White Scabs Near Hairline and Random Places, Had HT Surgey years ago

Hello Everyone, Recently starting last week I noticed white scabs near/around my hairline and a couple were lose and gently picked off from my head I noticed anywhere from 3 to 12 hairs attached to these scabs. There was 3 or 4 big ones and the rest very small. I noticed theres alot by the hairline and not soo many behind my hairline but still here and there but towards the sides of my head if I use my fingers to dig in I can find tiny white scabs stuck to my scalp near my strip scar which is odd since I never had this problem before. I have very minor itch but nothing out of the ordinary.  I have had 3 HT surgery's which my last one being 2 years ago and worried these hairs that are falling out will not grow back. I always have used Nizoral once a week but the last week or so have started useing every 2-3x a week. I also have been useing Rogaine Foam for the last 4 years but have stopped the last 4-5 days when I discovered the scabs. The weather has chanegd recently and its preety cold now and wondering if that has anything to do with it and my doctor who performed my surgery is out of town plus hes 300 miles away which is kind of getting me to freak out a little bit more. I have been useing Olive oil to try to moisture my scalp and usually leave it on for 30 mins then go shower and I always have used organic biotin shampoo + conditioner. Any help would be appreciated and I dont have any red dots (ringworms etc so skin wise looks normal minus the scabs etc. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis or tinea capitis which is a fungal infection of the scalp. Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that causes flaky, dry, white to yellowish scales to form on oily areas on scalp or anywhere on face. You can treat flaking and dryness with over-the-counter dandruff or medicated shampoos. Shampoo the hair vigorously and frequently (preferably daily). Active ingredients in these shampoos include salicylic acid, coal tar, zinc, resorcin, ketoconazole, or selenium.

If the symptoms persist, then it would be best to get it confirmed from a dermatologist. 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.