GCA scalp symptoms

[fishers63]

Has anyone with GCA experienced an itchy scalp? I know tender scalp is a recognised symptom and mine is much less tender since starting Prednisolone but is now very itchy.

[Devoid]

Could be caused by dryness, just like the skin particularly on limbs seems dryer with steroids or the circulation may be lacking and massage may help

[fishers63 in reply to Devoid]

Yes, can cause dry skin can't it, hadn't thought of that, thanks.

[SnazzyD]

Is it itchy all over or in a spot? What dose of Pred are you on now?

Have tried a shampoo like TGel or Selsun?

[fishers63 in reply to SnazzyD]

In patches. On 30mg currently, started on 60mg 5 weeks ago. Seeing rheumatologist on Monday for results of temporal artery biopsy I had on 31st Jan! Will ask about scalp then but wondered if this something others have. Thanks for replying.

[SnazzyD in reply to fishers63]

When on those higher doses I had to cut my hair washing down to weekly or more because my scalp couldn’t take it. Pred also makes you more prone to fungal overgrowth and it found TGel very good for this.

[Maisiek]

Yes , I’ve had psoriasis in my scalp before ( TGel helped) and it feels as if it might be coming back. I’m on 12.5 Pred at the mo. and diagnosed with PMR. There is such a thing as Psoriatic arthritis? But I leave that to the experts?

[Chrisellie]

I had an itchy or tingly head when on high dose pred. It went away but no idea why it started or why it went

[mngirl]

I had an itchy scalp. Right on top of my head. The doctors told me it couldn’t be GCA but every flare (3) I had it again. I never had the pain when touched just the itch. They will never convince me differently. My only concession is maybe my itching was someone else’s definition of pain

[technogran]

Sorry you're having this problem, I had a very painful scalp but no itch. Hope you get rid soon.