How To Get Rid Of Psoriasis This Summer: 5 Tips From Our Doctors
Do you suffer from psoriasis? Are you worried about how to look after your skin this summer? Then this is the guide for you!
For the two million people in the UK who have psoriasis, summer can be a challenging time.
While sunlight and humidity can keep the worst of their symptoms at bay, there are other aspects of summer than can cause psoriasis to flare up. We’ve teamed up with our smart network of doctors to help you manage your symptoms effectively.
It Can Affect The Scalp Hairline Forehead Back Of The Neck And Skin Around The Ears
Did You Know?
Symptoms may include fine scaling that looks like dandruff, or appear as thick, crusted plaques that cover the entire scalp. Other skin disorders, such as seborrheic dermatitis, may resemble psoriasis. However, scalp psoriasis appears powdery with a silvery sheen, while seborrheic dermatitis looks yellowish and greasy. Scalp psoriasis is common in patients of color, but treating it can be particularly tough due to the hair type.
Scalp psoriasis may be an indicator of psoriatic arthritis , as many people have both. If you think you have scalp psoriasis, see a dermatologist to diagnose scalp psoriasis and visit a rheumatologist to screen for psoriatic arthritis.
No matter how severe your scalp psoriasis is, there are options for treating the itching and flakes â from over-the-counter shampoos and topicals to light therapy, oral treatments and biologics.
A Flaking Scalp And Skin Are Some Of The Most Frustrating Symptoms Of Psoriasis And Psoriatic Arthritis Heres How To Stop Shedding
It can be enough of a challenge to deal with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis flare-ups the physical appearance and itchy discomfort of psoriasis plaques is upsetting and frustrating for patients. But when psoriasis plaques begin to build up and flake off the skin, leaving behind dandruff-like evidence of the condition on your clothes and surroundings, it can make things even worse. Many patients feel like flaking adds to the stigma they already experience, in part because it calls more attention to the disease from others.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes skin cell buildup that appears as red, scaly, itchy patches on your skin and scalp that can burn and sting. These plaques can also become so thick and dry that they start to flake off the skin in large, silver-toned scales. When it happens on your scalp, it can look like severe dandruff. Research shows that about half of psoriasis patients experience scalp psoriasis, though some estimates say that 90 percent of patients will deal with scalp psoriasis at some point. Sometimes psoriasis plaques on your body shed their scales, too. In one study, doctors rated flaking, along with itch, as one of the most physically bothersome symptoms in their psoriasis patients.
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Medications For Severe Scalp Psoriasis
If you have moderate to severe scalp psoriasis, your doctor may prescribe a drug you take by mouth or one that’s injected or pumped through a needle into a vein. Oral medications include:
- Corticosteroids
- A strong form of vitamin A called a derivative
- , a small molecule inhibitor taken twice daily
Since these medications can cause serious side effects, including liver damage, they require a doctorâs close eye. It’s also important to know that oral vitamin derivatives are different from — and more powerful than — vitamin supplements bought over the counter. Ordinary vitamin A and D supplements do not help.
The latest class of FDA-approved medications are called biologics. These drugs, which you get by injection or IV, may keep your skin from making too many cells. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 11 biologics may work:
Geranium Oil For Psoriasis
Geranium oil can improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and even work to relieve stress. It also promotes the growth and regeneration of healthy cells.
Dilute this oil well. You may experience minor side effects when applying this diluted oil to the skin. You should always do a patch test before application of any essential oil. Geranium oil commonly causes allergic or other skin reactions.
Geranium oil is known to slow or stop blood flow. Use caution if you have high blood pressure or youre at risk of cardiovascular diseases.
For skin issues ranging from acne to dermatitis, you can try mixing up to five drops of geranium oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil. Apply this mixture to affected areas twice daily until you see improvement.
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What Are Causes And Risk Factors Of Scalp Psoriasis
It is generally accepted that scalp psoriasis, like all psoriasis, is related to genetic defects that affect certain parts of the immune system. There are undoubtedly environmental risk factors that trigger its initial development in genetically predisposed individuals. The notion that “emotional stress” plays a causal role or at least exacerbates psoriasis has been difficult to prove. There is no question, however, that psoriasis of the scalp can be an extremely stressful experience.
Coal Tar Is One Of The Oldest Psoriasis Remedies
Best for: Mild to severe psoriasis
Why it works: We actually dont know exactly how coal tar works, but its one of the oldest treatments for psoriasis, Daveluy says. In mild scalp psoriasis, it may be the only treatment necessary to keep it under control.
If your scalp psoriasis is more severe, you can combine coal tar with other treatments. Talk to your doctor about how best to use coal tar products. You might need to leave the shampoo in your hair for several minutes, several hours, or even overnight.
