Thank you Jasmina. I have an appointment with a dermatologist in 2 weeks. Should I try to remove the squama now or can it wait? Mainly I am concerned about hair loss at this point. Do the conditions you mention result in permanent hair loss? Thanks again.
Welcome to the Dermatology Expert Forum and thank you for your post!
Because of inflammation, thick squama, pruritus and consequent hair loss, there are two diseases your dermatologist will look into first: Psoriasis, and Dermatitis seborrhoica.
You are right, for any medicine to act locally you have to remove that thick squama. What dermatologist recommend is the use of shampoos with keratolytic action (it should be gently rubbed into wet scalp and left for several minutes before washing it off), and oil based anti-inflammatory agents. Very affordable and widely available among them is extra virgin olive oil. For example, if patient is not sensitive to olive oil, it can be rubbed into scalp in the evening, and washed off next morning.
After gently washing, try to dry it gentle as well (without rubbing hair with towel). You should wash your hair regularly and patiently, as it will speed up the process of removal of squama.
You are already under physicians’ care, and that is good news. The most efficient therapeutic strategy for you will be the one based on detailed medical history (including lifestyle habits), and clinical examination. If that information proves not to be conclusive, the biopsy is next diagnostic tool to be utilized.
Wishing You Optimal Health,
Dr Jasmina Jankicevic
Quick comment: I have been suffering from minor eczema for the last 12 years. I will get small patches (on my forearms, chin, behind an earlobe, and some other places) which generally disappear with 1-2 applications of clobetasol cream. This is why my doctor thinks my scalp problems are likely eczema related although he admits the possibility of psoriasis and/or dry scalp.