Itchy scalp long term

Posted by farmerttt @farmerttt, Jan 24, 2017

Looking for causative agents for chronic itching of scalp and spreading to various parts of body. Have type 2 diabetes, taking metformin 1000 mg per day, januvia 100,mg per day. Also have high blood pressure,gout, and taking meds for them. The Itch is.ca monster going from minor to full time itch. Using steroids foam, creams, ointment and several moisturizing creams. Erratic success with use of steroidsmuse of steroids start with hydrocortisone celebrate, to tricinolone to clobesterol creams and foam. Any suggestions for ruling out drug causative actions? Or complication of diabetes?thanks

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Diabetes & Endocrine System Support Group.

Welcome to Connect @farmerttt.
I'd like to connect you with fellow members @marylou705 @1977lizzy @janice7 and @oston, who have all talked about itchy scalp and may have some experience and solutions to share with you.

FarmerT - what did your doctor suggest might be the cause? Did the itching start with the addition of a new medication or change in your environment?

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Doctor said laundry detergent is no. 1 cause. We changed detergent twice. The belt line itch receded considerably., no other cause except could be food or drugs. Three years ago it got bad enough to see dermatologist. Gave me steroids and three kinds of shampoo whichcontrolled it for two years, then started getting worse. Saw,anotherdermatologist who prescribed stronger steroid, and to use one of three ointments in order of severity. Now they have little impact and my scalp is very sensitive from the scratching, my neck area is tender. Thank you for your help.

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I DON'T KNOW IF THIS HAS ANY CONNECTIONS OR NOT BUT BEFORE I WAS DIAGNOSED A FEW YEARS AGO WITH CANCER I ITCHED THEY SAID THAT IS ONE SIGN  DON'T KNOW IF THAT IS  YOUR PROBLEM OR NOT. HOPE NOT CHECK IT OUT.   GOOD LUCK<br>

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I also have dry itchy skin especially in the winter months. Use a moisturizer (Aveeno) after every shower and it helps. My nephew who lives in New Hampshire uses Vaseline after showering to keep moisture in his skin. About two years ago I had a dry very itchy scalp and doctor prescribed Selenium Sulfide Suspension USP 2.5% shampoo. Not sure how often I had to use it but it worked very well to control the itch. In the winter I often get cracks in the
skin on my hands, CeraVe renewing SA cream helps to heal and prevent cracks. If CeraVe doesn't work, I use Vaseline and white cotton gloves at bedtime which usually does the trick. Unfortunately i believe dry itchy skin is a common side effect of diabetes.

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@evee

Are you losing hair too

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Some but been losing hair 10 to 40 stands aCray for last 20 years or more. So don't have much more, to lose. Thanks

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@jjdonahue42

I also have dry itchy skin especially in the winter months. Use a moisturizer (Aveeno) after every shower and it helps. My nephew who lives in New Hampshire uses Vaseline after showering to keep moisture in his skin. About two years ago I had a dry very itchy scalp and doctor prescribed Selenium Sulfide Suspension USP 2.5% shampoo. Not sure how often I had to use it but it worked very well to control the itch. In the winter I often get cracks in the
skin on my hands, CeraVe renewing SA cream helps to heal and prevent cracks. If CeraVe doesn't work, I use Vaseline and white cotton gloves at bedtime which usually does the trick. Unfortunately i believe dry itchy skin is a common side effect of diabetes.

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I havecriminals experience with eels in but it stoppedcaroling so . dramatically.

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The itchy scalp with no rash has spread to various body parts also with no rash. I’ve tea tree oil shampoo as well as tea tree with coconut oil on skin. Cortisone cream on skin does not help. This has lasted for about a week and I can concentrate in little else with itching day and night.

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I feel for you with your itchiness. I've had it for 4 yrs now, and at times it's a torment. Mine started on the back of my scalp and above ears...crazy constant extreme itch. Also itchy rashes had spread over my body. After 10 continuous months of changing everything, and drs, I was sent to Mayo clinic for further tests. I had 6 skin biopsies.
I have Igg kappa MGUS, which may contribute. I use prescription creams, and take Allegra as needed. All this said, the only thing that gives relief to my scalp is, SCALPICIN EXTRA STRENGTH. Its found in most drug stores. I apply as needed. Believe me, I TRIED EVERYTHING!!
Hope this helps you...its awful, and keeps me awake at night too.

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Hi, @rascal1. Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I've had some itchy scalp before due to it being overly dry, and having your head itch is certainly not pleasant. Sorry to hear you can concentrate on little else now with itching day and night, and that it's spread to other body parts.

I'd like to introduce you to some additional members who have talked about similar issues, like @cautiousoptimism @kburgess @lisabeans @janice7 @imfu @darlia @swallace222 @okei, and I'm hoping @jjdonahue42 and @farmerttt may also have some thoughts from their experiences.

Have you had the chance to get your doctor's input on this itchiness you've been experiencing, @rascal1?

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