Dr. Menter sometimes advises patients to put the product in their hair, cover it with a shower cap , and then use a heat treatment that might help the shampoo work best.
In addition to shampoos, coal tar is an ingredient in ointments, creams, gels, and soaps.
Because it can irritate, redden, and dry the skin, you should test products containing coal tar in a small area at first.
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Psoriasis Home Treatment With Alum
If you want to know how to get rid of psoriasis scalp then Take a bath with alum water. It relieves itching and dryness caused by psoriasis. For this, put 2 cups of alum in the bath water. Keep the affected area immersed in water for 15 minutes. Doing this daily will reduce the irritation of scalp psoriasis.
Lupus Lesions On The Scalp
Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which your body creates antibodies that attack healthy tissue. In addition to attacking healthy parts of your body, these antibodies can cause pain and inflammation. Lupus is chronic and noncontagious.
About two-thirds of people with lupus will also notice that the disease has an effect on their skin, notes the Lupus Foundation of America.
Lesions or rashes may appear in areas that are commonly exposed to the sun, such as your head, face, and neck. If the lesions occur on the scalp, hair loss and scarring can occur.
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Psoralen Plus Ultraviolet A
For this treatment, you’ll first be given a tablet containing compounds called psoralens, or psoralen may be applied directly to the skin. This makes your skin more sensitive to light.
Your skin is then exposed to a wavelength of light called ultraviolet A . This light penetrates your skin more deeply than ultraviolet B light.
This treatment may be used if you have severe psoriasis that has not responded to other treatment.
Side effects include nausea, headaches, burning and itchiness. You may need to wear special glasses for 24 hours after taking the tablet to prevent the development of cataracts.
Long-term use of this treatment is not encouraged, as it can increase your risk of developing skin cancer.
What Are Office Treatments For Scalp Psoriasis
Rarely, it may be of benefit to inject triamcinolone acetonide directly into psoriatic plaques. Aside from the pain involved, the benefit only lasts about six weeks at best. Ultraviolet light in wavelengths near 313 nm is effective in psoriasis. The hair, however, can pose a barrier to effective administration unless it is removed or sparse. The excimer laser produces out laser light in these UV wavelengths also and can be of benefit if the amount of scalp involvement is limited.
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Do I Pick A Spot Treatment Or Shampoo
If your scales dont have pesky hair sprouting out of them or surrounding them, you can bust out the good stuff. Youll need to find a cream or topical treatment containing those good ol active ingredients. These tend to be stronger than psoriasis shampoos.
Hair getting in the way? Then the shampoos are the way forward. Yes, theyre milder and gentler , but theyll still do a fine job of softening those scales up.
Check out this list of shampoos recommended by the National Psoriasis Foundation. They know their stuff when it comes to scale-softening suds.
A Few Things To Remember
Everyones skin is different. If you dont shampoo your hair everyday you need to figure out what daily routine works for you. The more often you can use the products in the beginning, the faster you will see results.For some people results will be seen quickly. For others it may take some time. Many people have suffered for years with their conditions. You shouldnt expect miracles overnight. Be patient and consistent with use.Right now Dermasolve is having a special on it’s Psoriasis Scalp Kit. You can save 35% off this kit when you order using this link:
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Peppermint Oil For Psoriasis
Peppermint oil may help most with any itching and pain you get in and around psoriasis patches. There are some 25 different species of peppermint with over 600 varieties. No matter what plant you use, the menthol in the oil is what gives peppermint its punch. This oil also tackles itching caused by anything from herpes blisters to scabies infestations.
In small doses, peppermint doesnt usually cause any side effects. Theres a slight chance of allergic reaction, so be on the lookout for any unusual signs and symptoms after application.
A popular home remedy involves combining one cup of distilled water with five to seven drops of peppermint essential oils in a spray bottle. You can spritz this mixture onto painful, itchy skin for soothing relief.
What Is The Treatment
There are many treatment options that can help scalp psoriasis and often a combination approach using a number of different treatments may be required until the symptoms have settled. It is important to remember to continue to treat the scalp even if hair falls out. Hair usually grows back once the inflammation and scale has cleared.
Treatments can be time-consuming and you may find them easier if you ask someone to help you. It is important to choose one that suits your lifestyle carrying out intensive treatments over the weekend, for example, when you have more free time. Psoriasis is not curable, but the signs and symptoms can be well controlled.
It can take at least eight weeks until you gain adequate control of the plaques, whichever treatment you use. Remember to try to treat psoriasis daily when it is active.
If, however, you have seen no improvement after 4 weeks continuous treatment, you should return to your doctor or nurse for further assessment.
