Expert: Michael S. Fisher, <B>Ph.D., M.D.</B> - 2/14/2006

Question
My 7 y/o son has already been diagnosed with acne.  However, the rash that appears mainly on his forehead, is also on his scalp at times and doesn't look the same as the acne.  His scalp will occasionally itch, to the extent that he was even checked for lice at school.
I have already tried changing shampoos several times and we now use Johnson's Baby Shampoo.  Changing shampoos hasn't helped.
We now use Neutragena Oil Free Acne wash on his face twice daily along with an acne cream the dermatologist prescribed.  ($150 medication that so far, in 2 weeks, has shown no change in the acne on his face.)  
He does has extremely oily skin for a child his age.  
Any thoughts on the rash?  A note: the rash, where it goes onto his scalp, is only a little red spot here and there.  Not like the rash on his forehead.  

Answer
The rash on the scalp is most likely a condition called Seborrheic Dermatitis which is dandruff.  You may need a prescription shampoo like Loprox or Selinium Sulfide.  You can try over the counter T GEl which is over the counter before you go to a prescription shampoo.
When treatment is presribed for acne we have the patient return in 4-6 weeks. It talke 2-6 weeks to see any effect.
Oil Free Acne wash is a good cleanser for acne. Oily skin is the most common cause for acne.  Topical medications for this type of acne include: Differin Gel or Retin A Micro or Benzaclin or other medications that dry the skin.