Author Topic: Falling apart? UPDATE :) (Read 11499 times)

sweetasmeli · « **on:** April 08, 2007, 03:15:41 pm »

Since I got back from my travels 6 days ago, my scalp has got increasingly worse, to the point where I am always itching and scratching. Although it's quite therapeutic doing all the twiddling and scratching, all the flaky bits (sorry!) make me feel icky and the wearing of black tops is out of the window while I'm like this...

I’ve had this problem on and off for a few years (been hiv+ 7 years) and have used all sorts of shampoos, including anti-fungal stuff. I’ve been using a natural shampoo for dry scalp for a while but it doesn't seem to be making any difference now. I've just bought a different natural shampoo and am going to try alternating them, see if that helps.

My face has also exploded in dry red patches, especially around the hairline. This has been happening intermittently for over a year now. It's very bloody irritating, in both senses of the word!

I not long got over a bout of herpes (just before I came back here).

And I have to go see a cardiologist on Tuesday as I've been experiencing palpitations in my chest and dizzy spells ever since I got back. An ECG on Friday revealed that I have arrythmias (irregular heartbeat). Apparently (according to the docs here in Greekland) it’s quite common and is probably nothing to worry about but it has been recommended that a cardiologist check it out further.

And, for whatever reason, I'm going through a 'just feeling sad' phase. Anything and everything seems to bring a lump to my throat and make me well up at the drop of a hat. I also feel unsettled and restless all the time. I suddenly seem to have very limited energy and zero enthusiasm to do much except for sleep, tickle the cats or browse on here.

Last blood counts (March) were ok: Don't know viral load but CD4 = 370 (36%) and I felt fine. No meds.

What is beginning to get to me a bit is I don’t know how much of this stuff is hiv-related and/or how much of this stuff ‘just is’…and at the moment, it’s bugging me that any of it matters so much.

For someone who is normally very chilled, peppy and perky, all of this is a bit unnerving.

---BIG SIGH---

Melia

*edited to say: I almost deleted this post cos I kinda feel a bit not-ok that I'm moaning when I know there are so many others out there who are having it much worse. But I just needed a bit of a vent. Hoping this phase will pass soon, so then I'll shut up and get back to posting photos in OT (which incidently I've been doing as a bit of a distraction for myself, to be honest)...

puertorico2006 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 08, 2007, 03:19:21 pm »

awww i hope you start feeling better

-josh
(who knows all about dry scalp/dandruff)

Bucko · « **Reply #2 on:** April 08, 2007, 03:32:29 pm »

Melia-

Part of living with HIV is being unsure to what degree everything (from itchy scalp to fuzzy-headedness) is just a life thing or whether it's somehow either caused by or aggrivated by the virus. It's a bitch, and even the most sympathetic doctor won't always understand this.

Consider yourself hugged from Ft Lauderdale, darling. And get that ticker checked again...that concerns me.

Brent
(Who loves his lil Miss Mellie)

Nadine · « **Reply #3 on:** April 08, 2007, 03:41:39 pm »

Melia,

I sure hope you start feeling better!

[attachment deleted by admin]

Miss Philicia · « **Reply #4 on:** April 08, 2007, 03:42:53 pm »

I've had the same thing over the years Melia. Something like 85% of HIV infected individuals get seborrheic dermatitis. In my experience seborrheic dermatitis is simply a "catch all" phrase for the normally dormant bacterial crap that resides on everyones dead skin cells that become activated in individuals with a immune system suppression. I've been to countless dermatologists, even those with significant experience with HIV patients, and at least around 8 years ago they were all diagnosing it differently, but I think it's a bit more standard now at least from what I read. I gave up somewhat going to dermatologists about it and just have my ID doctor prescribe things, and have found Metrogel effective as well as something called Alclometasone Dipropionate Ointment. I only use these when my skin flares up because these ointments have an oily type base so you don't want to use it in the daytime when you're out in public (though they are clear) and when you use them at night you need to cover your pillows with a towel or you will ruin your bed linens.

