Sensible skin under hair

[ed22995]

I am 16 year old boy. My hair is really greasy. Everytime I have my hair cut, the skin on the back of my neck gets really irritated and full of acne. When I use gel, my head itches. Even when I don't use any hair products, my head itches alot, so I scratch it with my nails really often. I see a lot of hair falling and I am really worried. What can I do? To what kind of doctor should I go or what kind of product should I use?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Hair fall is a physiological phenomenon. A hair falls after it has grown up and entered the later part of its growth (called the telogen phase). Sometimes, more hairs enter into the telogen phase at the same time and fall with obvious note by the person. At other times, it may be due hair disorder or some other underlying disease which include hormonal changes, fungal infection, physical effects (traction, heat, chemicals), psychological & stress-related reasons, thyroid disorders, iron deficiency anemia, excessive intake of Vitamin A, hereditary reasons etc. I suggest you to take opinion of a Dermatologist who will do a methodical medical check-up and advice accordingly.

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.

[ed22995]

Thans a lot for your help! I will try to do what you said, or I'll go to a doctor for a more accurate view of the problem. But I have another worry. The hair on the right side of my head is really thin, rare. Do I have to worry? What can I do for it?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It looks like acne keloidalis nuchae to me. It occurs when hairs on the back of the head and neck grow into the skin, become inflamed, and cause scar tissue. These ingrown hairs usually occur following a short haircut on the back of the head and nape of the neck.

Treatment of AKN includes suppression of the inflammation with antibiotics and steroid gels or intralesional steroid injections. So apply antibiotic cream like Neosporin or bactroban. If the symptoms persist then oral antibiotics and steroids may be needed. Please consult a dermatologist in that case.

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.