Flat red spots, itchy scalp/dandruff.

Hello. Sometime in November of 2010 I noticed that I had a small red spot on my temple area scalp. Around that time I had gotten my hair dyed, but now it's months later so I wouldn't think it had anything to do with it. I had noticed another somewhere else on my head. They aren't raised, they almost just look as though they are marker spots. After searching the internet I found some things that MAY be causes, but nothing quite matched up. Of course now it's winter, and my skin has been very dry. I started using an off-brand dandruff shampoo a few weeks ago. My scalp is itchy, and has very slight flaking. I also had some symptoms that matched to something like dust mites, but nothing mentioned spots like I have nor do pictures match up....
What could be causing this? Is this something just from dry skin? If so, will the dandruff shampoo rid these spots? I've had the spot/s for months and would really like for them to be gone. I also had a skin problem last summer on my thighs, but went to the derm. and it was cleared up, and was given Clindamycin phosphate for that.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to dandruff or contact dermatitis. Eat a healthy diet. You can also take vit B6 and vit A and E which are good for hair and skin. Try medicated shampoos for dandruff. There are a number of over-the-counter shampoos available that can help. The most effective ingredients -- antimicrobials -- to look for are zinc pyridinethione, selenium sulfide, sulfur and ketoconazole (also available by prescription). If your hair is colored, don't use products with selenium sulfide or sulfur.

If the symptoms persist please consult a trichologist for the confirmatory diagnosis and treatment.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.