scalp psoriasis/dermatitis

[fifitot]

DD is nearly 3 and has some irritation on scalp. It went all infected and she had to have ABs. Infection more or less cleared up but there is still dryness there and thick lumps of flaky build up.

Doc says dermatitis and has given us coal tar shampoo. Seems to make it worse though, makes scalp all red. Though it loosens the thick lumps of flake.

It isn't cradle cap, though she's had this in past. Similar though.

Any suggestions? Going to put olive oil on it tonight to loosen it up. Was thinking of not bothering with the medicated shampoos as they seem too harsh and trying something natural. Anyone got any suggestions?

just a thought... do you brush you DD's hair, I'm a hairdresser and was always taught that by stimulating the scalp you increase the blood supply and remove any scurf, I don't mean brush it through with a denman, but even a soft baby brush may help...

DS nearly two and we just been to docs about scalp problem that sounds similar. He got cradle cap at usual time and then it never went away and every time we tried to treat it with oil or usual shampoos it just got drier and flakier.He sort of has browny patches and then flaky white skin on his scalp. Doc said it was Seborrhic (sp?) Dermatitis gave us Daktacort - anti fungal cream. We only started last week then he got c pox and had a few nasty ones on scalp so we stopped treatment though so no successful results as yet.

dd2 had this when she was a small baby.

We were prescribed peanut oil, would you belive! By the consultant dermatologist. Then we covered her head with a little bandage hat.

I expect olive oil would be a good alternative.

Hmmmm thanks. I am going to do the olive oil thing on Sat and will report how it goes.

Thanks for replies.

I have s horrid scaby scalp and not much helps - the doctor prescribed a steriod lotion to apply in the end which stings but seems to help. Might be too strong for a child though?

sorry to keep asking the same question... but do you brush your childrens hair regularly....

Just check the shampoo doesn't contain SLS or sulfar Lauryl(or laureth) Sulfate as that is a chemical design for cleaning industrial oils which is so harsh and drying on any skin let alone a child with irritated skin

loads of shampoos not containing SLS are appearing on the shelves, waitrose sell a good range as will your local health shop

Ask for a referral to a dermtologist dd4 has psorasis and the consultant told me it is very unusual in a child of her age - she was 2.8 at the time. She now has to bathe in special stuff and has a variety of shampoos to use when it flairs up - fortunately it hasn't for a long time. We think she had an attack when her immune system was compromised when she had chicken pox.

Anyway you need to know one way or the other exactly what it is.

Yes I brush it regularly.

I am in 2 minds about the shampoos they seem to make it worse! I have got Nizoral as well as the coal tar one. As it's anti-fungal I may try that. They do seem harsh though.

Did the olive oil tonight so will see how it works when her hair is totally dry tomorrow.

Might try the coconut oil Sooty7 as the olive oil just reminds me of italain food and salad dressing!

fifi how did it go? My DS has the same problem, and would be curious to hear if this has worked for you

It went pretty well actually Pacita. I combed her hair after the oil and then after the shampoo and lifted loads of 'scab' out of it. Unfortunately this morning had to wash hair again as it was soooooooooo lank. Got even more flakes out. Her hair is in fab condition now though!

Her scalp still looks dry but the level of scale has gone down though. She still has a nasty scab though which is basically dried blood where it was infected. I think this is drying out and will drop off soon.

I am going to continue with this for a bit until the scabs are gone and then maybe try with the anti-fungal shampoo to keep it at bay. I am loathe to use a strong shampoo while her head is still irritated as I think it makes it worse.

Will get coconut oil though next I think, as suggested. Smells nicer!

great! how did you apply it? did you do the bandage thing?

I didn't do the bandage thing - just put it on in bath, rubbed it in and left it for 10 mins. if I thought she would be more cooperative I would have left it for longer with a shower cap on or something to let it absorb more. It might have worked even more effectively then.

sounds like a good idea... I've also heard of this done with sweet almond oil, which again, is probably sweeter smelling (neither salad nor dessert, IFSWIM).

My LO has red raw patches, dry white scales, and yellowish scales, interspersed with scratch marks. He has to sleep with gloves to stop mauling himself. I have been using oils in the bath, but so far they've not helped, but perhaps will do a good soak with almond oil before the bath and see if that improves it.

Yes Pacita sounds like my DD's too. The scale is so thick in parts that it has kind of grown over her hair and when I lift the hair the crust breaks and it is red underneath - horrible!