itching scalp

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Permalink Reply by Kath Hope on December 1, 2011 at 21:08

Sorry to hear this Tony - very frustrating for you.  Which mask do you use, and could it be an allergy to the material itself or whatever you're washing it with?

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Permalink Reply by diane lester on December 1, 2011 at 21:40

i'd say wash it often with a non bio powder or just normal soap.    if its making you sweat make sure your bedroom is cool at night.

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Permalink Reply by Rosemary Kemp on December 1, 2011 at 22:12

I would usually recommend the special moisturising cream that Kath sells on Hope2sleep. I use it religiously myself and have never developed a rash although I do still get marks. The strap covers annoy me personally but one has to try everything.

It may not be a simple matter of using the special moisturiser of course but we know that this cream doesn't damage the mask. It must create a barrier as well so I would want to use loads of it. You would be best to try it on a small area first in case you are allergic to it. You could be having this difficulty because of an allergic response and a new cream may give you a similar problem of course.

If a small test area seems to be ok, then you could use it more widely. You may wish to see your GP before you do anything though if the rash is really bad. It could be caused by something completely different to the cpap equipment and just be being exaccerbated by the mask and straps etc..

Hope this is helpful but remember that this is advice from a lay person / fellow cpap user / first aider and may not be what your GP or hospital would recommend.

Rosemary    

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Permalink Reply by Isla Deuchar on December 1, 2011 at 22:20

Hi Tony,

When you say the strap covers do not match up with the irritations, do you think it is maybe the mask that is causing it.  If you think it is only dryness and not an allergy I would use doublebase gel for it, but if it is an allergy to the mask,  the company that provides the machine can either adjust your mask as needed, or provide a new face piece that might be able to alleviate your symptoms. It is possible that you do have a minor allergy to the plastic that is used so maybe check with the doctor that is managing your care.  I hope this is of some help, I myself Tony have not started using the CPAP machine (I do not get it until the 7th Dec) but I do work with CPAP/BIPAP at my work and am just thinking of what I would do if someone had a problem such as yours.

Cheers,

Isla

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Permalink Reply by Terry Vella on December 1, 2011 at 22:45

Tony, I make my own mask liners out of a cotton/poly or cotton/lycra blend and then use the leftover material as cover where the straps leave masks and also use a piece on the headrest, I also use some moisturising cream in the morning after I have a shower and shave.

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Permalink Reply by Caveman on December 2, 2011 at 0:21

I have a similar problem but in my case it's an itchy area under my hair at the left base of my skull where the strap passes around the back of my head.

My GP prescribed BETNOVATE fluid which is amazing - a couple of daily applications and the problem can vanish for up to a month but it is only a remedy, not a cure. A short description -

 

"Betnovate cream, ointment and lotion all  contain the active ingredient betamethasone, which is a type of medicine called a topical corticosteroid.

Corticosteroids are medicines used for reducing inflammation. Inflammation of the skin happens as a result of allergy or  irritation of the skin, and is caused by the release of various substances that are important in the immune system. These substances cause blood vessels to widen and result in the irritated area becoming red, swollen, itchy and painful, such as is seen in dermatitis or eczema.

When betamethasone is applied to the skin it works by acting inside the cells to decrease the release of these inflammatory substances. This reduces swelling, redness and itch. "

And oh boy, does it - relief is practically instant and long-lasting.

 

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Permalink Reply by Kath Hope on December 2, 2011 at 0:28

Good idea Caveman.  Should have thought of this myself as my daughter uses it for her eczema and it works a treat for more things than this.  Don't think it should be used at the same time as the mask though, but applying it in the morning and throughout the day should help Tony.

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Permalink Reply by Tigers Fan on December 2, 2011 at 7:55

Beware long term use of Betnovate! Miracle in the short term, thinned skin in the long.

Itchy scalp: there is something in Resmed headgear (and maybe others but I have no experience) that "comes out" after a few months wear - about twelve for me. As soon as a headgear gets over twelve months old, I increasingly get itchy patches on my scalp. A new hedgear reduces the itchiness but after a couple of go-rounds I found Head and Shoulders Itchy Scalp shampoo and conditioner, which takes care of whatever was causing the problem. It gives a few days of tingling sensation while it treats the itchy patches - now, the tingling tells me another year has passed and I need a new headgear!

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Permalink Reply by Kath Hope on December 2, 2011 at 10:52

Good point TF about the Betnovate thinning the skin!  It's a prescription-only item and, thinking about it, my daughter was told not to put that on her face and was prescribed Eumovate for that instead.  Like Caveman did, best to see your GP for advice.

Most people find the CPAP Moisture Therapy Cream which Rosemary mentioned of real benefit, and this can be used with the masks.  Our local hospital calls it the 'magic cream.'

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Permalink Reply by Julie on December 2, 2011 at 13:18

Hi Tony

 

In the past I've suffered with a very ichy rash at the base of my scalp although this was before using CPAP.  I have put it down to tilting my head back while sleeping (probably to breath) which caused the base of my scalp to sweat and become red and frustratingly itchy.    You haven't said if the rash you have is itchy.   My hairdresser recommended Philip Kingsley Scalp Tonic which I used sometimes during the night and it gave me huge relief and best of all you can use it as often as you like.   They are selling small bottles for £5.85 with free delivery so it's not costing much to try it out.   http://www.feelunique.com/brands/philip-kingsley/tonics   I have never used this site before but Norton Internet security says it's a safe site. 

I can say that I have used betnovate for years as I too suffer from eczema but only on my hands and feet and I only apply the cream when absolutely necessary.

Hope this helps.

 

Julie

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Permalink Reply by Tony Westcott on December 4, 2011 at 19:49

Thank you for a useful variety of solutions.

There would appear to be several quite valid suggestions for my problem and I intend to try out a couple forthwith.

Thank you all once again

Tony 

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Permalink Reply by Kath Hope on December 4, 2011 at 20:44

On behalf of us all I say it's our pleasure, and do let us know how you get on Tony.  Good luck...

Tony Westcott said:

Thank you for a useful variety of solutions.

There would appear to be several quite valid suggestions for my problem and I intend to try out a couple forthwith.

Thank you all once again

Tony 

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