scalp dermatitis connected ?

[Buttonshutton]

hi. The PMR seems to have been under control slowly getting to 9.5mg of pred

This week tho had painful scalp tender to the touch. Not in GCA typical areas. More like the back of head and behind one ear. No jaw pain etc. I’ve just found couple of raised sore patches. Been to the chemist and he suggested was dermatitis. I have had this in my younger days years ago. Given me some shampoo.

because I’m of a paranoid nature and ever aware of GCA I’m wondering how can I get this when on steroids which treat skin conditions although maybe they have to be topical so could it be a more unusual symptom of gca. I have a vague headache all over not enough to properly know about if. But put thst down to my irritated scalp.

be grateful for any thoughts. My behind ear pain has gone today though. Thinking all connected to these horrible bumps on my head. He said quite inflamed looking. Sorry for the euwww info !

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Having watched a programme last night where a pharmacist couldn't recognise early chicken pox and said the mother should call an ambulance as it might be meningitis - I think I might try to get a practice appointment even if it is with a nurse since they do ask the duty doctor when unsure.

[Buttonshutton in reply to PMRpro]

wow ! Good point !

[piglette in reply to PMRpro]

I suppose it was better than the other way round on the other hand!!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to piglette]

True but even so - I took one look at the child and suspected CP. She'd had the rash for a couple of days, only one round spot was non-blanching and she didn't look particularly ill. A blue light ambo was sent ...

[piglette in reply to PMRpro]

You are like me. I watch GPs Behind Closed Doors and diagnose the patients. It is amazing how bad some of the GPs are.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to piglette]

Have you ever had a UK GP who hugs patients? I did have a German one once!

[Longtimer in reply to PMRpro]

Couldn't agree more, amazed when I saw that...or is it for the camera??

[piglette in reply to PMRpro]

I had a rheumatologist who kept hugging me. I think the name for him was ‘a dirty old man’. I told my then female GP, who said ‘I have never heard of that happening before’!

[Flivoless in reply to PMRpro]

These days in the UK, hugging would result in a 5 year investigation by a 30 or so strong committee with nothing better to do.

[herdysheep in reply to Flivoless]

🤣

[Grannymiaow in reply to PMRpro]

I did once, back in the day.

I think he'd be struck off now, for "inappropriate touching". At the time it was exactly what was needed!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Grannymiaow]

It often is.

[tempusfugi in reply to PMRpro]

I know we had a German doctor at a surgery I used to go to. He had a rather difficult name, that sounded rude in English, so he was known as Dr Marcus to us English plebs...he always shook hands with one, when one entered his room (trying to sound less pleb-like)😊

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to tempusfugi]

They all struggled a bit during Covid, no handshake! Back to normal at my appointment this week!

[Miserere]

PMRpro is probably right - worth getting it checked. I've had an itchy scalp since I was a teenager, on and off. Now that I have reduced to 8mg it has come back with a vengeance - so that could account for it if it is, indeed, dermatitis.

[Buttonshutton in reply to Miserere]

yeah I’ve had it on and off too. This isn’t itchy though. Thanks for replying. I’ok see what the shampoo does and if nothing go to the doctors if can get in

[Miserere in reply to Buttonshutton]

In that case follow PMRpro's advice!

[Menno1525]

See your GP and or contact your Rheumy and ask for a referral to dermatology if necessary to rule out shingles and check for infected Psoriasis that might need antibios. Also ask them to provide Synalar gel - a topical steroid applied to the scalp from a tube with a long nozzle that goes through the hair - worked wonders with my scalp psoriasis but it's only available on prescription.

[Buttonshutton in reply to Menno1525]

thank you. No longer have a rheumy. She said nothing else can do for me think she had the face on cos my pet scan proved her wrong that it was PMR and I refused methotrexate 😂 but yes the gp will be called. I’ve got headache today. Was just surprised that inflammation can occur like this when on pred

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Buttonshutton]

Bet she did!!!! Hope she has learnt for the next poor patient!

[Buttonshutton in reply to PMRpro]

doubtful. She didn’t take kindly to my examples from here think she dismissed it as a Facebook group. Rude !

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Buttonshutton]

Which is why I back up as much as possible using publications from reasonably renowned groups. I can read a medical paper too ...

[Buttonshutton in reply to Menno1525]

it was folliculitis. Euww. On antibiotics. God knows why got that.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Buttonshutton]

An infected hair follicle, on pred reduces your resitance to the bugs all over your skin ...

[Buttonshutton in reply to PMRpro]

thank you !

[Missus835]

I don't have scalp dermatitis per se, but I do have tiny, little bumps all through my scalp. They are neither itchy or sore, but just there. I have these pretty much all over and never did have them prior to Pred. My hair has darkened slightly from silver to low-lighted silver, but knock on wood, is remaining on my head (so not losing hair and in fact it's quite thick).

Were I you, I would get it checked out.

[Buttonshutton in reply to Missus835]

thank you. I will do.