Sunday, 26 October 2008

Can Turmeric Cure my Scalp Folliculitis?

Itchy patches have developed on my scalp since last week, the type of itchy patches that precede the appearance of folliculitis. From what I can observe, there are one or two small spots appearing at those itchy patches. They are red, though not as angry red as they used to be before I started the second course of Roaccutane, and some of them have pus.

I don't believe my face or scalp has become any more greasy since last week which is intriguing.

I'm currently still on a pro-biotic capsule, one dose twice daily. Also just yesterday at lunch time, I started my first dose of turmeric. I'm taking 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder (the stuff you get at the supermarket) mixed with room temperature water in a mug, 3 times a day. I happened upon this ayurvedic treatment for folliculitis, boils and cysts as well as other non-skin related conditions as I was searching for natural remedies to alleviate and hopefully cure my chronic scalp folliculitis. It seems like there are many positive testimonials about this turmeric treatment, most sounding too good to be true where their condition would recede in a couple of days of starting the treatment, and not come back at all with a sustaining dose of turmeric each day. The potion looks like orange juice, but it's got a bitter taste, but I've had worse with Chinese herbal concoctions. This is quite mild in comparison and it has a pleasant aroma if you like your curries like I do.

Here's hoping this spice will be the wondrous cure for my scalp folliculitis because quite frankly, antibiotics and Roaccutane are not effective in curing my condition without repeat courses.

Sunday, 19 October 2008

Folliculitis Returns

I'm very disappointed that I've developed 3 spots of folliculitis over the past week. The first developed on the top right of my scalp. It was a below the surface type of acne which seemed to go away after a day. The second appeared on the right side of my scalp, just over my right ear. This one was a surface one, and it is still healing as I write. It's been about 3 days now for that one. The 3rd spot I noticed just this morning. It's a small one, appearing on the centre left side of my scalp.

My skin has also become considerably greasier since my last post 2 weeks ago. In particularly, my forehead and scalp are the most noticeable. When I cleanse my face with the mild cleansers I was using whilst on Roaccutane (Sebamed and Neutrogena Extra Gentle Cleanser), my face still feels slightly greasy as though it is not properly washed. Similarly, washing my hair and scalp with the Oatmeal Shampoo leaves my hair feeling and looking greasy. My scalp also feels irritated in certain areas.

Whilst the greasiness of my skin has not returned to it's pre-Roaccutane levels, I hate to ponder what the state of my scalp will be when it does. It's worrying.

Suffice to say, the probiotic supplements I've been taking once daily since I completed the Roaccutane course doesn't seem to be preventing the folliculitis from developing. Or perhaps it is, and if I hadn't taken it at all, the folliculitis may have returned with angry vengeance.

Overall, I am disappointed that only 4 weeks since finishing the 8-month course of Roaccutane, that the folliculitis has returned to my scalp. Perhaps it's time to visit my dermatologist again and see what the next steps are.

Monday, 6 October 2008

2 Weeks After Finishing Roaccutane

It's been just over 2 weeks since I finished my second course of Roaccutane and in general my scalp and skin condition has been stable. There hasn't been any violent flare-ups of folliculitis on my scalp nor has there been an increase in greasiness of my scalp or facial skin.

I did however notice what felt like a spot of folliculitis developing on the top of my scalp as I was washing my hair yesterday as the area was a little sensitive.

The dermatitis on the back of my hands seem to have almost gone with a few rough scales here and there but they're hardly noticeable. This is probably because the warm weather has come about and I've started to use cooler water to wash my hands and to shower.

I also noticed I don't have to put the extra layer of moisturiser on my face each night in order for my skin to not feel and look dry anymore. I do however still need to apply lip balm after meals as my lips do still get quite dry.

My nosebleeds have also ceased over the past week and a half which is fantastic, but I am still being very gentle with my nose, in that I'm not blowing it and trying my best not to sneeze where I can which is a challenge what with the perfect hayfever conditions recently.

What's been particularly interesting though is that I don't feel depressed anymore. I don't feel like normal daily activities or work are a challenge that required a lot of emotional and physical energy to get done like I did towards the end of my Roaccutane course. Could it really have been the Roaccutane causing my depressed feelings?