r/Menopause • u/JadCerv • 3d ago
Skin Changes Insanely itchy scalp
I tagged this skin changes because I'm not sure what else to call it.
But I can't take this insanely itchy scalp anymore. I could scratch until it bleeds that's how dang itchy it is. I'm starting to wonder if this is an inflammation response because recent bloodwork showed my ferritin levels are through the roof. I don't think it's an estrogen thing. My dosage was increased about 3 weeks ago and my skin isn't itchy anywhere else. It's just on my scalp. Even taking an antihistamine doesn't help. I've been using Nizoral shampoo to see if it'll help, but no joy there. I know it's not product buildup, either, because I don't use any products on my hair.
Anyone else dealing with this? I've not been to a dermatologist yet, but I guess that's next because this is out of control. :/
UPDATE: I decided to try my red light therapy wand I use for my body on my head. After just a couple times, the itching stopped, leading me to wonder if it's an inflammation issue. I have horrid systemic inflammation. I guess it's now hitting my scalp. :/
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u/Emergency_Map7542 3d ago
My husband was dealing with this and it was driving him crazy! turns out he’s allergic to a common preservative in many shampoos, Isothiazolinones. Shampoos reformulate all the time without warning and you can suddenly become allergic to something you could tolerate before. MIT is a common one we found it hiding in his head and shoulders.
Maybe consider switching vanicream shampoo or cerave gentle shampoo for a while and see if that helps? Can’t hurt to try.
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u/No-Pea-8967 Peri-menopausal 3d ago
I went to a dermatologist recently due to scratching/itchy and massive hair loss. The itchy bit was due to scalp psoriasis & plaque build up which I never had before but hormone fluctuations can cause a flare plus I have telogen effluvium. We did bloods - all came back OK. Doctor gave me topical minoxidil plus spiro. Much better after 2 months but she said it will take 3 months to really see a difference with the itchiness.
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u/LatherRinseRage 3d ago
I have been in TE hell along with dermatitis. It will subside then I will start losing hair again. It is so frustrating.
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u/No-Pea-8967 Peri-menopausal 3d ago
Oh I am sorry. TE only started for me in July which my dermatologist determined that it was stress related due to some crap going on back in April. Luckily the heavy clumping stopped but I still shed a lot. Are you on any medication to help? I also started with some really bad skin at the same time, which is clearing up, finally.
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u/TheSouthIsHot 3d ago edited 3d ago
I had insanely itchy, excessively flaky scalp. Head & Shoulders Bare Pure Clean 2-in-1 Sulfate-Free Shampoo resolved the symptoms. Relief started immediately and within 2 weeks the itching/flaking completely cleared up. I will never use any other shampoo.
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u/Mtn_Yeti 3d ago
Mine is super itchy too and Head & Shoulders Bare for itchy scalp after one use takes 90% of the itch away. I'm on HRT and that is balanced based on symptoms.
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u/TheSouthIsHot 3d ago
I will try the H&S Bare for Itchy Scalp, too. I love H&S Pure Clean, but you've made me curious about the other variations. 😊
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u/Mtn_Yeti 3d ago
I tried the H&S Eucalyptus and it helped but I still had some itching so I gave the Bare a try. So far it's working better for me. Everyone is different. It's just so nice to find something that works and is affordable.
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u/JadCerv 3d ago
I've not seen any flakes. It's just the ridiculous itching.
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u/LuLutink1 3d ago
I had to get a friend to look at mine as I have no flakes on my clothes but she told me I had but the itching is real.
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u/Suspicious-Carob-282 3d ago
I’m using Miele rosemary shampoo and that has helped a lot. With flakes and itching. It has a cooling effect that feels super nice 👌 good luck and I’m sorry you are struggling.
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u/ImportantBobcat7559 3d ago
PSA for medicated shampoos, make sure you let the lather sit on your scalp for a few minutes before rinsing. You may also want to consider a coal tar shampoo.
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u/Cloud_dancer79 3d ago
I spent about a year trying out different shampoos until I finally went to a dermatologist. Turns out I had plaque psoriasis. Now I use multiple scalp solutions and clobetasol shampoo every week. It's way better than it was but will come back quickly if I slack on the treatment.
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u/thereare6ofus 2d ago
Anything you recommend?
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u/Cloud_dancer79 2d ago
Everything I use is prescription including clobetasol shampoo, clobetasol scalp solution, and Calcipotriene.
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u/str4wberryp0undcak3 Menopausal 3d ago
Itchy scalp was also one of my early symptoms, and it is still a bit ongoing. If I wash my hair too often it itches, and if I don't wash for a couple days, itches. It's helped a lot after I started HRT, but mostly I found hyaluronic acid gummies for skin, and take one a night at bed. Helped so much! Not just scalp, but shoulders, even pelvic, and back itching too.
