Persistent scalp issues

[maritimer22]

I have been battling scalp issues of and on (and I say issues because I still don't know exactly what is causing these problems) for the past 4 years.  

For the past 5 months (which has been the longest stretch) I have had many puss filled pimples developing on my scalp.  They are not isolated to one area; However they are far worse on the sides and back of my head.  My scalp also can get VERY itchy from time to time while the pimples are present, but for the most part I am more uncomfortable with the painful pimples.

During this past 5 months I have been put on Cephalexin (for 10 days in July).  This seemed to take care of the problem while I was taking the antibiotics and kept the problem away for about 1 month and then the pimples began showing up on my scalp again, just as bad as before going on the antibiotics.

I went to a different doctor and told him I had recently been on Cephalexin for this problem, and he gave me a prescription for Tetracycline for 1 month (Sept - Oct).  This also seemed to take care of the problem while I was taking the antibiotics but as soon as I finished up my presciption the pimples/itching showed up on my scalp a few days later.

About a year before this most recent bout, I had been given Fucidin creams which also seemed to work, but was a hassle because i couldn't keep up with the number of new lesions that were showing up on my scalp.

My current doctor also recommended not using hair gel.  I've since stopped using it and the pimples/lesions have reduced greatly; however, the itching is at it's worse.

I'm currently trying an over-the-counter scalp psoriasis shampoo to see if that will help, but I'm not getting my hopes up.

Anyone else have the same issues that I'm experiencing?  It really isn't enjoyable and it's starting to drive me crazy I think.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[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 your symptoms and a proper clinical examination if your symptoms persist.

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

Regards.