Otherwise, as a preventive daily measure I really personally swear by a glycolic based facial cleanser, as it effectively removes a layer of dead skin cells thereby helping to prevent the activation of the bacteria. I think you'll also notice that skin problems are worse in the winter, when the air is dry and your skin flakes than it is in the summer when one's skin is more kept moist by the air's humidity, certainly if you live in a more humid area of the country. In my experience trying different glycolic products I've settled on Derma E's "Glycolic Facial Cleanser with Marine Plant Extracts" -- it's kind of pricey but it works so its worth it to me. It's hard to find so I end up ordering it from Amazon and just buy a few bottles at a time. I've used this product now for about five years, and considering it strips away skin cells it's really quite gentle. You can then follow it up with a moisturizer.

penguin · « **Reply #5 on:** April 08, 2007, 04:45:18 pm »

Falling apart, no…perhaps just a bit rundown, & in need of a hug?

Skin, hair etc - kinda like a canvas for what's going on inside, physically & emotionally…so with the combination of herpes flare up, crappy plane air, jet lag, and all the emotional ups & downs of the past few weeks ..

As well as the suggestions philly made, you could try increasing your intake of essential fats, like oily fish, avocados, hemp/flax oil & seeds - these help reduce inflammation & increase natural oil production.
A diluted tea tree oil mix, applied directly might help calm down the itching on your scalp - & things like almond, neem, or echium oil might help soothe and moisturise. Hydrocortisone ointment also good when nothing else is working.
T-Gel shampoo (Neutrogena) which is coal tar based, is worth having a bottle of - and anything with oats is also good for sore, itchy skin. Aveda, & neil's yard do some amazing products too, but I guess you can't really get those…will have to send you a care package

Arrhythmia, the funny palpitations etc, that must really be worrying for you. It is quite a common thing - something like 700,000 people walking round the uk with some form of irregular heartbeat, apparently..? As mr greek, MD says, it is probably something to just be aware of & monitor - but good to get it checked out by a specialist to hopefully put your mind at ease. Let us know how it goes on tuesday?

big hug - kate x

zeb · « **Reply #6 on:** April 08, 2007, 04:52:07 pm »

Hi Melia,

The arrythmias i had before i was poz. Now i don't have them anymore. At that time it was the result of stress and bad sleep. So perhaps a result because of your worries?

Well bug hug and take care!
Zeb

sweetasmeli · « **Reply #7 on:** April 08, 2007, 04:57:40 pm »

Quote from: penguin on April 08, 2007, 04:45:18 pm

Falling apart, no…perhaps just a bit rundown, & in need of a hug?

Hmm, sounds about right.
How strange, I was posting in your thread Kate and had no idea you were posting in mine!
Thanks for the advice and hug.

And thanks everyone else for you kind wishes and hugs, and Philly for your advice too.

Guess I'm just having a wobble...

Melia

Moffie65 · « **Reply #8 on:** April 08, 2007, 05:00:45 pm »

Melia,

Bucko hit it on the head. I wash my hair every day, as well as shower, and do so with medicated soap which in the U.S. is now perscription only. I am sure where you live in Greece, that you could find something strong enough to deal with the hair sores. Guess what, since becomming infected in '83, I have had the same thing on my scalp, and my butt for the whole of the 24 years. I keep it in check by keeping my hair short, and washing with medicated soap twice to three times a week. Otherwise I wash the hair daily. Unfortunately, this is one that seldom is talked about and few ID doctors ever mention. Thus the need for this place.

Love,

DanielMark · « **Reply #9 on:** April 08, 2007, 05:07:23 pm »

If it's Seborrheic Dermatitis that's causing you the scalp and skin problems Melia, you may want to check out this site:

http://www.aad.org/public/Publications/pamphlets/SeborrheicDermatitis.htm

What is seborrheic dermatitis?
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin disorder that can be easily treated. This condition is a red, scaly, itchy rash most commonly seen on the scalp, sides of the nose, eyebrows, eyelids, skin behind the ears, and middle of the chest. Other areas, such as the navel (belly button), buttocks, skin folds under the arms, axillary regions, breasts, and groin, may also be involved.

Are dandruff, seborrhea and seborrheic dermatitis the same?
Dandruff appears as scaling on the scalp without redness. Seborrhea is excessive oiliness of the skin, especially of the scalp and face, without redness or scaling. Patients with seborrhea may later develop seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis has both redness and scaling.

Who gets seborrheic dermatitis?
This condition is most common in three age groups — infancy when it’s called “cradle cap,” middle age, and the elderly. Cradle cap usually clears without treatment by age 8 to 12 months. In some infants, seborrheic dermatitis may develop only in the diaper area where it could be confused with other forms of diaper rash. When seborrheic dermatitis develops at other ages it can come and go. Seborrheic dermatitis may be seasonally aggravated particularly in northern climates; it is common in people with oily skin or hair, and may be seen with acne or psoriasis. A yeast-like organism may be involved in causing seborrheic dermatitis.

