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Scalp Folliculitis (Extreme Hair Breakage)

Hi,

   I've been having issues with my hair breaking in the center of head for about 3 1/2 years. Recently a small spot in the back of my head has randomly startied to break too. My hair just won't stop splitting, everytime I shampoo or comb it theres hair everywhere. I'm an African American female and my hair is thick to say the least, it's not thinning it just keeps breaking and splitting like crazy in the same spot. I don't have issues like dry scalp or dandruff, or any bumps to my knowledge. My scalp itches sometimes, but it's not an all day everyday issue for me. I wash and condition my hair at least 2 times a week and try to keep it moisturized.

      I recently saved up money to visit a dermatologist and was diagnosed when folliculitis, all the guy did was barely touch my scalp. He says it's bumpy, although I beg to differ, he's the professional so I took his word.  I was prescribed the doctor's OWN brand of hair products (shampoo containing Salycylic Acid and Sulfur and conditioner) along with Dipronex Lotion (which really dries out my hair). One of the possible side effects of the Dipronex is folliculitis...why would he prescribe it for me? I was wondering what's a way to deal with scalp folliculitis with OTC products?

I'm at my wit's end :(     ...any suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated! :)
14 Responses
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Avatar universal
I have the same problem for more then 4yrs. I don't know what to do. It eventually grows back,but then it breaks off again in the same area. I have shaved my hair off to keep it even all over. It grows back after a few months and breaks off again. I been to dermatologist with no avail. I am frustrated and hurt!
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Avatar universal
Yes!  Complain to the Better Business Bureau in your city.  Also, you can report him to the medical board for dermatology.  You can make him aware that you will post information about him and his products on every fraud alert and social media website possible until he provides a better service.  Hit him in his pockets and he'll change when his pockets are empty!  

Reporting him to the state board of dermatology, medical board or his licensing board will make the biggest impact!  If he is photographing you for insurance purposes, write your insurance company and tell them about your experience and his so-called examination and diagnosis.  When the insurance questions it and decides to investigate, he may actually be forced to take a closer look at your head!

Good Luck!
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Avatar universal
You could all complain to the Better Business Bureau or go to  "Pissed Consumer" and voice your complaints there.  It is forum style and you would be surprised at the complaints found there.
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Avatar universal
Dr. Mark Stengler suggests supplementation with MSM and Biotin.  And a biotin-enriched shampoo.    Essential oils: rosemary and lavender.  Should include in your diet: walnuts, brewer's yeast, mushrooms, eggs, fish, olive oil, flaxseed and hempseed oil and flax oil.

