Brief Answer:
Seborrheic dermatitis

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Welcome to HCM..

As you gave history I think most probably you may be having seborrheic dermatitis. You seem to have lesions on scalp and chest. Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory condition of skin characterised by greasy flakes with erythema. Commonly it occurs on scalp,but seborrheic areas like axillae,chest,face, ears and groin may be affected. There may be itching and burning in the affected areas. There may be ssecondary bacterial infection.

Exact cause is not known. It may be precipitated or exacerbated by stress,anxiety, sleeplessness..etc. It may be associated with yeast like melassezia. When it occurs on scalp,there may be hair fall.The diagnosis of seborrheic dermatitis is almost always made clinically, meaning that the doctor recognizes it on the basis of its appearance. You consult dermatologist for firm diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment of seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, often includes the use of a shampoo that may contain one or more of the ingredients like...Tar,Antifungal antibiotic,Zinc pyrithione, Selenium sulfide. Shampoo should be done daily in diluted form. In addition, the application of a topical mild or moderate effective steroid lotion or solution like hydrocortisone or mometasone may be applied. On chest or other areas, topical steroid,tacrolimus or pimecrolimus may be applied.

Orally antihistaminics like levocetirizine may be taken to relieve itching. Antibiotics and antifungal may be taken for short period. Steroids in tappering dose may be taken if needed.

Avoid anxiety and tension. Take good sleep. Hair fall may be reduced after few weeks treatment. Dandruff might improve after regular treatment. For prevention, regular anti dandruff shampoo may be needed.

You may feel better after few months treatment. I hope this would be helpful to you in your treatment. If any query, you may ask.

Thanks with best wishes...

Dr. Ilyas Patel MD

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