Psoriasis on scalp/neck

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Hi ladies,

I have been suffering endlessly from a horrible bout of psoriasis on my scalp and neck (its gotten progressively worse in the last 9 months).  Its really grown to be around 2 x 4”.  Finally, after itching endlessly for months, I asked Dr. B for help.  She was shocked at how bad it had gotten (I sent her the picture).  Its my bad, she knew I had it, I just didnt excalate this as she told me it would improve with time but this would be one of the last to go...

 

 I just started a new dosage yesterday of a mixture to place on the affected area, applying twice daily.  1st day, horrible, today, not so bad (my bladder is holding up).  Does anyone have psoriasis?  I would sure love to hear how you are doing and improving.  Its gotten SO bad that yellow sticky puss oozes.  Sorry, TMI but its my reality.  My bladder has had terrible bouts as well the past two weeks.  I suppose it’s the waxing and waning part.  Anyhow, do share if you have this dilemma.  The other issue I have is a thickened toe nail.  Its extremely ugly.  My little boy keeps telling me to stop itching my neck or it won’t get better.  I have never itched so much, I’ve broken the skin yet it still itches!  Its so hard to stop.

Claire's picture
Claire

Hi Adriane,
 
I feel for you- sorry it's gotten worse lately!  If it's any consolation, mine on my scalp is really awful as well.  It was doing so much better for awhile but is acting up lately.  I also have all these little spots all over my back and torso, not sure if it's psoriasis or something else.
 
Anyway,  just wanted to tell you that you're not alone in this and I'm sorry you're dealing with such a terrible bout of it!  Please let us know how it goes.  I have to talk to Dr. B on friday about this, it's driving me a little nuts as well. 
 
Hope you're hanging in there! 
 
Claire

Tommygurl's picture
Tommygurl

Thank you ladies for all of the input.   I searched online and found the following from Dr. B’s old posts.  This has helped reassure me a bit.  The mixture of the jojoba oil and goldenseal extract is working!  I am so happy about this.  The scratching has lessened (thankfully, knocking on wood).  Dr. B advised that I may have to be on this for about 2 weeks.  I don’t mind this now that there is finally healing taking place and my bladder is fine.  I do, however, wish I wasn’t the only one that has had this issue to this extent so that I know whether or not it will improve 100%.  I’ve had this for about 5 years (before I knew I had IC) but never to this extreme extent.  My dad has psioriasis and has been on countless prescribed medications so I will be sharing this with him  to try (I know its stress related).
 
Hi Tinkerbell!  How are you? I know its been ages, I feel like I fell off this site for awhile its just that work and getting my son ready to start kindergarten in a few weeks has consumed my life these days.  Not to say that I don’t think about you all and wonder how you are doing.  I’m sorry to hear that you are suffering with  your sinus’.  Has it improved? 
 
Claire,
How long have you had your bout of skin issues?  I hope one day we can look back at this and not have to worry about. It.
 
I found this old post from Dr. B which helps put things into perspective….  Anyhow, thank you ladies for reaching out and for your kind words of encouragement.
 
