Itchy scalp no physical symptoms making my life hell

[emma23737]

My issue dates back 7 years where I had an intensely itchy scalp like a crawling sensation for a month. It has since come back for 2 weeks at a time then disappears. Until last year when it came back April 2017 it has gone for 2 months then has been there pretty much for a year. It is an unbearable need to scratch it and is like a crawling sensation all over my head. I have been back and forth to a gp who has prescribed strong antihistamines, steroid cream and after blood tests my b12 was very low however after injections monthly the itch didn’t go away.

After losing faith in my gp I saw 2 trichologists who said they can’t see any physical symptoms so ruled out any dermatological causes. So my gp suggested it could be a nerve problem, nerves misfiring and causing the itch. After googling nerve damage can be a result of b12 deficiency. My doctor prescribed me Amitriptyline a 10mg dose however the itch persisted.

The itch is constant and making my life hell - I’ve forgotten what life was like without this problem and don’t want to live with it anymore.

Does it sound like it could be neuropathic itch? Something caused by my b12 and strangely just isolated to my scalp?

[Red_Star]

I had itchy skin from B12 deficiency but it was all over my body. My B12 deficiency was due to autoimmune pernicious anaemia. Most cases of B12 deficiency are due to malabsorption from low stomach acid to celiac disease. You want to find out why your B12 was so low. I have read an itchy scalp can be a symptom of celiac disease for instance. You may even need to try an elimination diet to rule out any food sensitivities. I had an insanely itch scalp for a month due to sugar withdrawal so I know how you feel. A very long month!

From B12 awareness - Causes of B12 deficiency:

"Decreased stomach acid
Atrophic gastritis
Autoimmune pernicious anemia
Helicobacter pylori
Gastrectomy, intestinal resection
Gastric bypass surgery
Malabsorption syndromes
Crohn’s disease
Celiac disease (gluten enteropathy)
Chronic pancreatitis
Bacterial overgrowth (small bowel)
Fish tapeworm
Alcoholism
Malnutrition—Eating disorders
Vegetarianism
Advanced liver disease
Transcobalamin II deficiency
Inborn errors of B12 metabolism
Certain drugs
Nitrous oxide"

[Tineacapitisbringsbugs]

Hello! I think I might know what you have, because it sounds like what I've been diagnosed with. (* I'm no doctor, no medical back ground) it took them many tests and six months to finally find out. I have a rare form of Tinea Capitas, (* adult scalp large ringworm. (* Not to be confused with regular ringworm. The kind  i have can become really serious) the regular scalp Fungus can be diagnosis with a culture. The rare form, that infects the INSIDE of the hair shaft, will show negative on the culture. It also doesn't have much rash or lesions. You need a special test to diagnose it. Infected hairs need to be examined by direct microscopic under 400 magnification with KOH solution. There lab is looking for Hyphae. To find infected hairs, go to itchy spot and pluck hairs. With a bright flashlight and magnifying glass, look for dots INSIDE the hair shaft, or barcode-like appearance. Also, look for tiny lint-appearing thingys on the hair. If you have this, you need oral antifungal meds ASAP, as well as topical. You won't notice a difference for a few weeks, so be patient. ALSO, research disinfectecting your environment, especially your bed linens, washer and dryer, car, clothes, pay close attention to towels. Contact with the hair, and dampness makes the fungus grow like crazy. Research natural antifungal remedies, for both inside and outside of the body. Don't give up! This CAN be beaten!