I am not African-American, but my mother's hair is getting dry and breaking off too.  So we are going to try MSM as Mom is trying the rest all ready.
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Avatar universal
What a great site!! I'm 32, black, and recently my natural hair is sore in the middle of my head. Which has been followed by overnight breakage. The hair texture has changed there and is soooo thick that it feels like it is forcing it's way out my scalp causing such pain. I have never ever received "natural hair breakage" in my life! What scares me is that the scalp is soooooooooooo sore. A constant head pain :( I find myself just sometimes rinsing my head out with cold water because of the pain. I did go Drs and my scalp is healthy i'm told and so is my thyroid and iron levels... The only thing I did change recently in my hair care was going through a line of products back to back later realizing some had fragrance ( we have perfume allergies in the family! Must stay away from scented products!) I have been wearing a ponytail for the first time ever in my life as of May but only by the 3rd time head was sore..I may be allergic to the metal comb clip attachments or it's just too much for my scalp?? And I am under a lot of stress. I have been using herbal essences hello hydrations constantly since 2011..Maybe my hair wants a change?? :(
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Avatar universal
I too have bad breakage at the top of my head and right in front and it looks thin and I have a bald spot the size of a nickle right in front at the hairline. I am white with straight long hair. I haven't had a perm in probably 10 years and I don't die my hair either.  I wash it about 3 times a week.  I am 50 and figured that it's all down hill from here. I haven't had a period in exactly a year.  So it's official I'm an old lady. Sad I still feel like I'm 30 and think I look like I'm 30 till I pass a window or mirror. My facial features changed drastically in the past 2 years. I hadn't had a boyfriend in 19 years. The last time I had sex was 17 years ago. I gained weight and became very depressed. Then December 3, 2011 my friend of 3 years (who had had a crush on me for several months prior to this) and me ended up in the sack. Two days later I woke up in love. We have been lovers ever since. I felt alive and happy again. I lost 60 pounds In 4 months and working out at the gym 5 days a week. Sadly my hair started breaking on top and in front and it's falling out all over my cloths and wods on my brush and in the shower. It's frustrating being a woman who feels sexy and wanted for once and then I have to look in the mirror and go yuk what the hell happened. I hope we all can find something that will help. God bless us all we deserve to have healthy hair.
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Avatar universal
I have the same problem with hair breaking off in the middle and also African American.  I've been seeking an answer and have visited many sites as this.  The problem is that I see a lot of discussion but in the end no answer.  I wonder is there an answer and not just words that express nothing more than the fact that someone else has the same problem: where does that get anyone..Someone please, lets get an answer.
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Avatar universal
That is amazing, I had the same exact experience with Dr Moore.  I had a similar problem in 2004.  I tried his products, that time he actually gave me a script(for fungus and infection).  This time his assistant came in and ask me a few questions then he came in the room and said the famous statement(you need my products).  I replied to him "I have used you shampoo and it is extremely hard on my hair.  Have you improved your formula?"  He said I must not have used the conditioner with it.  How convenient to turn that back around on me.  Hey guys, is there anything that can be done about this???
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Avatar universal
That's so crazy about the Milton Moore experience. I had the exact same thing happen to me but it was like 7 years ago.  2001ish..... I cant beleive this is still happening.  I mean the extra hour wait after appointment time, the assistant examination without Dr. Moore.  I complained that he did look close enough and demanded Moore.  He did the exact same thing and recommended his products.  I didnt buy a thing and did not pay for the visit.  Maybe thats why he takes pics now. LOL!  Im so shocked that they did that to so many.  i thought i just came  on a bad day b/c even after i continued to hear that he is the best person to go to.  WOW!
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Avatar universal
Your experinces were terrible! Wow.. How sad to "prey" off of people who are desperate.
I am a 26yr old black female. I was diagnoised 2 days ago and was very sad at how quick the "results" of my scalping test was presented to me. I was perscribed an oral antibo, topical antibo and a shampoo. Now, the young lady who was helping the Dr told me (once the Dr left of course). The shampoo really dries out your hair (I use this as well) so just use a small amount..Im thinking okay everyone knows that African Am have the driest hair on the planet why would you give me anything that is going to make it drier and tell me not to use any othter products?
This is frustrating to say the least. I cut my hair off b/c of the constant shedding and breakage(before the results) so I have a natural and just want healthy strong hair.
I really dont think it matters if you have a natural, relaxer, braids or whatever. I went a year and a half w/o chemicals and my hair just "came out"! I was under an extreme amount of stress. I believe (after doing some research) that stress, poor diet, and the products we may use on our hair, plus genetics really plays a toll.
I hope it gets better for all of us.
I live in Columbus Oh and am seeking an African Am Derm. If anyone has some suggestions please share feel free to email me allmndd@yahoo. thanks!
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Avatar universal
Wow, what a terrible experience!  There is a WONDERFUL dermatologist at Baylor College of Medicine - Dr.  Ramsey Markus.  Not sure how his appointments look, but very well worth it!  He has an excellent bedside manner and really cares about his patients!  I recommend him to family and friends all the time.  His phone number is (713) 798-6331.  If by chance he is booked out, the other dermatologists in his department are great as well.   Good luck!
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Avatar universal
I actually went to Dr. Moore also and had the very SAME experience as you! But I don't even have insurance and had to pay for my appointment out of pocket. He didn't spend 10 seconds to look at my scalp an assistant did, and Dr. Moore handed me a flyer, said two words and left out. Those drops didn't do anything but dry out my hair, I believe I need cortisone injections not a topical medication. I believe I was misdiagnosed, I waited over an hour to be seen, and paid with my hard earned money and left with nothing but HIS products! (the assistant felt bad for me and gave me the drops, conditioner and shampoo for free,lol) I'm looking for a dermatologist in Houston preferably an African American dermatologist or one that specializes in skin of color. So if you find one please let me know. I will NEVER go back to Dr.Milton Moore...what a rip off! :(



Thanks for your kind words Yournotalone, I feel like I've been dealing with the same issue for a very long time and it seems hopeless. my hair is natural and Dr. Moore's products didn't work for me either, I believe they're simply inferior and poorly made. I'm gonna keep praying too and hope your hair continues to grow as well :)

Be blessed!!



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Avatar universal
Please humor me by allowing me to take a wild guess...
You live in Houston, Texas and the Dermatologist you saw was Dr. Milton Moore?
Correct?
If not, it must be common practice for dermatologists to improperly diagnose patients with hopes of financial gain.. Here's my experience:

I visited Moore Unique Dermatology and Spa in Houston, TX sometime in October 2008. This place was very impressive upon arrival. The staff (with the exception of the doctor) was extremely professional and kind.
Forty minutes past my scheduled appointment time, I was elated to finally be called from the waiting room.
Once in the back, I participated in the strangest thing ever!
The process reminded me of a Hospital's intake process, except Hospital's don't demand to photograph you. When I questioned the need for the photograph, I was told by a staff member that "Dr. Moore wants to make sure he's paid, should an issue arises with your Insurance"...Amazing!

