I've tried everything

[Mzangel]

My 15 old son has had 'scalp' problems for years. I thought it was dandruff and have bought every kind of dandruff shampoo you can buy. About 2 years ago a stylist told me she thought it was dry scalp not dandruff so I then started buying shampoo specifically for dry scalp, it seemed to help for awhile but for about the last 6 months nothing helps. We have tried everything from tea tree to head and shoulder's to medicated store bought brands to shampoos at specialty stores but his head is full of white flakes. He's at an age now that this is very embarrassing for him and I'd really like to find something to help him.

[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 his symptoms and a proper clinical examination if the symptoms persist.

Let us know if you need any other information and post us on how he is doing.

Regards.