don't know what to do or consult its a very long problem - #10300
Actually my grandmother have been in a problem related to head and hair for around 17 years ,she has itching and sort of irritation in her hair and scalp we thought like lice or dandruff but not that its been around so many years,she says like small certain ants and small insects are produced she askedus to look in itching portion but when i look nothing is present there,i think a serious bacteria like thing is present which is the main issue,microbiologist a good option?
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.
Doctors’ responses
For Scalp Itching:
Ketoconazole 2% shampoo – apply to scalp thrice weekly, leave for 5–10 mins, rinse
Levocetirizine 5 mg At night × 10 days
First visit a dermatologist. Thank you
Hello mam Please be aware It can be fungal infection because it keeps on coming despite removal There may be requirement of Tab terbinafine Tab ketaconazole Clotimazole powder You can consult microbiologist for confirmation Regards
Hello as you stated she complaint of itching and keep insisting that insect are there while there is nothing…that might sign schizophrenia.i would suggest you to get her by psychiatrist once for better treatment
At age 70, your grandmother’s chronic scalp itching and crawling sensation without visible lice or dandruff may be due to a condition like scalp neuropathy, delusional parasitosis, or a fungal/bacterial scalp infection. While a microbiologist can help with lab testing, it’s best to first consult a dermatologist, who can examine her scalp and order tests for infections, skin conditions, or nerve-related causes. If needed, the dermatologist can refer her to a neurologist or psychiatrist for further evaluation, depending on the findings.
If your grandmother has been dealing with persistent scalp itching and irritation for as long as 17 years, it’s crucial to evaluate this chronic condition more comprehensively. While you’ve considered common culprits like lice and dandruff, her description of feeling small insects or ants and the absence of visual evidence could suggest a condition like delusional parasitosis, where one feels infested without actual infestation. However, before jumping to conclusions, it’s recommended to start with a thorough dermatological evaluation. A dermatologist might be the most relevant specialist to assess scalp conditions thoroughly. They can conduct proper examinations and, if needed, perform a biopsy or other diagnostic tests to rule out underlying dermatological conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, or contact dermatitis, which might not always present typically. The idea of a bacterial or infectious cause should not be dismissed but usually, persistent cases also involve psychological components too, especially with sensations of crawling or biting without evidence, which dermatologists are trained to recognize. Regarding your thought about seeing a microbiologist, they usually focus on identifying microbes in systemic infections; therefore, their input would typically follow if a skin infection is confirmed, which requires microbiological analysis. The objective here is to accurately identify any underlying medical dermatological condition first. If psychological elements are contributing, involving a psychiatrist alongside the dermatologist might be advised after ruling out physical causes, to handle both medical and mental aspects. Meanwhile, ensure her scalp care routine is gentle – avoid harsh chemicals, use hypoallergenic products and maintain good hygiene practices. If her symptoms escalate, or new systemic symptoms develop, seek immediate medical attention.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.
