Could the itching, swelling, and sores on your scalp be lupus or medication side effects?
What you're experiencing could be related to discoid lupus, which commonly affects the scalp and can cause itchy, painful sores and swelling. A MyLupusTeam member shared a similar experience: "I have a sorelike itch on the lower part of Show Full Answer
Could the itching, swelling, and sores on your scalp be lupus or medication side effects?
What you're experiencing could be related to discoid lupus, which commonly affects the scalp and can cause itchy, painful sores and swelling. A MyLupusTeam member shared a similar experience: "I have a sorelike itch on the lower part of the back of my head."
The stinging from your prescribed solution and increased hair loss could be side effects of the medication, or it might indicate that the treatment isn't right for your specific situation. Some topical treatments can initially cause discomfort. One member noted that their prescribed solution "seems to work but leaves your hair looking a mess."
However, it's also possible that your symptoms are progressing despite treatment, as discoid lupus can cause scarring and hair loss on its own. What you can do:
Contact your dermatologist or rheumatologist right away to discuss:
* The stinging reaction and increased hair loss
* Whether a different topical treatment might work better
* Testing to confirm if discoid lupus is causing your symptoms
In the meantime, you can:
* Protect your scalp from sun exposure with a wide-brimmed hat, as sun can trigger lupus flares and worsen scalp symptoms
* Use gentle, fragrance-free shampoos without harsh chemicals
* Avoid tight hairstyles that create tension on your scalp
Don't continue using a medication that's causing severe discomfort without medical guidance. Your doctor may need to adjust your treatment plan to find something that relieves symptoms without causing additional problems.
March 8