Itchy scalp

[denise]

Stephen has got, well it looks like cradle cap, his scalp has scabs that seem damp rather than dry and flaky and he seems to have a lot of dandruff. He frequently says he has an itchy head. He hadn't had a shower for weeks (4) but I decided the other day that enough was enough we cant go on like this or I'm verging on neglect. So I put him in the shower terrified he would fall. Nothing like being confident when you feel catastrophy looming. I've been using baby shampoo the no tears version as he always complained about it going in his eyes. I thought this would help his scalp but it just made it worse. Any ideas?

[shelly21]

denise I used this years ago when I had bad scalp. Worth a try.
Polytar Shampoo, 150 ml https://amzn.eu/d/16jA8ZH

[denise]

I'd love to try shampoo but I cant get him in the shower. I did the other day but really not sure I should do that again. Dont think I could get him over the sink either. Could try him out on the balcony with a watering can. It's an option but I've just had a terrible time getting him out of a garden chair. I really thought we had reached that moment, I've been dreading, that I cant move him. No idea what I do then.

International rescue!!!! 😊

[Ellie]

Stephen has got, well it looks like cradle cap, his scalp has scabs that seem damp rather than dry and flaky and he seems to have a lot of dandruff.

If Stephen had a decent GP, I'd suggest that his scalp should be examined.

I suspect any underlying cause and the symptoms are being exacerbated by the lack of washing resulting in a build up of dead skin cells and, erm, crud.

IDK if a comb/soft brush would help or perhaps take photos and show the pharmacist? I reckon it needs cleaning and care with special products

[denise]

Thanks. That's an idea. Could use an online pharmacy.
😘

[Maria C]

denise we use a portable basin on a stand. I’m upright in my wheelchair and it comes over my shoulders. The carers like it loads better than that silly blow-up bed bath contraption I was first given.

I hope this link works, my tech skills are fading faster than my hands.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Portable-Ro...s%2C159&sr=8-7

I’ve had to experiment with shampoo. Baby shampoo might be mild but I didn’t find that my hair felt clean.

[denise]

Maria C now that looks interesting. Thank you.

[Laticsmon]

I had the same problem with itchy scalp. There is a shampoo and conditioner made by head and shoulders in a green bottle which stopped the flaky scalp

[Cinderella]

denise I wonder whether the old fashioned remedy for cradlecap would help? Olive oil BP from the chemist gently rubbed over (my ex husband was an underweight prem baby of the 50s and he wasn't allowed to be washed but only wiped over with olive oil for the first months) or now that we have coconut oil easily available then this would also work? I use coconut oil for any dry skin areas as it stops the itch and soothes and settles the skin, and my mnd massage is always with coconut oil. You may need some type of additional anti bacterial/fungal/steroidal ointment too from the GP if open skin has become infected?

My main reason for responding is because you say that Stephen might fall in the shower - are you able to use a roll in shower chair or stool - I bought my own stool when using the shower in the bath, but moved onto a plastic garden chair with arms (which was excellent) until diagnosed and then was given the access to a roll in shower chair organised by the OT as I now just have a low step shower. Xx

[denise]

Hi Cinderella I was trying to think what we used for cradle cap and it was probably olive oil or baby oil. The doctor sent a fungal cream but now Stephen's in hospital they are hopefully dealing with it. Udder cream is brilliant for itchy skin and dry skin. Ellie suggested it and I thought she was pulling my leg but its brilliant.

The shower in this flat is so small and Stephen's balance so terrible I didn't dare risk putting him in the shower because if he fell to the floor he could be there a long time.

Thanks for your suggestions xx

[Cinderella]

Hi denise I haven't heard of Udder cream but use Elizabeth Arden's 8 hour cream every day on my face when using my mask, it is amazing stuff and I understand first made for use with horses but the results were so good they produced it for us humans too, so would have every confidence in the Udder cream!

Hope the scalp issue is on the mend.

And hope he can have a shower whilst in hospital - my experience of showers in the two hospitals I was recently in were not the best - the one disabled shower you could not get the wheelchair into the room, so had to furniture walk and leave the door open for all passing visitors to view and when using the toilet found the toilet paper was on the opposite wall about 6 ft away, so much for privacy! The shower was fully set up with roll in chair but the hose had been cut so short to make it impossible to use by yourself and to stay warm, the other was a large open set up but the staff were using it as a dumping ground for any equipment and you could barely use the loo never mind consider the obstacle course to get to the sink to wash your hands, it was back to the commode for me! They did clear it all out once so I eventually got a nice hot shower but there has to be the staff available to do this. Xx

[denise]

Hi Cinderella you would think they would get it right in the hospital!

That's interesting about Elizabeth Arden. Bet horses dont pay the same as Elizabeth Arden clientele. Better keep quiet about udder cream or they'll be selling it in little bottles with a big price.

Xxx