Once you have achieved clearance, it is important to maintain the improvement. This can usually be done with regular use of a tar shampoo and or by moisturising the scalp occasionally with an oil or emollient. Some people find daily treatment of the scalp an advantage in keeping the scales from returning, but this would be a personal reference depending on your circumstances. If you have no success in controlling your scalp psoriasis, ask your GP to refer you to a specialist.
Topical steroids
Vitamin D analogues
Risks
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Do Scalp Psoriasis Home Remedies Work
How you take care of your hair and scalp can have a big impact on your scalp psoriasis flare-ups. In addition to the treatment plan your doctor recommends, you may want to try some of the following tips at home12:
Skip styling tools when possible: Since heat can further dry out your scalp and exacerbate symptoms, its best to avoid blow-drying, curling, and straightening tools if you can. When brushing your hair, use gentle pressure to avoid further irritation. If you have natural hair and are used to consistent styling that requires heat, talk to your dermatologist or stylist to figure out a plan that reduces the risk of potential flare-ups while maintaining the health of your hair.
Avoid the tight up-do: If you have longer hair and have hair loss, you may also want to avoid pulling it back tightly in a ponytail, since that can pull on the already-fragile scalp and possibly lead to more hair loss. If you must pull your hair back, keep the hair low and loose to prevent excess tugging.
Choose hair products wisely: Using certain hair products, such as hair dyes, can also be irritating to your scalp. Ask your dermatologist for brand recommendations or if there are ways your stylist can dye your hair that might be more gentle on your scalp.
How To Properly Remove Psoriasis Scales
The scalp is a tricky place to treat psoriasis, since many people want to balance maintaining their hair health with treatment.
Its important to be patient and gentle throughout this process to ensure youre protecting your hair and healthy skin.
The following steps will help to remove scales and aid in the overall treatment of your psoriasis. But you should see a doctor before getting started.
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Argan Oil For Psoriasis
Argan oil is a carrier oil, not an essential oil. Its rich in vitamin E, which is hydrating to the skin. It may also improve your skins metabolism, reduce inflammation, and protect your skin from the sun.
Argan oil may work on psoriasis because its both anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. This means that the oil helps to reduce redness, dryness, swelling, and itchiness.
Note that culinary and cosmetic argan oils are not the same thing. You shouldnt ingest cosmetic argan oil. Allergic reactions are rare, and you should discontinue use if you experience discomfort.
Because argan oil isnt an essential oil, it can be applied directly to the skin or mixed with essential oils for a blend of results.
anthelmintic properties . It can help with a range of skin issues, from ones caused by psoriasis to ones caused by parasites.
It helps to soothe any inflammation while also speeding up the skins healing process. Black seed oil is an excellent moisturizer and can even reduce scale thickness.
Black seeds may slow blood clotting and lower blood pressure, so people with clotting disorders, diabetes, or low blood pressure should speak with a doctor before use. Pregnant women should also avoid using black seed oil. Black seed oil may also have a sedative effect.
Black seed oil is a carrier oil. You can apply black seed oil directly to the skin or mix it with an essential oil before application. This method should help soothe itch and moisturize skin.
Topical Treatments For Moderate To Severe Scalp Psoriasis
If your symptoms are more severe and the plaques on your scalp are thick, you will probably need prescription treatment. Your GP can recommend a topical treatment containing corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues, or dithranol. Prescription products containing these ingredients include dermovate scalp application, locoid scalp lotion, dithrocream and dovobet gel.
You should use these treatment exactly as directed by your doctor. Make sure that you apply the medicated product directly to the scalp, and not to the hair.
In addition to these medicated treatments, you might also try using emollients on your scalp, as these can help to soften thick plaques. An emollient is a rich moisturiser which can prevent itching and inflammation, and create a protective barrier on the skin, sealing in moisture. One to consider using is grahams natural psoriasis cream, which is made from manuka honey and calendula. Formulated with natural ingredients, this moisturising treatment offers effective relief will helping to normalise the skins structure.
If you are going to use an emollient on your scalp, you should try the following method:
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Medical Treatments For Scalp Psoriasis
So youve tried shampooing your scales away. But does it feel like theyre not really clearing up? Its a bummer, for sure, and now youre wondering what else you can do. Anything?
Good news: there are other avenues you can explore, though youll want to discuss them with your doc first.
- Coal tar. Its not just for shampoo you can apply it directly to your skin.
- Keratolytics. These are peeling agents that are commonly available in creams and shampoos.
- Topical corticosteroids. Like keratolytics, its available in creams and can stop that itchy feeling.
- Prescription shampoo. Yup, your doc can help you get your hands on the stronger stuff.
- Steroid injections. You can a direct injection into your patches .
- Oral meds. These generally slow down the formation and development of your patches.
- UV light treatment. This is an effective, pain-free treatment for psoriasis scales.