Itchy scalp

[Carolred]

I have GCA but have managed to get down to 7mg from 40mg. The problem I have is I have suddenly developed an itchy scalp feel something crawling around my head. Not painful. Is this a flare up otherwise fine except a bit tired. Should I up my predisilone to 8 again? I am not due a blood test for 3 weeks. Thanks for any info.

[polkadotcom]

I'd monitor it closely for a while - an itchy scalp was one of my first symptoms for GCA. It gradually morphed into a very painful scalp and was then that I was diagnosed. You are doing well with the reductions, but perhaps you have just missed your optimum dose for the present.

[Carolred in reply to polkadotcom]

I think I may Go back up one tomorrow and see how it goes. Thanks

[SnazzyD]

Or, if it's not that but a bit of fungal growth in your scalp it might be helped by a shampoo like T-gel or Nizoral. The other thing to check is lice if you have been getting some close hugs in the last month. I don't jest, both these have happened to me and both felt like something crawling about in my scalp.

[Carolred in reply to SnazzyD]

I'll try T-gel first, I know my granddaughter had lice a wee while ago but it doesn't feel like that. Thanks though.

[Cobnut]

I had exactly the same experience again when I got down to 07mg from 60mg last year. I waited a while and then my scalp got more sore so I went to my GP for advice. She said to go up until the sensations went and thought it was a flare up of GCA. I eventually ended up at 40mg and the tingling and soreness continued so the consultant at the hospital told me to reduce down to 10mg over two months as I had increased blood glucose and blood pressure. He thinks the tingling is neuralgia. So if yours does not respond to steroid increase and goes when you take a strong pain killer it probably is not a flare up. I am not an expert and it is really difficult to know what to do in this situation but its wise to think carefully before going up and up with steroids. Good luck. I am now on 18mg and struggling with the side effects of withdrawal.

[Carolred in reply to Cobnut]

Sounds exactly like this. It isn't too bad today so I have held off increasing. I have had that many side affects I don't know if I could do 40mg again. Maybe should check with doc. I have rheumatologist soon hopefully can clear it up a bit, but thanks it helps knowing someone else has had the same problem.