Scalp Issues: Hair Loss, Rashes & Tingling - Expert Advice

Question
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"Hi, I have had some scalp trouble since about Aug 4th when I fist noticed a small amount of hair loss in one spot. It was tingling when I touched it. As time went on a red rash started at teh back of my head at the crown area. It was hot and burned after touching it. Pain followed along the top of my scalp. So sever it go to the point where it felt like I was hit with a 2x4. I could not touch it as it fekt like I had a huge bruise. There has been hair loss everywhere it hurt . Now the redness is till there although not as bad an ther is no heat comeing from it. It stings and there is still stinging on the top of the head. I have been to my doc who says it might have been a virus but let it burn itself out. I was refered to a dermitoligst by a walk in clinc doc and the dermitoligst said it looked like Follicolus and seboreah. He has sent me for blood tests. I go back to see him in two weeks. My question is could this be shingles. I have talked to people who have had shingles with no blisters. All the pian is the same I have felt . It has been numb to touch and very sensitive to touch and wind movement. I am curious to what you might know about this. I am very frusterated as I have to work and look after a family and there has not been any solid answers. The dermitogist did suggest this was male pattern baldness! How can that been when I had no hairloss untill this happened. I appreciate your time and look forward to hearing back from you with your suggestions."; The pain has been at time way too much to bear. It has been now about 7-8 weeks and it is just the stinging now. As long as I do not touch it it is tolerable. The dermitogist gave me a cortisone lotion fro the redness and a fungus shampoo. But I have found it hasnt helped alot.

Answer
Shingles- an easy way to tell would be, does it cross the center of the body... shingles can only be on one side of the body, and if there are spots on both sides, then it can't be shingles.  Sometimes, other inflammatory conditions of the scalp, like psoriasis, fungal infections, exzema, seborrhea can be very frustrating to treat and can be really resistant to treatment with steroid cremes, etc.

Hope this helps...