Join Today & Get 4% Cash Back Then 6, 7...Up to 10% Off Reorders!

May 25, 2009, 9:06 pm
Flag as Inappropriate MickeyT  

My brother-in-law has developed crusty sores on his scalp. They seem to start off as blisters or zits, and then form a hard, crusty sore that either bleed or are filled with clear pus when he picks at them. I told him he shouldn't pick at them, but he says he must pick at them in his sleep. He often awakens with dried blood on his fingers and spots on his pillow from picking on them. And he has bald patches on his scalp where some of them have healed. He has a low paying job and no health insurance, so going to a doctor is out of the question. Any ideas on what it may be or what he can do about them?

The types of sores that you mentioned could be caused by an infection of the skin, an allergic reaction, psoriasis and even adult acne. My mom has the same problem.

Her doctor told her to use T-Gel Shampoo. You can get this at Wal-mart or any local drug store. He should let the shampoo set on his head for a few minutes before washing it off. If after a few weeks of doing this every other day, he has not seen improvement; he really should go by an urgent care facility or emergency room.

Sometimes, even a local doctor will work with you; if you tell them you don't have insurance and just need a consult visit. I recommend following up with a doctor, because in some cases; skin cancer can manifest itself on the scalp.

I have a son with severe psoriasis. He uses the special shampoo and also something called Doak oil. The Doak oil works very well but makes your skin very sensitive to sunlight. If it is psoriasis though you would have thought that he would have known about that long ago.

I'm glad in Canada we automatically have basic health coverage through the government. It sounds to me like something a doctor should at the very least have a look at. Are there no programs available anywhere nearby where a doctor can at least give a quick diagnosis?