Very Irritating scalp problems

[AnnaE]

I have to locate a new dermatologist in town, so it will take me a few days to get to see one. I am having the most bothersome problem. I had it about 12 years ago also. Patches of scaliness that itch and burn badly turn up quickly on my scalp. They usually turn into hard bumps that hurt. They take a long time to heal. A week ago, I had 2=3 of them. Presently, I have about 24.

The dermatologist helped me the last time by prescribing Kenalog spray. Is ther anything I can do for relief, until I can get an appointment?

Thank you,
Itchy

[sherrijo58]

I have been seeing a physician(not a dermatologist), since November, for a "rash". This actually started on my chest in July, then in a couple months my forehead, scalp, then gradually some areas would heal but it would go from one area to another. I am literally going insane with itching. My scalpa and forehead hurt, itch, burn, my hair is starting to fall out and get thin. Biopsy was done on chest area only, daid itwas an allergic reaction, so they thot it was HCTZ, which is in my B/P med, got rid of that and put me on tapering dose of prednisone, completed it 2 days ago, before it was even complete, I was itching again. I am having rotator cuff surgery in 15 days, and am actually very concerned of what "allergy" I have. I have called the dr 3 times this week and no RTC. They are unable to get me into a dermatologist until July and this is January. Alot of the issues i am ahving with appts and seeing specialists  is the fact that my insurance is called Iowa Cares and is not good at all! I am concerned it could be something systemic and no one is catching it, I do have an appt in a week for pre op , are there any labs they should draw? I am on Synthroid and my level was checked and was minimally "off", no changes were made to my med, my thyroid was removed in 1991.My scalp and forehead look sunburned and my head flakes constantly, I have always had oily hair. They did have me applying Traimcinalone 1% to my entire body for close to a month (including my scalp), could this be a reaction, in part now, to the prolonged use of that to my head???? HELP!

[AnnaE]

Thank you very much.

[Dr_Aparna]

Hi,
It could be scalp psoriasis which are known to recur or it could be a fungal infection or eczema.
In any case they all respond to corticosteroids applied to the affected area.
So you could use Kenalog spray( Triamcinolone Acetonide Topical Aerosol USP)which is indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic i.e. itching manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses.
You could use anti-histamines for itching.

[AnnaE]

Tweve years ago, they bled profusely--now, they do not bleed a lot yet.