lucky!

[brown7eyes]

I was searching the internet for treatments for scalp psoriasis and stumbled across you guys!!

I have been reading through some of the messages and i feel guilty about even telling my story!

I only have p on my scalp but ive had it for about 4 years.  i am now 20 and it has just got worse!

I live with my boyfriend but when we first started going i was terrified to tell him about it but he was really understanding when i did!

Now that we have been living together all i ever hear him say is "stop picking"!!! but i cant...its soooooo hard not to.

My condition has definately become worse and i have given up with going to see my GP.  When i first started using the treatment my hair was falling out in clumps but he practically shouted at me when i told him i had stopped using the shampoo!! at 16 years old the last thing you want to be is bald!

Anyways.....i have tried using shampoos with coal tar and they dont work anymore, i have tried homeopathic remedies and they dont work!

My p really does get me down.  I wake up and skin is on my pillow, i get in the shower and my scalp stings, i brush my wet hair and start violently attacking my scalp with the brush for a sense of 'relief' then i blow dry my hair (which the Dr said i shouldnt!)  then about an hour later the picking start...I JUST CANT STOP PICKING!!!

i have to hoover everyday because flaky skin and navy carpets dont mix.

I am so embarrassed - i think people are constantly staring at my head!  Some times i cry and just tell my boyfriend i want to shave my hair off so i can treat it properly.  how is 20 year old girl who goes to college supposed to put ointment in her hair 4 times a day?!?!?!?

After reading your stories i feel thankful, but it still doesnt make scalp p any easier to cope with. :'(

[inbi]

Hi Browneyes,

Just read your story.  I too only had the P on my scalp.  Now it has started spreading onto and into my ears, which is a serious problem because the picking is causing me some serious ear infections :'(

And I just can't help it, other than chopping my fingers off, I really don't know how to stop the picking, I really try, but then I do it unconsciously and once I start I can't stop...aarrgghh....

I am also kind of greatful that it is hidden away, although those flakes and the hair that is left everywhere do tell the tale...

When I was your age I would have been brave enough to shave it all off, not that I am so convinced it would have made things easier...for one thing...it would show...

Anyway, I just wanted to tell you I know how you feel...I hope you find some help and encouragement here.  I don't participate much but I like to read up, it does help to know that we are not alone in having to deal with this, and unfortunately there are people out there who have conditions far worse and more fatal that ours, we just have to keep a positive outlook  

Inbal

[Guy]

Hi Browneyes and Hi Inbal

First of all welcome to you both.  

I too have scalp p as well as over much of my body.  have a look around at some old threads ther is a lot of info on scalp stuff.

I use Cocois ointment and then Betnovate scalp application - takes a while but it does seem to work for me.

Look forward to hearing more from you both.

All the best
Guy  

[rachel25uk]

Hello lucky, just read your msg, ive got it on my scalp too, isnt it a pain! I would love to scoop my hair up in pony tails or pleats but i cant cos my ear area is scabby too, ive got those shampoos they stink and they make my hair all matted so i stick to normal shampoo and conditioner, i got mine when i was 13 and im 26 now so i know what you are going through, the good thing is, as soon as i got psoriasis my hair went naturally curly so ive got to be grateful for that! I pick all the time too and have to hoover my bed and sofas all the time!

[Nicky]

Hi Browneyes and Inbi,

I'd like to say Welcome and it's good to hear from the both of you.  It's good to hear your input and, like Guy says, there are lots of threads about scalp p for you to read up on.

I've been there too with the old scalp ... blow drying is definitely a no-no but somehow the heat of almost burning it seems better than the relentless itch, huh?!  For me it's a horrible and familiar cycle of (usually) stress, then itch, scratch, soreness, weeping/bleeding, reaction to anything at all that goes near it, etc etc.  The best thing for me is lack of stress and being kind to myself in terms of eating well, drinking sensibly, avoiding chemicals, sleeping sensibly and doing the things that I've learned after 30 years are better for my skin.  Along with lack of stress, Betnovate keeps the scalp under control (generally), coupled with Oilatum shampoo; Daktakort is my current cream for ears (although I've had just about every one on offer over the years).

