Why do I have a scaly and glossy pattern near the base of my scalp?

Hello,

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Thanks for writing in, and I understand your concern. Seborrheic dermatitis is a widespread thing, in one form or another. Suppose it is just mild flaking and no significant erythema or patch, that is what dandruff is. You have androgenetic alopecia, as you rightly mentioned. And that is the only reason for hair loss in your case. Hair fall due to dandruff is very mild and does not lead to progressive hair loss. In this form of alopecia, hair becomes progressively thin every cycle after shedding until the follicle is last lost. As the follicles disappear between normal hair, the scalp skin appears shiny and dry. Also, the remaining hair has variable diameters. Some are thin and short. Some are thicker and longer. Variability in diameter is one of the important features. The hair in androgenetic alopecia can also regrow, but you need to use medicines regularly and for a longer time. You can see full results after one year, but the result starts in 2 to 3 months in reduced shedding first, followed by regrowth. No specific tests are required as the diagnosis is mostly clinical. I suggest you to start the following medicines for androgenetic alopecia. Take tablet Finpecia (Finasteride) 1 mg once a day. Finasteride is a drug that inhibits an androgen hormone responsible for hair thinning. It can also have sexual side effects like reduced erection, decreased libido, and reduced semen volume. These symptoms are seen in less than 1 % of patients and subside after some time even if the drug continues. If they persist, side effects are reversible when the drug is stopped. Apply Tugain lotion (Minoxidil) 5 % twice a day, over frontal, mid, and crown of the scalp. You do not have to use over the back scalp and above ears as these areas are resistant to hair loss in this condition mostly. Minoxidil can cause scalp dryness and a bit of itching. Continue AF-K shampoo (Ketoconazole and Zinc Pyrithione). Please know that topical Minoxidil and oral Finasteride are the only drugs worldwide, which are approved for androgenetic alopecia. Would you please review after 6 weeks as it is a slow process unless you need other opinions? I hope this helps. Regards.