HELP! Solution needed!

Hi, I have been suffering from Dematitis for 10 years now. Since my diagnosis I have been to see many Dermatologists and tried plenty of medicines such as Nizoral Shampoo, PolyTar Shampo, Cocois Ointment, Dermovate Scalp Application and Betnovate. For a few years I wasn't suffering as much and suddenly during a stressful period my scalp flared up and so at my last appointment I suggested that maybe I have Pssorisis but my Dermatologist said it is Acute Dermatitis. He told me all I can do is continue using Nizoral and Dermovate which I currently am. However I have done some research and I believe I may be suffering from Seborrhiec Dermatitis. I also have been recently diagnosed with mild IBS and am also sensitive to wheat, dairy and nuts. My consultant suggested there may be some link between the two problems.

I have tried every medicine to no avail. This problem is really affecting and bothering me. My scalp is constantly itching and therefore bleeds. I just need to touch my hair and loose scalp falls on my clothes which is so embarassing. Also my whole scalp is affected, it has spread very quickly and I want to do what i can to prevent it from spreading any further.

Please help me. I am willing to try any treatments that are available that I have not yet tried.

Thank You

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it can be seborrheic dermatitis and it needs to be ruled out by investigations. People with seborrheic dermatitis produce too much sebum (the natural skin oil). Later, pityrosporum yeast grows excessively in the sebum, sometime along with bacteria, making the dermatitis more persistent.

Topical antifungals and mild steroids are the usual treatment and combination of the two can be used to treat stubborn patches. Oral antifungal drugs and immunomodulators such as tacrolimus and pimecrolimus are used in very severe cases. The other possibilities are of eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis. Best would be to consult a dermatologist and get biopsy skin done to confirm the diagnosis.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.