massive hair loss

[kiran819]

I have small boils/pimples in my scalp and small white particles at the hair roots. My scalp itches a lot. Perhaps due to this scalp infection pimples keep appearing now and then on my forehead and along the hair lines on my face, for which i use clearsil soap with which it goes only to reappear again. i wash my hair with Head and Shoulders shampoo on alernate days and have my even started using Candid TV shampoo, 2 days a week, but there is no relief. Please suggest a remedy.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

It can be due to dandruff which can be due to internal or external causes.

Dandruff can cause either an overly dry scalp with itchy white flakes that may be waxy or greasy, or it can manifest as an oily scalp with scales.
Internal causes include hormonal imbalance, poor health, poor hygiene, allergic hypersensitivity, lack of rest, emotional stress, excessive consumption of sugar, fat or starch and heredity predisposition.
External causes include excessive use of hair sprays and gels, improper use of hair-coloring products, cold weather and dry indoor heating, infrequent shampooing of the hair or inadequate rinsing of the scalp and hair.

Dandruff is associated with a tiny fungus called Pityrosporum ovale, or P. ovale for short. This fungus lives on our bodies and scalp all the time, usually without causing a problem. Unfortunately, for some people, it can get out of control -- leading to dandruff.

Sometimes an allergy to dairy products, nuts and chocolates may cause dandruff, in which case you should avoid them for about eight weeks to be able to access its effect. Sometimes it can be due to fungal infection/ring worms they start out in spots of thick patches of flakes throughout the scalp then they end up uprooting the hair in the hair breaking it off until there is a bald spot. This is highly contagious and if someone in your house has it you should not be sharing pillow cases or sheets with them of the scalp. Medicated shampoos and creams are useful in such cases.

Eat a healthy diet. You can also take vit B6 and vit A and E which are good for hair and skin. Try medicated shampoos for dandruff. There are a number of over-the-counter shampoos available that can help. The most effective ingredients -- antimicrobials -- to look for are zinc pyridinethione, selenium sulfide, sulfur and ketoconazole (also available by prescription). If your hair is colored, don't use products with selenium sulfide or sulfur.

If the symptoms persist please consult a trichologist for the confirmatory diagnosis and treatment.Fungal infections has to be probed then.

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

[Rowena Santos, MD]

Hi,

Hormonal fluctuations,  stress, illness, neurological disorders, a suppressed immune system, infrequent shampooing and extra sensitivity to the fungus responsible may contribute to the development of dandruff. When regular shampoos fail, over-the-counter  dandruff shampoos may succeed. Dandruff shampoos are classified according to their active ingredient.This link may be helpful: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dandruff/DS00456/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs

However, if it still persists, it would be best to see your doctor for prescription-strength shampoo or more aggressive treatment with a steroid lotion. Take care and regards.