My ears became so bad when I was doing my A levels (long, long ago!) that I suffered temporary deafness for months and years, and had regular visits to the ENT Hosp in Grays Inn Road (still managed to pass the A levels though - just!).  Nowadays control is definitely the straw I clutch to - although controlling one area generally means a breakout somewhere - or of something - else.

Anyway, best of luck to you both.  Stay around (the forum is going to be "off the air" for a couple of days from this Weds) and let us know how things go.  There was a wonderful post somewhere on this forum recently from someone who had got so much better that he'd actually forgotten about us scabby lot!!!  (Wonder if I'll ever get to that point!)

All the best,

Nicky

[Dani]

Guilty? Why???

D !!

[brown7eyes]

Hello everyone!

I would like to thank you for your support! i didnt even expect one reply and i cant believe how many people must log on to this site everyday! my boyfriend was poking fun, now that i have my new 'friends'!!

Its nice to hear (in a sick and twisted way) that there are people out there who suffer the same as you.  I have this terrible secret that i am hiding in my hair! but i dont think it is going to last for long, i can tell it is coming out of my hair line and although not confirmed by my GP i think it is starting in my ears.  

To be honest i am waiting for a miracle cure.  i think that maybe when i wake up one morning it will be gone.  why should i have to be self concsious, why should i have to use smelly shampoos that dry out my hair! why should i avoid blow drying my hair and looking beautiful (erm?) any why should i have to go to the Dr's and pay for smelly lotions and potions that dont work!  HOW LONG IS THIS GOING TO LAST?!!?

somebody told me that stress is a contributing factor to psoriasis - im so stressed at the moment because my p is bad, im stressed that my boyfriend comes up to me and stares at my shoulder and says "eugghhhh" (he's only trying to stop me from picking!!)

Finding this website has made me feel a bit better but in reality the problem is still there!

but thank you for your replies, they some how take away that feeling of loneliness!

[jackgray]

Hi Browneyes

I sincerely sympathise with you.  My head is riddled with P but I manage to hide it I think quite well. I still have my hair highlighted on a regular basis.  I have had the same hairdresser for about 12 years so no having to explain each time.  The trick is don’t let it get you down and please don’t pick, it really does make it worse.  My sister and I tried an experiment a few years ago.  She carried on picking and I stopped as much as I could and the results where amazing.  It did not clear my scalp P but it did make an enormous difference. My sister carried on picking and hers did not get better.

I know that it is hard but keep your chin up and your head held high.  There is absolutely nothing for you to be ashamed with.

Jackie

[Guy]

Hi Browneyes

Jackie is so right  - don't let the p rule your life - fight back.

If you find yourself spending a lot of money at the chemist on prescriptions you can buy a pre-payment prescription certificte which gives you unlimited items for 4 months for about £30 - for me this works out much cheaper.

All the best

guy  

[Wendy]

hiya!!

i have scalp p too!  having recently left hospital they gave me a tub of 'scalp'(thats what they call it!!)  and a tube of dithronal cream.

the scalp can be left in over night(use an old pillow case cos its dead greasy)  it also takes a while to work.  it contains coal tar and salyslic acid.  the dith cream comes in different strengths and can be used on the body.  this is a short contact cream that you leave in for 30 mins then wash out.  there is one prob with this one tho, it stains your skin brown/purple!!  but it does work for me!!

i normally use the scalp on night then the dith and altenate them!!

hope this helps!!!

as for the blow drying sometimes i have to cos it removes the flakes from the hair shaft!!

good luck.
wendy

ps if the patches are really thick you may have to moisturise first.  try aquese cream or 50/50!! left in over night.