16 replies to this topic

[DutchGirl]

I am newly diagnosed with celiac disease. I have had DH on my scalp for a few years but I didn't realize that's what it was until I was diagnosed recently. I have given up gluten but is there anything I can or should do to help heal my scalp?? It is so itchy, flaky, and burning, I would love some relief!

[pricklypear1971]

Id start with ensuring your hair products are gluten free and don't irritate your scalp for any other reason. Even though topical gluten isn't supposed to cause DH, many of us find better results when we do.

It's difficult to moisturize the scalp (compared to an arm) but I found my DH needed lotion a few times a day. I used Vanicream. In short, be nice to the rash.

I'm sure others here have dealt with it on the scalp. I haven't. I'm sure they'll chime in.

[DutchGirl]

I'm finding that anything to moisturize with will be difficult, I have thick hair down to the middle of my back. But with all of the itching, there are days I just want to shave it all off!!

[pricklypear1971]

If you can do it every few days how about a scalp massage with a pure oil like almond, jojoba...?

I'd think the biggest thing would be to not use styling agents, shampoos or conditioners that irritate it. And I have no idea what that would be for you.

[DutchGirl]

I will give it a try! I need some relief! Thank you!

[pricklypear1971]

You should also read the DH forum for tips.

[squirmingitch]

I agree with what pricklypear said. I also have long hair down to my legs & BAD dh in my scalp. I know the feeling of wanting to shave it all off! This is going to sound gross & it is gross (at least to me) & it's very difficult to stand doing this BUT I have found that the longer you can possibly go without washing your hair the better off you will be when you have the dh in your scalp. When that skin is trying to heal it's best to not abrade it by shampooing even gently as the new skin is so fragile & thin. If you can go 3,4,5 days or as long as you possibly can then it gives that new skin a chance to thicken up & not bust open again. When you shampoo, do not use your nails --- only the fleshy fingertips gently. And for heavens sake do not let the brush bristles run across your scalp & tear it up. Be gentle, be very gentle.

[DutchGirl]

I already go about 3 days between washing since my hair is so thick, I'll try going a day or two longer. My scalp is so itchy it's hard not to scratch but I'm trying! Thanks for the advice!!

[squirmingitch]

It's impossible not to EVER scratch! But we do the best we can right? Right now I feel totally filthy. I haven't washed my hair for 3 days & it's driving me crazy but I am determined to go a couple more. This also allows our natural oils to help our scalp.

Hang in there.

[sisterlynr]

I already go about 3 days between washing since my hair is so thick, I'll try going a day or two longer. My scalp is so itchy it's hard not to scratch but I'm trying! Thanks for the advice!!

I have used Scalpicin, a product for scalp itch. It does work! I have applied olive oil to my scalp and left it a couple of days. It is hard not to scratch and I have a horrible time trying not to pick at the scabs.

[GFreeMO]

Johnsons Baby shampoo has been helping my scalp DH.  Maybe give it a try.

[Lady Eowyn]

Hi

Really important to find shampoo/cond that doesn't aggravate it - this might take some time and trial!

Mine is rapidly affected by iodine and I have to limit oily fish and sea salt or it goes beserk. I haven't tried a low iodine diet because of the health benefits of iodine but I do have to watch some things.

[DutchGirl]

Hi

Really important to find shampoo/cond that doesn't aggravate it - this might take some time and trial!

Mine is rapidly affected by iodine and I have to limit oily fish and sea salt or it goes beserk. I haven't tried a low iodine diet because of the health benefits of iodine but I do have to watch some things.

How long after you eat those things do you start having issues with your DH? How do you link the two together? I'd like to figure out what aggravates mine.

[VeggieGal]

Hi, I had an incredibly itchy scalp for years and was really embarassed about it. After 5 weeks being gluten free it had almost disappeared then I realised that coffee seemed to trigger odd blisters so Ive cut out coffee for the last 2 weeks and I'm completed itch free . Not sure if coffee was an allergy for me or if it was cross reactive or what it was but if you drink coffee (i even seemed to react to decaf), it may worth eliminating for awhile

[Lady Eowyn]

If I eat sea salt (which sadly, I really like) my DH worsens from about the 2nd day of having it. This applies to putting it in things I'm making and eating too. I don't eat salty things normally but occasionally some sea salt is lovely .

When I was eating oily fish (mainly salmon) three times a week it got a lot worse but of course, it was some time before I realised what the problem was.

Can't take cod liver oil (concentrate) either as this makes me hypothyroid too, in about three days.

 

This gives me a double whammy over iodine although I have never tried to go on the low iodine diet that some have had success with here.