What is on my scalp?

Jillybean · Joined: 07 Oct 2009 Posts: 2 Location: Wisconsin

I was diagnosed with psoriasis on my scalp about 5 years ago and was given a topical med for it. It never went away and when one spot seemed to start healing, two new spots would appear.

Just 6 months ago I was diagnosed with CD, and was told I may have had it for about 5 years-ish. (Hmmmm...was my scalp telling me something before my intestines even gave a hint?) Anyways, I'm basically assuming I have DH on my scalp, but I don't know for sure...haven't gone to a dermatologist ever in my life. But, I'm almost to the point now where I want to go get this checked. It's itching like crazy, but it's a stabbing pain when I scratch a spot. But it feels so good to scratch! Embarassed

Also, the spots usually end up bald and I don't know why. (I'm only 25 and I don't want have worse bald spots than my husband!)

I've been completely gluten-free for 4 months and I'm using organic shampoos and conditioners that I heard would help, but it's not getting any better! What is on my head? When will the itching stop? If it really is DH, how long will it take to go away if I stay on a strict GF diet???

Please help my itchy head!

smalltownslackermom · Posted: Tue Feb 23, 2010 10:58 am Post subject:

My derm, though he didn't absolutely test or confirm me for DH, told me it can take 6 months or more for it to clear up. (Perhaps someone with dx'd will speak up here?) My scalp clears up fairly fast but I have some rashes on my legs that take longer - about 6 motnhs actually.
Have you seen a derm again about your scalp?
I also use very specific, "natural" shampoos and conditioners. Have you analyzed all of them for possible gluten? I can't even use stuff with wheat germ oil or glycerides in it, my scalp and neck will get itchy and/or breakout. Also, I seem to be one of few people in the world who react to parabens so I get products without those and that also helps my skn and scalp health.
http://www.dermnet.org.nz/dermatitis/parabens-allergy.html
"Paraben allergic hypersensitivity is not uncommon although rare in relation to its widespread use. It appears that repeated applications of relatively low concentrations of parabens in medications and cosmetics may lead to sensitivity."
and it seems like "natural" products always want to put chamomile or echincea to which I also have some contact dermatitis reaction:
http://www.dermnetnz.org/dermatitis/compositae-allergy.html

Sorry if this seem to be tmi. Sometimes when no one else responds to a post I will throw some info out in case that gives the original poster any hints to their own issues. I'm not suggesting you specifically have these issues but that there may be various ingredients hitting your scalp that you may wish to give thought to.
_________________
son - high ttg - 4/09, pos. biopsy 5/09
self - negative bloodwork 5/09, pos. biopsy 11/09
sister - gf for ~3 years and is a new person
niece - positive ttg 2/10, foregoing biopsy

missah · Joined: 25 Jan 2010 Posts: 35

I have it on my feet and I suspect my scalp as well. I did have my feet biopsied and my derm told me on a strict gluten free diet it can take as long as 18 months and sometimes longer to go away.
I get the best results with CHI power plus shampoo and conditioner. I don't know if I can include links or not so if you can't find it let me know and I'll PM you the link!