What is the treatment for itchy scalp and hair thinning?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am losing my hairline. My scalp is itching, and I am suffering from hair thinning as well. What should I do to manage this?

Kindly advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I am aware of the anxiety that comes with hair thinning and recession. From your history, you have progressive hair recession, hair thinning on the sides, and itching on the scalp.

The condition in females is mostly an indication of androgenetic alopecia or female pattern hair loss, together with seborrhoeic dermatitis that leads to itching and irritation of the scalp. The observed veins on the sides of the head are superficial veins and are not associated with hair loss.

Telogen effluvium, on the other hand, is another condition that needs to be excluded from your condition, because it is a very common cause of hair shedding among women. Telogen effluvium occurs when there is excessive shedding of hair, especially after washing or combing, caused by stress, illness, weight loss, hormones, nutritional deficiency, or psychological trauma in the previous two to four months.

Unlike androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium leads to generalized hair loss and does not lead to the formation of patterns or hairline modifications unless the condition progresses into the chronic phase. Regarding treatment, I suggest using Ketoconazole 2 % shampoo two times a week.

You should apply it on your head, leave it on for about five minutes, and then wash off completely. Such a procedure will contribute to reducing the inflammation and growth of fungi that may affect the processes of itching and hair loss. For the case of androgenic alopecia, we may apply the topical Minoxidil 5 % once daily.

It should be noted that it is necessary to use this medication consistently, as changes start appearing within three or four months. The process may be accompanied by mild hair loss initially, which disappears afterwards. In addition, it is necessary to find out the triggers causing such symptoms.

For that reason, I would like you to undertake laboratory tests of hemoglobin, ferritin, thyroid-stimulating hormone, vitamin D, and B12.

I hope this information will help you.

Thank you.