scalp problem...ouch

[tammy]

hi im new here...wonder if anyone has same problem as me....i admit id lost a job and was under stress...i started a new job and treated myself to a hair cut and holiday...the hair cut was terrible..on holiday my hair fell out by the handful...my son took a video and nicknamed me the incredible moulting mum ;Dwhen i was in spain i got a new hair cut and had it coloured proff for the first time ..i felt great.then my scalp became real itchy and sores developed...this has become worse over time..i still go to the hairdressers but it has now become embarassing...the sores weep and crust...i scratch them which makes matters worse...and hair isnt growing where the sores are present...i wasted 400 pounds on treatment at a top trich clinic...but the products made it worse.nothing i try has improved things now the sores are worse than ever i have used coaltar products,citric acid lotion,soapfree products,achohol free products..homopathic oils...my head burns like fire...can anyone help?

[Gobe]

 

Welcome to Skincell Tammy!

I am so sorry to hear about your scalp problem.  

It really does sound like a severe allergic reaction and I think you require urgent medical attention to treat your scalp before it gets even worse.  Please see your doctor as soon as possible and ask for a referral to see a dermatologist.

If the burning is extreme it might even be worth going along to the Accident and Emergency department of your local hospital.

If your sores are weeping they might be infected and this means you may require an anitbiotic.

Please do keep us posted and please please see a doctor about this as soon as possible.

 

[lulu]

Hi Tammy
I'm sorry I can't help you  with your problem but I'm sure someone will be along to help. Just wanted to welcome you.
                                                                  lulu

[deirdre]

I have had a not dissimilar problem.

You may have . Also, you may be experiencing an allergic reaction to some ofthe ingredients in the producst you are using on your hair. Consider eliminating *all* products containg sodium lauryl sulphate from your life (shows up in shampoo, body washes, even toothpaste... and is "naturally derived from coconut oil" so don't let greenspoitation products fool you).

You *must* get to a dermatologist asap. If you are in pain say pain whenyou are booking the appointment. Some hair loss can be permanent (I don't mean to alarm you) so don't hold back due to cost.

My hair stylist recommended products that made my scalp problems much, much worse. The dermatologist will probably take one look and know exactly what you've got.

Good luck!

[Val]

Tammy,

Firstly welcome to our SkinCell cyber family.

I'm in total agreement with the others, go see your doc and get referred to a derm as soon as you can. As you're in the UK it won't cost you to see a derm unless you go private.

I also think Gobe's suggestion of going to A&E if your scalp is extremely painful. It is often a fast track to see a derm too.

Please do let us know how you get on, and also feel free to join in with us around all our boards.

[peterb]

 :hi:Tammy

A warm welcome to the forum.  Yes, go see a Derm to get an accurate diagnosis, your symptoms do seem a lot like Psoriasis though.

 

[Fishs]

 

Hi There Tammy.


Welcome along to the forum.

Mm  

Well I would say you have had a severe reaction to whatever the hair salon or stylist used on your hair/scalp

Many of the setting lotions and conditioning lotions are just hopeless and should never be anywhere near a person let alone on a scalp.

As Deirdre says ..Any product with sodium lauryl sulphate in which most hair lotions and setting lotions have is a receipe for problems ..

I personally would never let anyone near me with  it .Hair sprays and commercial Dyes are just as bad

Fish

[SF]

Tammy, just to go along with everyone else...sounds like you're having an allergic reaction to something used on your scalp...nickel, formaldehyde, cobalt chloride are all chemicals commonly found in hair dies and such, and alot of people have allergy's or intolerance to these.

After my last similar experience with getting my hair died, I'm not planning to do any more of that in the near future.

Good luck!

[tammy]

  thank you all so much for the warm welcome...when i first got the problem..i thought it was something to do with the hairdye used in spain...i think it was left on my head too long...but because of the hairloss before...i could not be certain.the sores were mainly on the crown of my head...which baffled the tric at the belagravia centre..i was diagnosed with seborahic derm...sorry cant spell it,had steam treatment.a sulphur paste ointment,coaltar shampoo...(which stripped all the colour out of my hair)and a citric acid lotion to calm the itching...it didnt...they still wanted to continue with the treatment...it was too expensive smelt terrible :(in the summer everyone thought i smelt of hotdogs ..i went to my doctor...she perscibed me with a betnovate solution...ooooww...even worse..she gave me something else but i forget the name..telling me in 2 weeks it would clear...no way...the sores went to pimples.i have tried everything from chinese remedies to emu oil..but nothing helps.the sores have increased and i cannot stop the scratching...the pain of my scalp feels like that burning sensation you get with a cold sore ..at the nape of my neck the skin is very crusty..but applying moisturiser makes the skin break out in pimples..i have cut out orange juice and chocolate as i was told this can make the prob worse..but no affect.the tric said i could be allergic to wheat products...but the ingredients in the shampoo had wheat germ in it which puzzled me..and i lost my faith in them.I know i can never get rid of the skin condition ...but it is getting out of control..what can i use to wash my hair?and style it any ideas?..got to admit my hairstylist has been giving me highlights...she said its ok as it doesnt touch the scalp..but it does seem this could be a strong factor.My hair is very dry..it seems to lack any natural oil..if i leave it the sores are tight dry and crusty..put the oil back and the scalp becomes gritty and spottyand the sores weep out white fluid...sometimes the scalp bleeds.I dont think i have seboricc derm...but ive looked at pics of  p and i dont think its that either.Guess ill have to go to see my doctor again..and insist i get referred to a derm...thanks again i will keep you all posted..and if there is anyone out there that has the same prob..and is beating it ..let me know...my heads driving me mad ...tammy

[Knanuk]

Hi Tammy : a hearty welcome to the forum

[Ami]

Welcome to skincell

I've got simlar problem but my is due to the I get very large sores on my head but lucky my hair has'nt come out.

[Nati]

Welcome to the forum Tammy.  
I hope your problem gets resolved soon.  
-Nati

[deirdre]

Tammy,

1) Please don't say you will never get over the skin condition. Stay strong! Attitude is an important factor in healing.

2) Have you seen a dermatologist? I wasn't sure what your abbreviations meant. If you haven't you MUST.

3) You might want to bacxk off on highlights until the scalp situation is under control. My colourist has permanent sores on her arms... but she lives with them as it is that or no income.

4) Dermatologists prescrive various steroids for almost everything. For my scalp flare-ups I use Capex shampoo (a wonderfully gentle shampoo to which you or the pharmacist adds a capsule of steroid) and Elocom lotion.

5) I suspect that in your current state anything at all will hurt your scalp. HOw often do you shampoo? I *never* shampoo more than twice a week. When I do, Iapply a conditioner but to the shaft of the hair only, not where near my scalp. I am vigilant about reading ingredients lists and NEVER use a hair care product containing sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), as I am allergic to it (as are many people).

6) Wash your hair as infrequently as possible. Consider seeing if plain water works. Ask your pharmacist if s/he stocks a brand of shampoo that does not contain any perfumes dyes etc, and MAKE SURE that it also does not contain SLS. It will smell terrible.

6) Instead of considering styling products (which are very big these days: and ALL salons are set up to push product on the customer) consider styles that you can fashion using various clips, bands, ribbons, etc. Someone on another string said that if you are in enough pain go to A&E (does this mean meregency?) which will get you seen by a derm very quickly.

7) If you have not yet seen a dermatologist do so immediately.
 
If your stylist keeps doing things/selling you yproducts that cause you pain, switch stylists... and tell the new one why (perhaps find out who does hair at your local hospital, as many stylists do visit patients).

[tammy]

thank you deirdre for the advice went to  a tricologist clinic..they are supposed to know all about scalp problems but it didnt help me.i know i must take time off work to visit my doctor so that i can be refered to a dermatologist but money is tight at the moment and the company i work at is very busy...so i will have to suffer a bit longer until i can book some time off..meanwhile my head is still burning and the sores increasing everyday ..wondering about water quality the  water has chorine and fluoride added...would it be best to use mineral water?also ill say hi to the others who have welcomed me...its great having new friends...tammy

[idil]

 

I popped to say "hello" and "welcome".

I had a terrible experience at a salon in switzerland a couple of years ago. I went to get highlights done and they left the hair colour on my scalp for awhile. My scalp started to burn and they kept on telling me it wasnt time to remove it.  When i couldnt stand the burning sensation any longer i told them to wash it off and they did. To my horror they gave me platinum blonde highlights, i guess what i wanted got lost in the translation. Anyways i returned to the salon 3 days later demading that my hair colour be changed. They did and i went home. Weeks later i started getting white scaly patches on my scalp. I just thought that my scalp was dry and i kept on moisturizing it. After 3weeks i went to see a doctor and he prescribed nizoral for me. The first couple of times when i used it, it hurt my scalp. I just continued on using it and voila my scalp got better.

Have you tried nizoral?  

