My hair's disgusting because of compulsive scratching

[PhilomenaButterfly]

The DC brought headlice home, while I was treating mine I noticed my thick scaly scalp, and have been scratching it for a few weeks now. It's very soothing. My hair's covered in blood, so those headlice aren't going anywhere, I look disgusting and DS just told me I have a bald patch. How do I stop?

Bump. Help?

Philomena I think you need to see a GP ASAP. It doesn't sound normal at all that the headlice are still there and you're bleeding!!

I have sebhorrhoeic dermatitis on my scalp, I do occasionally get bleeding, scabs and thick scaly bits. I have medicated shampoo, I don't wash every day, I try hard to drink enough water and I take an allergy tablet. For me it's exacerbated by stress as well so I try to keep stress levels in check (I get eczema flare ups as well).

I'm bleeding because I'm scratching, even when it doesn't itch. That's why I've started this in MH.

Go and see your GP op and in the meantime keep your hands busy with something else...knit/crochet/fiddle toy whatever. Picking and scratching is a very common compulsion.

Thanks ☺

It could be psoriasis, I find scratching mine soothing but its annoying for everything else. yes I'd see the dr. have you tried the conditioner combing method every day? I'd think that would help eliminate them whilst calming the scalp itch.

every one else that should say

Yes, but because I'm making my scalp, neck and shoulders bleed, I think they're thriving in the environment. We've had them 3 times, when we've been completely clear of them. They won't go now because I'm bleeding. I look and smell disgusting. I hate myself for scratching. How can I stop doing it in my sleep?

hmm not sure, cant wear mittens to bed. definitely a doctor visit might be useful. they might have a suggestion to stopping it.

To echo a pp it is very important to see a gp urgently, in the meantime you really need to keep your hands busy in any way that you can. Do you have any hobbies/interests to distract you from yourself Op? Try not to be so hard on yourself, you didn't hurt your head on purpose! :) x

I've just smothered myself in the emollient cream the doctor gave me last time, but I can't be sure it's got down to my scalp as I've got thick hair. I'll ring up for an appointment tomorrow, as DD will be home soon and I'll be making supper etc.

Brylcream I think I've got something in my eye. 😢

Aaaargh how do I stop the itching?

Thanks, that's really helpful.

Also for the itching, just to box off any allergies, I'd consider taking an antihistamine like piriton. It might reduce the itching enough for you to ignore it.

My total sympathies though, when I get an eczema flare up I scratch in my sleep until I draw blood and have to sleep with socks on my hands

I may have to resort to socks! We're all slathered in Hedrin right now, but I can still feel the little bastards crawling around, I bought TGel today to wash it out with, I have a doctor's appointment for April 9th, the earliest I could get. I bought 3 scarves yesterday, I wear them in a turban when I'm out, then sling them in the wash. I'm so embarrassed by my hair.

Iv heard people use shampoo with tea tree oil in to help ward them off.
Id condition and comb everyday to get rid of them after you’ve used the headrin.
I wouldn't colour your hair whilst your head is this inflamed as this could really make the sores worse.

Hedrinned and washed out with T Gel. I still have the flaky scalp, it's in other places where the Hedrin came into contact too: the back of my neck, my shoulders, my ears seem to have a film of papery skin covering red-raw patches (I haven't scratched them at all), my forehead and my jawline and the backs of my hands. My arms look like they have nettle rash. My hands, face and ears are puffy.

that sounds like you've done all the right things. hows it looking this morning?

I had incredible itching last year. Tried stuff the doctor suggested which just made my hair look terrible and the itch was the same. Eventually I tried the organic tree tea shampoo and conditioner from Holland and Barrett. It was the only thing that worked.

Should be tea tree. It’s the Dr Organic range.

I have heard the hair dye thing before too, and while great advice I would even concerned using air dye if your scalp is actively bleeding.

Speak to pharmacist or GP, in the meantime, olive oil and fine tooth comb the eggs out.

I occasionally scratch if I'm stressed, not to your extent, but I like someone else described where they create scabs. It's a hard cycle to break but I usually dye my hair when I get in that cycle and the fact it turns my scalp colour stops it, plus I get to enjoy my hair so tat stops it. I think it could help you too but just be careful/get advice if your scalp is sore and bleeding.

I'd have a number 1(shaved off) and have a break from your hair altogether.

I alternate use of TGel to help with the itching/scabs, and Vosene tea-tree shampoo to ward off any nits that might fancy my head. I use only Vosene tea-tree with DS since he brought home nits, and - touch wood - they've never returned.