Update your Find a Dermatologist profile, the Academy's directory that's visited by over 1 million people a year. Learn about the Academy's efforts to refocus its brand on education, advocacy, member-centricity, and innovation.
Access more than 100 hours of on-demand session topics such as psoriasis, acne, dermatologic surgery, and hair disorders. Register now! Explore the Academy's new and improved Learning Center, with enhanced ease of use for the education you trust.
Find practical guidance on coding issues common in dermatology practices. Learn how to reduce burdens with health tech.
Review current clinical guidelines, those in development, and guidelines that the AAD has collaborated on. The Academy has developed quality measures to help your dermatology practice.
Read this month's top stories in Dermatology World. Check out DermWorld Insights & Inquiries for the latest updates from Dr. Warren Heymann
Access tools and practical guidance in evaluating and overcoming personal and staff burnout. Get help to evaluate what practice model fits your needs, as well as guidance on selling a practice.
Access resources to help you promote the specialty in your community and beyond. Learn about the Academy's advocacy priorities and how to join efforts to protect your practice. “There are many safe and effective treatments for scalp conditions, and a few of these can even be purchased without a prescription,” says board-certified dermatologist Amy J. McMichael, MD, FAAD, a professor of dermatology at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, N.C. “However, applying these medications can be tricky if you don’t have the proper technique.” For the most effective application, Dr. McMichael recommends applying scalp medications to dry hair using a simple, “five-line” approach. With a little practice, she says, the application should take less than two minutes to complete. However, it’s important to follow your dermatologist’s directions when applying scalp medications, she says, as different conditions may require different instructions. To apply a solution medication, Dr. McMichael recommends the following steps:
“Solution medications are commonly used among those with naturally straight hair, including Asian-Americans and many Caucasians,” says Dr. McMichael. “For those with coarse, curly or chemically relaxed hair, including many African-Americans, foam medications may be easier to apply and more popular.” Foam medications can be applied the same way as solution medications, except that one would use the bottle cap instead of a dropper, says Dr. McMichael. Since foam medications are designed to melt when they come into contact with a person’s body heat, she says, the medication will dissolve if it’s applied to the hands before it’s applied to the scalp. To apply a foam medication, Dr. McMichael recommends these tips:
“No matter what type of scalp medication you use, it’s important to follow your doctor’s directions,” says Dr. McMichael. “If you have questions about your treatment options, or if you suspect you have an undiagnosed scalp condition, make an appointment to see a board-certified dermatologist.” These tips are demonstrated in
“How to Apply Scalp Medications,” a video posted to the AAD website and
YouTube channel. This video is part of the AAD’s “Video of the Month” series, which offers tips people can use to properly care for their skin, hair and nails. A new video in the series posts to the AAD website and YouTube channel each month. Do you have to wash out fluocinolone acetonide scalp oil?Apply a thin film of oil, massage well, and cover your scalp with the shower cap provided. Leave on overnight or for at least 4 hours before washing off unless you are given different instructions from your doctor or health care professional. Then, wash your hair with regular shampoo and rinse completely.
How often can I use fluocinonide on my scalp?Adults—Use on the scalp area once a day. Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
What happens if you use too much fluocinonide?Using too much of this medicine or using it for a long time may increase your risk of having adrenal gland problems. The risk is greater for children and patients who use large amounts for a long time.
How long can fluocinonide be used?Do not use it for more than 2 weeks unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
|