Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Itchy Scalp
Posted on
Mon, 27 Jul 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Mon, 27 Jul 2015
Answered on
Tue, 18 Aug 2015
Last reviewed on
Question : I am on 1000 mg Metformin for 2 years. I developed a scalp itch that that I can not control. I went to several dermatologists, I tried all rx shampoos, including anti fungal at no avail. Is it possible that the Metformin is causing low potassium and low B 12 levels and this is leading to scalp itch?
Thank you
Thank you
Brief Answer:
Scalp itching and metformin
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX
You are taking METFORMIN 1000 mg for 2 years .
Developed scalp itching .
For treatment used many type shampoos , anti fungus but no avail.
Question : Is it possible that metformin causes low magnesium and Vitamin B 12 , leading to scalp itching?
Answer:
Metformin may produce Vitamin B 12 deficiency during long term use (as in your case , you are taking for 2 years ) .
Vitamin B 12 may be responsible for scalp itch.
However metformin never decreases magnesium level .
Since in my opinion you are taking metfromin for diabetes .
Sometimes diabetes causes Dermatologic infections ( folliculitis, furnculosis cellulitis necrobiosis poor wound healing ulcers .
I mentioned these things so that you can understand that this scalp itching ( which is not responding to many types treatment ) may be due to diabetes , so consult your diabetologist and get his opinion.
Hope this will help you .
Further ,if any question I will reply.
Scalp itching and metformin
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX
You are taking METFORMIN 1000 mg for 2 years .
Developed scalp itching .
For treatment used many type shampoos , anti fungus but no avail.
Question : Is it possible that metformin causes low magnesium and Vitamin B 12 , leading to scalp itching?
Answer:
Metformin may produce Vitamin B 12 deficiency during long term use (as in your case , you are taking for 2 years ) .
Vitamin B 12 may be responsible for scalp itch.
However metformin never decreases magnesium level .
Since in my opinion you are taking metfromin for diabetes .
Sometimes diabetes causes Dermatologic infections ( folliculitis, furnculosis cellulitis necrobiosis poor wound healing ulcers .
I mentioned these things so that you can understand that this scalp itching ( which is not responding to many types treatment ) may be due to diabetes , so consult your diabetologist and get his opinion.
Hope this will help you .
Further ,if any question I will reply.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
You are correct: Metformin never decreases magnesium levels. I stated earlier that it may decrease POTASSIUM levels not Magnesium level. Can low potassium level cause scalp itch? I am NOT diabetic, I am pre diabetic. I have no dermatological infections. I have seen several dermatologists to rule this out.
Brief Answer:
Hypokalemia and its effect.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX.
Thanks for the question :
Low level of plasma potassium is known as hypokalemia .
Since potassium is the major intracellular cation, its depletion is expected to produce widespread dysfunction. BUT hypokalemia NEVER PRODUCES SCALP ITCH.
If infection is rule out I would consider allergy for allergy as possible cause. There are few allergy tests which may be performed. Discuss with your primary healthcare provider / dermatologist.
Good luck.
Hypokalemia and its effect.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX.
Thanks for the question :
Low level of plasma potassium is known as hypokalemia .
Since potassium is the major intracellular cation, its depletion is expected to produce widespread dysfunction. BUT hypokalemia NEVER PRODUCES SCALP ITCH.
If infection is rule out I would consider allergy for allergy as possible cause. There are few allergy tests which may be performed. Discuss with your primary healthcare provider / dermatologist.
Good luck.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
