itchy bumps on the back of my head.

[Carolina]

Dearest Sjogren's Angels,

For about a year I've had recurrent itchy bumps on the back of my head.  They are deep (?) and if I scratch them enough they are sort of like eczema (become open sores).  They don't 'weep' the way my 'old experiences' with eczema on my scalp did.  And large areas don't become raw, either.  Just these 'deep' bumps.  sigh.

I treat them with cortisone cream, or spray, which isn't great for my hairstyle, but clears them up to some extent.  Then they increase in number again.

I just do not know why I have them, but I have had a long history of severe eczema, starting from birth, which went away the I was 27.  Now I have these bumps.  They aren't like the eczema I used to have on my scalp, but maybe it's just because the problem is in a different area?

I had my hair colored today (vanity, thy name is Elaine), and the hair dye stung the bumps a little, but it wasn't intolerable.  I've found that the bumps are actually bit better after having my hair colored.

Anyone else have this?

It's like I get to be severely crippled by my Immune Disorder AND aggravated to distraction as well.   It never ends.

Hugs,  Elaine

[Sooki]

I don't have eczema-like bumps, but I do get little colorless bumps on my forehead and upper back near the hairline.  I'm thinking they might be micro-critter caused, maybe mites of some kind.  I put some tea tree oil, straight from the bottle (pretty stinky), on a cotton wipe and rub it over them for a couple of days and they go away for several weeks at least.  Maybe it would help in your case.

[Carolina]

I grew up in an era 'pre-cortisone' and 'pre-antihistimine' and I was given coal tar (Yes coal tar) to put on my eczema. 

Tea tree is pretty distinctive but nothing like coal tar.

I have some tea tree oil (well I think it's gotten clumpy and I threw it away) but I don't remember what I planned to treat with it.  Whatever it was, I didn't use it.

So maybe I'll get more.  I think cortisone is my best bet.   Mostly I'm just feeling sorry for myself the past few days.  The triple whammy of a flare is: profound fatigue, pain, and depression.  No wonder my world has looked bleak!

I've been depressed due to the inflammation (in my brain?) from the flare.

Depression is the sneakiest symptom of an Immune Flare of inflammation.   I don't 'separate' it out from my mind and my feelings......I think it's 'the truth'.

Ok, getting better, treating with more Medrol.

THANKS, SOOKI!

Hugs, Elaine

[happylife]

Hi Elaine

I have small bumps which are painful (not itchy) on the back of my head and the side of my head mostly.

My skin doctor told that it is folliculitis.....its been there for almost 6 months now. Has not give away.

But the same boils on my face are being controlled by two antibacterial creams.

Regards
Happylife

[lorigacc]

Hang in there Elaine. You have the patience of a saint in dealing with these things. Me...not so much.  I also have a rash on my upper back (for months now). I was trying to get thru it with cortisone cream. It doesnt help much, which makes me believe it is a systemic issue.  The folks here at work must think I have some kind of major issues going on with the way I am continually scratch.  Not doing too well with the scratching either, as I can't raise my ra stricken arms to do so!  Good thing I have a sense of humor.  Crippled and aggravated seems about right.  I see the rheumalogist on the 25th, and we'll see how that goes.  He'll probably tell me its a bug bite!!!    Anyway...I hope that your bumps and itchiness go away..and stay away.  It IS always something, isn't it

Lori

[Sooki]

I hear you, Elaine.  Depression is the worst of the bag.  AI is insidious in that there's never just one thing; the troubles come in groups.  And even the bundle of symptoms doesn't occur alone.  There's also the mixed bag of life's blessings and trials.   Be kind to yourself.  The ability to be compassionate begins with being compassionate with yourself and all the burdens you carry.

And don't knock vanity!  Sometimes there's no stronger motivator.

[Deb 27]

Have you tried changing the type of hair dye that you use??? There is one kind of hair dye that I can use and all the others itch and burn me within a few minutes of going on. I use Goldwell, nothing else agrees with my skin. Others will make me break out in bumps on my scalp. Just a thought.

I color my hair too, don't feel vain...... We gotta have something to hold onto!!! LOL.....