need some advice on an itchy scalp a

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had first chemo tratment a few weeks ago-hair falling out in bunches-had long thick blonde hair-but the itching is driving me crazy anything I can use at home to rub on my scalp? I had radiatin for 3 months and did loose some but this chemo now has taken the rest and really fast

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  • AWK
    AWK Member Posts: 364 Member
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    I used Johnsons Baby Shampoo

    So you still have hair?  The worst is before you lose it.  I cut mine short then ended up shaving my head which provided relief.  I used Johnsons Baby shampoo to massage my scalp daily even when bald at the recommendation of my onc nurses.  It really helped.  

    just remember, all of this is temporary.  Your hair will grown back.  Stay strong!

  • NoTimeForCancer
    NoTimeForCancer Member Posts: 3,369 Member
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    JackieZ, I remember that

    JackieZ, I remember that feeling too.  Is your remaining hair still long?  You may find that shaving it off, I am sorry but you are going to lose it, is a start.  We all approach this differently, I cried when it was shaved off but some ladies do it before their chemo to get it over with.  I eventually got to "it's just hair" but I had to get there.  I didn't need other people telling me that. 

    Even when I had it shaved and had a buzz, as it fell out, it itched like crazy.  I had a super soft cotton t-shirt turban wrapped around my head (the bottom 15 inches cut off a L or XL t-shirt).  I was at a bar with friends and didn't want to get hair everywhere and walked outside, took the t-shirt off, and GENTLY ran the t-shirt over my head (I found I could rub TOO hard) and shake out the t-shirt.  I eventually gave up and went in to the bar without the t-shirt which was shocking to everyone there. 

    I found that as I rubbed it did hurt so I just started to press down on my scalp.  It gets better but the itching is maddening. 

    I am sorry you have had to find us, but welcome, and please don't hesitate to ask us anything. 

  • It happened to Me
    It happened to Me Member Posts: 206 Member
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    Baby Shampoo

    I used baby shampoo as well.  I talked to a cashier at Sally's Beauty Supply for any shampoo that would work with hair loss from chemo.   She said she didn't know of anything but said that alot of people use baby shampoo.  So I started using baby shampoo the moment my hair started falling out and then until it had grown back to a good length.

    Best Wishes.

    Jeanette

  • ConnieSW
    ConnieSW Member Posts: 1,678 Member
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    Baby Shampoo

    I used baby shampoo as well.  I talked to a cashier at Sally's Beauty Supply for any shampoo that would work with hair loss from chemo.   She said she didn't know of anything but said that alot of people use baby shampoo.  So I started using baby shampoo the moment my hair started falling out and then until it had grown back to a good length.

    Best Wishes.

    Jeanette

    Scalp

    I did not have any soreness, itching or scalp sensitivity when my hair came out.  It was short and I combed several times a day so the process wasn't even very messy.  Hopefully it'll work that way for you, too.

    ill be thinking about you this week.

  • JackieZ
    JackieZ Member Posts: 20
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    AWK said:

    I used Johnsons Baby Shampoo

    So you still have hair?  The worst is before you lose it.  I cut mine short then ended up shaving my head which provided relief.  I used Johnsons Baby shampoo to massage my scalp daily even when bald at the recommendation of my onc nurses.  It really helped.  

    just remember, all of this is temporary.  Your hair will grown back.  Stay strong!

    itchy scalp

    Thank-you I will try that-cut the rest off this morning-dosn't itch that much anymore-guess thats what neede to be done.Smile

     

     

  • Ro10
    Ro10 Member Posts: 1,561 Member
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    ConnieSW said:

    Scalp

    I did not have any soreness, itching or scalp sensitivity when my hair came out.  It was short and I combed several times a day so the process wasn't even very messy.  Hopefully it'll work that way for you, too.

    ill be thinking about you this week.

    Jackie

    I used baby oil on my scalp to help with the burning and itching.  I also read that if you used a satin pillowcase it was easier on you scalp when you sleep.  I am not sure it helped, but I tried it anyway.  After a while the burning and itching does go away.

