1. < Diabetes & Endocrine System

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

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lisabeans | @lisabeans | Jul 4, 2018

I have scabs on my scalp and back that itch a lot. Dermatologist says it is nothing. She did just take a biopsy of my scalp since I now have a bald spot. Waiting for the results. She gave me a prescription shampoo that helps a bit. Hope you get some relief.

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1 reply
marykaym63 | @marykaym63 | Jul 4, 2018

I use Nizoral shampoo two to three times a week. Recommended by a dermatologist a number of years ago.

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Mentor
Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Jul 4, 2018
In reply to @rascal1 "The itchy scalp with no rash has spread to various body parts also with no rash...." + (show)
@rascal1

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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@rascal1, Have you by any chance, added any different foods to your diet recently? I ask because I discovered that when I eat fresh strawberries (which I love) or fresh pineapple I can be assured of itching for several days afterward.
You have not mentioned any underlying medical concerns or medications. These things can also be responsible for the itching, so I think that a check in with your doctor might be in order.
Rosemary

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Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jul 4, 2018
In reply to @rascal1 "The itchy scalp with no rash has spread to various body parts also with no rash...." + (show)
@rascal1

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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Hi @rascal1, I think @rosemarya is right that a check in with your doctor might be in order. I did find a couple of references that may provide more information for you here:

Relief from Persistent Itching and Scratching
-- https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/relief-from-persistent-itching-and-scratching/

Harvard Medical School symptom checker - Itching Without Rash
-- https://www.health.harvard.edu/decision_guide/itching-without-rash#nopeihavenoneofthose

Hope this helps.

John

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rascal1 | @rascal1 | Jul 4, 2018
In reply to @dazlin "I feel for you with your itchiness. I've had it for 4 yrs now, and at..." + (show)
@dazlin

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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Interesting that I also have MGus

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rascal1 | @rascal1 | Jul 4, 2018
In reply to @lisalucier "Hi, @rascal1. Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I've had some itchy scalp before due to it..." + (show)
@lisalucier

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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Yes see my comments please.

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rascal1 | @rascal1 | Jul 4, 2018
In reply to @rascal1 "The itchy scalp with no rash has spread to various body parts also with no rash...." + (show)
@rascal1

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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Thank you . I’m going to investigate your references!

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rascal1 | @rascal1 | Jul 4, 2018
In reply to @rascal1 "The itchy scalp with no rash has spread to various body parts also with no rash...." + (show)
@rascal1

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.

Jump to this post

No new detergents or foods, etc. I’m now washing everything in hot water and double rinse even though it doesn’t seem like parasites, etc

REPLY
rascal1 | @rascal1 | Jul 4, 2018
In reply to @dazlin "I feel for you with your itchiness. I've had it for 4 yrs now, and at..." + (show)
@dazlin

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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I am so sorry you’ve experienced all of this discomfort for as long as you have! I’ve only had it for about five days and it’s driving me crazy! I am hoping the meds the doctor gave me yesterday will help. I hope you find relief for yours which is gone on much much too long. The best to you

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rascal1 | @rascal1 | Jul 4, 2018
In reply to @rascal1 "The itchy scalp with no rash has spread to various body parts also with no rash...." + (show)
@rascal1

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.

Jump to this post

Saw a dermatologist who had no explanation why scalp itched so much and itchy spots alll over body with absolutely no rash. He did a skin culture from between my fingers, suggested shampoo, body wash and body lotion and med for itch.
It’s been only one day and slightly better . I won’t have results for 2-3 weeks. Said it can be an underlying problem like thyroid, diabetes, weakened immune system , etc

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