flaky, itchy scalp

My husband has large itchy, flaky skin on his scalp and in his beard and mustache. It flakes in large  yellow chunks that tend to be quite thick and if scratched off will often bleed. It is embarassing as he has large yucky flakes falling out all the time. He has tried prescription shampoos which worked for a couple months only. Now he uses a different kind of shampoo and conditioner every time he washes his hair which helps a bit but not much. Also have used different oils, etc. His hair is very oily natuarally. If he doesn't wash every day it looks really gross and feels worse. What does he have and what else can he try?

[Babooshka]

It sounds and looks like something I've had for awhile called seborrheoic dermatitis. I use Nizoral shampoo once a week or so for my scalp, but you'll need to use a special prescription cream for the facial areas, like something like Protopic. It's bloody expensive, but it really works. I put a little on whenever I start to get red and flaky and usually it's gone in a day, and then I don't need to use it again. It seems certain foods in diet can make it flare up, like alcohol and spicy foods. Hope this helps, but he should really just go see a dermatologist for confirmation. That's the only way you'll get Protopic anyway, as it's by prescription.
Babs

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

This sounds like seborrheic dermatitis.The condition usually occurs in the face and scalp and may be associated with yellowish plaques that scale off. The cause of seborrheic dermatitis is not well defined.Climate, hygiene and psychological factors have been associated with this condition.

Constant shampooing will be able to help. A consult with a dermatologist for topical medications ( topical steroids )and medicated shampoos (containing selenium sulfide)may be necessary. Other differentials will be a fungal infection (tinea capitis) and psoriasis.

[george73]

We have used the Nizarol shampoo and like everything else it quits working after only a few shampoos. He does take a shower daily unless he is exhausted, which is only several times a year. But the cream you talk about... have you tried it on the scalp also or is it just to expensive? Is there ANYTHING over the counter that even slightly resemblses that? Thank you for your 'expertese'.

[george73]

You mention psychlogical factors. He is under a lot of stress most of the time. Family problems and financial. Is this the kind of thing you were thinking of?

[Eggle]

Hi

I too have S derm on my scalp.  None of the anti fungals or steriods help me anymore either.  The only thing which its effectiveness doesn't appear to wear off is a product called psoriasin from shopinprivate.com.  It is a coal tar based product, but crucially, not a shampoo, so you leave it in to work and reapply as necessary.  Once or twice a day has kept my chronic s derm under control for years.  Next best thing to a cure.

Oh, one other thing.  The makers changed the bottle to make it harder to apply into hair (duh).  I decant it into a bottle with a long nozzle I got from the art shop.  Works well.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,


Yes. Psychological factors encompass stress related issues at home and at work.This may manifest as somatic symptoms like flaring of a skin condition such as acne or psoriasis, disruption of sleep, frequent respiratory infections ( flulike symptoms) , headaches, and loss of appetite.Stress decreases immune response. Some patients with skin conditions ( including seborrheic dermatitis) may benefit from forms of behavioral therapy.

I suggest that you seek consult with your physician with regards to this.At this point, your husband may need a lot of support and understanding.

Do keep us posted with regards to your physician's advise.