    Before all my hair fell out, I Would wear a ball cap and comb my hair every couple of hours.  I Would get a large amount of hair with each combing.  That way it was not falling all over the house.  It is emotional when you see all the hair that comes out when you shower.  

    good luck with the rest of your chemo treatments.  in peace and caring.

  • haddie55
    haddie55 Member Posts: 4 Member
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    Itchy Scalp

    Hi Jackie,

     

    I also had a very itchy scalp. I applied warm cloths that were soaked in white vinegar. Rash and itchiness were gone the next day.

    Hope this helps you as well. This is the first time I have replied to a message in 4 years. I had UPSC with 2 surgeries,chemo,radiation. 1 year later they thought it had metastasized to the breasts. I had a double biopsy and all was well.  Then they discovered a spot on the lung. I had a lung resection and it turned out to be a rare viral infection. So technically I am still NED. I go this week for my routine check up and feel I have been so very fortunate.Reading this discussion board has been very helpful and I feel quilty I have not participated with encouraging words or suggestions. Please forgive me. Hopefully, I can do better in the future.

     

    My prayers are constantly with all of you.

  • NoTimeForCancer
    NoTimeForCancer Member Posts: 3,369 Member
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    haddie55 said:

    Itchy Scalp

    Hi Jackie,

     

    I also had a very itchy scalp. I applied warm cloths that were soaked in white vinegar. Rash and itchiness were gone the next day.

    Hope this helps you as well. This is the first time I have replied to a message in 4 years. I had UPSC with 2 surgeries,chemo,radiation. 1 year later they thought it had metastasized to the breasts. I had a double biopsy and all was well.  Then they discovered a spot on the lung. I had a lung resection and it turned out to be a rare viral infection. So technically I am still NED. I go this week for my routine check up and feel I have been so very fortunate.Reading this discussion board has been very helpful and I feel quilty I have not participated with encouraging words or suggestions. Please forgive me. Hopefully, I can do better in the future.

     

    My prayers are constantly with all of you.

    haddie, please don't feel

    haddie, please don't feel guilty.  It is good to hear you are still around, even with your additional challenges with your breasts and lungs.  You can only do what you can do and sometimes "taking a break" is good for you too.

     

  • JackieZ
    JackieZ Member Posts: 20
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    JackieZ, I remember that

    JackieZ, I remember that feeling too.  Is your remaining hair still long?  You may find that shaving it off, I am sorry but you are going to lose it, is a start.  We all approach this differently, I cried when it was shaved off but some ladies do it before their chemo to get it over with.  I eventually got to "it's just hair" but I had to get there.  I didn't need other people telling me that. 

    Even when I had it shaved and had a buzz, as it fell out, it itched like crazy.  I had a super soft cotton t-shirt turban wrapped around my head (the bottom 15 inches cut off a L or XL t-shirt).  I was at a bar with friends and didn't want to get hair everywhere and walked outside, took the t-shirt off, and GENTLY ran the t-shirt over my head (I found I could rub TOO hard) and shake out the t-shirt.  I eventually gave up and went in to the bar without the t-shirt which was shocking to everyone there. 

    I found that as I rubbed it did hurt so I just started to press down on my scalp.  It gets better but the itching is maddening. 

    I am sorry you have had to find us, but welcome, and please don't hesitate to ask us anything. 

    Thank-you I did use the Baby

    Thank-you I did use the Baby shampoo-helped alot-then cut the remaining long hair off-the itchy is now gone and I thank-you for the advise and writing back to me!

     

  • AWK
    AWK Member Posts: 364 Member
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    JackieZ said:

    itchy scalp

    Thank-you I will try that-cut the rest off this morning-dosn't itch that much anymore-guess thats what neede to be done.Smile

     

     

    So glad you got some relief!

    Hang tough.  Any other questions ask away.  We are all here for each other.  Hugs Anne