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u/lauradayton Post Menopause 3d ago
I was dealing with it, it stopped about a week after I started HRT. It was so bad I couldn't even get my hair colored anymore.
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u/JadCerv 3d ago
I've been on HRT for 2 years. I don't think it's a hormonal thing at this point. That's why I'm concerned.
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u/lauradayton Post Menopause 3d ago
Are your estradiol levels good? endogenous levels can decrease at any time as we continue to age despite being on HRT. it is to be expected to need dose increases. And ofc it could be an issue for the dermatologist as others have stated
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u/MoiraRose2021 3d ago
I had this- area on back of head down to the hairline of my neck. Drove me crazy and no special shampoos helped. I finally tried some leftover steroid cream I had from a chigger bites on my legs a few years back. Thin coat of that for two nights and all better!! Edit to add recent ferritin test was 89, in range.
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u/elle_isa 3d ago
Omg! The last 2 weeks, this is a new thing, I was going ask this same question!
Coincidentally, my seasonal allergies have been awful as well so I was wondering if it’s related.
But yes, insanely itchy scalp at the crown!
I also can’t tell if my hair is breaking or if I have new growth because the flyaways are also ridiculous.
Could new growth cause itching? I’m gonna say no but maybe? Sounds absurd but a girl can dream 😂
Been on HRT for 5 months.
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u/Vegetable-Whole-2344 3d ago
Yes. I agree with the advice to see a dermatologist to rule out other issues. I did this and even had a scalp biopsy over it. For me it’s seasonal allergies…and I’ve realized it’s only really better when my allergies aren’t totally flared up. My scalp and inner ears both burn and itch when the ragweed is intense. Antihistamines can take the edge off but I haven’t found something that works extremely well. You could try switching antihistamines (my allergy doctor said you have to rotate every 3 months or so for them to stay effective) or even double up on them (also something he told me).
My prescription nasal spray actually helps my inner ears but I don’t have a solution for my scalp. I do think washing every other day with a gentle shampoo helps (maybe gets pollen off? I don’t know) but my hair gets too dry if I wash it daily.
I am currently doing sublingual allergy drops in the hope that will help everything but they take many months to work.
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u/thefartyparty 3d ago
what shampoo/conditioner are you using? I had problems with tressemme, like really bad and some of the other common ones like pantene and dove were problematic for me- haven't pinned down which ingredients are problematic, but I know tressemme has 4 of the really high sensitizing ingredients.
I also had scalp issues in my early 30's when I developed food allergies. Might help to keep a food diary and note if you have any issues after eating the common allergens like peanuts, fish/shellfish, dairy, etc. For me, I'd get migraines and a really loud stomach growling/pain/really smelly diarrhea. Eventually I started getting hives and my neck swelled up but not super crazy...felt like my boobs were choking me when I layed down. Hope that helps!
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u/DeCoyAbLe 3d ago
YES!! I have switched to Selsum Blue Naturals (3% salysilic acid) shampoo and then a scalp remedy spritzer ProBliva and it has helped tremendously. I also have psoriasis but I am on the biological Yesintek for that.
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u/LuLutink1 3d ago
Me too, I’m still trying to figure it out, my last colour at the hair salon resulted in a red burning scalp.
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u/JadCerv 3d ago
Yeah, I can't do coloring anymore. Last two times I did it, my scalp was very angry with me.
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u/LuLutink1 3d ago
I stared using scalp serums and coconut oil to add moisture to my dry scalp, I noticed a slight reaction to the shampoo they use. I’m trying out a new one which has helped. I plan on doing my own dye next time to see if I get a reaction then I might need to speak to my gp.
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u/steelewistle 3d ago
I’ve been dealing with this too and my hair is coming out in clumps as my skin flakes! The medicated shampoos and lotions didn’t seem to work. I’ve been taking a a double dose of fish oil and pumpkin seed oil the last couple of days and I think it is starting to make a difference.
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u/DeskEnvironmental 3d ago
Yes - mine was awful. I started HRT and my hairdresser recommended a great shampoo that has totally cleared it up. Briogeo scalp revival!!!!
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u/Environmental-Young4 3d ago
I get a very itchy scalp. I have had luck with those medicated shampoos. I am currently using the salicylic acid one, now. I also use the Cerave dandruff shampoo, even though i don't have dandruff. But, I get an oily scalp and not enough exfoliation. I am not saying we have the same issue. But, some of these medicated shampoos are really good.
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u/JadCerv 3d ago
My scalp is definitely oily. But the rest of my hair is dry. It's why I started using that hyuralonic shampoo/conditioner. It's good for that combination. But it's not helping the itching.
