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Severe Scalp Itch, Fungus Diagnosed. Selsun Shampoo Ineffective. Suggestions?
My elderly mother has a severe scalp itch. It is so bad, that she has scratched a strip of hair off about 1 inch wide and3 inches long. The doctor says it is a fungus. We have been using a prescription selson shampoo on it for several weeks. We've cut her fingernails, etc. All to no avail. Can you suggest anything?
Sat, 18 May 2013
Hello,
Welcome to healthcare magic.
From your history, I am assuming that your mother has only itching and no or minimal scaling on the scalp.
You could try a mild steroid based shampoo alternate days.
If it is a fungal infection as your doctor mentioned, you could also try a shampoo containing ketoconazole.
Also please ensure that she does not have any head lice or nits . They are also a common cause in the elderly.
Hope this helped.
Take care.
Welcome to healthcare magic.
From your history, I am assuming that your mother has only itching and no or minimal scaling on the scalp.
You could try a mild steroid based shampoo alternate days.
If it is a fungal infection as your doctor mentioned, you could also try a shampoo containing ketoconazole.
Also please ensure that she does not have any head lice or nits . They are also a common cause in the elderly.
Hope this helped.
Take care.
I find this answer helpful
1 Doctor agrees with this answer
Hi, welcome to HCM.
It seems that your mother is having either scalp prurigo or tinea capitis.
To confirm the diagnosis, KOH scrapping for fungus should be done.
If fungus is found , tinea capitis should be diagnosed. If negative for fungus it may otherthen tinea.. In tinea capitis, take antifungal tablet and apply antifungal lotion. If it is prurigo, short course of steroid should be taken.., and mild steroid lotion should be applied...
If there is itching , antihistaminic will be needed.
Avoid worries, stress and anxiety to relieve pruritus.
Shampoo with ketoconazole containing shampoo.
I hope your mother will be improved..
Regards,
Dr. Ilyas Patel MD,DVD
It seems that your mother is having either scalp prurigo or tinea capitis.
To confirm the diagnosis, KOH scrapping for fungus should be done.
If fungus is found , tinea capitis should be diagnosed. If negative for fungus it may otherthen tinea.. In tinea capitis, take antifungal tablet and apply antifungal lotion. If it is prurigo, short course of steroid should be taken.., and mild steroid lotion should be applied...
If there is itching , antihistaminic will be needed.
Avoid worries, stress and anxiety to relieve pruritus.
Shampoo with ketoconazole containing shampoo.
I hope your mother will be improved..
Regards,
Dr. Ilyas Patel MD,DVD
I find this answer helpful
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