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Suggest Treatment For Recurring Itchy Red Colored Pimples On Scalp

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Posted on Thu, 30 Apr 2015
Question: I have a recurring condition of small red pimples on my scalp that itch. It sometimes travels on my neck and sometimes on chest area, there they can be larger.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (12 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Possibly it is seborrheic dermatitis with bacterial superinfection.

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

I have taken note of your query and I hope you will find my reply useful.

I suggest a possibility of seborrheic dermatitis with folliculitis.

Scalp and chest are rich in oil glands and are common sites for seborrheic dermatitis which is an itchy, scaly condition.
There is an overgrowth of fungus (malassezia furfur) in seborrheic dermatitis and there is also accompanying inflammation.
The affected regions can also develop itchy bumps due to overgrowth of fungus (yeast) as well as bacterial superinfection.

I suggest you to use an OTC antifungal shampoo e.g ketoconazole 1% shampoo for scalp wash every alternate days. You may also use it as a body wash. Lather it well and leave it to act for 5 minutes before rinsing.
2% ketoconazole is more effective, however, it is available on prescription of a dermatologist.

A course of an oral antibiotic e.g amoxycillin or cephalexin for a week would also help resolve the bumps.
Oral antibiotics are prescription drugs and therefore I suggest that you talk to your doctor for the needful.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Pradeep Vitta
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)
Thanks! So it's a combination of fungal and bacterial condition? Wow that's tricky
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Seborrheic dermatitis may have itchy bumps. These may get secondarily infected with bacteria

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

In Seborrheic dermatitis there is an overgrowth of fungus i.e malassezia furfur, a yeast. This yeast is a normal skin commensal though.
The yeast feeds on oil produced by sebaceous glands and the combination of inflammation and yeast proliferation may produce itchy bumps.
These bumps may develop secondary bacterial infection & then they enlarge and may become painful and form pus.

Regards
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
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Kakkar

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 9612 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Recurring Itchy Red Colored Pimples On Scalp

Brief Answer: Possibly it is seborrheic dermatitis with bacterial superinfection. Detailed Answer: Hello. Thank you for writing to us I have taken note of your query and I hope you will find my reply useful. I suggest a possibility of seborrheic dermatitis with folliculitis. Scalp and chest are rich in oil glands and are common sites for seborrheic dermatitis which is an itchy, scaly condition. There is an overgrowth of fungus (malassezia furfur) in seborrheic dermatitis and there is also accompanying inflammation. The affected regions can also develop itchy bumps due to overgrowth of fungus (yeast) as well as bacterial superinfection. I suggest you to use an OTC antifungal shampoo e.g ketoconazole 1% shampoo for scalp wash every alternate days. You may also use it as a body wash. Lather it well and leave it to act for 5 minutes before rinsing. 2% ketoconazole is more effective, however, it is available on prescription of a dermatologist. A course of an oral antibiotic e.g amoxycillin or cephalexin for a week would also help resolve the bumps. Oral antibiotics are prescription drugs and therefore I suggest that you talk to your doctor for the needful. Regards