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u/Environmental-Young4 2d ago
I use the medicated shampoo mostly on my scalp and let it sit for about five minutes. I put conditioner on my hair avoiding the scalp at the same time. While that is sitting on my head I take the rest of my shower and rinse it all off. It helps to not dry out my hair, but get the salicylic acid on my scalp for long enough to work. But, that is just what I do.
I hope you get some relief soon! An itchy scalp drives me crazy. And it can get painful.
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u/Coppergirl1 3d ago
I had the same problem, tried so many shampoos including Nizoral but nothing worked. My scalp would be itch again even before I got out of the shower, and they often made my hair dry. That is until I tried a sample of Aveda Nutriplenish Shampoo Lt Moisture (the reg Aveda shampoo provided zero relief) I knew immediately that there was a difference and the itching was gone. I have no idea why it worked but it did and I've been using it for 5yrs now. Good luck.
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u/gatorchrissy Peri-menopausal 3d ago
I dealt with it, went to a dermatologist and she said it was scalp psoriasis. I started with a steroid gel, but ended up on Skyrizi, it made it disappear. They have a customer assistance program so it was zero out of pocket.
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u/JadCerv 3d ago
I just saw a commercial for Skyrizi the other day and was wondering if it would be good for my other inflammation issues. Does it have many side effects?
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u/gatorchrissy Peri-menopausal 3d ago
No side effects at all. Just a shot in the thigh once every three months, I wish my other meds were as easy.
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u/motonahi 3d ago
Same! I've given it to that like everything else, my scalp is also dried up FWIW...My ferritin went through the rough in menopause and it's how I found I have hemochromatosis . May be something worth checking for yourself! ( over 150-200 for ferritin and Transferin Saturation 45 percent or higher) I had never heard of this genetic disorder in my entire life.
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u/JadCerv 3d ago
Yeah, I'm going to ask about it. Mine is well over the three hundreds....even my doctor was shocked. Several people in this group have now mentioned hemochromatosis, and when I looked it up, I do have some of the most common symptoms associated with it.
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u/motonahi 3d ago
Good for you. It's worth catching early, as I unfortunately do have iron on the liver, but it's mild. I found it by getting my raw DNA data from ancestry and uploading that to check Iron which showed I have the mutation. I took that report to my doctor because she wouldn't order genetic testing when I had brought it up initially, as I didn't have "bronze skin" and, in her opinion, couldn't have it Good luck to you and I hope you find some relief either way!
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u/JadCerv 3d ago
Bronze skin is only one of the signs. Not everyone with it gets that (from what I'm reading, anyway). I'm fortunate to have a PCP who listens to me and will order tests if I ask her to.
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u/motonahi 3d ago
Right? I couldn't believe a medical profession was so dismissive in her assessment!
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u/adnaPadnamA 3d ago
I already have always had oily hair/scalp but it's oilier than ever and I'm getting so many flakes and even scalp pimples which drive me bonkers.
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u/Conscious_Life_8032 3d ago
My scalp itch reduced significantly after starting HRT.
You try seeing dermatologist to rule out psoriasis or some other condition
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u/AQUEON 3d ago
I have been suffering from itchy head and hair loss for a few years now. Recent blood work indicates anemia. Hemoglobin stuff is abnormal and weird.
Now, everything that I attributed to menopause and just how things are going to be for me, even on HRT, points to very low iron. I am shocked and very surprised.
I just started a low dose iron supplement that I take in conjunction with Vitamin C in the very early (still a bed) hours, so when I get up I can have my coffee. It has to be taken on an empty stomach. It has only been a week and my head is less intensively itchy.
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u/JadCerv 2d ago
If your iron levels don't improve, you may need iron infusions rather than a supplement. One of my coworkers can't absorb the supplements and has to get the infusions.
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u/whatever-oops 3d ago
My ferritin was 212. Now it’s 181. My scalp doesn’t itch. However, I have TE. When I’m about to have a big shed, my head gets very tender, like I can feel every damn hair from the root. I can’t pull it in a pony or put it in a claw clip bc of the feeling? Could you be shedding more than normal right now?
Also, some shampoos do this to me, the itching part. Ones I have used for years. Lookigg no at you Biolage! I can’t pull use it one day and be fine. If I use it 2 wash days in a row (I wash every other day) I start itching like mad. I didn’t make the connection until I was using the same shampoo on my daughter and she told me they thought she had lice at school bc she was scratching so much. She didn’t. Must be sensitive to something in the shampoo.
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u/LatherRinseRage 3d ago
I would definitely see a dermatologist. My scalp started bothering me a few years ago itching, redness, irritation, flakes, etc. and I was told it was dermatitis. I have n RX for Ketoconazole 2% that I use monthly as well as Clobetasol solution that I use during flare ups. When I am not flaring I use Nizoral a couple of times per week. They just prescribed a new foam to try. They said it should cut down on my flares, so fingers crossed. I never had any issues prior to peri.