to treat the seberroicdermities on scalp ond hairfall - #15684
DEAR... SIR/MAM i m 21 years old from back 2 years i m facing the dandruff. now from last 6 months it became more severe dandruff seberrioc dermities on my scalp. even i went 2 to 3 dermatologist they prescribed some shampoo as ketoconozole, ZTPO and salicylic acid shampoo they did not showed any effective results i have spent nearly 10k. there is no results can u please suggest me the effective way treat..... please
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Doctors’ responses
Hi Dear Nithish, I can understand your frustation First of all this condition has remission and relapse you need to be prepared for it This is caused by a fungus and hence moisture in your scalp and beard area are the regions it occurs Kindly follow said advices Wash your hair twice weekly with normal shampoo and followed by medicated shampoo avoid oily preparations like oil serum hydrate yourself use conditioners post hair wash and wash off the conditioners wear headcaps while using helmets cap vit d 3 60KIU once a week for 8 weeks avoid sugar and sugary feeds and reduce nonvegetarian feeds avoid moisture over the scalp donot scratch your scalp take care you will be fine
Hello Nithish Reddy By going through your history and evaluation of your health status I must say that , I understand your frustration. Here is my advise for your Seborrheic Dermatitis -
1. Alternate between ZPTO Shampoo and Ketoconazole 2% Shampoo: 2-3 times per week.
2. During Flare ups - Clobetasol Lotion on scalp once daily × 5-7 days only. Long use will lead to side effects and will do more harm then benefit.
3. Once symptoms settle, use antidandruff shampoo weekly once or twice. Use a light, oil-free conditioner only on hair ends. Avoid heavy oils on the scalp.
4. Diet & Lifestyle Guidance- Foods to limit: Excess dairy, sugar, refined carbs, fried/oily foods, and alcohol as these can worsen inflammation. Some people are sensitive to yeast-rich foods (bread, beer). Foods to include: Fruits & vegetables (antioxidants). Omega-3 rich foods – flaxseeds, walnuts, fish. Probiotics – curd, yogurt, kefir (if not causing flare). Drink plenty of water and manage stress (meditation, sleep).
5. Additional Tips: Avoid daily hair oiling on scalp as it feeds the yeast. Wash scalp after sweating. Do not scratch or pick flakes as it worsens inflammation.
Feel free to reach out again.
Thank you
Hello Nithish, I understand your trouble and frustration. But the best advice for you would be to visit the same dermatologist and tell him/her that the treatment isn’t showing much effect. They can step up your therapy for better results.
No sense in changing doctors frequently.
Feel free to reach out again.
Regards, Dr. Nirav Jain MBBS, DNB D.Fam.Med
Hello,
🛑Many people with seborrheic dermatitis don’t respond if: Shampoo is not used long enough Shampoos are not used in correct rotation You have an underlying condition (fungal load, scalp sensitivity, hormonal issues) There is misdiagnosis (psoriasis, eczema, or fungal infection like tinea capitis)
1. Use 3 shampoos in rotation (most effective method) Repeat this 1-week cycle for 6–8 weeks: Ketoconazole 2% shampoo – Day 1 Zinc Pyrithione (ZPTO) shampoo – Day 4 Salicylic Acid 2% shampoo – Day 7
🛑Leave each shampoo on the scalp for 3–5 minutes before washing.
2. Add a scalp lotion (very important)
Ciclopirox 1% lotion (works even if ketoconazole fails) for 2-3 weeks
Please check : Thyroid profile Vit D,B12 Serum Zinc
🛑Supplements for hair fall Zinc 30 mg/day (1 month) Biotin 5 mg/day Vitamin D if low Omega-3 capsule
Please maintain good lifestyle Keep stress away You will recover soon!
Thank you
Hello dear See the root cause for hair fall is dandruff or fungal infection Iam suggesting some medication Please follow them for atleast a month Minoxidil (2% or 5%) or rosemary oil for hair gain OTC solution to be given topically
Finasteride on recommendation only by dermatologist only in person Biotin- medications for growth Ketoconazole 2% (Nizoral) – antifungal shampoo twice a day In addition following preventive measures are must Avoid excess moisture and keep the infected completely dry If possible dry with clean towel Use bhringraj or onion oil gently twice a day for both massage and nourishment In case of no improvement consult dermatologist in person for better clarity Hopefully you recover soon Regards
Considering your experience with seborrheic dermatitis and hairfall, it’s understandable that you’re seeking alternative solutions. It sounds like the shampoos prescribed—the ones containing ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione (ZTPO), and salicylic acid—haven’t provided significant relief, and it’s important to explore why they might not be working effectively. Seborrheic dermatitis can be quite persistent. Sometimes, a combination approach may yield better results. One potential reason these treatments haven’t worked is if the condition is more severe or there’s an underlying factor contributing that hasn’t been addressed. Occasionally it’s beneficial to rotate antifungal shampoos, using each one about two to three times a week instead of sticking to just one type. This can help because different ingredients might work better for different scales of severity of the condition. Alongside, consider incorporating a topical corticosteroid solution, such as betamethasone or fluocinolone, for short-term use to reduce the inflammation. But, these must be prescribed by a healthcare provider to ensure safe use and you shouldn’t use them long-term due to potential side effects. Additionally, make small lifestyle adjustments, such as managing stress, as stress can exacerbate seborrheic dermatitis. Examine your diet as well; sometimes imbalances or deficiencies, like in omega-3 fatty acids or vitamin B, could aggravate the condition. If hair fall continues, it is wise to reassess whether it’s linked to the dermatitis or if there’s another contributing factor like nutritional deficiency, hormonal imbalance, or another scalp condition. Also, make sure that when you apply these shampoos, leave them on for about five minutes before rinsing to give them time to work. Should these things not lead to improvement, consider discussing with a dermatologist the possibility of light therapy or a different topical or oral antifungal medication. Keep monitoring for any warning signs like significant hair loss or scalp infections, which necessitate further intervention.
Severe dandruff that hasn’t improved with ketoconazole, ZPTO, or salicylic acid for 6 months suggests stubborn seborrheic dermatitis, which often needs a combination of antifungal + anti-inflammatory treatment, not shampoo alone. You likely need a short course of topical steroid lotion (like clobetasol/mometasone) + antifungal lotion (sertaconazole/ciclopirox) along with twice-weekly medicated shampoo for 4–6 weeks to finally control the flare. Please consult a dermatologist again for a combination treatment plan, because this condition is very treatable but needs the right mix of medicines, not just shampoos.
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