Hair

[Sevenstar]

Hi everyone, I'm literally tearing my hair out! Do any of you APS sufferers now get Seborrheic Dermatitis , I've always had mild eczema but now since being diagnosed it's come back big time !

Now it's on my scalp and round my face , I've tried every specialist shampoo and also those not containing sulphate etc ! Is so distressing and I feel so ugly !

Also now it's on my hands , the itching is mind blowing, even wearing cotton mittens , if I'd had an axe yesterday I swear I'd have chopped them off ! Steroids aren't helping!

So really I just wondered if APS causes these skin issues or it's more stress related ?

Thanks in advance .

[lupus-support1 Administrator]

I am sorry to read this situation. Do you have any other autoimmune diseases or in your immediate family?

My advice is to see your GP and ask for a referral to see a dermatologist as soon as possible.

With good wishes,

Ros

[MaryF Administrator]

Hi, I don't get that but I do get terrible flares ups of Psoriasis driven by hormones, viruses or infections - as ones of my diseases is Psoriatic Arthropathy. It is very very important to ring your GP, an do keep photographic evidence, you need a referral to a Dermatologist, and in the mean time your GP needs to find a way to help you calm that down, while you wait for the appointment, it will not calm down if there is any infection or fungus in it. I use coconut oil on my scalp and sleep with it on over night, then wash it out the next day, gives me great hair, (but don't slip in the shower if using oils), however this would not work so well if any infection present, also on dry clean skin I apply neat blobs of aloe vera gel from my fridge which takes the itch out from any other areas. MaryF

[Sevenstar in reply to MaryF]

Oh thank you MaryF, I've managed to get an appointment with my Dermatologist next week , in the meantime I will try the coconut oil ! I've cut out all wheat/gluten and sugar as it does seem to feed off all those ! I'll miss the wine tho !

Thx again 🥰

[MaryF Administrator in reply to Sevenstar]

Yes, fungal infections driven mad by sugar, ask if you can have a systemic oral treatment if they suspect fungus in it, as well as anything topical, I find probiotics help with all that, but again, check before adding in. I normally sleep with a scarf or hat on, once in the shower, I let the hot water run a long time to melt it out of the hair then two shampoos, and a tiny amount of conditioner, it is a real treat for your hair, I do it twice a month, every month. MaryF

[nmousdic]

Get onto a ketogenic diet

[nurse_ninja]

Hi Sevenstar.... I too have APS and suffer with Dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema. At one point, 75% of my body was covered in thick, itchy scales and my hair was thinning. I am a nurse by trade, so the stress factor is always super high. I was worried I was over using steroids and fearful of diabetes. I found CeraVe itch relief cream. Epsom salt & coconut oil grains for a bath. Witch Hazel poured directly on the scalp. No sulfate products.

But, what made the biggest difference was giving up on sugar & intermittent fasting. It sounds crazy, but within 2 months of skipping breakfast and giving up my sweets.... My skin dramatically improved. (I still have a quarter size patch on my lower chin.) Prior to eliminating the sugars & IMF, both arms, both hands, both thighs, 1 chin, back, and chest had scales.

I have also added Garden of Life, collagen turmeric with probiotic protein powder. (With the blessing of my Rheumatologist) I take Vitamin E 400 Units, Biotin 1000 mg, multivitamin. My arthritis in my hands have improved too. She had suggest a turmeric tea... Because I hate taking pills. I take alot of medication. Plaquenil , Singular, Aspirin, Allergra, Cymbalta (fibromyalgia). I use to take Coumadin, but I had corrective surgery for my Thoracic Outlet Syn. After a few years, they took me off Coumadin and allow me to take a full strength aspirin.

I also found eatting lots of Cantaloupe also helps heal my skin. Look at healing " Leaky Gut" per my Rheumatologist... By allowing my stomach to rest, it gives the liver a chance to work it magic. Allowing the body to reset. By giving up the sweets, it reduces the inflammation that sugar brings on. I have also loss about 10 lbs. Win/ win. I hope this helps. Good luck. Serena