[Karen F]

 

Hi Tammy and a big welcome!  So sorry to hear about your scalp problems.  I go along with everyone else on here and say that you must see a Dermatologist and get yourself an accurate diagnosis.  Let us know how you get on.

[deirdre]

Hmmmm.... does your comoany have any policy re: sick leave. I'd say that whiel you are in agony you can't be at peak productiviity. I don't want to get all schoolmarmish, but at one point a couple of years ago I had a problem that I did not have time to looks after... by th etime I got to th edermatologist she  needed to get me a referral with another specialist. This was just before Xmas and she said, "If you won't see her this week I will just tell her to go directly to emeregency beceuase frankly she is at that point." I did not let on to my colleagues what I was going through, and was shoulderinga double workload, with an irrepsonsible intern who was supposed to lightne my work load but insread kept creating situations that toook hours of diplomacy to correct.

Meanwhile I was in so much pain that my family physician gave me Adavin just to keep from screaming.

Did I get thanks for being Superwoman? Absolutely not. Did I head straight into the office having after having a diagnostic proceedure done that, I subsequently learned, it not exactly routine. No way, I went straight to the office and continued witht the Superwoman routine.

Do I have any regrets about the situation? Many. Not the least of which is that I lacked the self-esteem to say, "I know we are busy but I have a serious medical condition and you'll just have to figure out a way to cope while I look after myself."

If you get docked pay for medical appointments then tell your dctor it is urgent that you be seen either befor eor after work.... or hike on in to emergency straight from your job.

Be strong, and look after yourself!

 

[Shadowmaiden]

Hi Tammy, welcome to the forum!

You'll get lots of good advice here, you're amongst friends!
Be Well,
Shadowmaiden

[tammy]

my head feels like fire today... only washed my hair in water..my eyebrows and inside my ears have flared up too..it feels like someone has a blowtorch to my head..think it is cos i have a cold too..im desperate must go to a doctor..wanted to scratch my head at work could feel a crawling sensation..the air conditioning at work makes it worse...please someone tell me how i can cool my head down...

[GuzziHeroV50]

Well, Keke Rosberg won a scorching hot Formula One car race in 1982, after investing in a water-cooled skullcap...but I think thats a little extreme...

I thought I had replied to this thread to welcome you, but I havent ...so, a belated welcome to Skincell!  

I have an eczema scalp condition called Seborrhoeic Dermatitis, but from the sounds of it, you have something far more severe.  Please please PLEASE see a dermatologist soon, I hate to see you suffer

[tammy]

thanks for the welcome ..this is agony :'(i was told i had the same problem as you by a tricologist..but the products they  told me to use have made things worse...i am going into my third year with the scalp problem..it was an ovenight thing after the hair dye i had done in spain..one or two sores developed into more...it didnt help when my hairdresser continued to use hairdye in england she said it would be ok.i stopped going to the hairdresser for a long while but my scalp didnt improve atall...if i do have the same skin ailment as you...what do you use ?are you losing your hair where the skin is affected?i am very embarrassed about the sores i think people are looking at them..and i am horrified to see bald patches developing in my once lovely thick shiney hair...please let me know more about your condition and how you cope...thanks..tammy

[GuzziHeroV50]

I have seborrhoeic dermatitis on my scalp, forehead, sides of nose, under my eyes.  Im not sure about triggers as I have suffered with severe dandruff for many years (well over 10).  My skin on my forehead used to peel, now it flakes, and it has spread to under my eyes and sides of nose.  I will detail what little I know about my own situation below:

Problem: Extreme dandruff - its like a snow storm when I brush my hair only 3 days after washing, collecting on clothes and causing some anxiety.  Flakes on forehead, sides of nose, under eyes, that become red, though not bleeding, if I rub a lot.  I also have this in my eyebrows which result in eye irritation (and causing blepharitis).

Shampoos: I used to use a lot of greasy hair shampoo as that was thought to be the cause.  I have also tried Head & Shoulders, Alphosyl and Pantene which all severely aggravated the seb derm.  Vosene was slightly aggressive, Simple (no additives) shampoo has been neutral.  Nizoral was practically useless except in spreading the flaking to my ears .  Now Im using Selsun, which seems to be reasonably effective used once every 4 days.

Scalp: Apart from these shampoos, for a year and a half I was using Betnovate scalp application.  It was extremely effective lasting well for 4-5 days.  However, it is a very powerful steroid that can cause serious long-term skin damage.  I had also been using it on my face (NOT wise).  Im now using Selsun, as mentioned above.

Face: As mentioned I had been using Betnovate on my face till I came to Skincell and owe them a lot for getting me off it.  I now use a simple moisturiser named Cyclax Vitamin E face and body moisturiser which I find enormously effective, usually only needing a single application in the morning.

Contras: Soap aggravates extremely, I now shower, rather than bathe so I can immediately wash the soap off.  The shampoos that affected me negativily which I mentioned above.  Sunburn is bad, I had this once in summer when I was out all day watching a motor race and my face never really settled.  I glow bright red when I put my moisturiser on straight after a bath.  It is easing...slowly.  Chlorine is an extreme irritant to me both physically and emotionally as I love swimming but cant do it cos of this horrid seb derm.

[deirdre]

Tammy,

I wish I could offer you concrete practical advice.

I understand your difficulty in getting to see a doctor, but when  person is in extreme pain it is *not* inappropriate to go the emergency (which conveniently is open 24/7). It sounds like you truly do need to see a dermatologist immediately. If you don't need to work tomorrow (Saturday) why don't you go to your local hospital as early as you can manage (as Friday nights tend to be busy times... especially at pub losing time).

This might sound overly simple, but... have you tried ice? My son has had chicken pox for the past week and he didn't want calamine lotion (said it was useless on the spots he let me try it on), said the baking soda baths burned... wouldn't agree to a colloidal oatmeal bath and that stuff makes you so slippery I figured that wrestling with him in a tub of Aveeno would not be wise... but he did find relief from putting an icepack on his skin: so much so that when a particular spot was really bothering him, he'd ask for an ice cube and apply it to his skin directly.

You know those round ice bags with a cap on top that they used to show on old cartoons? You can buy them very inexpensively, and  use ice cubes (and water: the water is needed to carry the, like chilling a bottle of wine in an ice bucket) and if whereyou work has a refrigerator for people to put their lunches in, you can bring an ice cube tray from home and have a supply on hand  (or if you are near a cafe and on good terms with the staff you can ask for a cup of ice). You can even make an improvised ice pack with a ziplock bag (wrapi th eice in dampened paper towels). This might not work, but it won't cause you harm so you may want to try it.

The pain sounds awful... have you tried using any analgesics (paracetamol, whatever)? Guz, is there any reason to avoid any particular pain-killer with seb derm?  

PLEASE see a dermatologist, as they really do have a knack of diagnosing skin conditions. Also, stress makes many skin things worse and you under great pressure at work and the pain you are experiencing most certainly is causing you great anxiety.

[tammy]

the ice cube idea sounds interesting ;Das the only time my scalp feels ok is when it is wet...i have been taking nurophen pain killers as i have a headcold and feeling shivery.You are right...i AM suffering alot of stress at work...this week has been particually bad..maybe this medication is not suitable for me or maybe its the job...lol.I have tried everything from aqueous cream to herbal products..calamine lotion took down the redness to a degree but made my scalp dry and tight ...you can imagine how unsightly it looked too ..im not sure about going to ae..it gets so packed i reckon id be there all weekend :(but i know i must do something about it...its driving me

[deirdre]

Don't go crazy, get help  

Yes AE gets packed... that's why I'd head in early on a weekend morning. Take a good book (or some paperwork you need to get done) and maybe drag along a friend and pick up a large tea or coffee (in my experience there is always a coffee kiosk at a hospital as teh staff work long shifts and need it) and settle in...

I can imagine the calamine hairdo: didn't Bubbles try that look on Ab Fab?

Do you have a good pharmacist? Ask him/her what s/he would recommend short term -- ofthen they are quite knowledgable and helpful. But do not put work ahead of your health or you will get the point where something snaps.

[tammy]

tonight i feel really depressed...soaked my head in jocoboda oil left it on for ages..washed my hair in an unperfumed laurel sulphate free shampoo...as soon as it dried it itched like mad..soon i was scratching again..chunks of skin peel away from my scalp...looked in the mirror...more bald spots..not enough hair to conceal the  sores...tomorrow im going to make an appointment with the doctor...will let you know...feeling sad...tammy

[Karen F]

 

Hi Tammy!!  So sorry to hear about all that you are going through at the moment.  Please, please get that appointment with the Doctor, you definately need to get help with this.  We are all here for you.  You deserve lots of these and even more of these  Look after yourself and let us know how you get on with the Doctor.

[Val]

Sorry to hear you're in so much pain Tammy. :bearhug:

Hope the doc can give you something to help.

Please do let us know how the visit goes.

