What Causes Black Flat Spots On The Scalp?

Posted on Fri, 28 Apr 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 28 Apr 2017 Answered on

Fri, 19 May 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi,
My 3 month baby has black flat spots on his scalp. It started in left side partion and it is spreading. I dont see him rubbing his head. He sleeps on his left side. Please suggest the further action required

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Photograph required

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the query.

Probably your baby has developed seborrhea.

Can you please upload a photograph of the involved area?

This will help me in giving a closer diagnosis and better way of management. You can simply upload it to the reports section of this web page.

Waiting for your response.
Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (1 hour later)

Pfa images

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Photograph required

Detailed Answer:
Hello
I could not find attachments.
There is an option to upload photographs on right side of query page.
Please utilize that.
You can also mail me photos on attachments@healthcare magic.com with subject as ATTN DR XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Waiting for your response.
Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (59 minutes later)

Sorry.. please find the attached picture..

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (20 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Superficial fungal infection

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the photograph.
It is looking like a superficial fungal infection.
I treat such cases with a topical antifungal cream like clotrimazole to be applied twice daily for a month.
It is safe and effective and usually available over the counter.
There is nothing to worry such infections are very common and are harmless.
Let me know if you have any other doubts.
Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (19 hours later)

Hi doctor,
Im using that topical solution from 2 days. It is still spreading. I was able to peel it. Attached the picture. Please see and let me know if it is safe to comb and peel them after applying the topical solution. Can u please let me know the reasons for such infection?? Is it safe to wash baby hair with XXXXXXX baby shampoo?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You can shampoo

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the photograph.
You don't need to peel off the scales but combing can be done.
Let the scales come off on their own.
Babies have low immunity hence they easily develop such infections.
Keep applying the cream.
It might take a month for complete recovery.
There is nothing to worry such infections are very common and are harmless.
You must wash babie's hair with shampoo to keep it clean. XXXXXXX shampoo can be used.
Let me know if you have any other doubts.
Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (1 hour later)

Pfa images of the peelings. Can i oil the hair with coconut oil?? Is it best to comb after oil or after hair wash or after putting solution?? Im using solution morning and night, is that ok? Should i apply topical solutionto full scalp or only afftected area??

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (21 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Use solution twice daily

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the follow up.
Yes you can use coconut oil.
It is best to comb after putting solution.
Apply solution to only affected area.
Twice application is enough.
Let me know if you have any other doubts.
Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj