What is pityriasis amiantacea?
Pityriasis amiantacea is a scalp condition in which there is excessive yellow scaling on the scalp. Thick silvery or yellowish scales encircle the hair shafts. This may bind down tufts of hair. The scales resemble asbestos, thus the french word for asbestos – “amiante” is given to it.
Pityriasis amiantacea can easily be misdiagnosed with psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis or lichen planus due to the similarity in scalp conditions. However, in pityriasis amiantacea, the scales are attached to both the hair shaft and the scalp. Pityriasis amiantacea may be present with inflammatory conditions.
What is the treatment?
Treatment for pityriasis amiantacea depends on the specific underlying disease.
- Olive oil may help to loosen the adherent scales.
- Washable leave-on creams containing salicylic acid, coal tar, and sulfur may be of help in reducing the scaling and inflammation.
- Intermittent courses of topical steroids are useful for psoriasis and various types of dermatitis, often as lotions or gels.
- Antifungal shampoo is often prescribed and may be helpful for underlying seborrhoeic dermatitis.
- Oral antifungal agents are necessary for confirmed tinea capitis infection.
- Oral antibiotics may be prescribed for bacterial infection.
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