Q:

Hi Doc.  My boyfriend has recently picked up this habit of scratching a specific side of his head. About 2 weeks ago he has been scratching and plucking it, causing these really huge dandruff flakes to fall off.  Just looking at his scalp, he's starting to form scabs and red, irritated areas. I try to make sure he doesn't scratch, but he can't seem to stop.  I don't know if this is just a bad habit or something else.  He thinks it might be stress, but this is the first time he's ever done this.  He has tried head and shoulder shampoos and denies it ever being itchy. I think he likes the big flakes. Is this something that can be remedied at home or should he go come in and get it checked out?  Thank you.

 

A:

It sounds as if he should have his scalp examined as it could be an infection, like bacterial or fungal, that is easily treated, or seborrhea which is an inflammatory condition that is also easily treated.

~The Doc