When my scalp was inflamed my dermatologist diagnosed me with Folliculitis and prescribed this little dabber like you use in bingo it's got liquid clindamycin solution in it and you dab your scalp. I used to pick and scratch all day whenever I was awake. Can you believe right now I have no sores on my scalp and it rarely itches now and my bald spot has about 2 inches of new hair. But PN might as well be folliculitis because that's were they are born.

Claire, all the season blue type shampoos made mine worse also. I found not shampooing my hair is better. When I do shampoo I keep away from scented shampoos. I will use unscented conditioner or a light conditioner so I can brush my hair easier. Stay hydrated and take something to sleep. I take advil PM. Doesnt make me groggy. Also. Night time inflammation is higher, so I make sure I take ibuprofen And I take time release tylenol. Walmart has a brand of liquid itch relief similar to benadryl. I find it works the best so far. It's not heavy on my scalp. Aspercreme works but can be heavy so I use a qtip. Bactine in the pump bottle has linacain, it has also been a great reliever of pain. I have a slew of medication and mediated shampoo. Clindamycin. Topical steroids. I've had injection steroids. It all made it worse. I tried acutain, which helped until it dried my skin and scalp out so much that it added to the problem. That's all I have atm. Sleep is the best healing along with no junk food and stay hydrated. I hope this helps. I do alot of head under the faucet with warm to hotish water to take the edge off

I use a dandruff shampoo on the two nodules on scalp.
If there's a flare up and they bother me I'll put a dab of that steroidal cream on, then again I'll spray a little liquid skin on a finger, and seal it so it doesn't rub off.
Seems to keep them at bay.

Pillow heat irritates my scalp. Especially in the nape ares.
Try using a shampoo with coal tar 2-3 a week and your favorite shampoo the other days. Wash your hair daily during a flare up. Avoid any hair products that contain alcohol. And use cool to warm heat if you blow dry.
Hope this helps!

Oh nooo… what’s the side effects you are having?