Scaly dermatoses: What’s that itch?

Chronic scaly dermatoses include dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. These disorders involve the epidermis, uppermost layer of skin. The primary manifestation is scaling skin, with inflammation, erythema, other changes in appearance variable degree severity. Individuals can receive significant relief through focused OTC products important educational tips from their pharmacist. Dandruff less-inflammatory form dermatoses. It manifests as a more subtle dermatitis relatively fine confined to scalp occasionally includes mild erythema or inflammation. goals self-treatment for dandruff are 1) reduce epidermal turnover rate skin by reducing number Malassezia fungi on scalp, 2) minimize cosmetic embarrassment visible scaling, 3) itch. Shampooing general-purpose nonmedicated shampoo daily every day often sufficient control moderate dandruff. Nonprescription medicated antidandruff shampoos, including those either cytostatic agent ketoconazole, options. Topical agents pyrithione zinc, selenium sulfide, coal tar. decrease cell replication limited effectiveness. Contact time key any efficacy, so shampoos should be massaged into left hair three five minutes before rinsing. Use one week, then two times weekly weeks, thereafter once week disorder. ketoconazole antifungal active against most pathogenic but indicated specifically infections. This product used twice 4 at least days between each treatment. Once disorder controlled, apply prevent relapse. Seborrheic affects face, chest (usually sternum) typically features inflammation erythema. level fungi, eliminate Because inflammatory nature treatment similar to, aggressive than, that corticosteroids needed frequently treat dermatitis. Corticosteroid may manage whenever persists after therapy shampoos. Hydrocortisone ointment applied no than because reservoir effect stratum corneum, which slowly releases corticosteroid over time, potential greasiness. Treatment continue until symptoms subside 7 consecutive since rarely cured nonprescription If worsens persist longer days, dermatologist knowledgeable health care provider consulted. Psoriasis highly characterized raised plaques adherent thick, silvery white scales. psoriasis signs (i.e., itching) likelihood flares. Mild cases psoriasis, presence few localized lesions larger quarter, amenable topical agents. Patients encouraged bathe lubricating bath per using tepid water. Daily lubrication shower essential. Emollients moisturize, lubricate, soothe dry flaky well fissure formation within help maintain flexibility surrounding bathing. To effective, these need liberally gentle rubbing, up daily. 1% medication choice bright red lesions. In some patients, ineffective treatments needed. controlled not cured, remissions do occur. educated controlling flare-ups better understand this associated emotional stress frequency psychogenic exacerbations.