Irritated scalp and oily spots

[katiec08]

I recently have been having small areas on the top of my scalp feel very irritated(like a sunburn). Also, in those same spots my hair is extremely greasy(looks wet almost). Even after I just showered and blow dryed my hair. The "greasiness" doesnt wash away. My scalp is not red, is not flaky, does not itch. It just hurts in these spots and my hair looks gross. Ive seen 2 dermatologists, they've just prescribed me with steriod shampoos. After a few days of using them the greasiness goes away but my scalp is still tender. As soon as I stop using them, the symptoms return. I am not looking for something to cover up my symptoms, I want to find the problem so I can fix the problem to make it go away. The condition has been about 2 months now. Please help with any suggestions!! Thanks~
katie

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi

Are there visible bumps or rash on the scalp?

For how long have you been experiencing this?

I suggest that you ask for a referral with a rheumatologist. Differentials for scalp problems may include seborrheic  dermatitis , tinea capitis and discoid lupus. These are just differentials and these may need to be excluded especially when this has been present for quite sometime.

[katiec08]

Hello. There is nothing visibly wrong with my scalp. No rashes, no redness, no bumps, no drandruff... My scalp looks normal. However, it is very tender in certain spots (towards the front of my head-by forehead). And where is is tender, my hair is greasy. I have not changed any products I use, I dont know where it came from. It's been about 2 months since Ive been experiencing these symptoms. I went to a dermatologist, and he was like 90 yrs old and pretty much useless. He said he had no idea what was wrong, prescribed my clobex(steroid shampoo).  When I use the shampoo, the greasiness in my hair goes away but my scalp still hurts. As soon as I stop using the shampoo, both symptoms come right back. Any suggestions as to what this may sound like or who I could see that would know??? Thank you so much for any help you can give!!

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi

This may be seborrheic dermatitis. In seborrheic dermatitis, the scalp is greasy and when severe may present with scales. The cause of seborrheic dermatitis is still unknown although yeast infections, stress and weather have been implicated.

A dermatologist is the best person to consult with this. Vigorous and frequent shampooing is the mainstay of therapy more than the type of shampoo being used. So wash your hair frequently and scrub the scalp vigorously. Discuss this with your dermatologist. Topical corticosteroids may also be helpful.