Dandruff? No, It’s Called Pityriasis Amiantacea.

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Pityriasis
Source: Freepik

Pityriasis Amiantacea is an uncommon condition of the scalp. It sets forth a particular pattern seen in a number of dermatosis (skin conditions both inflammatory and infectious). The interesting thing, no one has yet proposed definitive methods for its diagnosis and management and the exact cause of this condition still hides in the shadows.

A Case Report

A 59 year old woman presented with a complaint of thick, massive adherent scales on her scalp. Local examination revealed a sharply demarcated pruritic area with a red border. In addition, this area coupled thick white scales on its surface. Because of the scales’ firm attachment to the scalp at the bottom of the hair , they gave it a roof tile appearance.

Lesions On The Scalp

The lesions on the patient’s scalp started to appear around 7 months before her presentation. Interestingly, medical history rolled in a type 2 diabetes. And it goes without saying that she regularly took antidiabetic medication for her condition.

Diagnosis: Pityriasis Amiantacea

Doctors also conducted lab investigations. They came out to be normal except a high blood sugar level of 168 mg/dl owing to diabetes. Based on the findings, a clinical diagnosis of Pityriasis Amiantacea was made.

To highlight the underlying cause, doctors suggested a few more tests to which the patient refused. Nevertheless, they started her treatment with topical keratolytics, antifungals and corticosteroids. They also gave her systemic antifungals to limit the infection. Surprisingly, the thick abundant scales dropped to a few fine scales covering the red areas on her scalp. All of this in just three weeks. However for a complete recovery, the patient still gets her treatment and the doctors regularly call her for follow-ups.

Reference

1- BMC

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