Treating Scalp Scales

Scalp scales can be caused by Seborrhea, a condition that may not need treatment. If it does require attention, the treatment is fairly simple and can be done at home.

Dr. Greene’s Answer:

Dear Carrie, Thank you for writing. It is clear that you have little time for yourself. I am so impressed that you would take what little time you do have to use the Internet in order to find the answer to your question. I feel privileged that your search led to DrGreene.com and that you would pose your question to me.

Seborrhea Can Cause Scalp Scales

Based on your description, I am reminded of seborrhea or seborrheic dermatitis. Sometimes these scales are only of cosmetic concern, however they can be very itchy and uncomfortable, and can lead to infection. By watching your daughter you will be able to tell if they are bothersome to her. If they are not, you may want to allow them to stay, if removing them is too much of a hardship for you.

Treating Seborrhea

If you do determine that you would like to remove the scales, the oil that you spoke of using can be helpful. If you are going to use oil, I would recommend warm mineral oil, and leaving it on for a few hours to soften the scales. Tea tree oil (5%) may be helpful and appears to be well tolerated. Then, real scrubbing is often necessary to remove the thick adherent scales on the scalp.

You may need to use a more aggressive approach if the scales have become thick and crusty. A shampoo containing sulfur and salicylic acid generally works very well. Examples of this would be the Sebulex you mentioned or MG217 Medicated Tar-Free Shampoo, which are available over the counter. Just be sure to avoid her eyes as these shampoos are safe, but can sting the eyes. If this doesn’t work, a stronger treatment is indicated. The next line of attack is a phenol-saline solution, such as P&S Liquid, which is also available over the counter. This should be massaged into the scalp at night and then shampooed out the following morning.

Whichever of these agents you use, it is important for it to be left on for a sufficient amount of time to loosen the scales properly. The most common reasons for failure of any of these treatments are not allowing the agent to stay on for the recommended time, or inadequate scrubbing.

Using hydrocortisone cream, in addition to one or more of the above treatments, adds help to bring the problem under control.

Due to the sensitive nature of your daughter’s skin, I would try applying any treatment you use on just a little patch of skin before trying it on her whole scalp. Only proceed if she tolerates the patch well.

Even after you find one that works well for her, you may need to switch it after a few weeks. Many parents find that treatments seem to lose their effectiveness. Rotating your approach every few weeks will usually solve that problem.

If your daughter’s skin does not improve, I recommend consultation with a dermatologist (skin specialist).

Photo credit: Nesterova Elena

Dr. Greene is a practicing physician, author, national and international TEDx speaker, and global health advocate. He is a graduate of Princeton University and University of California San Francisco.

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  1. Toni

    I am type1 diabetic and on dialysis. Every since I have these horrible sores covering my whole body they feel like a inch then a bit and these parasite or amoeba comes out of the sore. I look like I have leprosy. What con I to do.

    Added:
    • Toni,

      I’m so sorry. That sounds painful — physically and emotionally.

      Since you are already in treatment for diabetes and on dialysis, it would be very wise to ask your doctor to do a physical exam to determine exactly what this is. Different parasites have different treatments. The sooner you start the right treatment, the easier it will be to deal with.

      In most areas of the world, in-person doctor visits are now available and recommended.

      I hope that helps.
      Best, @MsGreene
      Note: I am the co-founder of DrGreene.com, but I am not Dr. Greene and I am not a doctor. Please keep that in mind when reading my comments and replies.

      Added:
  2. Jim

    Regarding the scale removal, IMHO sylic acid for scale removal is the way to go. Any oil application for me made the problem spread. Since oil and water dont mix I dont trust that an oily scale can be thoroughly washed off. Various sophisticated shampoo formulas your body gets used to. Sylic Acid though IMHO you cant get use to. Thats the method that worked best for me. You just have to leave it on for long time before gently scrubbing sometimes 15 minutes and you have to make sure you use it daily until the scale is gone which can take a while.

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  3. Joyous Ak.

    I have a very sensitive skin, a few times, i have noticed a form of round scaly patch on my skin, it has no color, but it is a dry round patch. Could it be Nummular eczema? I treat with anti-fungi cream. Please, kindly elaborate and educate me more on this. Merci Beaucoup…

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