Itchy when hot, red bumps on head

[Blue127]

I often get itchy when I get hot a even a little warm but yet not at times.  When I do get itchy, usually red bumps appear on my head.  I have tried using more lotion but this has not made the problem any better.  I am usually itchy mainly on my head but also often on my back.  Strangely, I was not itchy at all when I went to Las Vegas for the summer from Calgary.  My mom also has said that sometimes she gets this as well, but not nearly to the degree that I have.

My family doctor dismisses this and refuses to order an allergen test or prescribes any treatment.

What am I facing here?

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,
This could be seborrhoeic dermatitis. It is a skin disorder affecting the scalp, face, and trunk causing scaly, flaky, itchy, red skin. It particularly affects the sebum-gland rich areas of skin.
Side effects to inflammation may include temporary hair loss. If severe outbreaks are untreated for extended intervals, permanent hair loss may result, because of damage to hair follicles.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seborrhoeic_dermatitis
Soaps and detergents such as sodium laureate sulfate may precipitate a flare-up, as they strip moisture from the top layers of the skin, and the drying property of these can cause flare-ups and may worsen the condition. Accordingly a suitable alternative should be used instead.
Among dermatologist recommended treatments are shampoos containing coal tar, ciclopiroxolamine, ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or zinc pyrithione. For severe disease, keratolytics such as salicylic acid or coal tar preparations may be used to remove dense scale. Topical terbinafine solution (1%) has also been shown to be effective in the treatment of scalp seborrhoea,as may lotions containing alpha hydroxy acids or corticosteroids (such as fluocinolone acetonide). Pimecrolimus topical lotion is also sometimes prescribed.
It would be advisable to consult a skin specialist for the symptoms and a proper clinical examination if the symptoms persist.
Let us know if you need any other information and post us on how you are doing.
Regards.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Your symptoms are suggestive of sweat dermatitis which is a form of atopic dermatitis. Sweat is one of the most aggravating factors in atopic dermatitis.

High humidity causes increased sweating and may result in prickly-heat-type symptoms.This may cause small red rashes and itching.

The main treatment for sweat dermatitis is prevention. The best thing to consider is to prevent that portion of the body from sweating like by wearing light and cotton clothes,taking cool refreshing baths,maintaining the temperature in your homes and cars and avoiding strenuous activities.

If however sweat dermatitis occurs,then pls apply mild corticosteroid creams or clamine lotion on the itchy areas. Another treatment option is the use of ultraviolet light or sunlamps under the guidance of a dermatologist.

I hope that helps. Please do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries. Kind regards.