Monday, October 26, 2009

On Hyperkeratosis of the Head

I have a problem.

My so called dandruff is actually, according to one of the dermatologist I went to years ago, is actually hyperkeratosis of the scalp. Meaning, the growth of skin is faster than normal people. Thing is, the shreds of skin that comes out from the scalp, is larger than the flakes you see in dandruff. They’re bloody big pieces, like, more than 5 times bigger than flakes. Seriously. So I was given some medication, and was asked to use it like hair shampoo. But the smell was horrible, and I must’ve stopped using it at some point when I found out “Head&Shoulder” actually stopped the itchiness and the BIG flakes on my head.

And so, I’ve been using the same shampoo ever since, until recently that the scalp started to itch again. It must’ve been the old bad habit that we all have at home. While our eyes are concentrating on the books, our hands just got naughty and don’t know where to go. So the hands found their ways to the face. My sister has a habit of scratching on her pimples when she was still a teenager. While I, as expected, acted as if I’ve got lice on my head.

This time round, somehow the hyperkeratosis must’ve “spread” from just this space above the ears to the hairline on the forehead. I’ve been finding large flakes when my itchy hands were exploring for new territories.

What made me pretty uneasy is the fact that, on top of the itch in the hairline, I’ve also started to notice skins are starting to peel underneath my eyebrow. And also this narrow part above the nose-bridge between the eyebrows. I have been scratching and scratching, that one of my colleagues, when we bumped into each other a few days ago, asked me what happened to my face.

I wonder if the scratch marks were THAT serious.

If my skin grows faster than other people, and if my skins are shedding, how come they don’t happen all over my body and just my head? I wonder if I’ll get new baby skin though...

20 Jujus:

Reanaclaire said...

Maybe your face is sensitive to the skin cleanser u r using.. :) but i think u know better than me..

manglish said...

wa lauuuuuu so big piece....you win lar....ahaha i used to have dandruff also but like not as big as urs hahahha....

Chris said...

wa... that;s a lot...
Or u shud change a shampoo?

said...

hyperkeratosis means u will get old faster? or jst cornflakes-like-dandruff only?

Pranny said...

Two words for you... Stop scratching!!

Or you should just cut ur nails short everytime...

Anonymous said...

stop scratching there :p

L M said...

My "dandruff" was that big piece last time, and I used Nizoral recommended by a pharmacist. Managed to control it, but once the stress hits me, I will have to use the shampoo again, and will return back to normal in a few days.

I have skin falling off under my eyebrows too! But it doesn't make my brows any thinner so I just ignored it for now.

Gratitude said...

Help! Attack of the skin-peeling simians! :P lolz
+Ant+

[SK] said...

hmmm, maybe you have sensitive scalp?? should try to use some conditioner, they will moisture and neutralise your scalp after shampoo..

TZ said...

Itchy hand itchy hand ... how? Should chop away the hand for scratching and peeling the skin :p

the viennamese said...

Scratch elsewhere.
;P

blue said...

increased mitosis=increased cell turnover=increased risk of developing genetic mutation=becoming mutant?

Fashion Diva said...

I have had the same large big flakes/slightly raised red bumps that scab and red/sore areas on my scalp, as well as hair loss. Had a sample taken to see if it were some sort of infection. It wasn't. Looked on line and think it is some sort of acne/overgrowth of skin perhaps? Anyway, chose to try the Wal-Mart brand, Equate, Blemish and Blackhead Control Apricot Scrub to exfoliate and cleanse my pores on my head (rubbed in really well on scalp and upper arms, seeing as I have bumps due to allergies as well on my arms). I then, followed with a regular shampoo and conditioner (two things I could never use before). I have had GREAT results. I use about every 2-3 days and stay flake/itch free! good luck.

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Anonymous said...

It's probably seborrhoeic dermatitis.