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Suggest Treatment For Recurrent Sores And Scabbing On Scalp

Posted on Wed, 8 Oct 2014

Question: I have had some sores on my scalp for about 2 mos. They form scabs, but don't go away. They just keep scabbing & then rescabbing. I also got bit by a tick on my head earlier in summer. (I had something like this many years ago & I attributed it to the fungal infection that I have been treated for with diet & Nystatin) But I never had a doctor tell me that is what caused it. I just thought that was why I got them. I had been off my diet then & recently got off yeast free diet over a month ago.

Answered by Dr. Roopa Hiremath (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Suspicion of tenia infection

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Welcome to healthcare magic.

I understand your concern about recurrent sores and scabbing on your scalp.

Your description of symptoms give a suspicion of tenia capitis infection of the scalp. This fungal infection is caused by dermatophytes and usually involves hair and skin of scalp.

There is scaling of skin and hair loss.

Sometimes this infection presents as favus where there is formation of crusted, red patches on the scalp with permanent hair loss.

I suggest you get your hair and scalp sample tested for woods lamp test and fungal culture.

You can get in touch with a skin doctor and get a prescription for antifungal therapy.

I would suggest terbinafine or fluconazole.

Mind you this therapy should be continued for 6 - 8 weeks.

Also keep the area clean and dry. Avoid sharing combs, brushes, or other hair accessories.

I hope I have cleared your doubts.

Please let me if I can assist you further.

Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Roopa Hiremath (20 hours later)

I guess I accidently entered this twice. Not sure what happened. I already received answer from other dr, but will gladly close this & review Dr. I did wonder if the tick bites I got a couple of months ago could have caused this problem. Do you have an opinion about that?

Answered by Dr. Roopa Hiremath (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Most unlikely to do anything with tick bites

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Welcome back.

Your condition is typical of scalp infection caused by dermatophytes.

It is most unlikely to be related to tick bites.

Moreover, tick bites cause inflammation and allergic reaction which reduces within a week.

I suggest you get appropriate antifungal therapy.

Thanks.

Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju