Burning Red Itchy Scalp

Went to a dermatologist for this and all she said was that my scalp and forehead were "irritated."  She didn't name the condition or anything.  She said it wasn't from shampoo, etc.  I have no scaling or dandruff symptoms, just BURNING, red and EXTREMELY INTENSE itchy scalp.  I was given some sort of steroid (can't remember the name of it) that is a foam consistency (like moose).  

She seemed more concerned about my knees, which turned out to be Granuloma Annulare.  

I have severe allergies to all trees and grass.  Not sure if that would cause the scalp issues though.  The scalp issues started around Thanksgiving or Christmas (I think).  Coincidentally, this is also the time we realized our house would have to go into foreclosure and we moved in with my in-laws in January.  I'm sure stress isn't helping my scalp problem.

The steroid foam is helping but as soon as I stop using it for about 3 days, the condition starts to come back.  I even get pretty itchy bumps on my forehead that don't look like acne.  They are red/raised bumps that are VERY sore and VERY VERY itchy.  The condition is definitely improved lately with the foam steroid but as soon as I stop using it, I start to get the bumps (very few though) and my scalp starts to become sore, itchy and red again.  I think the only reason it stays under control is the steroid.  

Any ideas on what would cause this or if I should use something other than the steroid foam?  I'm on Lexapro for stress/anxiety but I don't think that's helping my scalp issue if it IS from stress.  Could it be some sort of yeast issue?  

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
One condition that presents with these symptoms is chronic telogen effluvium.It is characterized by excessive and early entry of hairs into the telogen phase. Telogen effluvium is a reactive process caused by a metabolic or hormonal stress or by medications.It can even be mediated by allergic contact dermatitis of the scalp.Second differential can be due to allergic contact dermatitis of the scalp.

I suggest an evalualtion by a dermatologist to confirm a diagnosis as treatment plans for both are different.Biopsy of the scalp skin and bumps may be required to confirm the diagnosis.

I hope that helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.Kind regards.

[icesk8r1]

Thanks for the reply.  I'll have to write this down and ask the dermatologist.  

Another strange thing i've noticed is the irritation I'm having is concentrated and more severe where I have sudden gray hair.  I have a clump of gray (white) hair in my bangs and it seemed to happen suddenly.  I know it's silly but I wonder if that's another sign of hormonal stress or some kind of stress.