[tammy]

thanks everyone...i booked the day off work and i have an appointment with the doctor tomorrow..im nervous because i dont know the doctor...my doctor who ive known for years has now retired..perhaps this will be a good thing and i will get a better diagnosis.My scalp is a mess i have scratched it to pieces...i know the condition has got worse because the temptation to scratch it at work..normally it is worse in the evening.The sores are red and raw...but by the morning my head will be all crusty again..the hair is not growing where the sores are present.hope i can find out what it is tomorrow ..ill let you all know...tammy

[deirdre]

I wish I could offer you more. I'm glad you're going to see a dictor. I'd say that if you are getting hairless patches you have every right to request access toa specialist.

I really hope your appointment goes well, that you leave feeling ou have learned something.

*Not* scratching can seem almost impossible. My sone (age 7) has chicken pox right now and I have made teh dear boy wear cotton gloves... he seemed to be doing well but confided that at time she can't help but scratch. Of course he can't!



 

[tammy]

thought id let you know how i got on...doctor says it is a severe case of seboreic dermatitus...a fungal infection (still cant spell it)he says it simply didnt respond to the tricologists medication..would not refer me to a dermatologist yet, until he has tried some kind of medication.. i have been perscribed ketoconazole shampoo and mometasone lotion 0.1%..i have the shampoo but the lotion is on order.Not happy about shampoo...it has sls in it...does anyone know the effectiveness of these products?i have been told i should see an improvement within 2 weeks...lol..if not i have to go back to the doctor..he wants my records sent to him from the trichology centre..then he will refer me to a dermatologist ...mmmmm...still itchy and sore tammy

[deirdre]

Tammy,

Sometimes pharmacisst know more about what Rx products are on the market than the doctor. If you are concerned about SLS (I would be for me, but you may not be sensitive to it...) then ou could ask the pharmacist if s/he can recommend an alternative product with the same active ingredients but with no SLS on teh inactive ingredient list. Such a product many exist. I don't know how it woirks in teh UK but if the pharmacist can source such a product for you, it is probably possible for the pharmacist to contact your doctor and request that s/he approve a substitution as you are concerned about the SLS (it would help if you have had past problems with this ingredient).

I know that many people at SkinCell have seb derm, and they can tell you what they have tried... maybe open a new string (I'd even suggest going back to Let Me Introduce Myself and say that you are not new but your diagnosis is... I suspect you be swamped with lots of really solid tips and information). I suggest this because it is possible that there are members with seb derm who have not been following this string but would love tohelp you if only they knew they could!

I suppose that your doctor cannot refer you to a specialist until trying the most common treatment as this has something to do with the way the National Health is set up. Hopefully your doctor has put you on these meds with the sincere hope that they do help... but is willing to get you in to see a dermatologist if you do not notice an immediate improvement.

One of the UK members mentioned that going to Emergency was an effective way to fast-track a consultation with a dermatologist, and that is why I kept suggesting you consider it. If teh shampoo seems tomake you worse, or if you get a nasty reaction to it (oh please let's hope not!) then I would run not walk to Emergency... but if you are concerned about upsetting your family physician but doing an ened-run let the dr's office know that you have done this (in which case I would suggest you make th etrip outside the doctor's office hours). You might ask some of the UK members if this strategy seems wise... the medical system in Canada is different. My doctor would have taken one look at the scalp problem and immediately written a referral to a specialist.  In the USA you probably don't need a referral unless you have an HMO, but then you will pay $450 for the visit. There are a lot of wonderful medical advances being made in the USA, but it is the country that spends the most per capita on health care, and some of this may be due to over-treatment (I am thinking of the scandelous percentage of C-sections vs. vaginal births, which many consider to be a key statistic in determininmg the quality of health care in a given jusridiction... right up there with infant mortality and, BTW, despite the heavy medical spending in the USA it is not at the very bottom of the infant mortaility list...)

I mention this because your healthcare system may have it's flaws, but it *is* designed to ensure that everyone in the UK has access to good-quality health care. AS with any bureaucracy there are ways to work the system. If you need help navigating the rulkes of the National Health, ask for help as I am pretty sure many SkinCellers have learned through first-hand experience, and will be very willing to help smooth your passage to an effective treatment.

 

[tammy]

hi everyone...well im using the medication..but..so far there is no improvement..the sores continue to weep and crust..the steroid lotion stings like hell..there must be something out there that can control this skin condition.feeling a bit  down..but then i must continue with the treatment..its painful to brush or comb my hair..if the teeth of the comb hit the sores...ouch so sore..im glad my hair is short.so no miracle yet...lol...tammy

[kneecapper]

thanks for the welcome ..this is agony :'(i was told i had the same problem as you by a tricologist..but the products they  told me to use have made things worse...i am going into my third year with the scalp problem..it was an ovenight thing after the hair dye i had done in spain..one or two sores developed into more...it didnt help when my hairdresser continued to use hairdye in england she said it would be ok.i stopped going to the hairdresser for a long while but my scalp didnt improve atall...if i do have the same skin ailment as you...what do you use ?are you losing your hair where the skin is affected?i am very embarrassed about the sores i think people are looking at them..and i am horrified to see bald patches developing in my once lovely thick shiney hair...please let me know more about your condition and how you cope...thanks..tammy

   Tammy,  

I am not sure if I have welcomed you to Skincell yet. I have been reading through your comments and although I cannot give you any clues, I agree with the others that you must see a dermatologist as soon as possible.

From what you are describing you have had an extreme allergic reaction to the hair dye that was used on your head but, the fact that you also lost hair previously might be a fact in determining what other condition that you might have. I have had a reaction to both hair dye and perming solution but I have never had it to the point of open weeping sores on the head. One of the brands that I will not let anyone put near my head is GOLDWELL. I had a very severe reaction to their products.

It is understandable that you feel that people are staring at you because our faces and hair are on display to the world and that makes us very vulnerable when we have these conditions. I have dandruff. I would not put selenium sulphide near my hair ever again and I am not that keen on the zinc pyrithione since that can strip my hair. I have good results with the coal tar shampoos as well as with the olamine piroctone. However, from what you are describing even that product could be a no go until you can alleviate some of the pain on your head.

Maggie

[tammy]

hi maggie..i cannot stop scratching the sores..i am not helping myself..but as the skin tightens it feels as if my scalp is shrinking..dont think i can continue with the steroid lotion ...it makes it feel worse..i had hoped some of the redness would go down..but my scalp has gone bright pink in the affected areas..scratching just makes it bleed..the area at the nape of my neck has many sores and crusts..i guess that is where you sweat alot..when i wake up in the morning that area is always wet..my pillow is for people with allergies and i use cotton pillowcases..so i dont understand why my head gets so hot..also my hair is cut very short.I can only describe the pain as a feeling of being stung by a swarm of wasps..the sores start out as small gritty areas..hard sand- like skin particles break away ..then the skin forms blisters..when they burst..the skin goes hard  and feels like like concrete to the touch..the itching intense..the sores do not heal..and if scratched a new area of skin becomes infected..if i dont feel there is an improvement in 3 days from now..i shall head back to the doctors ..because i dont want to aggravate the condition further .. when my hair was tinted in spain..it was a light chesnut red colour..made by wella..but in england they used a different product to achieve similar results..think it could be some degree of chemical burn..but if i stopped having the hair tinting how comes i  still have a scalp problem.mmm i hope i can solve this..fingers crossed tammy

[deirdre]

Oh Tammy!



It sounds like that Spanish dye set off something ... I do hope you can get it under control soon. If the treatment is making it worse PLEASE call your Dr on Monday and explain... DO NOT BE AFRAID to say PAIN!!!

[kneecapper]

Hi Tammie,

I am not sure that you have seb derm. Something does not sound right in your description. Perhaps you might want to research scalp folliculitis. Here is one site that might be of interest to you:

http://health.allrefer.com/health/folliculitis-info.html
http://www.alopecia.com.au/alopecia/CB.nsf/0/266C29F0EB84DB97CA2568D9007FA174?OpenDocument
http://dermatlas.med.jhmi.edu/derm/result.cfm?Diagnosis=47

I agree with Deidre that it seems more like you have had a reaction to the hair dye that went into your hair in Spain. It could be that something was brewing at the time (the hair loss) and that the tint made it worse, and it has become infected because of the scratching.

I do not think the doctor has properly explained about the fungus infection and I think that people get the wrong idea about the kind of infection that is involved here. Here is some further information on Seb Derm that might be of interest to you:

http://familydoctor.org/157.xml
http://www.emedicine.com/derm/topic396.htm

I think that you will find the second article quite interesting with regard to possible causes of seb derm.

Maggie

[deirdre]

Tammy,

I haven't looked at Maggie's links but I do think she's on to something. Fungal infection is often a secondary contidition that sets in opportunistically when the skin is weakened, for example, by scratching. Similarly, open skin allows bad bacteria to invade. It is entirely possible that your poor painful scalp has several things going on all at once, and if the treatment you are using for one is worsening another... then you MUST talk to your doctor about what you are experiencing and this is when a specialist's advice can be realy useful (indeed, essential).



