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Itching And Burning Scalp. On Coumadin. What Could Be Causing This?
Brief Answer:
Scalp itch is due to Coumadin
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
The symptoms of itching and burning scalp (mostly in the back) might be due to intake of Coumadin (warfarin). It is a known side effect of the medication and is seen in some patients who are prescribed Coumadin and needs to be discussed with your doctor and consult a dermatologist for prescription of medicated shampoo.
Since your condition requires you to be on Coumadin for sometime, I would like to make you aware of the more common serious side effects on the medication.
1. Hemorrhage
The only common side-effect of warfarin is hemorrhage (bleeding). Risk of bleeding is augmented if the INR is out of range (due to accidental or deliberate overdose or due to interactions), and may cause hemoptysis (coughing up blood), excessive bruising, bleeding from nose or gums, or blood in urine or stool.
The risks of bleeding is increased when warfarin is combined with antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel, aspirin, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
2. Death of skin tissue (skin necrosis or gangrene)
This can happen soon after starting COUMADIN. It happens because blood clots form and block blood flow to an area of your body. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have pain, color, or temperature change to any area of your body. You may need medical care right away to prevent death or loss (amputation) of your affected body part.
3. Purple toes syndrome
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have pain in your toes and they look purple in color or dark in color.
I hope this helps.
Do write back in case of doubts.
Dr.A.Rao Kavoor
Scalp itch is due to Coumadin
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
The symptoms of itching and burning scalp (mostly in the back) might be due to intake of Coumadin (warfarin). It is a known side effect of the medication and is seen in some patients who are prescribed Coumadin and needs to be discussed with your doctor and consult a dermatologist for prescription of medicated shampoo.
Since your condition requires you to be on Coumadin for sometime, I would like to make you aware of the more common serious side effects on the medication.
1. Hemorrhage
The only common side-effect of warfarin is hemorrhage (bleeding). Risk of bleeding is augmented if the INR is out of range (due to accidental or deliberate overdose or due to interactions), and may cause hemoptysis (coughing up blood), excessive bruising, bleeding from nose or gums, or blood in urine or stool.
The risks of bleeding is increased when warfarin is combined with antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel, aspirin, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
2. Death of skin tissue (skin necrosis or gangrene)
This can happen soon after starting COUMADIN. It happens because blood clots form and block blood flow to an area of your body. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have pain, color, or temperature change to any area of your body. You may need medical care right away to prevent death or loss (amputation) of your affected body part.
3. Purple toes syndrome
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have pain in your toes and they look purple in color or dark in color.
I hope this helps.
Do write back in case of doubts.
Dr.A.Rao Kavoor
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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