How to care itchiness and pimple on the scalp and near hairline? - #10745
Since two months, My scalp is very itchy and i have pimples on the scalp and hairline which causes more hairfall. I changed my shampoo which is a mild one now. I haven't tried any medication yet. I have tried ketoconazole shampoo once a week.
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Doctors’ responses
Your Symptoms:
Itchy scalp for 2 months
Pimples on the scalp and hairline
Increased hair fall
Using a mild shampoo now
Tried ketoconazole shampoo once a week
🔍 Probable Diagnosis:
Your symptoms suggest seborrheic dermatitis or folliculitis (scalp inflammation due to excess oil, fungal growth, or bacterial infection), which are common causes of:
Scalp pimples
Itching
Hair fall due to inflamed follicles
âś… Treatment Plan:
1. Medicated Shampoo Routine:
Ketoconazole 2% shampoo (e.g., Nizoral): Use twice a week – leave on scalp for 5–10 minutes before rinsing.
On other days, use a mild sulfate-free shampoo (e.g., Sebamed, Baby shampoo, or Ducray Extra-Doux).
2. Topical Treatment (Apply directly to pimples & itchy areas):
Clindamycin gel 1% OR Nadifloxacin cream – apply twice daily on scalp pimples.
If severe: You may need a steroid+antibiotic lotion like Elocon lotion (Mometasone) or Clobetasol + Neomycin lotion, but only under doctor’s supervision.
3. Oral Medication (if not improving):
Doxycycline 100 mg once daily for 7–10 days (for scalp folliculitis) – needs a doctor’s prescription.
Antihistamine like Levocetirizine 5 mg at night for 7–10 days to reduce itching.
🥗 Diet Tips:
Avoid oily, fried, spicy food
Drink 2–3 liters of water daily
Add zinc-rich foods (pumpkin seeds, eggs) and vitamin A & C sources (carrots, amla, citrus fruits)
⚠️ Avoid:
Scratching the scalp (worsens inflammation)
Oiling your hair too often (traps dirt & fungus)
Using hot water for hair wash
📌 When to See a Dermatologist:
If no improvement in 2–3 weeks
If scalp lesions become painful or ooze pus
If hair fall becomes excessive (more than 100 strands/day)
Hello dear Please follow below instructions Nicodaril twice a day for 1 month Terbinafine 250 mg twice a day for 1 week Clomed antifungal powder In case of no improvement contact dermatologist Regards
It’s worth exploring the potential causes and solutions for your itchy scalp, pimples, and associated hairfall. These symptoms could be due to a range of factors including folliculitis, seborrheic dermatitis, or an allergic reaction, among others. Starting with what you’ve already tried, ketoconazole shampoo is a good step; it targets fungal causes like dandruff but should be used consistently, typically two to three times a week, to be effective. Be sure not to overuse it as it can dry out the scalp, potentially worsening irritation. For now, maintain its use and balance with the mild shampoo you’re using.
Consider if you have changed any other hair products or habits recently, such as conditioners, styling products, or hair treatments. Allergic or irritant contact dermatitis may result from new products, especially those containing alcohol, sulfates, or fragrances. You might want to eliminate these temporarily to observe any change. Make sure to rinse your hair thoroughly to avoid product residue, which can irritate the scalp.
If pimples are persistent, they might indicate folliculitis, which could benefit from gentle over-the-counter treatments like topical benzoyl peroxide, but use sparingly to avoid further irritation. If bacterial involvement is suspected, your doctor might prescribe topical antibiotic solutions. Minimizing stress and maintaining a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients will support scalp health.
Since the issue has been persistent for two months despite initial interventions, consider reaching out to a dermatologist. They may perform tests to pinpoint the root cause, possibly recommending treatments like topical steroids or oral medications. If any symptoms such as severe pain, significant redness, or a fever develop, it’s essential to seek medical attention promptly as it might suggest an infection.
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