MD.
I am so sorry to hear of what you have been experiencing for about 20years today.
From your symptoms, i think you maybe be having seborrheic dermatitis. This is a fungal infection of the sebaceous glands of the body that produce sebum to keep the skin protected fro germs. It constantly sheds flakes that fall off and itching is constant. Your sypmtoms seem classic for this disease.
Treatment is mainly by using low dose steroid based creams. You will be able to see significant improvement and reduction in symptoms with days of starting treatment. Anti fungals have no place in the treatment of this disease.
You may consider seeing a doctor to make a prescription based on locally available products.
Hope you find this helpful. I wish you a speedy recovery and good health.
Dr. Ditah, MD.
I find this answer helpful
1 user finds this helpful
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Dermatitis
Loading Online Doctors....