Is this condition associated with other diseases?
Seborrheic dermatitis may occur in patients with diseases of the nervous system, such as Parkinson’s disease. Patients recovering from stressful medical conditions, such as a heart attack, may also develop this problem. People in hospitals or nursing homes and THOSE WITH IMMUNE SYSTEM DISORDERS APPEAR TO BE MORE PRONE TO THIS DISORDER AS WELL.

When my immunity was lower, I used to get Seborrheic Dermatitis along the front hair line and sides of my nose mosty. I was prescribed Nizoral (Ketoconazole) cream and it really helped.

Daniel

ndrew · « **Reply #10 on:** April 08, 2007, 07:33:17 pm »

Melia Sweetness!

There must be something about traveling, since I have been back from my trip, my upper lip became a nest of herpes and I have the dry scaly thing on my arms as well (and I have been emotional). Must be stress/hard on the body/tryin' to settle back into home life... I was using an organic lavender body oil, but I wonder if moisturizing makes it worse (if it is some kind of living yeasty/bacterial thingy)? Anyone have thoughts?

Anyway, I am glad U R expressin' yer feelins' and am wishin' U the best and sending lots of luv and hugs!

Drew

sweetasmeli · « **Reply #11 on:** April 09, 2007, 02:38:02 am »

Thanks Tim, Daniel, Drew.

I was under the impression that it wasnt good to wash your hair everyday. Heard it strips it of oils or something? Or is that a myth? Or does oil-stripping help with this particular problem?

Since checking out the links and googling seborrheic dermatitis, am beginning to understand why I always seem to have dryness behind my ears and around my nose now too.

Fuzzyheaded this morning from crying buckets last night...

Melia

SASA39 · « **Reply #12 on:** April 09, 2007, 05:19:00 am »

Since Oct my whole skin has changed..........occasionaly red patches , dandruff on scalp and eyebrows , phantom rash that last just for day or two and make me look loke a looney-tooney in front of my doc..............
I do not know is it a result from a drugs or from HIV itself.Bit I `ve heard that there is something called TNF ( tumor necrosis factor) and that a TNF is rensponsible for life-span of a single cell.In order to restore your immune system TNF has to work harder and to to eliminate all unnecessary cells from your body.............and a whole bunch of skin problems are related to this subject.Considering medications otehr members gave to you some really good piece of advice................nothing to add ...........just those wewre my 2 cents................
Bye girl, and know that I`m as Serbian a great admirer of a Greek culture , sandy beaches , history , tzaziki , souvlaki , gyros , pita , peponia , ......, Metaxa ( with lots of lemon , ice and lime ................) , you name it .........
My ideal of happynes : lying on your back on the Greek sandy beach ,on a summer night evening , with a bonfire near you , with a glass of wine in your hands , just starring into a night sky .....................
Al

sweetasmeli · « **Reply #13 on:** April 09, 2007, 05:30:12 am »

Quote from: SASA39 on April 09, 2007, 05:19:00 am

Bye girl, and know that I`m as Serbian a great admirer of a Greek culture , sandy beaches , history , tzaziki , souvlaki , gyros , pita , peponia , ......, Metaxa ( with lots of lemon , ice and lime ................) , you name it .........
My ideal of happynes : lying on your back on the Greek sandy beach ,on a summer night evening , with a bonfire near you , with a glass of wine in your hands , just starring into a night sky .....................

This made me smile, thanks Al.

Summer is indeed just around the corner. I can smell it in the air...

Melia
(who has just washed her hair again on the advice of folk here

)

sweetasmeli · « **Reply #14 on:** April 10, 2007, 10:58:40 am »

Well good news. Apparently I have a heart. Oops, sorry...I have a good heart.

Visit with cardiologist this morning went well. Had ultrasound and another ECG. Doc said my heart/chest is just fine and dandy (and I'm quite sure it's not just cos he got a peek at my breast!

).

Reckons the palpitations I'm having are down to the overexertion from travelling so much lately. He reckons cos I'm normally so laid back and chilled (I think he meant lazy...cheeky bugger!

) that suddenly upping and offing all over the place took its toll on my body. In other words my heart kinda went "WTF???" when I started getting all active all of a sudden...

