Dandruff Complications
In rare cases, there may be an allergic reaction
to ketoconazole. If you experience irritation,
itching or a burning sensation you should stop using
the shampoo immediately, and ask your pharmacist or
doctor to recommend an alternative.
Itching of the scalp can break the skin and lead to
infection. If this occurs you should see your GP for
advice.
Related and similar conditions
Dandruff may also be caused by excessive dryness or
by psoriasis. A few people have both conditions,
which makes diagnosis difficult. Seborrheic
dermatitis and psoriasis can be pretty difficult to
tell apart.
Psoriasis tends to have a whiter scale, and affected
areas bleed fairly easily if plucked, picked or
scratched. Patches of psoriasis also tend to be
thicker and more persistent.
Rarely, seborrheic dermatitis will become infected,
a condition known as impetigo.
Tinea capitis - scalp ringworm - may be mistaken for
dandruff in adults. This condition is uncommon after
puberty and when it appears on adults, the features
are different to those occurring on children.
Tinea capitis will not respond to tradition dandruff
treatments or antibotics. Lack of treatment can lead
to scarring and permanent hairloss, as well as
infection of others.
The incidence of scalp ringworm in children is on
the rise in the United Kingdom and several cases of
adults - particulary those of Afro-Carribean descent
- have been eventually diagonised with this
condition after lengthy unnecessary investigations
and treatments.
The vast majority of people with seborrheic
dermatitis have no associated conditions. Sufferers
of Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injuries and
other neurological conditions and AIDS can have
outbreaks of seborrheic dermatitis.
Dandruff Complications
.gif)