As I followed the assistant to the room I observed a few "nurse practitioners" pacing the floor and I asked if I would be seen by Dr. Moore.
She advised me that I would not be seen by Dr. Moore, but by one of the assistants. Once they were done "Dr. Moore will just come into the room to confirm the diagnosed condition". (I guess she observed the utter disappointment in my face) and rebutted by suggesting that I could see Dr. Moore if I preferred... and I did.

He entered the room and glanced at my head, not my scalp, (because he never got close enough to me to be capable of observing any scalp condition). He handed me a flyer and stated, "This is what you need, get all of these products and follow the directions".
He then muttered a few medical codes to the assistant, and left the room.

I was dumbfounded by his level of unprofessionalism!
The assistant asked me to follow her so she could schedule a follow up appointment, and I advised her at that time, that I would NEVER return.

She left the room and returned with Dr. Moore who sarcastically said, "You want to talk?...What do you want to talk about? (as he slid into the chair).
I explained to him that...

I had never been to a Doctor before in my life that didn't take the time to inquire about what was bothering their patient, ask questions about their symptoms, and explain the condition (if any), and THEN......prescribe medication, or a treatment plan.
I am 29 years old and have no edges around the front of my hairline.. I take medication for hypertension, and I was actually excited about my appointment today, because I really wanted to know what's wrong with my scalp, and what's causing my hair loss. However, I am leaving with the same level of confusion about my hair loss, as I had upon my arrival today... something is wrong here.

Dr. Moore went on to FINALLY explain that what I have is (no surprise) Folliculitis, and that I needed to take HIS.. prescribed line of hair care products. (Prescribed? If there was a prescription it could be covered by my insurance and filled at Walgreens, Right?)... NOT! Not covered by insurance.

If I had purchased everything listed on the flyer, the costs including my insurance co- pay would have far exceeded $300.00.
Victimized by desperation to restore my hairline to normalcy.... even after that horrible experience.... I regretfully purchased the Dry scalp shampoo and Dipronex drops. Shame on Me!

However, first impressions can last a lifetime, and I will never return to Moore Unique Dermatology and Spa in Houston, Texas to see Dr. Milton Moore.
Customer Service and Customer Care should ALWAYS outweigh GREED. A smart business owner understands that showing your customers/clients that you are willing to put their needs before yours, will create loyal and referral clients forever... And financial prosperity will follow!

If anyone knows a great Dermatologist in Houston that is interested in more than his clients purses or wallets please post.

Thanks!
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Avatar universal
Yes, I have recently had the exact same problem with balding spots on a thick head of hair; I don't know why the small bald spots occurred in my head around January '08 but it seem to be thinning at the top a few months prior to that. I do perm my hair professionally and sometimes non-professionally every five to six weeks, but I believe hair color was the perp. for the bald spots. Most of my entire teen-age and adult life I had beautiful thick and long hair but as I got older, around 35 or so (now 41) I noticed different thinning areas in the back of my head or in the nape of my neck. It won't grow to my shoulders anymore or if it does, the center of the back of my head or nape of my neck is always thin and scanty. My bangs and sides won't grow to my shoulders any more either.

I have been told it's age, coloring, perming (too much), stress, and, or medication (no major meds/pretty healthy), but I just can't accept the aforementioned. Within the past five or more years, my scalp started to itch in certain spots until I felt that something was really wrong along with thinning or a short, short patch of hair was displayed. I went to Dr. Milton Moore in Houston and he gave some of his products before trying the cortisone shots in the head. His products work if you have natural hair or trying to go natural but if you have a perm and want to keep it, it will possibly make your hair hard and unmangeable like mine. I believe his products work to a certain extent but only for natural hair wearers. The back bald spots grew back but recently in '08 the top area had a bald spot the began to itch in which I went back to Dr. Moore and he said that black women get scalp pimples in which cause balding so now I am using his Dipronex and yes, it dries the hair out and makes it frizz up and hard. Dipronex really helped with the itching and pimples and the hair seems to be returning after about two and a half months and most of all God's blessings. Amen. Instead of using Dipronex day and night and everyday, I use it every other night or so one-time a day to help with the manageability. I have been using Dudley's Special Scalp Hair Oil (white jar/blue oil) after washing my hair with a high-end shampoo, Joico from one of the chain of beauty salons; I use the Joico conditioner and reconstruct along with the shampoo and my hair is growing out after a real short-cut all over to help it to grow in July. I wash it every two weeks to cut down on the pulling and tug unless necessary to wash earlier than that. It's really looking good and I am growing the color out.   I am praying for you, and any other female with the same problem. God's going to work it out, and maybe it's just stress and mess, and you may need to rest (smile). In the name of Jesus, we will all be healed of any scalp disorders, stress, etc. in which may keeping us from having the beautiful, healthy, short or long hair that God intended for us to have.  Amen.

Jesus' peace,
Your not alone (smile)
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