why

I JUST WANTED TO KNOW WHY MY HAIR OR SCALP SMELLS LIKE ITS ROTTEN? I KNOW I HAVE DANDRUFF.  MY HAIR FALLS OUT ON A REGULAR BASES, BUT I JUST NEED TO KNOW WHAT I CAN DO? OR USE TO HELP MY HAIR FROM SMELLING,AND TO HELP MY DRY FLACKY SCALP ROM FALLING OUT???? PLEASE HELP I'LL TRY ANYTHING...

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Two possibilities are there for your symptoms.First of all,stress or hormonal changes may lead to excess oil produced by the oil glands in your scalp. This causes the harmless bacteria that live in the scalp to proliferate and feed off the oil, which produces the odor.

Second possibility is of a fungal infection causing tinea capitis.It 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. Diagnosis is by clinical examination of the scalp as well as a skin lesion biopsy with microscopic examination.Anti-fungal medications, taken by mouth, are used to treat the infection.

It is important to keep the area clean. A medicated shampoo, such as one containing selenium sulfide like selsen may also help.I sincerely suggest a trichologist’s/dermatologist’s evaluation.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or in case you have any additional doubts.Kind regards.