Body and scalp itchimg

Posted by burlingtongirl @burlingtongirl, Aug 5, 2022

My scalp started breaking out in pimples at least a year ago I also had one very small patch on my back. That spot was almost unbearable at times. I asked my primary doctor what it was she wasn't sure and gave a prescription for Lidocaine hydrochloride. It did not help. I went to a Dermatologist. She burned them off , it was terrible. I suffered for weeks. It did nothing. I asked my reumotologist to logic t a f for not het an answer.

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About 10 years ago I had itchy scalp that wouldn't go away. I finally figured out I was allergic to sodium lauryl sulfate, which is in a lot shampoo. I was doing great for years with a shampoo from whole foods, then the itching started again. Now, I use plain old Dr Bronners fragrance free every few days because it's the simplest thing I can find. But my scalp is still itchy- is this part of the MCTD (dermatomyositis)?

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RE; body & scalp itching. I have seen a dermatologist for severe scalp & body itch and received the Dx of Eczematous Dermatitis [body] and Seborrheic Dermatitis [scalp]. In addition to itching on the scalp, I also have a lot of hair loss and I get [what I call] pistules on the scalp which open when I am scratching the scalp and then burn and hurt. It was recommended that I use Cerave [moisturizing cream] for the Eczematous Dermatitis and it really helps. I had tried the Cerave lotion in the past and that didn't work, but the cream is amazing for me. As for the scalp, I was prescribed a topical steroid to use daily. I am sure it would work very well if I could use it as described. I have an involuntary body movement and I cannot shower daily anymore. I must wait and shower only on days that my balance problems will allow me to. So, I only have mild results from the steroid. I was also recommended I use a medical shampoo and I use Neutrogena T/Gel, which the dermatologist highly recommended. I empathize with you on the body and scalp severe itching. It can be miserable. As for the "pimples" that were burned off, I am not sure I understand what these were. I hope you are doing better now.
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@ninajp

I have scalp itching on and off that I can not tolerate at times and even worry I was going to itch my scalp until it bled. Benedryl works perfectly! Of course now I'm wondering if the itching is an allergy. I hope you can try it and get relief.

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@ninajp I asked my pharmacist what the difference was between Benadryl and Reactine, and he told me Benadryl works best for itching, Reactine for allergies.

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@burlingtongirl

Thank you for answering. I haven’t found a doctor yet who will discuss Sjogrens. My Rheumatologist just refers to my RA. I want to see someone who will discuss my Sjogrens. We live 60 miles from Seattle, but don’t want to go there if I can find someone closer.

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@burlingtongirl You might try contacting the Genetic and Rare Diseases organization. They may be able to help you find a doctor. You may need to go to Seattle once or twice and then rely on virtual meetings.
https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/
Also, see this newsletter for Sjogren's. . https://www.sjogrensadvocate.com/
Will you let me know if you have any success?

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@becsbuddy

@burlingtongirl You might try contacting the Genetic and Rare Diseases organization. They may be able to help you find a doctor. You may need to go to Seattle once or twice and then rely on virtual meetings.
https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/
Also, see this newsletter for Sjogren's. . https://www.sjogrensadvocate.com/
Will you let me know if you have any success?

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Yes I will Thank you so much

Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPad

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@savanah10

Glad you are getting relief from using Benadryl. As you explore the possibility that this is an allergy, it may be helpful to examine the ingredients in your shampoo and experiment using shampoos that don't have certain ingredients. I found that I was allergic to a common ingredient called Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS). Using shampoos that don't have this ingredient has helped tremendously. SLS is not the only chemical in shampoos that people react to, there are others. SLS is just the one that triggers me. I hope this helps. P.S. This chemical is also commonly used in toothpaste and can cause problems in the mouth for some individuals.I wish you the best as you work to determine what is happening.

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I started getting a itchy head and stopped using a dry shampoo. I was using dry shampoo because my hair was thinning and the dry shampoo made it thicker. I also wash my hair once a week which helps.

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@burlingtongirl

I live in a small town, 60 miles north of Seattle. I don’t drive to Seattle because of the traffic .. I might have to find a way though.

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Traffic can be horrendous going into Seattle. When I lived in Tacoma I hated to drive to Seatlle because of the traffic, but I had no choice. I would sometimes take 99 to avoid the highway and stop every now and then to check out a store or get some food, taking a break helped. Also, while I am driving, I make sure to put on the radio and do a lot of; thank goodness it is only me in the car singing or listen to old TV comedy programing from when I was growing up. This helps take the anxiety away and relax enough to make the drive.
I know it is hard, but you can do it. Hopes this helps some. 🤗 😊

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Hi ,
For the itching scalp , I use organic apple cider vinegar after washing as normal I apply acv and let it stay for a bit not getting it in your eyes. Rinse and done. “ don’t worry the smell goes away fast”

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Thanks for posting about this! I have been itchy for years and so aggravating itch a spot on your head then my shoulder or cheek might itch, now my ribs are non stop itching and sometime my legs. Doctor put me on Cetirizine but if doesn’t seem to help .

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I start feeling itchy every evening and have stopped the evening shower which was helpful for my sore joints and stiffness. I do not scratch myself as I am sure it would make it untenably worse. I was prescribed prescription strength hydrocortisone on point and that burned. Sometimes the feeling is like having a sunburn.

I have neuropathy in various parts of my body and start feeling the pins and needles and numbness more acutely in early evening. I am on gabapentin 100 mg three times a day but take only 100 mg around 10 PM with 1 mg of ativan. The itching stops and I can sleep until morning. I have tried zyrtec with pepcid which was recommended by an urgicare doctor. The pepcid and zyrtec reinforce the feeling of relief. Sometimes this works and sometimes not. I am not impressed with benadryl for my condition.

As to my itching, it is what I describe as subdermal. I slather myself post shower with Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera which gets me through day. I have tried many shampoos for scalp itch and will investigate some of the suggestions here. It is possible certain kinds of itching may be neurological and not dermatological. I am continually in pursuit of answers. Derm appointment not until May but I am not convinced it will answer any questions. I will not take a steroid. Took me a year to get off 12 years of methylprednisone and/or prednisone. Appreciate comments here. Thank you.

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