Itchy Scalp

[skylark15]

Hi, community.

I have cutaneous lupus and for the last few weeks my scalp has been intensely itchy and flaking.

My skin is generally dry, particularly my hands and feet but such an itchy scalp is new. It is driving me mad!

I wonder if anyone has had a similar experience and can suggest ways to manage it? Thanks.

[Kazunlocked]

Hi, I found hair loss minimised & scalp less painful when using soft gel ice pacs on scalp every time I lay down. I was also fortunate enough to have my hair & eyelashes grow back. Best Wishes to you. Kaz xx

[skylark15 in reply to Kazunlocked]

Hi, Kaz. Thanks so much for your reply. Soft gel ice packs-great idea! Best wishes to you, as well.

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK]

Hi skylark15 ,

Our blog article about itchy rashes may have some tips that you could find helpful - lupusuk.org.uk/coping-with-...

[skylark15]

Thanks, Paul. I will check this out.

I was so driven mad last night that I wasn't thinking straight and it wasn't until after I posted the question that I thought to look through previous posts about "itchy scalp" and found quite a few and also a link to fairly general but really helpful advice from Lupus UK about lupus and the skin.

I take Fexofenadine 180mg at night and have worked out that the anti-histamine effect is wearing off by the evening and that's why the itching is so much worse then. I will try taking it in the morning instead and will hope it doesn't make me too sleepy to drive safely...

Best wishes,

Tess

[leslieliesel]

On the tail end of exactly that right now...I grabbed my husbands head and shoulders head/hair/body wash.....It is either helping ,or my symptoms are waning .....add dry legs to your dry list...I started trying a loofa on my legs a couple of days ago....Oh..I also used my cortisone ointment I got for my last horrid rash...

[skylark15 in reply to leslieliesel]

Thanks, LL. I was wondering about getting a bottle of that, in case Plan A doesn't work. My scalp is really dry, though and I worried that H&S might dry it out even more. I've been looking for a really simple coconut or almond shampoo, without all the chemicals but haven't found one yet. Any suggestions, fellow Lupies?

Legs, arms, trunk..dry, itchy skin pretty much all over. I use an Aloe Vera lotion (from Wilco), everywhere from the neck down and a heavier emollient (Atrixo) twice daily on hands & feet. That regime helps but my scalp is off in an itchy realm of its own.

Keep well and thanks again.

Tess

[leslieliesel in reply to skylark15]

I worry about chemicals also...sometimes I have to say the heck with worrying ...Sunscreen which you know is a must can really freak me out with all those chemicals..BUT, since I have to wear it daily, I am not slathering my face up with white zinc oxide or the other "safer" sunscreens.....Anyhow, I was VERY low risk fro breast cancer yet I got that too in 2005....I can't even have a cocktail when out to dinner 2wice a month without weighing Breast recurrance/or just having a beer....BUT, I totally get how you feel about the chemicals......I was using the safe(R) shampoos lotions, but I just had to give H&S a try...dry flaky itchy scalp...arrrggggg...I will be watching for more suggestions, for Sure!! xx

[Cas70]

Hi Skylark - I use Johnson’s Baby Shampoo - top to toe - if it’s good enough for babies ....... don’t scratch - I did and I have a bald patch. Good luck.

[skylark15 in reply to Cas70]

I do try not to scratch but it's oh, SO difficult!

Johnson's baby shampoo seems like an excellent idea, thanks.

Best wishes,

Tess

[Hidden in reply to skylark15]

A squirt of Betacap works brilliantly for me. I only have to use it intermittently to get on top of the itching - but I think mine is usually neuropathic rather than dermatitis these days. Anyway Betacap seems to work for both and I’ve been using it off and on since I was a child. I use Capasal shampoo only.

[skylark15 in reply to Hidden]

Hi, Twitchy.

!!! Thanks.

I talked to the practice pharmacy advisor yesterday and he suggested betamousse, which has the same ingredient (Betamethasone valerate 0.1%) as betacap. It is a mousse, which may stay on the scalp better than a liquid. I'll let you know.

Best wishes,

Tess

[lisa___s]

Three years ago I had this just as the hair loss began, My scalp was so so itchy and sore. My doctor prescribed me a shampoo called Ketopene.

When you first start using it you wash with it 3 times weekly then gradually reduced to once a week. It’s amazing!!!

If I’m going to flare up on my scalp I know to up my usage for a week and it’ll calm down again.

[skylark15 in reply to lisa___s]

Hi, Lisa.

I did wonder if there might be a fungal element to this (I just looked up Ketopene & it's used to treat fungal infections of skin), so your advice is really helpful. Thanks so much.

Best wishes,

Tess

[mindfulMama]

I don’t know if it will help anyone else, but I have been taking very hot showers followed by ice cold shower. It’s called a contrast shower. It seems to get rid of the itching for 3-4 hours or more. Most mine occurs in the evening. Shea butter ( pure ) from Ghana seems to help with healing. I’m also using a constitutional homeopathic remedy. Waiting to see if that helps. I am also wearing protective clothing, hat, sunglasses etc. I tire of the showers but they work for me. I live in Az so cold is cold but probably different in colder climates....brrrr

[skylark15 in reply to mindfulMama]

Hi, mindfulMama.

Wow, v. hot followed by ice cold-that's a different regime to think about😵😵!

I agree about pure Shea butter's healing properties. Thanks.

Is Az Arizona? My brother lives in Joshua Tree & I've driven across Arizona a few times to visit him. I just love the wide skies and the subtly changing landscape. A lovely state.

Tess