So in a nutshell, I blame Mr JK for physically forcing me to drink martinis and stay up every night, playing with ferrets and talking till sunrise. I request he receive a warning/TO for his wicked wicked influence or, at the very least, a spanking from Mr Horn.

Botom line is I have 3 choices:
1) Get my lazy tushy moving more so my body's better prepared for my travels
2) Do nothing and just cope with the palpitations as and when they occur
or
3) take betablockers to control the attacks when they happen.

I have opted for Door Numero Uno. Once I work out how to post videos, you may get treated to clips of me and the cats doing our yoga together!

I have to go back Friday to have a box thingy fitted to monitor my heart for 24 hours. But its just so he can see exactly how often my 'flutters' et al are occurring.

I'm still itchy and scratchy but am glad to report that my sad mood is lifting. In big part thanks to some of the giggles that took place right here on OT last night. So thanks guys & gals for that! I'm guessing my blues have primarily been down to overtiredness, concerns about my ticker, post-holiday blues and, well, missing a certain lovely cheeky monkey in Atl.

So, anyway keeping on keeping on...
Thanks for all your advice, well wishes and pms.

Melia

thunter34 · « **Reply #15 on:** April 10, 2007, 11:04:39 am »

The fact that you have a good heart comes as no suprise to anyone on AM, Melia.

Best of luck with al lof this.

AlanBama · « **Reply #16 on:** April 10, 2007, 11:04:46 am »

Hi honey, I'm glad your heart is o.k.!

hugs,

Alan

aupointillimite · « **Reply #17 on:** April 10, 2007, 11:26:11 am »

I'm very, very happy to hear that your heart is 1) there, and 2) doing what it should.

I don't know if you walk or anything... but I walks and travels a lot... walking is great in that it's not heavy duty... but about twenty minutes a day will do ya.

I hope your ticker gets its ass... or ventricles, as it were... in gear soon!

penguin · « **Reply #18 on:** April 10, 2007, 12:30:23 pm »

glad all is well, melia - must have been a big relief for you to hear that news.

you could make one of those exercise videos? "Yoga With Cats - Get Fit The Feline Way" - get yrself down the beach, nice Greek sunset in the background.. mini cat yoga mats, put some little sweatbands, maybe some leggings on them... GMTV, they'd love it, trust me

kate

Christine · « **Reply #19 on:** April 10, 2007, 12:31:59 pm »

We knew your heart was perfect!

Have you had your thyroid checked recently? Some of the symptoms you described could be related to a thyroid imbalance.

Take Al's advise, go sit on a wonderful beach, take a picnic lunch and relax in the beautiful sunshine!

Christine

sweetasmeli · « **Reply #20 on:** April 10, 2007, 01:09:23 pm »

Thanks guys and gals!

It is indeed a relief. Am not a worrier by nature but this one had me hopping about a little...

LOL @

Quote from: penguin on April 10, 2007, 12:30:23 pm

you could make one of those exercise videos? "Yoga With Cats - Get Fit The Feline Way" - get yrself down the beach, nice Greek sunset in the background.. mini cat yoga mats, put some little sweatbands, maybe some leggings on them... GMTV, they'd love it, trust me

Hmmm, now you got me thinking girlie...

Christine: I had a full blood check last week too. Thyroid is fine

Cholestoral is a teensy bit higher than it should be but nothing to cause concern. Will just start controlling the chocolate binges better!

From tomorrow I'll be taking the advice of our Benj and getting my tushy out walking each day...

Many hugs
Melia

(who is currently jigging about to Abba

)

ndrew · « **Reply #21 on:** April 10, 2007, 05:47:35 pm »

Hi Melia,

Glad to hear ur feelin' better. I sometimes get hear palpitations from stress. Keep on dancin'!

Luv,
Drew

BobF · « **Reply #22 on:** April 10, 2007, 07:45:56 pm »

Hi everyone. These posts were helpful ... I've been having the same skin problem, mostly my eyebrows, along my nose, and in my goatee (which was having way too much flaking). The ketoconazole prescription cream helps, but it's back a couple of days after I stop using it

I had a separate red, flaky thing happening on my leg, but that required a different steroid cream naturally. LOL.

northernguy · « **Reply #23 on:** April 10, 2007, 08:08:25 pm »

Quote from: DanielMark on April 08, 2007, 05:07:23 pm

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin disorder that can be easily treated. This condition is a red, scaly, itchy rash most commonly seen on the scalp, sides of the nose, eyebrows, eyelids, skin behind the ears, and middle of the chest.
Daniel

Easily treated? Not on my scalp it hasn't been. If I rub my head I become a human snowglobe

Melia, whatever you do, don't scratch! I am in the the throes of my second scalp infection from scratching my dry scalp. Something nasty has invaded the abrasions created when I scratch, leaving a big, painful, pus-filled bump.

