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Itchy scalp

by Dr Sarah Brewer

question
For close to three years I've had scalp irritation. It itches all around the crown and recently I have discovered small bumps which feel like pimples, however, they itch terribly. I have tried dandruff shampoos and Scalpicin but have no relief. Any suggestions as to what it might be and how to treat it?

answer
You need to see your doctor to have the cause of the scalp irritation diagnosed. It may be due to folliculitis (infection of hair follicles), psoriasis, eczema, allergy or seborrhoeic dermatitis which is a sensitivity to the presence of excessive skin yeasts. If anti-dandruff shampoos haven't helped (one containing ketoconazole such as Nizoral is usually very effective if the cause is excessive yeast proliferation) then you may well need diagnosis and a prescription-only treatment.
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