I have scabs/rash/rawness on the back of my scalp/neck

[wonderwall1108]

Hello Dr.
About a month ago i developed scabs/rash on the back of my scalp/neck. I thought that it was just dandruff so I bought some shampoo. The shampoo didn't help and the scabs started hurting and my scalp became raw with me scratching it. It itches really bad. I have tried every shampoo on the market. Everything causes burning except for Aveeno which I am now using.  I went to the Dr. and he said that it was like dandruff and that I would have it the rest of my life.  He told me to take fish oil pills to calm it down. I have been taking 1000 mili pills three times a day and it isn't doing anything except for making me burp up a fishy taste. Today after my shower I was drying off and felt something on my back where my bra sits. I looked in the mirror and there was a scabby rash thing that looks like the one on the back of my head. I am starting to get worried because it is spreading.  I was wondering if it was an allergic reaction.  I am allergic to sulfa meds and every beauty product has it in it. What could this be and what should i do?

[wonderwall1108]

I decided to get a second opinion and try out a new doctor. So far so good. The new doctor  said that based on what is on my back it looks like a fungal infection because the patches of skin have a red ring around them. Then she asked if we had a cat and mentioned a certain fungal infection that they can carry. We did just get a cat. She wrote me a rx for an antifungal shampoo for my scalp and told me to wash things the cat came into contact with and also get the cat treated.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to eczema skin, atopic dermatitis, lichen simplex chronicus or due to fungal infections. There are certain other non-pharmacological measures which are equally important in treating atopic dermatitis. These are avoiding harsh soaps and cleansers, preventing scratching or rubbing whenever possible, protecting skin from excessive moisture, irritants, and rough clothing, maintaining a cool, stable temperature and consistent humidity levels, limiting exposure to dust, cigarette smoke, pollens, and animal dander & Recognizing and limiting emotional stress.

Apart from that please get an evaluation done from a dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis as treatment is specific for each.

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.