I've had seb derm in the other spots too, with more successful treatment. For my trunk my derm prescribed betamethasone valerate, which brought in under control. This steroid is too strong for the face, so I was given Elidel (pimecrolimus) which worked like a charm. Elidel comes with a list of some pretty scary side-effects, but my HIV-experienced derm said not too worry if it used sparingly.

HIVworker · « **Reply #24 on:** April 10, 2007, 09:26:04 pm »

Is it Seb Derma that you have? If not, a close friend suffers from an itchy/burny scalp and I know they have tried a bunch of shampoos. If you like I can get the name of the one they like the most. It's a bit expensive, but she swears by it.

Let me know. It's a natural product (and therefore expensive).

R

sweetasmeli · « **Reply #25 on:** April 11, 2007, 07:35:24 am »

Quote from: northernguy on April 10, 2007, 08:08:25 pm

Melia, whatever you do, don't scratch!

But it's impossible not to! Actually, its more of a 'pick pick picking' than scratching...
Maybe I should strap mittens or oven gloves to my hands...?

Quote from: HIVworker on April 10, 2007, 09:26:04 pm

Is it Seb Derma that you have?

I'm not sure to be honest. I went to a dermatologist here in Greece last year and he said it was 'fungal' and prescribed some shampoo that didn't really do much (possibly Fungoral?). To be honest though, the Greeks seem obsessed with the word 'fungal'. Every skin condition that crops up seems to be linked somehow to fungus, according to locals and doctors. Dunno about that...

I've been using a natural shampoo by Korres and have just started interchanging it with a Propoline shampoo (also natural). I'll see how that works out over the coming weeks...

But Rich, still let me know the name of the product your friend uses. Thanks in advance.

Melia The Itchy

*edited to add: As for the palpitation thingy, I'll see what comes of this 24 hour monitoring on Friday. But I've also emailed my UK hiv consultant to arrange a consultation with a cardiologist when I'm next back in the UK (June). Just to be sure to be sure, ya knows..

HIVworker · « **Reply #26 on:** April 11, 2007, 10:36:26 pm »

Dear Itchy,

She uses a product with no sodium lauryl sulphate in it. I forget the brand name, but it is SLS that you want to avoid.

Rich

sweetasmeli · « **Reply #27 on:** April 12, 2007, 05:35:56 am »

Quote from: HIVworker on April 11, 2007, 10:36:26 pm

Dear Itchy,

Funny!

Quote from: HIVworker on April 11, 2007, 10:36:26 pm

She uses a product with no sodium lauryl sulphate in it. I forget the brand name, but it is SLS that you want to avoid.

Oh. Bugger. Both the 'natural' shampoos I am currently using contain SLS. And it's the 2nd listed ingredient on both, which means (I think I'm correct in this assumption) that it's the 2nd main ingredient included.

Again. Bugger.

I will have to start rummaging around online. Meanwhile, if you happen to find out the brand your friend uses Rich, please can you drop me a pm. Muchas gracias!

Miss Itchy

frenchpat · « **Reply #28 on:** April 12, 2007, 05:44:10 am »

Miss Itchy 2007,

Weleda has a shampoo and a lotion that are free of sodium laurel sulfate and contain rosemary, a known essential oil for treating dry scalp, dandruff and the like. Worth a try? (the packaging doesn't look quite as fashionable as Korres... I miss that little boutique in Athens...)

hope this helps

Pat

sweetasmeli · « **Reply #29 on:** April 12, 2007, 05:53:05 am »

Quote from: frenchpat on April 12, 2007, 05:44:10 am

Miss Itchy 2007,

Again. Funny!

Quote from: frenchpat on April 12, 2007, 05:44:10 am

Weleda has a shampoo and a lotion that are free of sodium laurel sulfate and contain rosemary, a known essential oil for treating dry scalp, dandruff and the like. Worth a try?

Am googling as I type...merci beaucoup cheri!

Quote from: frenchpat on April 12, 2007, 05:44:10 am

(the packaging doesn't look quite as fashionable as Korres...

