[2] Pityriasis amiantacea affects the scalp as shiny asbestos-like (amiantaceus) thick scales attached in layers to the hair shaft.

[4] Pityriasis amiantacea can easily be misdiagnosed due to its close resemblance to other scalp diseases such as psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis or lichen planus.

However, in pityriasis amiantacea the scales are attached to both the hair shaft and the scalp.

[3] Treatment with systemic antibiotics and coal tar shampoo can completely clear the condition when Staphylococcus aureus bacteria are found.

[4] Fungal infections such as tinea capitis are known to mimic the symptoms of the condition [6] and can be cleared with antifungal treatment.