Itchy Scalp, I have had a really hot, itchy, dry scalp for over a month now, I finally took myself to the Drs today and she said it was

[gbeam]

dermatitis.. she told me to check with my haematologist if It could be a side effect of HU. I take 500mg daily for over 2yrs now. I have ET. has anyone else had a similar side effect?

thanks Gill

[dd21]

Hi Gill

I am taking 1000 mg or 1500 mg per day. I get an itchy scalp and a little more annoying is my hairy back! I think you are perhaps suffering more than me, because mine is a minor irritation and thus only a small price to pay for peace of mind.

I think my skin has in general, dried noticeably, but from a starting point of being very oily so my complexion has improved! My children have suffered from eczema over the years and the best advice we have had has been the use of a combination of simple moisturisers that suit you and I guess that might translate into a shampoo. So perhaps you could talk to a pharmacist in somewhere like a Boots store, while you are waiting for your next haematologist appointment?

good luck,

dd

[gbeam in reply to dd21]

hi dd

thank you for your reply. I have used betnovate scalp preparation which the Dr prescribed and my scalp felt a lot better this morning. I will carry on with this till it is all cleared. I actually only use organic products on my skin since I was diagnosed so hopefully that will also help.

[catkinspolymer]

Hi Gbeam .

i do get some very dry patches on my forehead from the sun , Ther is no doubt that HU is rough on the skin. I take the same dose as you . However it does work well in contolling my platelets.

Town crier

[StanM]

It's my understanding that icy skin (anywhere on the body) is a part the symptoms of this type of condition. I have PER jack2 positive and I get terrible icy skin to the point I scratch and make myself bleed. The doctor proscribed medication which has reduced the itchiness.

[Aime]

Hi Gill, I have PV and like some of the others itch until I bleed on the body. I do get an itchy scalp too but find the Head & Shoulders anti-itch shampoo works for me. I find it worse when I have night sweats. I am not on HU, treated only by venesection and anti-histamines. Regards Aime

[gbeam in reply to Aime]

Hi Aimie,

thank you for your reply. I try to only use organic skin products now, after I was diagnosed with ET my son and daughter took upon themselves to research all the things I use on my skin and also eat are either organic, locally produced and no add chemicals or GMO so I was quite upset when my scalp became so sore and I have now used betnovate which is a steroid on it, but it is working. sometimes we just have to use these medications

[rubyrubyruby]

I have ET and have an dry, itchy scalp too. Not sure how much is to do with meds and how much to do with the condition as I am only aspirin and still have the problem! I didn't find medicated shampoo helped, in fact some made it worse. I just use gentle natural shampoos from Neals Yard. It never really goes away but I have just learnt it is another one of those things we have to live with!

[ElsieR]

I found that coal tar shampoo was a great help in curing this problem. I have had confirmed ET for about 2 years but realise I had symptoms for about 4 or 5 years before then. Itchy limbs I treat with dry oil body spray which I found helped even before I knew the reason for the itch. Good luck E x

[gbeam in reply to ElsieR]

hi ElsieR,

thanks you for replying I really do appreciate everybody who has answered my question, it is good to share remedies to these problems. we are all so different and it is great to hear what others do. I try not to assume everything is connected to ET or my medication.