Im not sure if i have Seborrhoeic dermatitis?

Hey
Okay straight to question
Im in my late teens and i like to style my hair. For the past year or 2 ive noticed i have been receiving tiny little dry spots on my scalp, basically when these little dry patches of skin come off my scalp they are just flakes. Now I am not sure if I have Seborrhoeic dermatitis. Because i do not develop red patches on my skin, nor are they itchy. Whenever i scratch these dry spots off my scalp (only on rare occasions do i scratch them off) the spot just feels abit oily. Currently my scalp looks perfectly fine, and these dry spots occur just occasionally. Now im not sure if i have the condition or not

If I have Seborrhoeic dermatitis or not i also want to dye my hair. Should i dye my hair with the condition of my scalp

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it can be dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis also called as adult cradle cap. Dandruff can cause either an overly dry scalp with itchy white flakes that may be waxy or greasy, or it can manifest as an oily scalp with scales.
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 and also consult a dermatologist because certain dyes aggravate the condition.

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.