itchy scalp and thinning hair at the side

Question
QUESTION: im only 16 and i have been bothered because of my very itchy scalp, also.. the side of my hair next to my ear is thinning, i need to grow my bangs just to cover it. im wondering why and how can i stop this problem. i had my research in the internet and i always see the minoxidil is the medicine i need. is it really? please reply asap. thanks..



ANSWER: The loss of hair with an itchy scalp is frequently a sign of an infection of the hair follicles and the treatment for that would be different depending on the organism causing the problem. Different antibiotics are used for different bacteria or fungus or yeast. You should see a dermatologist before deciding it is something you can do on your own. It may be a skin disease which can cause itch and scaliness and require a prescription cortisone lotion to calm the condition. There are just too many different possibilities to assume it is safe to use some treatment you can buy in the drugstore. If the hair follicles get damaged enough and get scarred you may never get the hairs to grow again.



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QUESTION: i dont really know what to do, as everyone close to me told me that they can see my scalp in my temple part. and ive been scratching all day and sometimes i feel a small something. and ill try to remove it and to see something at the end of my hair. something whitish,yellow something like that.. what is it really. am i going bald?


Answer
Tyrone,

 I already answered the question. I can not tell you for certain what you have by email. I can suggest some of the different possibilities and in your case the problem is that you may scar the roots and should see a dermatologist to make sure you are not going to lose those hairs permanently. If you want to try something over the counter first as a treatment while deciding on seeing a dermatologist then try Head and Shoulders Shampoo 1% zinc pyrithione used DAILY for the next two months.