My scalp has been greasy, itchy, and sticky. Could it be eczema?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have traveled to a different country to study, and my hair has been gross since I got here. It is itchy and waxy, and I always have a ton of lint or dust in my brush every time I brush my hair. I also recently started getting itchy bumps around my ankles and elbows. It was because they were really dry. My mom thinks it is eczema. I am curious to know if these are all linked, but after doing some searches, I wonder if it is Demodex mites. I want my hair to be clean and soft again. It always looks gross and greasy. Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

With your descriptions, it seems you have some parasitic infestation which may be pediculosis or Demodex. I suggest the following:

Maintain good hygiene and shave off all the hair in the affected area.
Ensure that no other body parts like axillae (armpits) or scalp are involved.
The most effective medication in nearly all cases has been Gamma benzene hexachloride, or GBHC in short, which needs to be applied weekly to the affected area and then left for 12 hours before it is washed off.
In addition, I recommend using anti-allergic medication like Cetirizine and locally applied Crotorax cream (Crotamiton) to relieve itching. These serve as a good measure.
You may need to repeat the above application for at least 4 to 5 weeks to eliminate the young ones, which may hatch from the eggs.
Ensure that your partner does not have them, and treat them if there are any indications of infection. Secondly, steam press your undergarments and other clothing. Especially at their seams to remove any eggs of the mites. The garments with elastic can be stored away in airtight plastic bags for a couple of weeks to kill all the mites.