 The Doctor Is In
Seborrheic dermatitis can be treated
By Valencia D. Thomas, M.D.
Q. When is it time to see a dermatologist for hair or scalp issues?
A. Dermatologists are specialists who specifically manage diseases of the hair and nails. Health care professionals can evaluate many hair or scalp issues when they appear. A professional's evaluation is definitely recommended if any of the following are seen:
1. Sudden hair loss spotted on the scalp and body.
2. Coin-shaped areas of hair loss all over the scalp.
3. Full-hair strand loss noticed for more than six weeks.
4. Sudden severe itching, which may indicate an infection.
5. White, stuck-on "dots" that appear on the hair. This may be the "nits" seen with head lice infection.
6. Sudden hair loss noticed in association with fever or swelling of lymph nodes in the head and neck. This may indicate a severe infection requiring immediate attention.
Evaluation by a dermatologist is encouraged if hair loss continues despite adequate treatment, or if symptoms are sudden and extreme. Due to a shortage in the number of dermatologists, appointment wait times can be up to a few months. In these situations, schedule an appointment and request to be added to the wait-list in case last-minute appointments become available. While you wait, seek the help of a health care professional until the appointment arrives.
Q. What is seborrheic dermatitis, and are there effective treatments?
A. Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as seborrhea, is an inflammatory skin condition characterized by red, scaly, itchy patches located on the scalp, around the ears and/or on the central face. This condition comes and goes, usually worsening in the fall and winter months. Pityrosporum ovale, a fungus that grows naturally on the skin, sometimes can cause a reaction to the skin, which then becomes inflamed.
Although there is no cure, there are many effective treatments. Some shampoos, conditioners, or solutions contain ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide or sulfur to help to reduce the amount of fungus. Similar products contain tar to reduce the amount of inflammation. Other products contain salicylic acid to reduce the amount of scale. Though these work for many people suffering from this disease, there are others where these products are not enough to control symptoms. For those individuals, health care professionals provide prescription-strength shampoos, creams and solutions.
Dr. Valencia Thomas was recently appointed as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Dermatology at the University of Texas at Houston School of Medicine. She is also an Assistant Professor in the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Dermatology in the Section of Internal Medicine.
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