Itchy Scalp

[Lovemyboys3]

Hi All,

Yet another question in this journey filled with them. So a few weeks ago I buzzed cut my hair as it was about that time for it to go. I have a bit of a fuzz but not much left as I really didn't want to go completely bald at first. I wear a wig to work but as soon as I get home it goes flying off. It is really itchy! I noticed recently that my scalp is very dry and flaky. With the wig off it really doesn't itch much and I continue to wash it everyday. Right now I am using a gentle baby shampoo but was wondering if there is something else I should be using. A different shampoo? Lotion? My whole scalp does not itch which is strange considering my whole scalp is so flaky and dry. It is really the front and back where the wig starts and ends. So not sure if anything can be done for that.

This week is my 3 round of chemo so I have 3 more to go. If I am going to be wearing this thing for the next year I really want to get this dry scalp under control. The new hair may look nice but scratching like a dog with flees is not very appealing . :-) Hey gotta laugh, how else do we get through this mess.

Any suggestions is greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

[tricia keegan]

Hi,

Losing my hair was painful and it hurt but itched too but that stopped once all the hair was gone. I was told to use Nioxin, not sure if it helped but lots of people said it helped them. I would have thought baby shampoo was the best to use but hope this helps, its expensive but lasts ages.

[Aussie Girl]

Glad to see you online LMB3. I've been having a bit of a break from the computer, till my white cell count returned.

I have a moderately expensive wig on my dressing table unused because I find it way too hot and itchy. It is coming into Summer here and that combined with chemo-induced menopause means I am hot stuff.

I didn't lose quite all my hair and eventually after 3 chemo rounds, buzz cut then shaved the remnant off completely. This is more comfortable and I wear a buff head tube or scarf when I go out. If I'm at home or with friends, I go bald. The remnant is still growing and I have to shave it from time to time. I think the remnant hair you have might possibly add to sweating and itching as it rubs against the wig.

I use a non-soap fragrance free wash as you would use if you had eczema. You can use a light moisturiser, if it is scaly. I was told to avoid conditioner. I also used oil (olive oil would do) at the beginning when it was scaly. Left it on a while, then washed it off. This is what is done for cradle cap in babies.

I have been told that placing paper towel or a piece of silk can help under a wig. I also have this small net stocking like thing to wear under the wig. I was told to dampen that and put it in the fridge to cool, then put it and the wig on. It helps a bit, but not for long.

Best wishes

Aussi Girl

[jaykay]

My "wig lady" put seam tape on the front (hairline) and back (neckline) of the wig. Helped tremendously with the itching. You may want to try a silk handkerchief under your wig. I also used my normal shampoo which is sulfate free.

I wore my wig whenever I went out - just stopped wearing it mid-September. Yes, it was hot in the summer but I wasn't doing anything strenuous when I had it on. If I exercised outside I wore a baseball cap. Inside, I wore nothing.

Best
Janis

[Saygoon]

I never really got use to wearing my wig, scarfs seemed to be more comfortable. When I did wear my wig I would rub baby powder on my head that seemed to help some. You can also get wig caps pretty cheap or just cut out a circle of felt to give you a barrier between your head and wig.

[Coux92]

Hi, I shaved my head completely just before my second chemo and never had the dry scalp so I'm sorry I can't offer any advice on that but I do want to congratulate you on number 3 chemo! Half way done! Celebrate the milestone!

[linn65]

I don't know how to copy and paste link. But put in "itchy" in search because I had the same problem and asked the same question. Between itchy and hot flashes it seemed it took forever for it to stop.

[conomyself]

My scalp was very itchy at first.

Most of it fell out, then I shaved it. I have had scalp issues my whole life, and there were exposed dry and itchy spots. I stopped using any shampoo or soap on it and started putting coconut oil on it every day, maybe twice. It healed. I still used conditioner on my scalp too.

When my hair started to grow back, I started using gentle shampoo again and it started to itch so bad!!! So I am back to conditioner only. It came in curly so the heaviness isn't a problem.

The funny thing is, my scalp is healthier than it's ever been in my life!! I have heard of people using conditioner only to improve scalp health. It worked for me.

Love,

Rachael

[linn65]

One thing too my hair stylist told me to get Satin pillow cases. It was supposed to be better after your hair falls out and when it grows back in.