Mum was diagnosed with GCA last June and is reducing Methylpred. having been switched to TCZ circa 7 weeks ago. In last couple of days random itching has come back, mostly feet and outer ears. However, last night it was significant and caused distress around the scalp (since prevented her from sleeping).
Is this likely to be "scalp tenderness" linked to GCA and what are the options ?
- I have very good cream for skin, but not suitable for the scalp. Thanks.
Scalp tenderness is just that, it doesn’t usually normally cause itching.
However itchiness is a side effect of tocilizumab - from versus arthritis website -
Side-effects and risks-
The most common side effects are:
a cough or sore throat, blocked or runny nose
headaches or dizziness
mouth ulcers
high blood pressure
hypercholesterolaemia (increased cholesterol in the blood)
allergic reactions - this can include aching muscles, feeling out of breath, having a tight chest, wheezing, and a high temperature
weight gain or swollen ankles
skin rashes, infections or itching
stomach irritation or abdominal pain.
Link - versusarthritis.org/about-a...
Thank you!
I get this too and am on Pred and Tocilizumab. E45 base cream soothes the body. There are a lot of anti itch shampoos on the market to experiment with. Sometimes just a baby shampoo, or something with very few chemicals, might be an answer. Anti- histamine tablets if she’s allowed, can settle it. I have become “ chemical sensitive” so watch what you wash the bedding etc with. I don’t think this is the GCA scalp tenderness.
Thanks !
Hi I have suffered with a lot itchy skin, Dermol lotion, sudocrem and coconut oil have given me the most releif from itchy skin. The dermol can be used in the shower or bath or in fact as a shampoo. Dermol can be bought over the counter or you can have it prescribed. I hope it's better soon it is awful when you itch all the time.
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