Damage or Dermatitis?

[briannan]

I am a 27-year old female.  In mid-September, I had my hair thermally reconditioned (straightened).  It is supposed to be conditioning for the hair and different from the chemical straighteners, but I am starting to wonder.  I have had it done once before, with no problems, but it was a different brand.  My stylist mentioned that my hair might start drying out a couple weeks later and to use a deep conditioner.  

A couple weeks later, my scalp started to itch. Then I noticed a slight flaking.  Itching and flaking did not go away with coal tar shampoo - I used ketoconazale and the flaking went away.  My friends I got to look at my scalp saw no visible flaking.  

Since then, I have had a slight itch occassionally concentrating right on the crown, where my hair parts.  Again, friends have looked and saw no flaking or redness.  When I scratch it, I can see tiny white flecks under my nails.  

So, what do you think?  Is this anything to worry about and could it have been caused by the straightening? I've never had dandruff or dermatitis before.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Nothing to worry about.  Irritation of any kind can make the scalp more itchy and sensitive for a while.  (Scratching makes it worse, of course.)  It doesn't sound as though you have dandruff, seborrhea, psoriasis, etc.  My advice is just to leave things alone, and they should clear up fine.  No damage, long-term or otherwise, is to be expected.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff

[briannan]

Thanks, Doc!  I really appreciate it!