problem of itching and burning

TO,
Dr. Bhupinder Kaur
MY PROBLEM WAS:
During six months, there is burning and itching over my head and due to this my hairs are falling off. Now my scalp become very weak and there is allergy from each and every oil/alcoholic/greasy material whenever I apply over the head. The itching and burning go on for one day or more after the washing the head with shampoo. I use to apply the head and shoulder shampoo and there is no heredity problem in my family. Mine is 31 years old male. I can’t use the cap because there is irritation by putting the cap. Moreover I feel irritation from the direct sunlight to my head. When I put my hand over my head, there many of hairs were in my hand and every times I have to scratch with comb to my head. I belong to a very small village and there are no dermatologists. About 500 km there are expert. So I can not bear the cost as well as the long traveling. So it is requested to please provide me the solution of this disease. I will be much obliged forever to you for this.

YOUR ADVICE WAS:

It can be due to fungal infection(tinea capitis) or telogen effluvium. Tinea capitis is contagious and can spread direct contact with someone who has the condition, or if you touch contaminated items such as combs, hats, clothing, or similar surfaces. I suggest you to get it evaluated from a dermatologist. Diagnosis is by clinical examination of the scalp as well as a skin lesion biopsy with microscopic examination. My sincere advice would be to get it examined 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 dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

TREATMENT TAKEN BY ME:

I met with the dermatologist and he saw my head and recommended for head hair scan. I told him for skin lession biopesy as suggested by you but he refused to do so as he had said that there was no fungal infections impression.
he had given me the treatment for 15 days as below:
1. L-Montus (levocitrizine dihydrochloride and Motelukast)
2. Halox Lotion (Halobetasol Propionate)
3. Hair Scan ( measuring the density 10)
One thing i would like to say that I was using the levocitrizine tablets since one month ago before proceeding to the doctor.
now 15 days has passed but i have some little extent relief during first course of medicine and now again I am feeling the same situation.
It is again requested you please look into the problem and once again guide me.
thanks

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It is good that you have described your symptoms in detail. The treatment that has been given is an antihistaminic and a topical steroid. Allergy can be one possibility but at the same time, it is important to rule out any telogen effluvium as well. It is nonscarring alopecia characterized by diffuse hair shedding, often with an acute onset. There is a chronic form also which persists for a longer duration and starts with insidious onset. Chronic telogen effluvium is hair shedding lasting longer than 6 months. Treatment consists of medications like Minoxidil, surgical approach(hair transplantation) and improvement in diet.

My sincere advice is to consult a trichologist and get this possibility along with an allergic reaction ruled out. In the meantime take care of your diet and eat a healthy nutritious diet.

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.

[tina827]

hi plz  can u tell me what is this HALOX LOTION ?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Halox lotion contains halobetasol propionate & salicylic acid. Halobetasol is a topical corticosteroid and is a high potency one. However it is not without side effects and these include folliculitis, hypertrichosis, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, secondary infection, striae and miliaria.

So use it only after a dermatologist’s guidance.
I hope it helps. Take care and regards.