These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An individual patient is always advised to consult their own physician.
Skin
Question: I’ve got a reddish, dry patch (flakes too) on my scalp near my hariline. It seems to come and go, but doesn’t necessarily improve with Cortaid. It doesn’t seem to be a winter condition because I’ve had it since the summer. Do you think this is something that can be cured by a shampoo? Please advise before I lose two days of work (one to see my GP, the other to go to a derm if I’m referred.)
Answer: Reddish flakes on the scalp are usually one of several entities. These include psoriasis, seborrheic dermatatis, fungal infections or drug reactions due to sun sensivity. The only red scaly condition which responds to shampoo is seborrheic dermatatis. This commonly responds to concentrated dandruff shampoo (Head & Shoulders, Tegrin, and the like). This should be applied full strength for several minutes each day and washed off. If it does not respond to this treatment, I recommend a medical evaluation since each of the other conditions requires a prescription medicine and longer treatment.
Hives
Question: Are there any medications for hives that do not make you drowsy? I have been suffering from hives for 3 weeks now and have chest pains occasionally. I have been to the doctor and they gave me atarax and said that it is from stress. It’s hard to take this medication when I have to work because it makes me very drowsy. I have discussed this with the doctor but they said they can’t give me anything that does not make me drowsy.
Answer: Hives are very irritating. Unfortunately, the treatment usually involves antihistamines to decrease the itching and swelling and these almost always are sedating. Atrax (hydroxyzinehydrochloride) is sometimes effective without the sedation. Steroids are also used occasionally for extended or severe hives. These have other potential severe side effects, but are usually not sedating. In general, steroids are rarely used for extended periods. An old but useful home remedy is colloidal oatmeal. This can be obtained at the drug store and bathed in cool water. This usually helps for a period of time.
