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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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 John ! I’m going to look into your references. The best to you. !

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | 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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@rascal1, you may also wish to join @dazlin and other members in the Blood Cancers & Disorders group in the MGUS discussions:

- MGUS https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mgus-2d464e/
- I have MGUS https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/i-have-mgus/

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rascal1 | @rascal1 | Jul 4, 2018
In reply to @hironopiro "Welcome to Connect @farmerttt. I'd like to connect you with fellow members @marylou705 @1977lizzy @janice7 and..." + (show)
@hironopiro

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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Dr had no idea of cause but ran lab tests and skin cultures. No new medicine or changes in environment.

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rascal1 | @rascal1 | Jul 4, 2018
In reply to @marykaym63 "I use Nizoral shampoo two to three times a week. Recommended by a dermatologist a number..." + (show)
@marykaym63

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

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Did your whole body itch or just your scalp?

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dazlin | @dazlin | Aug 17, 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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Can anyone help...I'm in full blown tormenting rashes, keeping me up all night. I'm taking everything dr prescribed, nothing is helping. I had my bloodwork done in June from my oncologist. Everything as far MGUS looks stable, but I had mild rashes, so they gave Fluconicide cream. Now I'm worse...im about to to get my wire bar b q brush out and rip my skin off. I called Mayo for a stronger cream, but they said I have to come in, since Dermatologists have not seen me for 1 1/2 yrs, and my Dr retired. I agreed, against my wishes ...been there, did biopsies, bloodwork and so on over the years. But I'm getting desperate this time. This all began 4 yrs ago, I've done everything from topicals, to internally, household, atmospheric, etc. It lets up, gets bearable, but not this time.
I would greatly appreciate any home remedies until I get further help. Mayo said scheduling would get in touch with me...so far, I have not heard back. Thanks for any advice...I need a nights sleep
Nope...benadryl does nothing!

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dazlin | @dazlin | Aug 17, 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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I'm in this for 4 yrs now. Started on my lower scalp area near base of neck and above ears. Still have it. I've tried too much to mention here, but I stumbled upon Scalpicin Maximum Strength, and it definitely helps. Temporary but long enough to re-gain sanity.

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Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Aug 17, 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.

Jump to this post

Hello @dazlin -- Mayo Clinic lists some Lifestyle and Home Remedies for itchy skin/rashes here:

Itchy skin (pruritus)
-- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/itchy-skin/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355010

Hopefully you will find some that works until you hear back.

John

REPLY
dazlin | @dazlin | Aug 18, 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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@johnbishop , I liked the suggestions on that link you sent. Last night I tried a bit of peppermint essential oil with my cortisone cream...I got 2 straight hours of relief, then I put cold water on. Calmed down after an hour. I'll surely try some suggestions....thank you!!

REPLY
1977lizzy | @1977lizzy | Aug 18, 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.

Jump to this post

My new neurologist recently prescribed hydroxyzine HCL 25 mg. Can take three time daily. It makes me very sleepy so I take it when I have severe itching attacks & it works. He told me I would have to play around with the dosage to see what works. I also take gabapentin and use a topical compounded cream that contains Lidocaine & gabapentin.

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gardeningjunkie | @gardeningjunkie | Aug 21, 2018

Have you ever been tested for Allergic Contact Dermatitis, ACD? It's a form of eczema. It can start at any age but usually it begins in adulthood, for me about age 50. With testing I learned I was allergic to 90% of my grooming products, cleaning products, laundry products, linens and so on. Your shampoo could be the culprit. Check your lable for ingredients and research each bizarre chemical name for allergies, you will be surprised. Also don't fall for the selling point it has natural ingredients, well poison ivy is natural and many are allergic to natural fragrance, tea tree oil, coconut oil, aloe and an endless amount of other natural ingredients. Check with a dermatologist that can do the necessary 5 Day Extended Patch Test which is not the same as the simple 30 minute office visit test for environmental allergies like dogs, cats, pollen, mold and so on. This test kit, and there are various good test kits, is administered by specially licensed allergists and dermatologist. Out of 78 sites I was only allergic to 5, yet these 5 allergens were ruining my life. Medicare pays for this test as it may cost around $1,500.00. Until you make a decision about how to proceed please stop using any dandruff shampoo, they are full of toxic ingredients that many are allergic to. Buy on Amazon, Grandma's Lard and Lye bar soap for face and body. Lye sounds scary, but this soap is made from 2 ingredients, not the toxic soup your dandruff shampoo is. Just lard and lye. In the old fashioned soap making process like our grandmothers made in their yards, the lye is converted into glycerin, so all you have contacting you is lard and glycerin. I use it for my entire body as well as hair. No need to condition. Your skin will be able to hold on to it's moisture. You won't even need conditioner. I am female with a mid length bob and hair combs out just fine. It is helpful if you have soft water as it may take more than one or two shampooings to get a lather if you have hard water.

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