PRP and Scalp-related Issues

From the Editor
The PRP Survival Guide is a repository of experiences and insights shared by PRP patients and their caregivers. Collectively, the PRP community possesses a wealth of practical knowledge about pityriasis rubra pilaris. We need to harvest that knowledge for those in need of enlightenment.
Share what you have learned about PRP as a patient or caregiver. Share what you have been told by your dermatologist? Share articles  you feel might be worth reading or websites worth visiting. When you have information to share, please use “Leave a Reply” at the end of this webpage.

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The following discussion (edited) regarding recommendations for an itchy scalp was posted to members of the PRP Facebook Support Group. Remember: What works for one doesn’t work for all, but here are some treatments that worked for one or more.

Barbara Y — Winter Park, Florida

I had the crusty flaking plus lesions and a small amount of bleeding. I lost about 25 percent of my hair, which I prefer to believe I have mostly recovered since my PRP let up from the acute stage 6 months ago. My scalp was the last skin to clear for me. So maybe I should not be giving advice, but here is what I did:

(1) poured and sprayed Listerine to prevent infection;
(2) shampooed with TGel (horrible, tar-like, I don’t miss it) and used conditioner only on the ends;
(3) covered my scalp with baby oil at night to loosen the scales; and
(4) used a fine tooth comb to gently pull away dead skin.

BTW, my wonderful hair stylist did not abandon me and continued to dye my hair. I swear dyeing had no effect other than to keep my spirits up, because there is no way I want to see my real hair color at age 61, especially while I am also enduring PRP.

Anita R — Pearl, MS

What do you all recommend for itching scalp?

Jan T — Ringwood, NJ

For me, the prescription Clobetasol worked amazingly for the itch. Just did nothing for the dandruff. Now my scalp is about the only place that doesn’t really itch. And my scalp had been intensely itchy…Ketoconazole is an antifungal, so it probably would work for some types of dandruff. Clobetasol is in the corticosteroid category.

Bill M — Plano, TX

I was lucky that Ketoconazale 2% shampoo worked. Applied to scalp and left it there for 5 minutes. Then rinsed. Used ketbonazole for dandruff – the itch relief was just an extra. Used Clobetasol and urea lotion on palms and doles. again.
Like · Reply · 18 hrs · Edited

Anita R

What about over the counter shampoo? My dumb insurance won’t pay for prescription

Linda B — Oswestry, Shropshire, England, UK

Ketoconazole 2% w/w shampoo can be purchased over the counter in the UK. The brand name is Nizoral, but Boots produce their own version of this product which is slightly cheaper. Capasal Therapeutic Shampoo is also available over the counter.

Teresa S — Iowa City, IA

Utrogena T gel

Diane H —

I tried the medicated shampoos prescribed by the dermatologist, but they didn’t work. So, I went to Head and Shoulders Clinical strength and it has made a big difference. The other shampoos I tried changed the texture of my hair, this didn’t.

Anita R —

Head and Shoulders Max strength is not helping with the build up of dandruff. (Editor’s Note: What works for one doesn’t work for all)

Jan T —

Really, what is PRP doing to us? I have absolutely no natural oils or moisture in my scalp or hair, and my head is not sweating. It actually never “feels” dirty.

Mary H — Novato, CA

Utrogena T-sal shampoo.

Judy B — Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

I tried everything. Clobetesol worked best, but after 5 years in remittance my scalp is the only thing that hasn’t cleared. Just used to it now. Hang in there – it does get better.

Bill M  —Plano Texas

Here’s a link to the Nutrogena website. THIS IN NOT A PRODUCT ENDORSEMENT.

“Neutrogena® T/Gel® therapeutic hair care is a line of dermatologist-recommended shampoos formulated to treat flaky, itchy scalp, caused by conditions ranging from mild danduff to seborrheic dermatitis. Gentle and pleasant to use, T/Gel® products leave hair shiny and manageable and relieve itching for hours after rinsing. The complete T/Gel® line offers different active ingredients and benefits to help get rid of all kinds of scalp symptoms, and provide dry scalp treatment.” SEE MORE

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Third-Part Websites

Canadian Dermatology Association

What causes dandruff?
How to control flaking

✽  An estimated 50 per cent of North Americans have dandruff.
✽  Dandruff is most common in younger people and usually resolves by middle age, although it can persist later in life.
✽  More men have dandruff than women, possibly due to hormones that produce more active oil glands and an oilier scalp.
✽  Medical conditions and certain medications can trigger or worsen dandruff and its variant seborrheic dermatitis.

This third-party website recommended by Murray R, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada.

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MORE FEEDBACK

Judi T — Montana (Post dated April 16, 2019)

I know I read of some things to help with your scalp but I sure cannot find them now. What do you use? Please. This itching is driving me insane.. Thank you. PRP Facebook Link

Anita R — Pearl, Mississippi (Post Dated: May 29, 2017