Adriane
 
Many symptoms can come along with rebalancing the body in the treatment of chronic illness.Often, they can be uncomfortable and sometimes even scary. I have described much of this in other areas of this site and, of course, in great detail in my dissertation, which, is rich with research, clinical experience, and a lot of detailed information regarding my work and understanding of IC and its related chronic conditions.Working together to get through the uncomfortable symptoms that come up is really important, and of course monitoring them carefully and involving your MD if and when necessary. Typically it is not necessary bc the symptoms are very transient. By the time you could make an appointment to go see your MD the symptoms would be gone in most cases.The symptoms vary greatly so I am sure I will not name them all, but basically, as your body is going through the adjustments of becoming rebalanced it will release outward through the skin, upper orifices or lower orifices. One could experience skin itching (anywhere, commonly in the ears or genital tissue--this could be in the form of eczema or psoriasis), edema, transient ear discomfort, headache, sore throat, swollen glands, body aches-especially of the joints-big ones such as hips and shoulders are very common and can be quite severe at times-these often also occur prior to treatment and when so will definitely go through cycles of being worse before improving), lethargy, cloudy headedness, vaginal discharge that appears to be much like a full blown yeast infection, acne on the face of other areas commonly the upper back, nasal congestion or full blown cold/fly symptoms, bloating and gas (this often occurs prior to treatment, gets exacerbated a bit and then improves tremendously), blurry vision, sound and smell sensitivities, and more.I am posting this because I have had a lot of questions lately regarding this subject, and I can see the anxiety these symptoms may provoke at times. I am not the only alternative practitior that discusses these kind of reactions, but, definitely these reactions are common in these kinds of treatments-especially with IC. However, how and if these symptoms occur depends on how one became ill in the first place, their constitution, and other factors. So, you may experience one of these things or none of these things. I have seen symptoms occur in many different waysover the years as people improve in their condition.I am simply posting to give an added layer of information and understanding to those of you who may be experiencing symptoms that are making you feel anxious. Please always let meknow what is going on though, so that I can help guide you appropriately
 
 
 
 
 
 

Claire's picture
Claire

So, adriane, Dr. B told me to do the same goldenseal/jojoba mix on my scalp- what I'm wondering is how you really get it on there- do you use a squeeze bottle or something?  My hair is really long and I'm thinking I might end up with just a greasy head of hair.  Also, how often do you do this?  I forgot to ask. 
 
Is it helping still? 
Thanks!

Tommygurl's picture
Tommygurl

I am so happy that the past week it has been improving.  Its going to take awhile as this has been going on for so long but I have faith it will get better.
 
I use a cottonball and after I put my long hair in a ponytail, I dab the solution on my neck and scalp.  Most of the psioriasis is on my neck which has turned the skin to a dark purple (I am olive skinned) so it looks really dark.  Since I cant see back there, I asked my co worker, Jodi, to see if its improving and she told me it has since Monday morning.
also, since the jojoba penetrates the scalp, I have noticed that it also helps to help my hair feel softer (I have thick, course hair) so that has been a bonus!
She said that I can also put it on the thickened toenail but no change so far...
Have you had your scalp issues for a long time?  How long have you used the solution? Does it come and go?  I'm curious to know what you have to go through...
 
 

cprince's picture
cprince

Hello Adriane, 
You will have to let me know how it works on your toenail. I have the same problem. I also wonder if this would work on my athletes foot? So itchy and can be very painful at times. Hope it continues to help your psoriasis.

Tommygurl's picture
Tommygurl

How long have you had this on your toenail and athlete's foot?  I've had it for close to 15 months and its just there, no better, no worse.  Did Dr. B have you add anything to it?  What are you taking for it?  Is it getting better?  She said a long time ago its related to IC (its on my right pinky toe) and I was starting to think I'm the only one with this ugly toe nail.  I've been too afraid to add any nail polish and make things worse.  Do you? and if so what brand? 
I will keep you posted on my progress.  I have my follow up call with Matia next Wed so I will be sure to ask her more.
 

cprince's picture
cprince

Too funny, my thick toenail is on my right pinky toe as well. My R foot has more issues in general. I can't even tell you how long I have had both the toenail and athletes foot. I would say at least 12 years. I never seem to remember to ask about what to do for my toenails, but will have to ask at my next appointment, but not for 3 more weeks. Dr. B told me to try yogurt for my athletes foot, and I can't remember what else something in alcohol solution and told me this would sting like hell. I don't really need or want any other pain, so I opted for the yogurt, but pretty messy, and relief doesn't last very long. I will ask again, maybe this would be an option to treat athletes foot. Like you, I am too afraid to use toenail polish, but am looking for safe options because have a wedding I need to attend in a couple weeks and my toenails/feet aren't looking too good!:P
Yes, keep me posted! I hope you continue to see improvements!:)