Addison's Disease Support Group

Addison's disease (also known as chronic adrenal insufficiency, or hypocortisolism) is a rare endocrine disorder. It is estimated that it affects about 1 to 2 in 100,000 people. It occurs when the adrenal glands, seated above the kidneys, fail to produce enough of the hormone cortisol and, sometimes, the hormone aldosterone

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Dry ,itchy scalp from hydrocortisone?

tammi69
tammi69
Hi all,

I am experiencing a very dry, itchy scalp that is driving me crazy.

I've been on 20 mg. of hydrocortisone for nine months now. I read side effects can be a itchy scalp. I've been diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency.

I have an appointment with my dermatologist tomorrow to see what she says. I'm also itchy all over.

Has anyone else experienced this as a side effect , if so what did you do?

I can't imagine being this itchy the rest of my life. It's very annoying and depressing.

I thought of taking Benadryl but can't imagine being on that during the day and at night I take Ambien because the steroids keep me up at night , and I'm not sure it would be safe to mix Ambien and Benadryl.

Thank you.
22Lynn
22Lynn
I've seen just a few people who have been allergic to a steroid. It sounds like that is what is happening to you. Definitely one for the doctor to figure out.
cowgirl918
cowgirl918
I'm itching for you. Try the oatmeal baths. They really help. I also used cool or ice packs and the Eucerin Lotion. I would get it checked out. Have never heard of it being that bad.
No hot showers. Good luck!
DawnMar
DawnMar
Has your blood sugar been checked since you started hydrcortisone?
tammi69
tammi69
Thank you all. I have tried Eucerin lotion to no avail.
I'm very itchy.
I went to my dermatologist on Monday. She put me on topical steroids. I can only take it for two weeks on my face. She also gave me a spray bottle of topical steroids for my scalp.
This has me very worried because I've been given oral steroids that I need to take for the rest of my life. Im only on 20 mg. I'm sure my endocrinologists is going to tell me to go down to 15 mg. I had zero energy on 15 mgs. I don't know how I would live my life on 15 mgs.
cookiennan
cookiennan
I had a very itchy scalp the months before I was diagnosed with Addison's. It went away weeks after I had been on hydrocortisone. It drove my friends crazy. It was horrible. I tried every shampoo and over the counter I saw. There was a clear liquid that started with an S that gave temporary relief. Sorry I can't remember the name but your pharmacist could. How late in the day are you taking hydrocortisone? I learned if I take it past 2 pm I couldn't sleep. Still have some bad nights but usually ok. If I miss the 2pm dose, I skip it so I can sleep. Hope you can get off Ambien cuz you really need that Benadryl. Good luck.