Psoriasis on head?
Hobble
Posts: 77 ✭
Sorry for the title,
I'm just after a little advice with a problem I've had off and on for a while with my scalp. I get what I can only describe as a sore raised and itchy patches on my scalp. More often then not they tend to remain in the same area, back of the head, top of the head, around the crown and infrequently around the hair line. I can only feel them so can't give a visual description. To me the areas feel scaby and also itchy. They only feel hot when I've scratched them (naughty I know but they drive me mad) yet remain painful even without scratching. I don't have dandruff but do get some dry bits of skin after scratching. I've suffered from eczema since childhood and also had psoriasis as a child, fortunately not severe. They also flare up after appearing to calm down, so the dry patches aren't always visible. I know I need to get it looked at and need to have it seen when the dry patches are there but wondered if anyone has experienced similar and if there's anything I could do to ease the itching.
Again sorry for the topic
Hobble
I'm just after a little advice with a problem I've had off and on for a while with my scalp. I get what I can only describe as a sore raised and itchy patches on my scalp. More often then not they tend to remain in the same area, back of the head, top of the head, around the crown and infrequently around the hair line. I can only feel them so can't give a visual description. To me the areas feel scaby and also itchy. They only feel hot when I've scratched them (naughty I know but they drive me mad) yet remain painful even without scratching. I don't have dandruff but do get some dry bits of skin after scratching. I've suffered from eczema since childhood and also had psoriasis as a child, fortunately not severe. They also flare up after appearing to calm down, so the dry patches aren't always visible. I know I need to get it looked at and need to have it seen when the dry patches are there but wondered if anyone has experienced similar and if there's anything I could do to ease the itching.
Again sorry for the topic
Hobble
0
Comments
― Louisa May Alcott, Little Women
In the meantime you could ask your local pharmacist for advice. I know there are shampoos which claim to be for scalp psoriasis but I doubt most are of much use. Your pharmacist will be able to direct you to the decent ones.
As KathleenT says, though, do let your rheumatology team know as the psoriasis might mean that your DMARDS need tweaking.
You may find that once the meth starts getting properly to work it will clear but certainly mention it when you go for your injection 'training'. In the meantime try Sudocrem, it's mucky on the scalp but I find it soothes things for me: I apply it at night and wrap my pillow in a bath towel to protect the bedding. DD
Like DD, my psoriasis still flares up sometimes despite the DMARDS (definitely related to stress for me), and I too love Dovobet, but also have a strong steroid cream prescribed for flare ups.
I second the recommendation to speak to your rheumy team about it, as increasing my DMARDS is helping to control the psoriasis (I was already taking methotrexate when I was diagnosed with RA!).
Oh, and I recommend trying a cold, slightly damp flannel on your scalp when it's itchy and painful. I have also once wrapped an ice pack in a towel and slept on it!
I see the GP in a few days and the rheumatology nurse in two weeks for the methotrexate injection instruction and will definitely mention it to both.
I will try the cold flannel as that sounds like absolute bliss!
Have also filled an ice cube tray, hopefully it won't take too long.
Had to nip into Saintsbury's so I asked the pharmacist they have there and he was reluctant to advise a product without knowing if it was eczema or psoriasis.
He did however, suggest a head to toe baby wash by oilatum to try and sooth and help the hard dry patches as its mild.I'll give it a whirl while waiting for the GP appointment, who will no doubt pass the buck to the rheumatology nurse :roll:
Thank you all again
Have a merry Christmas
Hobble x
christmas05
Definitely one to mention to the GP and all the advice from our forum friends is invaluable.
Polytar used to be available to help with Ps and other flaking scalp conditions. That has now been discontinued which is a shame, as it was very effective.
You can buy exorex lotion, but it is expensive, to apply to itching flaking areas. If the GP would prescribe it, that would save you a good deal ( I think it is about £30 a bottle)
Dead sea mineral shampoo, from most health stores, like Holland and Barrett etc, is a good every day shampoo, that calms an irritated scalp, I swear by it.
Childs farm sensitive moisture cream is another good one, 98% natural, can be used from newborn onwards. A lot of people have had great success using it as an aid to helping with their Psoriasis. Boots sell it.
I sound like sales assistant, sorry, just going through the bathroom cabinet and medicine cupboard.
Take care X Aidan
It was considered, but my symptoms didn't match up and then it turned out I'm seropositive, so it's definitely RA. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed (haha, as if I can cross my fingers!) that I don't end up with both!
I have been avoiding shampoos!
I've noted down the items you mentioned, glad of any advice that can help. Since I last posted it is slightly worse :roll:
I saw the GP on Wednesday and did mention it him, he agreed with the advice of the pharmacist and told me to tell the rheumatology nurse, (I see them next week)I thought that might happen. He told me that my last blood tests showed an elevation in the inflammatory markers. Not sure if that might have any bearing on the scalp issue.
Hobble
Rheumatology nurse grabbed my consultant and yep it's psoriasis. Been advised to use a tar based shampoo, lovely aroma!!
Oh the joys of PsA !