[mollymum]

Just to add itchiness to injury I currently look like I have flipping chicken pox. One raised spot on my face is now a delightful symmetrical pattern of alternating itchy or bleeding spots developed over the last 3 weeks, with the ever present one right at the injury sight.

I have always been naughty at picking spots but this is horrible and pretty painful - like facial shingles. I have combined antibiotic hydrocortisone cream to keep the scratch/itch under control. Anyone else got facial spots since their tbi?

["Starr"]

Not facial spots, but I have an all over itchy rash (hasn't touched my face, head, neck or feet, but everywhere else!) that I developed a few weeks after my accident. I've had it about 12 - 13 weeks now.

The doctor is still undecided whether its related to my head injury or not... it seems so suspicious to me that I've never had anything like this until my injury, but whatever.

I've been to the allergist and was allergic to nothing... I'm still waiting to see the dermatologist (they are very busy) and my family doc has taken a biopsy which we're waiting on the results for.

My family doc calls it neurodermatitis, but everything I've read online doesn't fit my symptoms, so I don't know.

I'm currently on a month long course of prednisone (steroids) to help with the itching (I did 2 shorter courses already) The prednisone stops it from spreading and lets it start to heal... and gives my hands, wrists and arms a break from scratching (started to develop tendonitis!) It did not respond to any antihistamines, either over the counter or prescription and it did not respond to any of the prescription cortisone creams he prescribed. The prednisone is the only thing that's given me relief.

I keep mentioning hormonal imbalance to my family doc, but he doesn't feel that's a possibility, so I'm just toughing it out for now... waiting for the biopsy results and the referral to the dermatologist.

My doc also keeps pressuring me to try an antidepressant for the itching, but so far I've refused. I'm had very bad luck with antidepressants in the past and would like to avoid them.

In a couple weeks I have my first appointment at the brain injury rehab place and I fear they might prescribe me antidepressants and I guess I'll have to try them then... I just didn't want to get started on one and have to switch over either or something. I generally avoid drugs as much as possible.

Best of luck with your rash. What does your doc have to say about it?

Starr

[mollymum]

These extra strange symptoms are a nightmare - who would've thought a head injury would cause breakouts too. My doctor was more concerned with secondary infection than an explanation, hes been great but is just bemused. I get the itchy rash on my hands in the crease near my thumbs sometimes.
I already take a very high dose of sertraline anti-depressant and it really helps me stay calmer and more resigned about it all - but I still have hair trigger temper that was never there before.
Good luck with your next round of treatment x

[EsthersDoll]

I was getting a lot of hives after the injury and my Dr. figured out I was allergic to wheat. I was never allergic to wheat before the injury. I've also experienced an awful case of dry scalp which I've read that brain injuries and head injuries can cause.

Good luck with it!

["Starr"]

I was already gluten sensitive before my injury and have been gluten free for about 4 years now.

Its possible I developed a new sensitivity since the injury, but my doc is not very open to the possibility.

Finally have a dermatology appointment for September, so I just need ot keep managing the itchiness until then.

Starr