At this point you must be frantic for some relief. Have you tried any oral painkillers? Or ice? Really these won't help your condition (although ice is good to reduce swelling, and I imagine it is possible that your scalp is swollen at this point) but maybe they will offer you some relief.



*Not* scratching must be nearly impossible. I'm reluctant to suggest that you wear a headscarf or something as maybe what your scalp needs is air... and wearing cotton gloves to prevent breaking the skin while scratching is not always viable (at work, etc). Please do try to stop scratching as the broken skin may be making the whole situation worse... I know this is hard but have leaned that it is possible. You just need to be as strong as Herculese!

I do hope you find someone who can help you very soon. What you describe sounds quite unbearable. Please know that there are people out here in the ether who feel deeply for you...  

[SF]

Oh Tammy! I'm so sorry to hear you're still suffering so much. I really hope it's just a bad allergic reaction, and hopefully you can get it cured rather quick.

[Celery Peach]

Hi Tammy, welcome to Skincell  

Ouch, you poor thing, it sounds like agony   I do so hope that you get some relief soon, I cant add to the good advice allready posted.

[deirdre]

CP,

Where has your amazing ativar gone?

[Celery Peach]

  I dont understand Dierdre, which Avitar do you mean ?   Perhaps the Ice Queen ?

[deirdre]

Didn't you have an illustration of a gorgeous woman covered tats and maybe a vine or two? As in.... Grand Tattoo...?

[Celery Peach]

  I think my host site must be down Deirdre, have I no avatar showing at all ? I'll have to lend Nicks spanners  

[kneecapper]

Tammy,

can you let us know how you are getting along.

Maggie

[deirdre]

CP,

The tattooed lady is back. I see she is a fairy? I haven't asked about the vines, but do you have an interest in the Green Man?

Deirdre

[Celery Peach]

  Deirdre

Im glad my little fairy is back   I have put it on another host site. More about the green man here

http://www.skincell.org/yabbse/index.php/t6189.php?boardseen=1

I didnt want to take over this thread  

  Tammy, I would also like to know how you are ?  

[Nick]

Hey there Tammy,

I'm sorry to hear that things aren't improving, but really is essential that you try and stop scratching.
Trust me, I know that it's not easy. I get scalp Psoriasis and there are times I find myself scratching without realising it. Each time you scratch you are undoing any of the good that any medication may be doing.
Try cutting your nails daily, as short as you can. that way when you scratch you will rub with your fingertips. As they are more sensitive than nail tissue you should be able to train yourself easier to stop the scratching

Good luck and keep us posted

[tammy]

hi everyone...thank you all for your support.. and thanks maggie for your research...aaahhh those pics were horrific..thankfully my head is not in that state yet..im still confused as to what the condition is..although the doc says it is seb derm ..i have looked at images of the other scalp problem maggie refered to..plus i looked at P...it is very hard to distinguish ..i only know what it feels like.the pics all seemed to be a greasy scalp ..but mine is very dry.Anyhow week 1 of treatment...and NO CHANGE.The sore spots have crusted..and nick ..im so resisting the urge to scratch ..because i know the sores will weep and bleed if i do...if the sores dry and scab over and i let them heal naturally ..perhaps the hair might grow there again..i hope so.its hairwash night tonight so out comes the medicated shampoo...i just wish there was a natural cure ..because i dont like the steroid lotion.Nick you are so right i think my problem is made worse by scratching..if ive had a stressful day at work ..i come home and before i know it i automatically go to scratch my head ..i think ive got into a habit..i bet i even scratch my head in my sleep LOL..but i never scratch it at work..no matter how much it itches..which is strange.It started about 2 and a half years ago and has just got steadilly worse..oooooh please i dont want my scalp to get as bad as those pics maggie sent links to..im determined to beat this..if there is anyone suffering the same symptoms as me..i just want to tell you I KNOW what you are going through.This weekend ill send another post to let you know if the medication has got things under control..im still hopeful..all the best tammy

[deirdre]

Tammy,

There have been times in my life when I picked at my scalp and the big scabs under my hair just seemed normal. I would try to not scratch and the itch would not stop... it was actually a salesclerk at a place called Barber And Beauty Supply who initially diagnosed my allergy to sodium layrul sulphate. She said that the root of my problem might be  afairly common allergy, and then went to the place where they kept samples of variosu products and found a few that were SLS-free and gave me a handful of each and told me to just try that approach... and she wouldn't let me buy anything except some conditioner that she first ensured was SLS-free (we have terrible labeling laws in Canada, so not everything has it's ingredienst listed).

I'm not saying that what you have is an allergy. But I *do* know something of what you are going through. Nick is right... though tough (nearly impossible at times!) please do try your very best to not scratcha nd pick, as you will heal much more quickly if you don't keep opening wounds.

This is a shot in the dark as I have never tried it for my scalp (I do get there and realize my scabby-scalp period certainly involved a flare-up, and now when I get one I am quick to get the Rx shampoo and lotion from my derm), but I have used it for sunburn and also in my mouth when my OLP flares-up. Have you considered aloe vera gel? You can buy food grade (meaning absolutely free of perfume) aloe vera inexpensively at health food stores. It is very soothing indeed. Maybe you would want to ask your doctor or pharmacist befoet you tried it, but maybe you could rub some into your scalp and find relief (it isn't at all greasy but does mositurize). You might want t ask one of SC's resident seb derm experts (Guzz, are you there?) what they think of that suggestion...

Also please don't get freaked out by the online photos. THey tend to be worst case scenarios. Odds are you will never get there yourself!

 

[kneecapper]

Hi Tammy,

well I just had my dermatologist appointment and I have a diagnosis for Seb Derm. I have been prescribed Novasone. I have been told that if I need to use it on my scalp I can leave it overnight and then wash with a coal tar based shampoo. That is the correct regimine for me.

Maggie

[deirdre]

maggie,

I hope it works

[tammy]

hi girls..maggie.let me know how the norvasone works will you..im getting desperate to find something that makes an improvement...wheres the ice bucket...LOL...ill keep you posted..but so far my progress is nil....tammy

[kneecapper]

hi girls..maggie.let me know how the norvasone works will you..im getting desperate to find something that makes an improvement...wheres the ice bucket...LOL...ill keep you posted..but so far my progress is nil....tammy

Hi Tammy,

I have not used it on my scalp yet and I did stick to using the coal tar shampoo (well, the truth is by the time I got home last night I could not be bothered putting something onto my scalp). My scalp is really under control and it is not too bad.

However, I have begun using it on the other areas and with a lot of success. Once again I have noticed that after two applications my face looks a lot better. I am also using the chickweed gel plus the sorbolene as a moisturiser. I am fortunate because here in Australia we have a big choice in sorbolene products and I have a product from Redwin that has been developed as a light moisturiser for the face. I am also using a coal tar shampoo from Redwin because it is not as harsh as Neutrogena's offerings.

I continue to suspect that you have an allergy to the hair dye, and even if your scalp does not look anything like those piccies (thank God) a scalp folliculitis might be the true answer to your problem as you have described it. I really am not certain that you have seb derm.

I have been struggling with dandruff since I was about 9 or 10 years old. This problem has been on top of my other skin condition that manifested a few years later, and was diagnosed when I was 19. I have continued to struggle with trying to clear my skin and face ever since that age. I have used a lot of products over that time and nothing has been so soothing as the sorbolene cream.

Maggie

[deirdre]

Magggie,

Sorbolene cream? I'm intriued. What is it? I had thought I would have problems sourcing 100 per cent tea tree oil (which my husband wanted after looking online... he is dealing with nail fungus), as it seemed hard to come by except on Australian sites, however I have found that Whole Foods, a USA-based big chain natural foods store, has an excellent selection of products from Australia... and their prices are decent.

I find that Neutrogena shampoo is not particularly gentle, either. My mother could not use it as it gave her eczema in the ear. The brand of coal tar shampoo that I like (if one can like something that reeks of coal tar) is Tersa Tar.

[tammy]

mmm not heard of any of those products  in the uk except neutrogena...tried it made no difference...its expensive too.and reacts with hair colourants..nizoral..no difference..more itchy..polytar ..same again..dead sea products..shampoo lovely smell ..but scalp still itched..culticura soap(tried it cos its anti bacterial)scalp didnt sting when washed with it..but its difficult to wash out properly and leaves a residue that dulls the hair.i could go on with the countless products ive tried....hope i find something soon.medication  has not made any improvement...infact it is worse especially at the nape of my neck..guess ill be back to the doctor..hope this time he will refer me to a dermatologist.anyway does anyone know if seb derm is fungal?my doctor says it is ..but when i went to the tricologist centre they said it wasnt.and when i have looked up info i get conflicting views..puzzled...tammy

[GuzziHeroV50]

tammy - I just posted in rant n rave...Ive now gone flake-less for 6 days!!!!!

