Bumps/sores in scalp

[keyite]

For a while now I seem to get these 'bumps' or sores in my scalp, particularly the sides and back of my head. Hurts as hell when I get my hair cropped at the barbers. Never used to have this problem.

Beginning to wonder if it is related to the virus? During my seroconversion illness four months back I had a very itchy scalp so I am wondering if it is related - does anyone know?

[angels4kelly]

I get these sores also and then I pick at them.
They turn to scabs and then I pick those.

I have no answers. My head is extremely itchy.
I wash my hair normally and I've even tried many different shampoos.

I haven't asked my ID doc about this yet, even though it's been going on for a pretty long time.
I am just afraid that I may be allergic to one of my meds and the combo that I am on now has been working so well for my virus.
I have been on this same combo for many months.

Peace

Kelly

[Poz Brit]

I have also been having this problem, and occasionally on my face and neck, I am not on meds yet.

John(UK)

[Lisa]

I would be inclined to ask the doc, as it may have nothing to do with your virus.
It may simply be sebhorrea, or eczema.

[carousel]

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[alive2]

i would like to add a bit in here..i have been diagnosised for over 3 yaers and went on meds right away(cd4 285)since i started them i have had numerous changes to my meds,and it seems the little sores in my scalp werent there before i started doing all these drugs,but since they are there i have used medicated shampoo from a dermitoligist,and they have since gone away.i feel its something that comes and goes offten,but if it were simply the drugs i feel they wouldnt go away at all,so i attribute mine to dermatology,as i may have had them before meds and really wasnt to noticing of them at the time,it is that after we get a hiv diagnosis we all become more aware of ourself and our bodies that we tend to knowtice small things much faster,in the idea we are staying in tune with our bodies.that being said i think sometimes we put unneeded stress on ourselves due to this outlook.ask to go to a dematologist before you worry yourself sick,hope this helps some.take care

[SirPrize]

As stated in other posts, I recommend you see your ID Doc or a Dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis.  I had something similar years ago and was diagnosed with Folliculitis, a bacterial infection in the hair follicles.  I can't remember how it was treated but you can get an Rx for anti-bacterial/fungal shampoos.  One of the better ones (gentler) is called Loprox.  This bothersome condition tends to plague those of us with compromised immune systems.  Here's a link you may find helpful.  Hope it clears soon.

http://health.yahoo.com/ency/healthwise/hw171614;_ylt=Agk9e.mrEGMuelbNB73OyAymxbAB

[keyite]

Thank you all - been driving me mad but now at least I know I'm not the only one - and that it probably is related - will bring it up with my doctor at next appointment...

[Morton Salt]

i HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM FOR AWHILE.  I SCRATCH AND PICK AND THE FLAKES PILE UP IN MY HAIR. THE ONLY THING THAT SEEMS TO WORK IS SHAVING MY HEAD.  aGAIN, I JUST SHAVED IT YESTERDAY AND THE BUMPS GO AWAY QUICKLY AND THE ITCH IS GONE.  SOMEHOW ITS RELATED TO HAIR.  MAYBY HAIR DYE?
~mORT

[keyite]

Just a follow-up on this. Got my HIV doc to look at my scalp and she determined it is folliculitis - apparently very common amongst HIV+ people. She gave me a shampoo called NIZORAL. I don't think it requires a prescription. On the package it says it is primarily used against dandruff but it has really worked for my bumps too. You basically use like a normal shampoo every 3-4 days to begin with and after 2-4 weeks that can be reduced to once a week. Increasingly I have also been getting red spots on my thighs and using it there too seems to have worked.

So pleased this has worked - it got me really down to feel 'marked' in this way.

[SteveRocNY]

I had a similar thing on my scalp all summer long, especially where the hair has thinned considerably. It was more like a sore, a scab that I kept picking at until it bled and then would come back.  I went to the dermo on SEpt. 22 and had a biopsy done on the little bugger.  He called a week later and told me it was a form of skin cancer called a squamous and that It had to be removed.  Coincidentally, I am having it removed today (Oct. 18). He also said that more than likely it is from sun exposure throughout the years, and that it is the second most common form of skin cancer. He is also aware of "my condition" and doesn't think that they're related, although I've heard (from a nurse friend) that people with compromised immune systems tend to be more susceptible to these.

If anyone is interested, i'll let you know how it goes. I'm a little anxiety ridden over this,but will be taking a xanax before the procedure to ease the angst.

[joemutt]

Same here. Tried nizoral, sebamed, selsun , didnt help,
I remember Bearcub (?) (  the one with the gentle paws)
recommended neutrogena shampoo with tar for a similar problem
(cannot buy that where I am though),
Be Well.