Psorasis

[LucyJones]

I have permant psorasis behind my ears and in my scalp.
I have been prescribed antibiotic cream but it just flares up all the time.
I really need to get my haircut but I'm too ashamed.
What do other people do about getting their hair done when their scalp is a mess?

Don't worry about it! They've seen every kind of hair problem. It's their job to try and find a shampoo that calms it.

really?
so the 16 year old who washes my hair won't e freaked out?!!

Who cares? You're paying!

LJ, DH has just been prescribed something fab for his scalp psoriasis.. he is just going upstairs to get it so I can tell you what it is.. stand by...

It's Betnovate Scalp Solution.

He's had psoriasis for years.. but never been prescribed this for his scalp before.. think it might be a new recipe. It works v well.

It's a steroid so you presumably can only use it for short bursts.

LucyJones I know just what you are going through (hence I have long hair). I hated being in the salon especially if it was the normally gossipy type. I found it easier to explain when I made the booking that I had psoriasis and that I was self conscious about it and asked if they could make a small note on my booking so I didn't have to explain what it was. I've also been to my gp's and she's prescribed me Capasal shampoo which I use daily and Dermovate scalp liqud which I use each night.
I also have a dreadful habit of scratching and tugging at areas of Psoriasis and have some small areas where my hair has come out.
I have now found a small aveda boutique where I am the only client in the room. The hairdresser is trained in scalp problems and gave me a relaking head and shoulder massage. I came out feeling much better and relaxed about the whole experience, but minus £50!! Worth every penny though!
He also suggested something called Bioptron (sp?) which is like a swedish light therapy that is widely used on the continent. It's about £200 to buy though and I've not found much about it yet. Just go and get it cut though because I'm convinced that worrying about going makes the psoriasis worse and then you have a viscious circle. Good Luck!!

I use coconut oil from Holland and Barrats. It comes in a big tub which is solid at cool temperature.

A day or two before the hairdressers I rub it in all over my scalp thickly. Then wrap my head in clingfilm and a towel over that. I leave it as long as I can bear it. Then I use a fine comb to gently remove all the scales. Its messy!!! To get rid of the oil rub in shampoo (mild one!!) all over hair before wetting it then wash out. Takes 2-3 washings before its all out.

It leaves me just with the large red patches on my scalp which I can then warn the hairdresser about. Without the scales it doesnt seem nearly as yucky. I wouldnt have a colouring done or anything though and warn them it will be sensitive.

I use Polytar shampoo all the time. I find it works really well, even though it's not a prescription product. It says on the bottle that you should use it once a week or so, but I use it more like three times a week and nothing sinister seems to have happened over 10 years or so! My father also gets psoriasis and uses Alphasil (Alphasyl?)shampoo which he prefers. They're both coal tar based treatments.

thanks... will definitely be trying out several of these suggestions. Just find it so embarassing when I need to get my hair cut