Im using Selsun...Im not saying it works for everyone, because what works for one doesnt necessarily work for another...but Im jumping through hoops here!

[brigette]

 >:(hIYA IM A NEW MEMBER.iVE JOINED THE FORUM BECAUSE I HAVE JUST BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH PSORIASIS.
AT THE MO ITS IN MY SCALP AND ITS DRIVING ME BONKERS ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT!I HAVE BEEN PRESCIBED COAL TAR AND JUST WONDERING WHEN IT WILL START TAKING  EFFECT.
ANY IDVICE WILL BE HELPFULL AS IM NEW TO ALL THIS.
THANKS

BRIGETTE

[Gobe]

 

Welcome to Skincell Brigette!

We have lots of   sufferers here who will be along soon with advice for you.

I am an   sufferer.

Sorry to hear you are suffering so at the moment.

 

[tammy]

oooh brigette...welcome...sorry youre suffering too..the guys here are of great support..my head goes bonkers at night too especially when im hot...spent the whole day looking at scalp problems on the net..im still confused.Oh and guz...i did buy some selsun...bit runny isnt it...has a more lasting effect than the shampoo the doc perscribed for me...but in my case im not doing any cartwheels...sob...im happy for you though.Brigette like me its all trial and error at the mo...thought the doc had it sussed ...but wow he should see my scalp now..its worse than before hopefully you might see some improvement...but it might take a while..keep me posted on your progress..take care..tammy

[kneecapper]

The Selsun did not work for me. I really hate the stuff.

There is a new product called piroctone olamine. It is in the Schwarzkopf range of products. Also Wella have a new range that has selenium sulphide, zinc pyrithione and piroctone olamine in it. My hair responds to the piroctone olamine because it is more gentle than the others. I will swear by the Bona Cure No More Flakes shampoo.

The coal tar product I use is from REDWIN, and Australian company. It is the best of the coal tar shampoos that I have used and I do get good results from its use. Neutrogena is a little bit harsh on my scalp and hair.

At the same time I do not like to use an anti-dandruff shampoo all of the time because my scalp tends to get used to the shampoo. I try to use something an ordinary shampoo between treatments.

Maggie

[deirdre]

Hi Brigitte,

I get on my scalp. What works for me is a combination of two precription products during flare-ups: Capex shampoo (a lovely gentle shampoo that I wish I could buy on its own), which comes with a capsule of steroid that the phramcist mixes into it. It's very expensive and a hassle to use... leave it on for 15-min/day every day for a week... but it works wonders, and Elocom lotion, which is also an Rx steroid. If the is what my dermatologist calls "thick," before starting treatment I remove as much as I can by soaking my scalp in oil (whatever cooking oil I happen to have in my kitchen cupboard... non-virgin olive or grapeseed both seem to work the same) for half an hour and then lift as many flakes as I can with a fine-toothed comb. Then I wash out the oil with a non-Rx shampoo, and then do my first Capex treatment.

I find that my flares up if I use any hair care product that contains soldium lauryl sulphate (SLS, not to be confused with the less-irritating sodium leureth sulphate, SLES). Between flare-ups I am vigilant about avoiding SLS, and tend to switch around products a bit. I find that Head and Shoulders doesn't give me any flakes/itch or other problems. Tersa Tar (which may not be avilable in the UK) stinks but is otherwise terriffic.

Have you posted on teh Let Me Introduce Myself page? If not start a new topic and include your problem (scalp ) in the subject line, and you will get tons of responses and lots of helpful advice.

Good luck!

Tammy, I do hope that now that you've tried what the doctor ordered and it only made you worse he is able to give you the referral you need to see a dermatologist.

Guz, six days flake free? YAHOOO!!!  

[tammy]

  hi everyone.....the  shampoo still made me itch..and the steroid lotion made the sores sting...i did some research on chemicals...and decided to look for something without sodium laurel sulphate....do you know that every shampoo i looked at contained the chemical..even baby shampoo...the only thing i could find was a bar of pure soap..it had no perfume ..no harsh ingredients...and cost next to nothing...thought ill wash my hair in it...it didnt sting..left my hair a bit dull but i actually got a good nights sleep..now im not getting too excited yet..the sores are still there..quite severe at the nape of my neck..but the shampoo and lotion the doc gave me made my scalp irritate more...the soap has not done that..mmmm this is interesting.the ketro..shampoo contains sls...so does selsun ..and the lotion has an alcohol base..the soap has palm  oil in it plus glycerin..which holds in moisture..so it seems it has slowed down the scaling process...my scalp started to itch again tonight so i applied a little soap to the sore itchy areas and rinsed off the soap..good news is it is not burning.im going to see what happens over the next 3 days..i wont give my hair a complete hairwash..i mean it helped guzz didnt it?...but just wash the sores to keep the skin clean..im hoping my scalp will improve..but it could just be fluke.there is a lot of hairloss..i have a few small bald patches where the sores are..ill just have to see what happens.If it is an allergy to sls..i will have to find a shampoo without it..but it seems i will have to buy one online and expensive..then again the perfume in shampoo could be affecting me too.(do you know the more ingredients a shampoo has the cheaper it is..yet the shampoos with less cost a lot more?...how do the manufacturers work that out?) Dont think i should continue to use the soap for too long because it leaves a residue on the hair..i reckon this would build up over a period of time and make my hair appear matted..i have a outgrowing spikey hairstyle at the moment..its getting rather long cos i cant face the hairdresser..it looks a bit like a wornout toilet brush...LOL..need it cut soon or else i will look like ive put my finger in the light socket..so at least the rest of it is growing. Anyway i thought id let you know ..ill post my progress.. but i think ill still  go back to the doctors to get a referal to a dermatologist..tammy

[kneecapper]

Hi Tammy,

before you go jumping to conclusions that you have an allergy to SLS, I think you should wait until you see a dermatologist.

The fact that you have been able to use the soap is interesting because it is an indication that you have in all likelihood built up an allergy to some chemical that is found in the hair dye and also in the shampoo that you have been using.

I do not believe that selenium sulphide (Selsun) is the right shampoo for your hair. I think you could at least try one of the more gentle shampoos before you jump to any conclusions about SLS. I think that you should give a baby shampoo a go . Otherwise you could try one that has the SLES in it.

Also, I think that the longer that you go between hair washes, the better chance your scalp has to recover from the infection and sores on your head.

The residue from shampoo can build up in the hair. When I was younger I was taught that you need to rinse your head until you could feel it to be squeaky clean. Only then do you know that you have removed the soap residue from your scalp. It is even possible that in your case one thing has led to another and that what started with the hair dye has continued with the shampoos and especially the further colour treatments that you have received.

My flaking is well under control. I do not always use an antidandruff shampoo because I believe that they are simply too harsh to use all of the time. It pays to switch the shampoos around.

Maggie

[kneecapper]

Hi Deirdre,

I find it very interesting that your Lichen Planus has led to your reaction to SLS. I do not have an allergy to this product.

I was very interested in your comments on the other thread. I can see that you have had a real battle to get things under control.

Keep up the good work.

Maggie

[jujube]

Tammy - I just caught up on this thread.  I hope your scalp is healing - sounds like you are well on your way to the healing process.  Good luck!
I agree that not washing everyday and waiting can help matters.  I am trying hard to control my need to wash every other day.  You can try brushing out the flakes and putting baby oil or olive oil on the scalp and washing the next day.  

[tammy]

well i was  really hopeful..but today my scalp is bad again..so the problem is still there.its itching like crazy..tempted to wash  my hair..but i know my scalp will become too dry..thought the soap might have done the trick..there is something that triggers it off...will have to phone the doctor and make an appointment..seems like im going to have to live with this scalp disorder..bit depressed about it....tammy

[kneecapper]

Tammy,

the soap itself can be very drying on your scalp. I think that another visit to the doctor is justified. You need to find the culprit that is triggering the reaction.

Maggie

[deirdre]

Tammy -- please don't be confused. Sodium lauryl sulphate is NOT the same as sodium laureth sulphate. I suspect that you may have been confused by the similarities in the chemical names, but whiel related one is much gentler than the other (something about the molecules being larger and therefore less easily absorbed into the skin).

Maggie -- Perhaps I have not been clear, but Lichen Planus DID NOT cause me to develop a sensitivity to soldium lauryl sulphate. I had a very persistant problem with my scalp over a dozen years ago, and eventually discovered that what I was dealing with was an allergy to SLS. Once my scalp became irritated and inflamed, other problems could set in, but eventually I got it under control. I had thought that my entire house was an SLS-free zone, but in the course of consulting with an oral pathologist about my LP doiscovered that SLS is an ingredient found in virtually all toothpastes, including many brands that claim to be 'all natural" (because SLS certainly is all natural, but so is poison ivy).  

[kneecapper]

Deidre,

could it be the other way? That your allergy to SLS made you more vulnerable to getting the Lichen Planus. I really do think that you have a good case because you were able to pinpoint your allergy to SLS and that you have chosen to go with the other products.

I will be checking labels more thoroughly and seeing if I have reactions if the product uses SLS rather than SLES.

Maggie

[deirdre]

Who knows. Chemical exposures,  allergies to metals... LP remains mysterious and little understood but while it does not mainfest as hives I can tell you from first-hand experience that LP certainly FEELS allergic. That's why I am so persistant with the antihistamines, even though LP is not a typical histamine recation. I have a cuople of other allergies.... penacillin, nickel, one of the dry chemicals used to treat thermal paper (very nice now that banks provide thermal paper printers to retailers who accept credit and debit cards).

Some doctor at Johns Hopkins seem to be trteating LP as if it were immune-modulated or possibly a rheumatoid disease (their patients dominate the Yahoo LP board), but I understand that there is also ongoing resereach into LP as a type of allergic reaction.

I must say I'm miffed that I went for over a decade putting a substance to which I had a known allergy INTO MY MOUTH twice a day suimply because Canada has such lax labelling laws. Manufacturers who want to furnish the information find a way to squeeze it onto any size of label in both official languages... and other companies use the space for marketing-related text.  So... if SLS in my toothpaste triggered my LP, would I have any legal recourse? So far there is no really solid scientific data so it would not make sense. In the USA I might try anyway, if I was that kind of person.

If seven per cent of the population is allergic to SLS, and people tend to use toothpaste very regularly, you'd think that toothpaste should have labelling laws similar to those for food. I'm not an allergist so I don't kno wwhat repeated long-term exposure to a known chemical irritant can and will do to a person.

Anything further to this belongs in the rant room.

[kathy]

Hi
I am new to this forum. As I was searching the internet for information on Betnovate I came across Tammy's post on her scalp problem and decided to register and post because I have been through the mill with skin problems.

I was mis-diagnosed with scabies back in 1997, prescribed two topical lotions for the condition and ended up in hospital with a massive reaction. I had burning feeling all over my body, swelling, shivering and nausea. Once the major reaction was under control I ended up with blisters on my hands, chest and legs.

For three years I attended a dermatologist and was prescribed Betnovate, Eumovate, Elocon (for nails), Prednisone oral pills, and a ton of other medications. I was having emulsifying baths with emulsifying ointment, using Silcocks base as a soap substitute. As soon as I finished a course of medication the problem would flare up again.

After two years, during which time I had to bandage my legs to prevent my clothes sticking to my legs because of the serum and pus seeping from blisters, the blisters on my legs cleared up. After three years the only part remaining in serious condition was my hands. I could not straighten out my fingers or the skin would crack and blood would spurt out. I could not dress without causing pain and damage to the skin on my hands. I could not wash my hair, put my hands in my pockets or rummage in my handbag because of the pain and skin breaking at the slightest thing.

I was treated with several courses of Prednisone and was continually on Betnovate ointment.  In the 2nd year I was invited on a holiday to Morocco. I seen the dermatologist the week before I went and the week I came back. She saw the condition my body was in before I left for the holiday but the week I returned she asked had I been bitten by an insect while away as though this would excuse the condition of my body.

After 3 years I became totally disheartened with the treatment I was receiving and decided that was it for me, I stopped attending the clinic every week. I found Neem and began to use that.

At this stage my nails were thickened and yellow which is why they had me on Elocon. After three weeks using neem my hands began to heal. I had so much pain over the years that I lost sensation in my fingers, I could not feel anything I touched. The sensation returned, which for me was a wonderful thing. After six weeks I could wash my hair, rummage in my handbag, dress and do all the things I had been unable to do for years.

I began formulating creams, lotions and shampoos myself using neem so that I might be able to help others.

It has been a long road, not as long as some people out there, but it took it's toll on me and also educated me regarding chemicals, medications and self help. While attending the clinic and doctors I was never advised about the role chemicals may play in my condition.

When I began using neem I discovered that I was sensitive to sodium laureth sulphate, Parabens, Alcohol, Lanolin, household cleaning products, Aspartame, MSG (Monosodium Glutamate), colouring in foods, perfumes, the list goes on. It was a matter of elimination over time. It took three years for my nails to recover, it took about a year for me to get the hang of avoiding the chemicals and ingredients which caused flare ups and it is now a year since I had a flare up on my hands.

Tammy, you might have Scalp folliculitis which needs attention from a doctor. I suggest you use a totally natural shampoo and lotion on your scalp and avoid hair dyes and perms. Check the labels on all the products you are using and avoid the SLS, SLES, Parabens, colours, Alcohols, Lanolin and other ingredients. Sounds to me like you have totally dried out scalp skin which is why the only time your scalp feel alright is when it is wet.

Check out Neem on the internet. I have a website about it but do not think I should advertise it here without permission from the moderators. I did not come here to sell Neem I came to advise and share my story.

I empathise with anyone going through the scourge of skin problems I have been there and am not out of the woods yet because as soon as I use anything with synthetic chemicals in it I am liable to have flare up's again.

http://www.dermnetnz.org/dna.acne/sfol.html

[tammy]

thanks kathy for your success story..i can imagine the pain you were in,im glad you have controlled your skin problem.As for me...well the doctors treatment was a total failure :'(havent been back yet owing to work commitments ..im on a shift system at work and im trying to fit in an appointment with the doc without losing any time off work.I did go to the hairdressers...totally embarrassing >:(but my hair looked a mess..the hairdresser said my scalp looked worse..wow that made me feel great :(at least she didnt pressurise me into having highlights..she seemed to be very concerned..they are trying to get me to attend yet another tricologist under their recommendation..but i doubt i can afford it ..the consultation will cost me a hundred pounds and thats with a trainee..the attitude from the hairdressers is if this clinic cant help you no one can.hmmmmm.what to do now?..docs again i suppose but how long before i get an appointment with a dermatologist?.I think i should have worn plastic gloves when using the shampoo because the skin inbetween my fingers has gone very dry...aaahhh more problems..i think im turning into a reptile..lol  ;Dmeanwhile as i write this my head is throbbing..i want to scratch..but if i do another sore will develop..it burns stings and crusts..hopefully ill  find something to relieve it soon..depressed .....tammy

[kneecapper]

Hi Tammy,

I am sorry to hear that you have not had any respite from your scalp problem  .  I am a little concerned that you have had another skin reaction to the shampoo? Which shampoo was it? This sounds like contact dermatitis and if that is the case do not use that particular shampoo again.

It really does sound like the doctor has given you a wrong diagnose for your scalp and that explains why the treatment has not worked. The lotion is probably too harsh for your skin.

Until you get to see a dermatologist might I suggest that you stay away from all medicated shampoos. Do not even try the product with the piroctone olamine in it. If you able to tolerate any kind of shampoo, especially one that is very gentle then I suggest that you use it.

I have a very different scalp condition. I get flaky and from time to time I have had a few soers, but it is rare. I respond best to a gentle tar based shampoo as well as a shampoo containing in the piroctone olamine. I have used the Novasone around the edge of my scalp and it has proven itself as beneficial. It did not sting. However, with your scalp being so sensitive it is really hard to know what to recommend to you.

Since you seem to be reacting to chemicals, to me it sounds like scalp folliculitis is the real problem here. It does not sound like sebhorreic dermatitis.

Maggie

[kathy]

Hi Tammy

I am sorry you are going through so much. I know the "burn, sting and crust" cycle all too well and the throbbing. My hands were so painful I was out of my body with it. I was irritable all the time also.

I cannot wear rubber or latex gloves because these irritate my skin so I get a box of vinyl gloves for sensitive skin in the pharmacy and wear cotton gloves under them just to make sure I keep my skin protected if and when I am coming in contact with anything that might irritate my skin.

I sent an instant message thingy to you. Let me know what you think.

I know it is easy for me to say because I am not suffering like you are but hang on in there, there is lots of support from people here.

Kathy

[tammy]

hi maggie..yes this scalp problem is really getting me down..one or two sores have now developed at the side of my face by the side of my ears..seems like it is spreading..the shampoo perscribed was ketopine 2 %(ketoconazole shampoo..and the lotion called elocon 01% mometasone furoate..looking at the bottle it  contains isopropyl alcohol(reckon thats why it stings) as one of the ingredients also phosphoric acid.it is classified as a potent corticosteroid..it is supposed to reduce reddness and itchiness caused by certain skin problems...but it hasnt worked for me.You are probably right that the doctor has mis diagnosed my condition..otherwise i should have had some kind of improvement.Kathy thank you for the personal email ..i have sent one to you also..it seems you know what i am going through..it makes you feel so irritable..still i hope i can beat the condition..wherever theres hope theres a chance..ill keep you posted ...tammy

[kathy]

Hi Tammy  

Ketopine is actually an anti-fungal agent:

Ketopine 2% Shampoo
http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/Profs/Datasheet/k/Ketopineshampoo.htm

elocon
http://www.healthsquare.com/pdrfg/pd/monos/elocon.htm

I am sure it was elocon I was prescribed for my nail problem. Is it in a white plastic bottle with a nozzle top. It has a strong smell and is clear liquid?

Please don't get too down Tammy. Be gentle with yourself and be careful what you apply to your skin.

I have replied to your private message - thanks

Kathy  

[kneecapper]

Hi Tammy,

first of all thanks Kathy for posting that information. I hope that it will help Tammy. The Elocon is the same as Novasone. I use Novasone to help with my skin condition. I have it as a cream and it is highly successful for me. Perhaps the problem here is that you have been prescribed the lotion instead of the cream. I have used the Novasone on my sores that are the prurigo nodularis and they have been clearing up quite well. That is what makes me think that the combination that you have is not suited to your particular problem. Perhaps you would be better using the cream, leaving it on overnight and then washing your hair the following morning.

In your description you mentioned that the formulation that you are using isopropyl alcohol and that is what is stinging. This might be a clue about why this has broken out and now it is getting worse. Let me look into this and see if I can obtain further information for you.

BTW if you have to use a pinetar type solution the best is Pinetarsol, which is an Australian product.

Maggie

[kneecapper]

Tammy,

you might also want to have another look at this site:

http://www.dermnetnz.org/dna.acd/acd.html

Maggie

[elka]

Hi Tammy,

I have seborrheic dermatitis and what you go through on your scalp I have gone through on my face. The cycle is you start with oily skin. It flakes. You scratch. The sores weep -- but it's not infected yet, it's a clear yellow liquid, not pus. The yellow stuff makes crusts. Scratch enough and you hit blood vessels and get scabs. Sometimes you get actual pus and infections. When that happens you probably need an oral or topical antibiotic to clear up the infections. (Check with your doctor to see if you have an actual infection and need the antibiotic, since you don't want to let an infection spread.) Hard lumps build up under the skin that are filled with the yellow liquid. Hair comes out, embedded in the scales. Sometimes I've tweezed my eyebrows partially away because it gets so bad, and at least it keeps the area clean. (Oil glands are only in the places you have hair -- that's why you can't get it on your lips.) Even if you stop scratching, you still get the flakes and the inflammation and the crusting. The only thing scratching "causes" is the scabs and the infection, but you would still have the seborrheic dermatitis even if you didn't scratch, so don't feel like you are causing the disease.

According to what I've read, everyone has a certain yeast (pythiosporum ovale, or something like that) that lives on their skin and feeds off the oil (sebum). But people with seborrheic dermatitis are allergic to that yeast or its excretions. You can try to kill the yeast with an antifungal like Ketoconazole or Nizoral. But I haven't found that to work for me. Zinc, however, neutralizes the yeast byproducts so you won't have that burning itch, and it dries up yellow weeping. If the crusting is bad, you need to remove the crusts first so the zinc can get to work. You can use a product to soften the scales first, like a skin toner with witch hazel or a shampoo with salicylic acid. A cortisone product can remove the scales. Then a zinc shampoo or ointment can get to work. LEAVE IT ON for a bit, and you should feel it working. After a few days the skin should start to heal. But new hair growth can't occur until the skin heals.

In seborrheic dermatitis the skin regenerates itself too quickly. Skin cells turn over in a matter of days instead a month, and that's why they flake off.

It's important not to remove too much of the skin's oils, even though the oiliness seems to be the problem. When you overstrip the oil, the skin overreacts and produces even more oil. So stay away from alcohol-based products (more of a face problem). When you overstrip, you get redness, dryness, tightness, bleeding. So you do need some moisture, just stay away from oils, petrolatum, that will clog pores and cause their own problems. Use moisturizers specially made for oily skin. I like the oil-free version of Purpose, if it's available to you.

You may also want to stay away from hair dyes and anything with perfumes or a strong scent. For me, if I smell it and I feel a headache coming on, it's a product I want to avoid, no matter how "all natural" the label. Maybe after you have this under control you could do a patch-test with something like henna and see how that works for you. Remember that allergic reactions may take more than a few minutes to show up, though.

This is the site that helped me the most:

merck.com/pubs/mmanual/section10/chapter111/111d.htm

It's a guide for pharmacists, and it explains a lot.

In my experience, you can get it down to the level where you still have to treat it daily, but you won't have the constant itching and burning, and your hair can grow back. I hope you can get to a bearable level, too. I rotate between the coal shampoo, the salicylic acid one, the zinc one, and a shampoo for fine/oily hair, so my hair doesn't get acclimated to any one. I use a conditioner for fine/oily hair too, and I guess that's what prevents it getting stripped. Good luck! (Hope I didn't come off as a know-it-all; remember, this is just stuff that's worked for me, maybe it will for you too.)

[kneecapper]

Elka,

that is a very interesting description of what you have gone through. Interestingly enough I have not gone through the weeping etc. and especially on my scalp.

From the description that Tammy has given of her condition, I think that I would stick with the recommendation of trying the Capex shampoo. She needs something very gentle at this present time because of the actual condition of her scalp.

From what Tammy has described I am not convinced that she has seb derm, or at least not what I have experienced with seb derm.

You make some interesting points about the bacteria that lives normally on our bodies and how it affects us. However, I am not convinced with the general conventional wisdom as to its role in seb derm or in the case of Tammy I am not certain that it has a role.

I still think that Tammy is showing a reaction to the hair dye. Her symptoms came on after she had her hair coloured.

I should add here that I get colour in my hair and yes I have reacted to the hair dye. It has made my scalp sting. However, if the dye is applied so that it does not hit my scalp then I do not react. When my hair was last coloured I had a mild reaction only.

I am not convinced that the salicyc acid is best for Tammy's scalp because the scalp is so obviously sensitive. I think that the shampoo needs to be as gentle as possible so that Tammy can obtain relief for her condition. I have already recommended a shampoo that has the ingredient piroctone olamine in it. I have found this to be very gentle on my scalp and it has been very effective.

Maggie

[kneecapper]

Tammy,

just checking to hear what is the latest on your scalp. I hope that you are finally getting some relief.

Maggie

[tammy]

 :hi:maggie... no joy as yet... :'(sob..the last couple of days my scalp has been going mad..my skin seems to crust up in a matter of minutes..getting tighter and tighter all the time,,more skin grows over the previous scab..without any healing..i scratch because my scalp is so uncomfortable and releasing the scabby areas..gets rid of the tightness...but then i make it sore again...seems i have no willpower..and stress at work doesnt help things at all..at least i know the misery everyone else is suffering with their skin problems on this forum too..so im not alone..thanks for asking about me..but  at the moment im crazy..tammy

[kneecapper]

:hi:maggie... no joy as yet... :'(sob..the last couple of days my scalp has been going mad..my skin seems to crust up in a matter of minutes..getting tighter and tighter all the time,,more skin grows over the previous scab..without any healing..i scratch because my scalp is so uncomfortable and releasing the scabby areas..gets rid of the tightness...but then i make it sore again...seems i have no willpower..and stress at work doesnt help things at all..at least i know the misery everyone else is suffering with their skin problems on this forum too..so im not alone..thanks for asking about me..but  at the moment im crazy..tammy

Tammy,

   I am sorry to hear that things are not improving  

I guess it will not help to say "DO NOT SCRATCH"  

It sounds like you need to find a solution to the stress in the workplace. The constant scratching due to the stress in the workplace is very familiar to me.   I understand how hard it is not to scratch during those moments of stress.

Perhaps what you need to do is to see if you can find a solution to the workplace stress. You do not need to give responses online since that kind of thing can be deeply personal, but you could try and troubleshoot your situation and try to identify the source of the stress and then ask yourself what can you do about it.

The stressors of a workplace where there is friction can be very taxing on our systems, and perhaps this is the reason that you are not responding to the treatments that you have tried so far.

 

Maggie

[_Jo_]

Hi Im new on here to I saw what u had wrote and relised u have  a very similar problem as me.

I recently had my hair relaxed and it was left on to long so my scalp was burnt it is now enflamed and weeps now and again it is crusty and itched like hell and can be very saw after a while, I have not yet sin a doctor as I tried to make apointments but they are very buisy so I have to suffer.

Jo xx
 

[Gobe]

 

Welcome to Skincell nja and Jo!

 

[ChorusGirl]

...the sores were mainly on the crown of my head...which baffled the tric at the belagravia centre..i was diagnosed with seborahic derm... had steam treatment.a sulphur paste ointment,coaltar shampoo...(which stripped all the colour out of my hair)and a citric acid lotion to calm the itching...it didnt...they still wanted to continue with the treatment...it was too expensive smelt terrible... i went to my doctor, she perscibed me with a betnovate solution...ooooww...even worse..she gave me something else but i forget the name..telling me in 2 weeks it would clear...no way...the sores went to pimples.i have tried everything from chinese remedies to emu oil..but nothing helps.the sores have increased and i cannot stop the scratching...the pain of my scalp feels like that burning sensation you get with a cold sore ..at the nape of my neck the skin is very crusty..but applying moisturiser makes the skin break out in pimples..i have cut out orange juice and chocolate as i was told this can make the prob worse..but no affect.the tric said i could be allergic to wheat products...but the ingredients in the shampoo had wheat germ in it which puzzled me..and i lost my faith in them.I know i can never get rid of the skin condition ...but it is getting out of control..what can i use to wash my hair?and style it any ideas?..got to admit my hairstylist has been giving me highlights...she said its ok as it doesnt touch the scalp..but it does seem this could be a strong factor.My hair is very dry..it seems to lack any natural oil..if i leave it the sores are tight dry and crusty..put the oil back and the scalp becomes gritty and spottyand the sores weep out white fluid...sometimes the scalp bleeds.I dont think i have seboricc derm...but ive looked at pics of  p and i dont think its that either.Guess ill have to go to see my doctor again..and insist i get referred to a derm... and if there is anyone out there that has the same prob..and is beating it ..let me know...my heads driving me mad ...tammy

Hi Tammy and All, I'm new here and just wanted to say that you are not alone.  It's feels so great to also find that my fiance is not alone.  He is having the same problem(s) and has had this for a long time!  He is very miserable with all of the pain and discomfort.  I will get him on here to tell of his experience and hopefully the whole team of us can really research, create awareness (esp. to doctors), and find solutions.  P.S.  Have you heard of Folliculitis?

[peterb]

Hi ChorusGirl

Welcome to Skincell.

[ChorusGirl]

Have any of you looked into "Dissecting Cellulitis of the Scalp?"
It's very serious and my fiance has it.  At first I thought it was just Folliculitis -but it's much worse.  He's had it since the age of 12 and is just now getting to the point where he might consider laser surgery.  Please keep us in your positive thoughts/prayers.

[wendianne]

Hi,

Try Aveeno colloidal oatmeal powder. You can buy it to put in a bath, I would just lay in lukewarm water and give my head a good soak. If you do it before bed I would just leave the powdery residue in my hair and scalp, wrap it in a towel and try to sleep. I don't recommend any creams, they just seem to make things worse. I always used Aveeno when my kids had chicken pox, hives, psoriasis and it always seemed to work best with lukewarm water (just warm enough to not be chilly) and use lots of it.

Wendianne

[DuhBlondie]

hi im new here...wonder if anyone has same problem as me....i admit id lost a job and was under stress...i started a new job and treated myself to a hair cut and holiday...the hair cut was terrible..on holiday my hair fell out by the handful...my son took a video and nicknamed me the incredible moulting mum ;Dwhen i was in spain i got a new hair cut and had it coloured proff for the first time ..i felt great.then my scalp became real itchy and sores developed...this has become worse over time..i still go to the hairdressers but it has now become embarassing...the sores weep and crust...i scratch them which makes matters worse...and hair isnt growing where the sores are present...i wasted 400 pounds on treatment at a top trich clinic...but the products made it worse.nothing i try has improved things now the sores are worse than ever i have used coaltar products,citric acid lotion,soapfree products,achohol free products..homopathic oils...my head burns like fire...can anyone help?

[DuhBlondie]

Ok, I will try this again. Hello there! I am a 36 y/o female from New York. I have been researching a problem I have been having for quite some time and came across this board and I am hoping someone can help asvise me with this problem I have been having. I am not severe as Tammy is (or was hopefully since I haven't seen her post lately) and I have many differences. For four years now I have been getting these terrible scalp sores. They range in size but are generally small. They are hard to see so it is difficult for me to precisely describe what they look like but I will do my best. I believe they start out as small, flat red painful marks that eventually begin to rise. When they do of course I pick them although I know I shouldn't. They seem to be filled with blood and if I peel off a scab it is like a pocket of blood. They are usally on the top of my head and can take weeks to heal and I usually have several at a time. I do not know if they just lie dormant and then come back or if they are new and different ones. I get excruciating headaches from them and it is becomming unbearable. As far as any origins here is all that I can come up with. I believe I noticed the first sore 4 months after giving birth to my first child. I was 2 months short of my 32nd birthday. About 2 months prior maybe I started taking ortho tri cyclen birth control pills and also tetracyclen which I didn't stick with that long. I dyed my own hair at that time and believe the sore(s) appeared after that. Since giving birth and being on birth control for an extended period of time my menstrual cycle was the most regular it has ever been in my life. I may have dyed my hair once since then and did get highlights, but through a cap...But the last time was well over 2 years ago since I did anything. Since I stayed home fill time after having my child my lifestyle and hairstyling did change. When I worked I blow dried my hair every day. After quitting I rarely blow dried my hair and let it grow very long. but the sores appeared long before I had any significant length so I imagine that isn't a cause. Unless I had somewhere to go, my daily hair routine would be to shampoo and put in a pony tail either wet or dry but probably it was damp most of the time. Now I know that stress is a big factor in the severity of my breakouts because a month after the first breakout my life had a devastaing blow and my marriage more or less failed. Since then it has been downhill personally and the stresses of being a single mom with a 4 year old that is hyper and doesnt listen very well has added to it. I have had some very terrible things happen to me these past few years and have this perpetual black cloud looming above. This does not help matters of course and I am not being pessimistic....I really have bad luck...Way beyond my control...But I suppose that is for another message board..Hahaha! I have noticed that the severity of the pain and quantity of sores increases dramatically prior to my period. I have been off the bi rth control for quite some time and decided to stop it as a process of elimination. I cut out sweet and low for the most part.
I know I need to see a doctor but I have no medical insurance and am struggling as a single mom and cannot work yet. I did ask my OB/GYN once and he said maybe psoriasis but I do not think that is it. It is so hard for me to find anything online that matches my problems. I find bits and pieces in many disorders and diseases. Most of the disorders have dandruff, scales or alopecia. I have none of these problems. I have a very full head of hair and it is for the most part healthy (except the ends which need a good cut). I get many compliments on my hair which seems odd since the area it is growing out of is a mess! I go tanning and have a sun lamp which i use on my scalp periodically. It seems to help a little, but maybe because it helps dry them up. I have no allergies that I am aware of. I have tried some prescription topical creams and ointments like cortisone 2% and Momentisone...Doesn't do much. Any antibiotics I have taken does not do much as well. I have tried antifungal creams to no avail....applied peroxide, alcohol to the area to try and dry them up with some success but not enough. I apply tea tre oil and that helps sometimes with the discomfort. Sometimes it seems as if they are healing and then flare up worse. I know that my picking and scratching is the WRONG thing to do and I try to control it but I cannt help it. Sometimes when I pick them and hurt them myself they actually feel better for a bit as odd as that may seem. They seem to be very deep sores...Due to stress I have inconsistent sleeping patterns but the rare times I am able to get a few good hours straight they seem to feel better so I know that is one of the contributing factors. I plan on going to a doctor when I get some insurance and cannot go until I do. I am just wondering if anyone else has experienced this same thing without flaking, scaling or hair loss and with very bad headaches. I just want to get a heads up on what to possibly expect. Sorry for babbling...I hope I didn't confuse anyone...
Thanks for reading this!

[wendianne]

Hi!

I have the same problem on my scalp, do you normally have oily hair? I get mine from a reaction to too much sebum (oil) and my own sweat! I have to use a shampoo that really cleans oil off, then condition so that my scalp won't produce even more oil because it's too dry! Go figure. My scalp gets oily, then when I sweat it gets itchy and breaks out into blisters. If I scratch, then they go really raw(bleeding etc).

After all the stuff you've done to your hair and scalp it is probably screaming from overattention though, so try to give it a break. Try a colloidal oatmeal powder (the type you put in a bath like Aveeno) in a bath soak(not too hot), and let the residue dry on (don't rinse it off right away). Stay away from creams, I've found it just makes it worse.

If this flare up calms down, you could try tea tree oil in a basic shampoo, and stay away from really goopy conditioners (did you use one after your color job?) you need to condition but only lightly. I find I have to shampoo my hair every second day, otherwise my scalp breaks out, especially if my hair goes really oily. If I start to sweat because of heat or exorcise, watch out, I break out bigtime!

If your hair gets really oily sometimes you may have the same scalp problem I do. By the way, on me the flakey stuff on my scalp isn't skin, but dried oil. When it's still in the really oily stage, it is kind of yellowish white creamy stuff.  Sebum looks just like dead skin when it dries and builds up. If I sweat underneath, I break into blisters and itch like crazy. If I wash my hair right away it calms down and goes away.

If your hair doesn't get really oily, it was probably a reaction to the chemicals when you got your hair done. The colloidal oatmeal powder will still work well for you. That's what we use here in Canada for kids chickenpox, sunburn etc...

Good luck!

Wendianne