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Scalp advice please

15 replies

TaraR2020 · 02/11/2020 01:13

All year I've been plagued with an issue that I'm getting really fed up with. I've been getting scabs on my scalp. Half the time they seem to come out of nowhere, the rest of the time I think the develop from small spots under the skin...could it be acne or something else?

I take medication for long term acne which has worked miracles so I'd be surprised if it's now developed elsewhere. I don't have dandruff, my scalp isn't flaky or itchy...

I'm losing a fair amount of hair all the time (shedding, thankfully no bald patches), which I think is down to anaemia I'm waiting on treatment for (covid delays) and I don't think they're related.

I have dyed hair but again I'm not sure this is the issue, I've never had a reaction before and no issues with patch tests.

I do get a little sebbhoric dermatitis on my face and round my ears occasionally but again, quite mild and I don't think I have any of my scalp at the moment. I also used nizoral over the spring and summer which clears up a flare very quickly but has made no difference to this. Likewise, shampoo changes don't seem to help and I don't use any other products. I've tried applying aloe vera on the recommendation of a friend but again, zilch.

It's such a minor thing when so many people are going through so much at the moment, but it's getting me down

At a bit of a loss tbh. Too embarrassed to ask my hair dresser and can't get so much as a telephone apt with gp for love nor money. The sore patches are so uncomfortable when brushing or washing my hair. My scalp and hair are otherwise healthy. I've never had this before and am running out of ideas.

Does anyone have any thoughts or advice please?

OP posts:
DC3Dakota · 02/11/2020 01:20

Is it Psoriasis? I have that on my Scalp

Thismustbelove · 02/11/2020 01:25

Sounds like psoriasis. I have had it for years, have tried many different shampoos, conditioners only, with and without different ingredients, and have never found a successful treatment for it.

DC3Dakota · 02/11/2020 02:06

Does it look a bit like this?

DC3Dakota · 02/11/2020 02:07
Beautiful3 · 02/11/2020 03:50

This sounds like psoriasis. My fil had this on his scalp. Drs recommended b12 vitamins and sitting in the sun without a hat on.

TaraR2020 · 03/11/2020 23:16

Thank you for your replies, I'll look into psoriasis although I don't have any flaking or scaly patches.
@DC3Dakota no, definitely not - in all other respects my scalp and hair are completely healthy Hmm

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Callardandbowser · 04/11/2020 07:22

It sounds like psoriasis, I get prescribed Dovobet, a steroid oil for my scalp which I put on and leave over night (wash out with neat shampoo) it gets rid of them for a good four weeks before I have to do it again.

Tyzz · 04/11/2020 15:31

I get exactly the same. It's folliculitis in my case.
Two things make a big difference one is betnovate scalp treatment and the other is less frequent hair washing. My dermatologist told me to wash my hair with hibiscrub which helps but is horribly drying for the hair.

Tyzz · 04/11/2020 15:32

I had chemotherapy last year and I thought the horrible scalp lumps would be better when I was bald and they weren't Sad

Amber0685 · 04/11/2020 15:34

I have a sensitive scalp and use SLS free shampoo eg Happy Naturals, Organic Shop. As pp have said a steroid scalp lotion may help.

LazyDoll · 04/11/2020 15:37

Hi, I could have written this post a few months ago. I was diagnosed with folliculitus. Prescribed 2 lots of antibiotics which did nothing and then discovered a brand of scalp care that, whilst not totally stopping it, has kept it much more under control.

It’s this...

Australian Bodycare Scalp Treatment Set of 3 | Tea Tree Oil Scalp treatments for Dry Itchy Flaky Scalp & Hair, Dandruff and Spots | Inside: Scalp Serum 150ml + Shampoo 250ml + Conditioner 250ml www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07MJGGTM2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_UQSOFb6BG90DM?psc=1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=mumsnetforu03-21

TaraR2020 · 04/11/2020 20:26

Ooh I wonder if it's folliculitis then...I had another one appear yesterday and I checked for psoriasis plaques but couldn't find any. I could feel a spot underneath it though. I'll try and get hold of my GP and see what they say.

I had a hair apt today and the hairdresser noticed and was lovely about it but didn't have any suggestions.

Thank you for the product suggestion, @LazyDoll I shall take a look.

@Tyzz im so sorry you had to go through chemo, and it must have been so distressing to have you score scalp visible. Have you recovered now?

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LazyDoll · 04/11/2020 20:52

Do the spots have tiny whiteheads (sorry delightful I know!?). Are they incredibly itchy? My head was covered in lumps and bumps, spots and scabs (felt like Anne Hathaway in the Witches!) but after a week of using the shampoo and conditioner (every 2-3 days) and applying the scalp serum stuff over night to particulary irritated areas I now just get the odd one or 2 and they’re much smaller and less bother. Good Luck Flowers

equuscaballus · 04/11/2020 21:15

Try la roche posay scalp products.

I didn't have a problem as bad as this but their products really do as they say on the tin for me,

TaraR2020 · 05/11/2020 13:40

I love la roche posay skincare, I had no idea they did stuff for the head too, thanks @equuscaballus!

@LazyDoll I don't know about whiteheads, I don't think so, I don't think they're that pronounced, but I've certainly felt tiny bits of oil so could be

I really appreciate everyone's replies and advice, thank you all so much :)

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