At this moment in time I wouldn't care less if they sold it in plastic bags! If it works I'll take it!

Miss Itchy 2007

(who would like to start by thanking her family and friends for supporting her through her itchiness...and resolves to dedicating the following year to forum peace and non-itchiness of scalps et al)

Ann · « **Reply #30 on:** April 12, 2007, 05:57:29 am »

Hi Melia,

When you're rummaging, try rummaging in the "homemade shampoo" bin. You'll find cheaper alternatives to expensive "natural" shampoos.

Ann

sweetasmeli · « **Reply #31 on:** April 12, 2007, 06:06:56 am »

Quote from: Ann on April 12, 2007, 05:57:29 am

When you're rummaging, try rummaging in the "homemade shampoo" bin. You'll find cheaper alternatives to expensive "natural" shampoos.

Oooo good thinking Batwoman...will do!

Am off to my organic shop tomorrow morning, so I'll peruse their shampoo ingredients there too...

Melia

(who senses hope on the Greek horizon)

penguin · « **Reply #32 on:** April 12, 2007, 08:07:53 am »

ms itchy -

some sls-free shampoos for you to peruse... here
I use the Green People products, definitely notice my skin and scalp less reactive.

aloe vera, at least 30% strength applied directly, is very good for reducing scaling and itching - as good as a mild corticosteroid in studies.

kate

sweetasmeli · « **Reply #33 on:** April 13, 2007, 04:42:58 am »

Hallo peeps!

Am now fitted out with heart-monitoring box thingy strapped around my waist (tres sexy!

). Will wear it for 24 hours and get results tomorrow morning. So watch this space.

Also, found some tea tree shampoo in the petite organic shop in town. No SLS. So will give that a try for a couple of weeks, see if it helps...

Will keep y'all posted!

Miss Itchy Palpitations Person

*edited (after about 50 failed attempts thanks to stupid computer keep updating!) to add: My mood is ten-fold better than last week, as in no longer have strong urge to flush head down toilet...

frenchpat · « **Reply #34 on:** April 13, 2007, 05:23:50 am »

Miss Itchy 2007 international,

be careful, you might develop a taste for straps and other bounding devices...

Tea tree oil is all fungi's nemesis. I use it everytime I go to the gym after taking a shower, so as to avoid athlete's foot, something rampant (as in literally crawling) in such places. Hope it scares the micellium out of your hair.

as for beep-beep... I hope your heart is so good you can outrun this one:

bisou

Pat

sweetasmeli · « **Reply #35 on:** April 14, 2007, 08:04:41 am »

Good news. Heart is fine. Do have arrythmias but nothing out of the ordinary or alarming. Doc said if it starts to feel any worse, go back and see him. Otherwise, it's business as usual.

I will go see a cardiologist when I'm back in the UK next - am not worried - just always think a second opinion can never hurt and it will give me total peace of mind about it.

As for itching and scratching, will see how the tea tree stuff pans out over next few weeks.

Thanks for all the advice, kind words and giggles.

Incidently, if I'm not around so much for a while, it's cos I'm off doing stuff...

Bye de bye for now folks!

Melia

keyite · « **Reply #36 on:** May 02, 2007, 12:49:57 pm »

Quote from: penguin on April 12, 2007, 08:07:53 am

ms itchy -

some sls-free shampoos for you to peruse... here
I use the Green People products, definitely notice my skin and scalp less reactive.

aloe vera, at least 30% strength applied directly, is very good for reducing scaling and itching - as good as a mild corticosteroid in studies.

kate

Dear Kate (and others),

When I first read your warnings about SLS I was sceptical but I was also getting desperate for anything that might help my scalp and skin. I have had major problems with both ever since I seroconverted. So I went out and bought some Green People shampoo and shower gel. Wow! Within a couple of days the itch in my scalp faded away and I haven't had any new sores appearing in the scalp since. Pimples on other parts of the body have diminished a fair bit but there's still a bit of way to go - but then it's still early days.

I've even ditched the Nizoral shampoo my doc gave me to help control the scalp problems. Partly because I obviously don't need it anymore, and partly because - surprise, surprise

- it contains sodium lauryl ether sulphate (SLES). It probably made things worse, rather than better.

My next step will be to eliminate SLS/SLES from all other products I use, i.e. soap, toothpaste, etc.

Thank you SO MUCH for this advice!

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Author Topic: Falling apart? UPDATE :) (Read 11499 times)

BobF