Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
What Causes Intermittent Itchy Scalp?
I have been having severe itchy scalp on and off for the last i d say 6 months. It is flakey, however when i scratch certain areas, there are big what seems like deposits of white, almost powder substance. Lately, the itchiness has died down alot except in some areas. What could this be?
Mon, 19 Oct 2015
Hello and welcome to HCM,
Itchy scalp associated with deposition of white powder like substance is suggestive of dandruff or seborrhoeic dermatitis.
Dandruff is caused by fungal infection of the scalp.
Treatment of dandruff is with anti-fungal ointment and anti-fungal shampoo.
Dryness of scalp accentuates the deposition of white flaky scales.
Thus, keeping the scalp moist and hydrated with oils is suggested.
Dandruff requires long term treatment requires long term treatment.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
Itchy scalp associated with deposition of white powder like substance is suggestive of dandruff or seborrhoeic dermatitis.
Dandruff is caused by fungal infection of the scalp.
Treatment of dandruff is with anti-fungal ointment and anti-fungal shampoo.
Dryness of scalp accentuates the deposition of white flaky scales.
Thus, keeping the scalp moist and hydrated with oils is suggested.
Dandruff requires long term treatment requires long term treatment.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
I find this answer helpful
hi
thank you for asking your concern and welcome to hcm. as per the condition you are telling i can think of 2-3 conditions. one is fungal infection of scalp that we call as tines capitis. for this there as few antifungal shampoo are there in market containing ketoconazole. you can apply this shampoo 2-3 times a week. psoriasis can also present like your symptoms. i would rather suggest you to consult your physician or a skin specialist. it is necessary to screen for diabetes also as the problem is long running. i hope i answered your query.
thank you and feel free to ask any doubt.
regards
dr. abhijit
thank you for asking your concern and welcome to hcm. as per the condition you are telling i can think of 2-3 conditions. one is fungal infection of scalp that we call as tines capitis. for this there as few antifungal shampoo are there in market containing ketoconazole. you can apply this shampoo 2-3 times a week. psoriasis can also present like your symptoms. i would rather suggest you to consult your physician or a skin specialist. it is necessary to screen for diabetes also as the problem is long running. i hope i answered your query.
thank you and feel free to ask any doubt.
regards
dr. abhijit
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....