Dry scalp/skin - ET & Interferon

[cgcheets]

Hi all,I'm 27, female and was diagnosed with CALR ET 3 years ago. I've been having Pegasys interferon for 2 years. I've always had a tendency for dry skin... not particularly bad... and all my life this has been managed with moisterisers. Over the last year I've noticed a deterioration in my skin in general but most annoyingly my scalp! I have never been someone who has dandruff until now, but my scalp seems persistently dry, mostly along my hair line. Nothing else (nothing!) in my lifestyle has changed, absolutely nothing, except starting Pegasys and I'm wondering if it's this as I know it can cause dry skin!

Has anyone else experienced this too?? Does anyone have any tips?! I've tried tweaking my hair-washing routine, my washing products, and leaving plenty of time to see if these changes make a difference but nothing works and my scalp is still dry. The rest of my skin isn't as problemstic as I just used richer moisturisers, but I can't seem to improve my scalp. Any suggestions?! Thank you!

[Mostew]

Argan or coconut oil both good ..

Also for hair growth cedar wood oil meant to be good

Hope something helps

[Wyebird in reply to Mostew]

never heard of cedar wood oil going to google now thanks

[ExtraFox]

Hi, I've always had dry skin and scalp too, both worse now that I'm on Hydroxy. I started using the Body Shop's Tea Tree shampoo and it does reduce the scalp flakiness. If my hairline looks flaky I also rub in squalane oil, which is a very light easily absorbed facial oil, and not expensive. And as Mostew said, coconut oil and other oils are good, also apple cider vinegar, if you can tolerate the smell!

[Joetcalr]

you could try not using shampoo, just a small amount of conditioner. I don’t use chemical versions of either, but am lucky to live in an area of soft water.

[UKZA]

I used to get incredibly dry flaky scalp, almost a cradle cap when I was on my late 20’s. I am positive that this is when I started with ET if I look back at events that occurred over that period. It may be that your flaky scalp is a symptom of ET rather than Peg? I managed it with tea tree shampoos. I am sure that there are plenty of improved products out there but would use natural oils tea tree or coconut. I hope that this improves for you. Penny

[cgcheets]

Thank you all so much for your replies abd suggestions! I'm going to try with some tea tree products and see if that helps!

[monarch5000]

Dry skin and eyes are normal and routine side effects of both Pegasys interferon and Besremi interferon.

[Wyebird]

coconut oil is amazing. Now I rub it all over my hair place a shower cap on and leave for 1/2 hour before washing.

I think I’ve read that some people leave it in over night.

For immediate relief I used to dab on the itch spots argon oil. I use argon oil on my face it’s brilliant for nails and hands. One oil does all

[KLCTJC]

you can try nizoral shampoo if you can find it. Lather just affected area, leave on 5 mins then rinse then wash over with shampoo of your choice as I find it isn’t great for hair as far as body, etc. you could also put on something like baby oil, sleep in it, wash out in the morning. Brush with soft brush. Hope this helps. You can also see a dermatologist, I see this multiple times a day.

[Mirror368]

I had a total of 7 vaccines in 2021….3 Covid. 2 Shingrix, flu, Tdap booster. Then I developed psoriasis on my scalp and some on my legs. I am still dealing with the scalp issue. This was right before I was diagnosed with ET JAK2 and taking Hydroxyurea. have used many dermatological products but never success…but I do scratch it,

I will try coconut oil. I wonder if the vaccines or ET started this as I have never had skin issues.

Eileen

[Blonde25]

Coconut oil is good for a dry scalp . Massage it into the scalp and leave overnight if you can . Then wash hair with a mild shampoo and condition in your usual way. I leave conditioner in my hair at the ends to help it from going dry .

[KentBee]

Hi, I have JAK2POSITIVE ET and also suffer from dry and sometimes itchy scalp. I have found that, advert warning, Head & Shoulders 2 in 1 shampoo greatly helps.

[LucyGeering]

Hi, sorry you’ve got this issue too. I’ve been on a low Peg dose for 2 &1/2 years and it’s drying out even my very oily skin.

I use a solid shampoo bar, an organic shampoo for irritated scalps, and sometimes wash with conditioner, and I alternate between these three so that I don’t get product build-up. Sometimes I leave a bit of conditioner in after washing as well.

Coconut oil irritates my scalp which is well annoying but other nut oils and avocado oil seem to be fine. If nothing’s working you could try Dermol, [not an advert] - if my skin’s irritated this calms it down and you can use it as both wash and lotion.

[goldenvision]

My daughter recommends shampoo bars, supposed to be much more gentle and doesnt strip out oils like shampoo