from the Fall 2003 issue
As you and the kids settle back into your school routine, we'd like to focus on flaky, itchy, scalp — a skin problem that is very common but can have a few different causes. In younger children, these symptoms may be due to "ringworm," otherwise known as tinea capitis in the scalp. This is not really a worm, but it may take on the appearance of a ring-shape. It is actually a fungal infection. It is passed among young school age children by sharing combs, caps, and hair ornaments, and at home with siblings sharing bath towels and pillowcases. It may appear as flaky rings on the scalp, or it may just look like dandruff. Over-the-counter and even prescription topical treatments are not sufficient to treat this condition, as they cannot penetrate the hairs well enough to get to the fungus. Treatment with prescription oral antifungals is necessary.
Another flaky, itchy scalp condition is seborrheic dermatitis, which is a severe form of dandruff. Red scaly patches may appear on the scalp as well. This condition usually occurs in children after they have gone through puberty and can occur in adults as well. A fungus does not cause it. Sometimes over-the-counter shampoos can be effective. However, the condition can require treatment with prescription solutions and creams.
A flaky scalp condition that manifests with usually more severe scaly red patches than seborrheic dermatitis may be psoriasis of the scalp. Psoriasis is not necessarily itchy. Psoriasis may occur only on the scalp but may also occur on other parts of the skin. This condition can run in families. Over-the-counter treatments are available and may be effective in some cases, but oftentimes prescription treatments are necessary, especially in more severe cases.
For more information, see:
Stop Itchy Scalp
Winter 2000
If you spot any of these conditions in your children, call our Medical Center at 713.796.9199 for an appointment.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |