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Original poster

Infected skin not clearing up!

115 replies

Couldntthinkofanamechange35 · 11/11/2021 17:40

Name changed (and couldn’t think of a new username!)

Does anyone have any experience with recurrent infected eczema/psoriasis? I’m not sure which one it actually is, I’ve heard both mentioned by medical staff so I suppose it doesn’t matter! Anyway, it keeps getting infected, and my head is covered in weepy, wet sores that crust over and bleed. It looks like impetigo sometimes. Then other times it looks like raw grazes. There’s several patches on my head, each about 2-3 inches big.

It’s really uncomfortable and hurts to touch my head, and even though it’s mainly covered by my hair, it’s embarrassing too.

I’ve tried antibiotics and steroid creams which work for a couple of days, then it all starts back up again. It was swabbed at the start and was positive, but hasn’t been swabbed recently so I’m not sure if it’s infected anymore or if it’s just a bad eczema flare up.

I’ve asked for help before but asking for help here today in case anyone has had anything similar or knows of anything that would help. My doctor has been really helpful and I am waiting on a dermatology referral as it has been going on for well over a year now. Has anyone else had this or knows of anything that could help?

OP posts:
Original poster
Couldntthinkofanamechange35 · 11/11/2021 19:13

Just bumping to see if anyone has had anything similar or knows anything else to try Blush

OP posts:
Original poster
Couldntthinkofanamechange35 · 11/11/2021 20:15

Sorry another shameless bumpBlushSad just really hoping that someone has any tips or has had similar to the photos and knows of something that could helpSad

OP posts:
BobaTea · 11/11/2021 20:32

I've recently came across this antiseptic and antibacterial cream called Brulidine. It can clear up staph infection. You can buy it on Amazon.

Icantremembermyusername · 11/11/2021 20:45

What are you using to wash your hair? When I had very bad psoriasis on the palms of my hands the doctor prescribed special face and body wash and shampoo. The shampoo was cold tar shampoo and it didn't irritate my skin.

Original poster
Couldntthinkofanamechange35 · 11/11/2021 20:45

Thanks I’ll try and get some!

OP posts:
Original poster
Couldntthinkofanamechange35 · 11/11/2021 21:00

Oh I’m not sure I’ve used coal tar shampoo actually, I’ve tried tgel and nizoral and all the OTC shampoos, and I’ve been prescribed some different types of antifungal shampoo and anti psoriasis shampoo but I’m not sure if any of this was coal tar. I can’t really wash my hair at the moment because anything that touches the sores makes them really painful but if it could clear it up I would definitely be up for trying coal tar. Did you get it from your GP or a dermatologist?

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babycorn · 11/11/2021 21:13

Hey op, I had similar in the past. Culminated in infected eczema all over me, but also on my scalp, bald patches, weeping and insane itching. I've had it all my life, been under various specialists etc, but the only thing that has cleared it is the Dr Aron regime.

It's fairly pricey as it's private, but honestly it's the only thing that has worked on my skin in 37 years! Might be something to look into.

Original poster
Couldntthinkofanamechange35 · 11/11/2021 21:26

I’ve never even heard of this before, going to google it right now! So glad it worked for you and helped your skin, it’s so upsetting when it doesn’t seem to be getting better isn’t it Sad Thanks for the recommendation!

OP posts:
Original poster
Couldntthinkofanamechange35 · 11/11/2021 21:31

Does anyone know how I could get the skin to heal up, so I can use the shampoos and prescribed treatments without it burning so much? Right now it’s open and weeping and anything going on it feels hot and excruciating, my hair ends up in a sticky blooded mess and I can’t wash it because anything going on my head makes it feel like it’s on fire Sad I really don’t want to go back to the doctors if I can avoid it but it’s really getting me down now Sad

OP posts:
babycorn · 11/11/2021 21:32

Honestly, it works! I've gone from being signed off in total agony, nothing worked, ended up with steroid withdrawal for about ten or so years, hospitalised as a child, and this has cleared it up. Even the result stubborn patches on my scalp, that's why I thought I'd recommend!

Suzi888 · 11/11/2021 21:38

Ouch, looks painful. Sad

Do you use hairspray or spray perfume around your head? DM had a breakout and we think it was the perfume.

I had infected eczema on my hand once and had two weeks worth of antibiotics, not just a few days.

babycorn · 11/11/2021 21:41

Don't wash it. I would leave it, if you have any steroid cream, put it on, and in the morning gently brush over it so your hair doesn't look greasy, and to cover it up. See if a few days of leaving it alone (hard as it is!!) goes... It's horrible, and I feel for you!

Original poster
Couldntthinkofanamechange35 · 11/11/2021 23:49

@babycorn

Honestly, it works! I've gone from being signed off in total agony, nothing worked, ended up with steroid withdrawal for about ten or so years, hospitalised as a child, and this has cleared it up. Even the result stubborn patches on my scalp, that's why I thought I'd recommend!
I’ve had a quick look at it and the results online look really promising! Are you still on it? Thanks for the recommendation I had never even heard of Dr Aron before!
OP posts:
Original poster
Couldntthinkofanamechange35 · 11/11/2021 23:50

@Suzi888

Ouch, looks painful. Sad

Do you use hairspray or spray perfume around your head? DM had a breakout and we think it was the perfume.

I had infected eczema on my hand once and had two weeks worth of antibiotics, not just a few days.

I sometimes wear perfume around the bottom of my neck, not often but maybe 1/2 times a week! I’ll cut this out and see if it helps at all, thank you I actually wouldn’t have thought of that!
OP posts:
Original poster
Couldntthinkofanamechange35 · 11/11/2021 23:52

Yeah you’re right, i’m just going to keep leaving it alone and see if it helps. Honestly I know greasy hair shouldn’t be my priority but you know what it’s like, it’s bad enough having a bright red scalp never mind greasy hair too! Wink thank you very much again for all your advice, it’s helpful to know other people have had it and got rid of it!

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HeyDuddy · 11/11/2021 23:59

I used to have exactly the same- suffered with it for 15 years and it was also caused by staph. The only thing that worked in the end was washing my hair with dettol daily. I used the one that says on the back it can be used for dandruff. It took months to clear fully and if I stopped for a few days it came back but after about 3 months or so it cleared and never came back.

uncomfortablydumb53 · 12/11/2021 00:07

Just an idea but perhaps try dilute hibiscrub
It's a strong antibacterial wash

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 12/11/2021 00:13

I'd go back to the GP asap,that looks really nasty and could really flare up if left.

MenaiMna · 12/11/2021 00:18

I have plaque, inverse & palmar pustular psoriasis & can end up with infections quite easily. I use a particular nappy cream on bad patches anywhere to soothe outbreaks - (even on my face!) It's called Drapolene. With scalp psoriasis you'll want to wear a cotton cap to keep the cream close to the scalp. You may have to give up attempts at shampooing for a few days while it settles and meanwhile do ask for more antibiotics. If you still get no joy I use Epiderm cream (antibiotic & antifungal in a blue tube, it's made for the South Asian market I get it on eBay) on particularly deep cuts which but it will leave bleach marks on your towels & bedding! Once every thing is under control and you want to try for regrowth Nioxin system is a nice encouraging shampoo & conditioner. Avoid any shampoo with SLS, It's just too harsh. Sorry for your pain- I know what you're going through!

Newhorizon21 · 12/11/2021 05:26

Ask your GP to refer you to a community dermatologist, if there's one in your area

itsgettingwierd · 12/11/2021 05:31

My ds gets something on his scalp and it was diagnosed as seborrhic dermatitis.

He has a topical steroid called betecap (it's a liquid type gel)

Also has a shampoo prescribed that stays with a K.

Knickynackynoo · 12/11/2021 07:17

OP I'm not sure what your financial situation is but maybe consider a private dermatologist at say Bupa or Nuffield I saw one it was about 6 years ago now but I think the consultation was around the £220 mark.

Opal8 · 12/11/2021 07:49

I can't recommend hibiscrub enough...
You can get it from your local pharmacy
Use it as a hairwash and skin wash

Amaya89 · 12/11/2021 08:28

Have you been prescribed fucidin? It should help clear it up so you can look at preventative measures

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 12/11/2021 11:36

@Amaya89

Have you been prescribed fucidin? It should help clear it up so you can look at preventative measures
My first thought too,I've been prescribed it on the past.