Red, scaly, dry skin on forehead and scalp

[robb650]

Hello, about three years ago, I moved from the humid Galveston, TX to dry Las Vegas, NV. Ever since then, I've been having skin and scalp problems that continue to get worse by the day. I woke up this morning to it being the worse it has been ever. I haven't had time and won't any time soon to visit a dermatologist, so I was hoping that maybe someone here could provide me with a little assistance on this issue. Most of my scalp is also afflicted by this. I have attached a picture. Does anyone happen to know what this, and if so, how I could treat it?

Thanks in advance.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The symptoms are suggestive of seborrheic dermatitis. It is usually caused by overgrowth of Malassezia furfur. This skin disease commonly affects adolescents and young adults, especially in warm and humid climates and is aggravated by sweating and humidity.

Topical antifungals and mild steroids are the usual treatment and combination of the two can be used to treat stubborn patches. Oral antifungal drugs and immunomodulators such as tacrolimus and pimecrolimus are used in very severe cases. The other possibilities are of eczema, lupus erythematosus or dermatitis. Best would be to consult a dermatologist and get biopsy skin done to confirm the diagnosis.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[robb650]

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