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What Causes Severe Hair Loss, Oily And Smelly Scalp?

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Posted on Mon, 21 Mar 2016
Question: I have got a scaly scalp which results in lot of hair fall as well as the oil produced in the scalp makes my hair stink within 12hrs of shampooing. I have tried different types of shampoos but nothing helps.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (32 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Seborrheic dermatitis; Use an leave on antidandruff lotion

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

I have read your question and I have noted your concern.

You seem to have seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, which commonly presents as scalp scaling, itching, and mild erythema. The condition is due to a combination of overactive sebaceous glands which produce excess oil and overgrowth of fungus, malassezia furfur, which feeds on the excess oil.
In addition, seborrheic dermatitis is a common cause of increased hair shedding.
If I was the treating doctor I would suggest that you use an overnight antidandruff lotion formulation e.g piroctone olamine and climbazole lotion (Noskurf lotion), twice weekly. This preparation i.e Noskurf lotion, comes in a long nozzled bottle which makes it easy to apply at scalp skin. Massage it well with your fingers and leave it on, alowing it to act overnight, followed by shampoo,the next morning. Use it twice in a week. This overnight application would be more effective in controlling dandruff on acount of its long contact time of 6-8 hours, as compared to a shampoo which has a short contact time i.e 3-5 minutes.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)
there are also red patches around.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Also use a steroid lotion for 2 wks and coal tar+salicylic acid shampoo

Detailed Answer:
Thank you. I have reviewed the Image. This is classic seborrheic dermatitis.
In fact you should also use a topical steroid lotion for 2 weeks e.g Elocon lotion (mometasone furoate 0.1% lotion) as well on days when you are not using Noskurf lotion. For example, if you would be using Noskurf lotion of monday and thursday, you may use elocon lotion, on the rest of the days. After 2 weeks, you may discontinue Elocon and just continue with Noskurf lotion, once weekly, as maintenance therapy.
I would suggest a coa tar+salicylic acid based shampoo for you e.g Silkin shampo Or protar shampoo, twice or thrice weekly.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (6 hours later)
Once alright, can it recurr? I took a dose of terbinafine for a week along with ketocip shampoo. It reduced. But as soon as I stopped using the medicine, it has reappeared. I think My wife has also acquired the same thing while sleeping together. I am attaching an image of hers. Is it the same, or is it fungal infection?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Seborrheic dermatitis can relapse

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Seborrhiec dermatitis can recur. Therefore, to prevent it from returning, you need to use an antidandruff shampoo, regularly for maintenance. Use either Silkin Or Protar for shampoo. They are more efective than ketoconazole shampoo (Ketocip).
Your wife too has a mild seborrheic dermatitis/ dandruff. No, seborheic dermatitis cannot spread from sleeping together. She can use the same treatment, as you.

Regards
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

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

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 9612 Questions

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What Causes Severe Hair Loss, Oily And Smelly Scalp?

Brief Answer: Seborrheic dermatitis; Use an leave on antidandruff lotion Detailed Answer: Hello. Thank you for writing to us I have read your question and I have noted your concern. You seem to have seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, which commonly presents as scalp scaling, itching, and mild erythema. The condition is due to a combination of overactive sebaceous glands which produce excess oil and overgrowth of fungus, malassezia furfur, which feeds on the excess oil. In addition, seborrheic dermatitis is a common cause of increased hair shedding. If I was the treating doctor I would suggest that you use an overnight antidandruff lotion formulation e.g piroctone olamine and climbazole lotion (Noskurf lotion), twice weekly. This preparation i.e Noskurf lotion, comes in a long nozzled bottle which makes it easy to apply at scalp skin. Massage it well with your fingers and leave it on, alowing it to act overnight, followed by shampoo,the next morning. Use it twice in a week. This overnight application would be more effective in controlling dandruff on acount of its long contact time of 6-8 hours, as compared to a shampoo which has a short contact time i.e 3-5 minutes. Regards