Diseases of the Skin: Treatment of Scalp Disorders
February 1974
in “
The BMJ
”
dandruff seborrhoeic dermatitis psoriasis impetigo tinea capitis topical medications systemic antibiotics systemic antifungals scalp tumor excision radiotherapy scarring alopecias hair transplantation non-scarring alopecias iron therapy thyroid function tests hereditary male-pattern baldness alopecia areata corticosteroids topical steroid lotions intradermal triamcinolone injections stimulant lotions ultraviolet light dandruff seborrhoeic dermatitis psoriasis impetigo ringworm topical medications antibiotics antifungals scalp tumor surgery radiotherapy scarring alopecias hair transplant non-scarring alopecias iron supplements thyroid tests male-pattern baldness alopecia areata steroids steroid lotions triamcinolone injections stimulant lotions UV light
TLDR The document concludes that scalp disorders can be treated with hair washing, specific shampoos, medications, and sometimes surgery or hair transplants, but hereditary baldness is untreatable.
The 1974 document outlines treatments for various scalp disorders, including dandruff, seborrhoeic dermatitis, psoriasis, impetigo, and tinea capitis, recommending frequent hair washing, specific shampoos, topical medications, and systemic antibiotics or antifungals as needed. It discusses scalp tumor treatments, ranging from excision to radiotherapy. The document distinguishes between scarring alopecias, which are treated with excision or hair transplantation, and non-scarring alopecias, which may resolve spontaneously or require treatments like iron therapy or thyroid function tests. Hereditary male-pattern baldness is noted as untreatable, while alopecia areata is treated with corticosteroids, though hair loss may recur after treatment stops. Topical steroid lotions and intradermal triamcinolone injections can aid recovery, but stimulant lotions and ultraviolet light are considered to have only a placebo effect.
