Scalp psoriasis is really getting me down.

[OhYouBadBadKitten]

I'm normally pretty sanguine about my psoriasis, I've had it most of my life. My scalp psoriasis is really getting to me at present.

I'm on steroid shampoo from the derm. I'm also on steroids from the rheumy. It just wont clear. Every time I try combing it out, no matter how gently and with cocois I'm losing huge tufts of hair. I already have fine hair. Now I have bald patches which you can clearly see the psoriasis through and it looks grim.

I've had kids I work with being nasty about it. Really really horrible. I also mentioned to a friend that it was getting to me. Her comment was 'oh yes, when the wind blows I can see'. So now I know that I cant even pretend to myself that no one else is noticing :( I really could cry.

I saw my gp in part to talk about it but unfortunately she felt that another issue was far more pressing and i need to deal with that. Getting another appointment before Christmas is going to be very challenging but also I'm getting fed up with the issues caused by the medication I'm given. I'm getting into right old pickles with them.

Does any one have any ideas of supplements or anything else I can try please - both for the psoriasis and also for the going bald bit? I dont want bald patches :(

I have etrivex too, only thing that dents mine, but still doesnt get rid.

Honestly, the best thing for me was accepting that come autumn i was losing my hair and getting a wig. Mine always improves in summer and worsens in the autumn though, regardless of treatments.

One thing that did seem to help mine was peroxide! Was awful for my hair after a while though, so have had to go dark for a bit. Then it shows up more too. Grr.

I also have psoriatic arthritis, so am on drugs to try to help too, and as yet they dont make a difference either.

Capasal shampoo is good too

dithranol - theres a blast from the past only I wouldnt use it on my colour hair on my scalp. I do not want my remaining hair to be purple thank you very much! It is super effective on plaque psoriasis.

My PsA meds are doing zilch for my scalp but they are calming my body psoriasis down.

Beyond - it might be a daft question but what are the logistics of a wig? Where do you get them from? How do they stay on? Are they really uncomfy? I'm not to that point yet, but I'm the sort of person who if they face up to the worst that can happen and decide that they can cope with that then I can move on and stop fretting so much.

I get mine from ebay, my thinning hair isnt bad enough for nhs referral. There are 3/4 type which are kind of like high up extensions i think, but i get full head so i can have different colours.

They have sort of a bra strap clip inside so they can be tightened to stay on, then i stick a couple of kirby grips underneath as well. I dont find them uncomfy, though i do fiddle a lot as i dont wear them every day so am not as used to them as i could be

Apart from that, i have millions of bandanas and headscarves that can hide my scalp.

OYBBK If you do want to try the Polytar all over emollient (I did a lot of reading lying down with my head in the bath water at one point!) then it's still available on Amazon, but not in shops.

That's brilliant - thanks Googley Amazon here I come!

Thanks also beyond :) I've never worn a bandana or headscarf. I have short hair so I worry that it might look a bit odd. Maybe I need to grow what I have left and then I can cover the top?! I dunno, its a whole new styling world. I have decided that hairspray will at least stop my hair from revealing all when there are unfortunate gusts. Thats a start.

I have short hair too, all i leave out is my fringe :)

(Yes, i was pissing about taking selfies from the flattering "from above" angle a couple of days ago )

Old picture as i'm just getting in the bath

This is a £15 wig from ebay

That scarf works really well Beyond. I'll have to have a practice!
You wouldnt know with the wig either. Its very flattering :)

I have a pixi cut hairstyle thining hair at front which is turning grey so my bandanas are at the front

The scalp medication I have is betnovate stings like a bugger on the open scabs this year at last my gp has put it on repeat prescription

I went bandana free for my wedding this year and they got a PIC from the side took ages for me to colour in my hair on Photoshop app if you pm me badkitten I send you a PIC

I'm not sure you can do pictures by pm stars. Betnovate scalp solution does sting though!

OK I normally slosh it on dh places a drop on his finger and rubs in which is slow and toe curling stinging

Puppy I have the same - something new helps then my body seems to fight it back
I also have very thin patches, hair is fine anyway
Calcipotriol helps but not being very effective at the moment
I am vegi and suspect low iron levels, wonder if there is a link
Going to try Nioxin thank you

I was slightly embarrassed at having a public moan after but maybe it will help a few of us.

Please don't feel like that badkitten we live it 24\7 and it can be down hearting sometimes we just need a moan wonder if we all should get a mn bandana then if we see one we do secret nod

Mn bandana, now there's a thought!

Thanks oybbk

At least betonovate feels like its working, though it did nothing for me

Oo, a mn bandana.... What print would be on it do you think?

I've also had some improvement with capasal shampoo as mentioned in a pp.

The tar smell doesn't linger after washing it out like other products so that's a bonus.

I'm interested to hear that iron, vit D and B12 might have an impact as I know I'm prone to low vit D levels.

Think I might buy some supplements.

OP, you've come to the right place for a moan and advice. The support on mumsnet is often heartening and useful!

Marking my place - will come back tomorrow and view photos on the pc as I can't see them on my phone.

I too have scalp psoriasis and nothing helps much I'm afraid. I feel sad that there are so many of us with this problem. My hair is thinning too I've had this for 42 years now.

When it gets too sore I use steroid scalp solution, otherwise just s bit of coconut oil to keep the skin from cracking and bleeding. I've been using sls shampoo for a year or so now but it's made no difference.

Great wig - are you able to link to who you buy these from?

My worst nightmare is losing all my hair one of these days. I know it's thinning, but hopefully because it's curly it's not so noticable, but I guess one of these days it will be and I think I'd feel calmer if I knew there was an alternative.

I'm no good at putting hair up, tieing scarves or anything

I've had scalp psoriasis for at least 20 years. I found t gel was ok. Recently I've discovered moo goo shampoo and body wash. It's early days, but it's lovely to use and seems to be working!