Scalp psoriasis - driving me mad

[DuchessDaisy]

Hi,

I seem to have suffered to varying degrees with scalp psoriasis for years. I have tried all the usual shampoos - Nizoral, Capasal, T-gel etc used them properly i.e leaving in for 15/30 mins before rinsing then removing scale with fine comb but nothing really seems to help.

Have tried less medicated stuff - lush snake oil and soak and float bar

When I asked GPs about this (ages okay) Nizoral was suggested!

It's awful, terrible flaky scalp, scratching lifts off large flakes and leaves inflamed red skin. Some areas are scabbed etc due to scratching

Any advice if you suffer from this? Anything that has really helped? Thanks!

My doctor gave me something called Betacap scalp lotion (its a steroid) and its the only thing that worked for me.

Yes, I've been prescribed a steroid liquid for use on scalp psoriasis, clear liquid in a red and white bottle. You kind of section the hair, squeeze it on, massage in and leave, possibly overnight. Can't for the life of me think what it was called though, nothing that's been mentioned yet. Used to burn like a bugger on the bits I'd picked at, usually behind my ears like yours. Sorry, this isn't actually very helpful.,,

I was going to suggest Dovonex as it worked absolute wonders for me
but it was discontinued in the UK in 2011
but this is the generic
www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/22609

It stings when you put it on to a crusty bit
but it clears them up better than anything else ever did

the other thing is sunlight : if you can get a SAD / UV lamp like this one
www.lumie.com/collections/light-therapy-skincare
and point it at the back of your head for a while each day, that will help

Pregnancy worked for me (seriously - 8 months of flake free, itch free scalp!)

Otherwise, the steroid creams/lotions are the only thing that helped. I'm using betacap at the moment which seems to be helping a bad flare up. Cocois cream/goop is pretty good for loosening flakes but it stinks.

I have had it on and off for years and years and currently suffering again today. I managed to get polytar from a chemist (I don't live in the uk), and will apply again tonight and in the morning I think.
I used Betnovate for flare ups in the uk. I don't even know if I can get that here.
BUT I am thankful it hasn't spread all over my body like it did my sibling. They just had it on their scalp too but for the last ten years it has been all over their body. Literally scaling skin and then caused arthritis too.
So when I am cross and itching my scalp like mad, I try and be thankful it is just my scalp!
And I am booking a hair dye tomorrow too!!

marmite
see if you can get Dovonex where you live - it was amazing on my scalp

Ah, it was Dovonex (the calcipoltriol) that I used.

I wouldn't use aqueous cream on dry skin, even the Eczema society don't recommend it as it is a wash, not an emollient, and it contains perfume.

DuchessDaisy I feel for you. I have had this on and off since my teens and I am now 41 Do you take any supplements? Like Evening Primrose Oil? I find that helps a lot, both taken as a supplement and applied topically. You can buy this in liquid form to use on scalp and behind ears. I also used Betnovate solution to apply on scalp. I hope it settles down soon.

I have the same but not quite as bad. I don't bother with putting anything on it any more.

The only thing I noticed that made a difference was when I cut my hair v short - usually it's v long.

You have my sympathy.

Another vote for a steroid scalp lotion....it was betnavate or something similar for me that works. Stings like a bugger but clears it up in a few days. Your gp should be able to help x

Thanks all. I'll try GP again and try some of these steroid scalp lotions.

I long for a clear scalp!

Ask your GP if it could be a discoid rash, maybe you need your antibodies to be checked.

Betacap
Thanks HaPPy8, Ive changed doctor's and couldn't for the life of me remember what that wonderful solution is called. Is it the one that comes with a long pointy nozzle that you can poke in past your hair?

The shampoos tend to only work for a while on me, and even then, they just reduce the itch and not the flakes. It's bloody addictive peeling your entire head off each night - I sound delightful!

I have just picked up this book from the library but haven't read it yet. I'm hoping it is helpful as I hate having to buy expensive shampoos and use steroids again and again and again.

How much are the l'occitane shampoos and conditioners? (I've never shopped there!)

Moogoo!

They do a scalp cream and a shampoo and conditioner combo.

Like you, tar never worked. Steroid stuff didn't work. GP prescribed stuff didn't work (although, I believe Moogoo is now available on the NHS) I had my own thread on this and posted photos- I had massive success with it.

Polytar was only thing that worked for me until stocks ran out! Alphosyl helps

I remember your thread Scary - glad it worked!

shotgun thanks so much for recommending it to me!

Where do you buy moogoo from?/I can't find the scalp cream online

Scary could you post a link to your old thread please?

mine is horrific at the moment. Steroids and dovonex no longer work. I have tried most of the above, but like the idea of trying L'Ocitane. At least if it doesnt work I'll have lovely smelling hair. Will look at Moogoo too, I've not heard of it.

Scalp cream.

And shampoo