Itchy scalp caused by cervical osteoarthritis?

Posted by buck12 @buck12, Sep 29, 2023

For the past 18 months I have dealt with an itchy scalp, but no dandruff, no redness or other symptoms. I tried every shampoo imaginable and finally today went to my Dermatologist, who after examining my scalp, asked if I had arthritis in my neck! I do! I have cervical osteoarthritis. Imagine my surprise when he quickly diagnosed and all the pieces of the puzzle came together. He smiled when he said none of the shampoos I bought would help this. He prescribed a topical application - Clobetasol 0.05% twice a day for 2 weeks then 3x a week. He said it might help--the cost to me is $154.63 for one month. I have now asked if there is a more cost effective med. Have any of you experienced this--and if so, how do you deal with it? Is it permanent and will it get even worse as I age?

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bcupp45 | @bcupp45 | Dec 2, 2025

In reply to @SusanEllen66 "@bcupp45 I think it’s one of two things. I have Polyneuropathy. That makes my skin itch...." + (show)

I’m so sorry!

sjscott48 | @sjscott48 | Dec 30, 2025

I have had terrible itching on the back of my scalp for years. First, the dermatologist prescribed a $48 bottle of shampoo. Forget about it! Then I used clinical strength dandruff shampoo. Didn’t help. Last visit she tossed out, it could be nerve endings. I’ve had stenosis of cervical spine for years. Plan to check with my migraine doc after the holidays to see what she thinks. Could an MRI or ultrasound reveal the source of the problem? Could laser treatment be a method to ease the itch. It seems worse when I go to bed and put pressure on it at night. Perish the thought…could a chiropractor help? I would NEVER let one jerk my neck!!!

trina24 | @trina24 | Dec 31, 2025

In reply to @sjscott48 "I have had terrible itching on the back of my scalp for years. First, the dermatologist..." + (show)

@sjscott48
My friend has had itching all over her body for 3 months.
She has seen 2 dermatologists. 1 Neurologist. 1 allergist.and a Rheumatokogist. They all gave her creams , no one can figure it out. She is waiting to make appt w Oncologist
Neurologist said it is not nerve endings. I feel so sorry for poor woman. Any suggestions. ? Theresa

vanessarae | @vanessarae | 3 days ago

In reply to @bcupp45 "@SusanEllen66 I also have an itchy scalp. I went to the dermatologist and she asked me..." + (show)

@bcupp45

have just been reading these posts with intense interest as I have had a 7-8 year battle with itching, burning, inflammation, and also hair loss in the frontal area of my scalp. Of recent months I notice I have developed indentations on my forehead where I also experience some discomfort at times. Im so over my dermatologist not making any progress with my problem. Ive been to several dermatologists, all coming up with different diagnosis and even two punch biopsies resulting in two different diagnoses, so you have to ask yourself what to believe. At the moment I am struggling to get my Dermatologist to refer me for an MRI so as I can rule out a few suspicions I have, just to put my mind at rest but anyone would think Im trying extortion, he's so reluctant to do it, I have medical insurance, that's what I have it for, I shouldn't have to bend over backwards, not that I could to get a simple medical procedure which would clarify things. I also notice after the biopsies the pathology reports usually suggest certain follow up which I notice is completely ignored. Would love to hear your insight on this and also how you are progressing with your own battle.
Thanks for reading my novel, it's nice to be able to share with like relatable people who understand the frustration.