any help with a VERY itchy scalp, I could rip it to bits with the itch, please help

[RaffC]

[AMDP]

Please try Aloe Vera shampoo or just massage some of the gel on your scalp. It is wonderful. Ax

[lifeforce]

My Dr. told me the itching that comes with scleroderma is caused by over production of histamine, so if you take allergy meds it should help, it did help me. Good Luck!

[Hidden]

Polytar shampoo - available from Boots in a brown bottle. I think it's about £4 for a small bottle. Not the nicest smelling (think Coal Tar Soap). Nizoral shampoo is available on prescription (if you ask your GP). This costs about £9 but is exactly the same as Polytar.

I also use Body Shop shampoo which isn't full of chemicals, so doesn't irritate the scalp. It takes a little longer to lather up, and doesn't have a strong perfumed smell, just a slight floral scent.

[Lil_Dee]

I've been suffering with severe itching on my shins for a little while now - and I understand completly the urge to "rip it to bits" !!

I was referred to a Dematologist, who has had some bloods done. Apparenlty, I have an iron deficiency - I'm not aneamic - just a little (lot) low on iron in my blood. He's advised me that this in turn can cause severe itching. I am currently using Betnovate cream that he has prescribed for me, and it helps for a time, but I am waiting to go see my GP and ask for a recommended dosage for iron supplements. I'm hoping that will help.

In the meantime, I'm eating plenty of liver, spinach etc. Yummy !!

[zenabb]

Don't scratch it, treat it as fast as possibly. I know it's easy to say, but it is true. Antihistamine is a very good idea. It worked for me and with time, in the long run, I no longer needed it. It's not that it no longer itches but it does so much less. Good luck.

[Carol-C]

Hi - I have had this problem too and know just how you feel; also have the problem on my shins quite regularly. For my scalp, anti-histamine's work; also ALPHOSYL shampoo, available from Boots, found this to be very good. And have got DIPROSALIC Scalp Application on prescription from my GP, and this has really helped me. Need to find something for my itchy shins now - any ideas?

[scotgirl]

Oh my goodness I know what you mean! I have psoriasis on my scalp which is driving me nuts and I'm struggling to find something that helps. I've tried several shampoos, scalp treatments and am taking antihistamines but nothing has helped. It seems to be speading too which isn't great. When I last saw my consultant I mentioned the psoriasis but she didn't seem to think it was related to my mixed connective tissue disease....

I hope you find some relief some time soon x

[RaffC in reply to scotgirl]

Hi, I have used Dovobet gel and Alphosyl 2 in 1 shampoo and have had tempory easement, but it is only short term as in 12 months or so. hope you feel better soon

[Marytsa]

I have to take allergy medicine or I am miserable!! I have tried so many things even putting oil on my scalp doesn't work. I will try the aloe!! Love this site!! Helps so much when no one else understands... Hope everyone is having a good day!!

[AskMum]

Have you been checked for psoriasis? It is an autoimmune disease and I speak from experience that it can make your scalp so itchy that you want to rip it to bits. First line treatment for this would be over the counter coal tar shampoo. If that doesn't work your GP could prescribe somethinng steroid based.

[RaffC]

Thank you so much for your reply, I have psoriasis on mt sclap and I use Alphosyl 2 in 1 shampoo and Dovobet gel and I still could rip my scalp to bits. The Dovobet was like a life saver when i first started to use it but now it is no good

[grannyannie]

Hi RaffC

I realise it's a long time since your post. I'm having the same problem and was wondering if you or any of the others who answered are taking sulfasalazine. I'm probably clutching at straws but I have stopped colouring my hair, wondering if that was perhaps the cause, and the hair which was previously coloured has gone the same colour as the drug . I was wondering if the itch was connected to the drug .

[RaffC in reply to grannyannie]

Sorry I am only seeing your reply now! - I have been tested for hair colouring and not found to alergic to it. You should get your GP to do the tests for you. Good luck

[bgrewal]

Have you tried Sedigel Scalp Moisturising Gel? (sedigel.com)

[RaffC in reply to bgrewal]

Thanks, I will try Sedigel, never heard of it before, but will try anything!!

[paula4u]

Try Boots Sensitive Expert Treatment for UK residents, its wonderful, cooling too.Just under 3 quid basically, you will find it where ever the head n shoulders is.. and no I do not work for boots, I'm a patient recovering from head surgery