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Treatment for rash in head due to CONTACT DERMATITIS.

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About ten days ago I noticed that I had a red rash on the back of my head. I went to the doctor and he feels that it is some kind of contact dermatitis. I had been using bleach and a mask (with straps) to clean. He said it's possible the straps are what caused this (possibly the straps had lingering bleach on them) I had used the bleach and mask for about 5-7 days before I got a haircut and noticed it (picture attached). He prescribed betamethasone valerate foam. It's been 10 days since I started using it and it seems to be getting a bit lighter but it hasn't really improved that much. It definitely has not gotten worse. The reason I went to him in the first place is that I adopted a cat that I found out has ringworm and I've been treating the cat. I only had the cat for about a week before I noticed the rash on the back of my head (is that too fast for ringworm on the scalp?). My doctor doesn't seem to think this is fungal at all (there's no missing hair - I cut my hair very short). I'm worried because he didn't do a culture or anything. But the rash seems to line up with the way the mask was strapped to my head. Thoughts?

Category: Dermatologist

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Dr. Kruti Jobanputra Banodkar
Category: Cosmetic and Plastic Surgeon
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 32 Doctors Online

Expert:  Dr. Kruti Jobanputra Banodkar
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Hello

Thanks for posting your query at DoctorSpring.com

I can understand your concern.

It seems to be contact dermatitis. Tinea i.e ringworm doesn't present like this on the scalp. I would recommend that you change the steroid cream that you are using. Application of mometasone furoate cream twice a day for a week would be helpful. You will need a prescription for it.

Please let me know if you have any queries.

Take care,
Regards.


Patient replied :

I have a follow up with my doctor in a few days. In the meantime, can I also use Cetaphil Restoraderm on the rash? Could this help or might it hurt? Should I continue using the Betamethasone? How long can this type of dermatitis last?

Thanks!


Expert:  Dr. Kruti Jobanputra Banodkar
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Hello,
Thanks for your reply.

Cetaphil restoraderm cream will cause no harm however it won't be of much help.

You can continue with Betamethasone cream till you get a prescription for mometasone.

Dermatitis may take 2 to 3 weeks to show improvement.

Take care,
Regards.


Patient replied :

The doctor did not want to change the medication. He said that I should continue using the Betamethasone until it clears up. I do not see it clearing up that quickly. I'm not sure what to do now?


Expert:  Dr. Kruti Jobanputra Banodkar
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Hello

Thanks for your reply.

In that case it would be best to continue with Betamethasone for 5 to 7 days and see if that goes. Mometasone is not available without prescription.

Take care


Patient replied :

Ok - can I rest assured this isn't something like Ringworm?


Expert:  Dr. Kruti Jobanputra Banodkar
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Yes, i can give you my assurance it is Contact Dermatitis and not ringworm.
Please continue the medicine as i advised.
Regards.

Dr. Kruti Jobanputra Banodkar
Category: Cosmetic and Plastic Surgeon
Experience: 
Diploma in Dermatology - Royal College Of Physicians & Surgeons Of Glasgow, UK , 2010
Residency - DNB, Dermatology -  K.J Somaiya Hospital, Mumbai, 2009
Medical School & Internship - MBBS - Dr. D . Y . Patil Medical College, Mumbai, 2004
Dr. Kruti Jobanputra Banodkar and 4 other Medical Specialists are ready to help you

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