What You Can Do: Reach Out
If youve been feeling low for a while, consider getting help from a mental health professional like a counselor. Build a good support system, too. You can join a psoriasis help group through the National Psoriasis Foundation. It can make you feel better to talk about what youre going through, especially with people who understand. They can help remind you that youre more than your skin.
Moderate To Severe Psoriasis Treatments
Your doctor may prescribe steroids, lotions, solutions, sprays, or foams to treat moderate to severe scalp psoriasis. Some topical treatments are applied directly to the skin, then shampooed and rinsed out, including:
- Anthralin . Apply this cream once a day for 10 to 30 minutes.
- Calcipotriene . This is a prescription form of vitamin D. Apply it at night and cover your scalp with a shower cap. Leave it on overnight. Don’t get it in your eyes.
- Calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate . This is a combination of a type of vitamin D and a strong steroid in a suspension or ointment. You use it once a day. Don’t get it in your eyes.
- Tazarotene . This vitamin A treatment comes in a cream, foam, or gel form. If using it at night, put it on clean, dry skin, and let the medication dry before you go to sleep. Applying a moisturizer after the medication may help prevent drying.
Follow your doctor’s directions for all medications. Don’t use stronger steroids for more than a 2-week cycle without your doctor giving you the OK.
Common Types Of Psoriasis
This is the most common form, accounting for about 80 to 90% of cases.
Its symptoms are dry red skin lesions, known as plaques, covered in silver scales.
They normally appear on your elbows, knees, scalp and lower back, but can appear anywhere on your body.
The plaques can be itchy or sore, or both. In severe cases, the skin around your joints may crack and bleed.
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What Are The Implications For This Relationship
There are many studies that show there is a significant association between psoriasis and migraines, which raises the possibility of developing related comorbidities like cardiovascular diseases .
Its always important to control cardiac risk factors to prevent cardiovascular events & this may be particularly relevant to people with these conditions.
References
J. Gudjonsson and J. Elder, Psoriasis: epidemiology, Clinics in Dermatology, vol. 25, no. 6, pp. 535-546, 2007. Available: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2007.08.007.
C. Griffiths and J. Barker, Pathogenesis and clinical features of psoriasis, The Lancet, vol. 370, no. 9583, pp. 263-271, 2007. Available: 10.1016/s0140-673661128-3.
Y. Yang, J. Keller and H. Lin, Medical comorbidity associated with psoriasis in adults: a population-based study, British Journal of Dermatology, vol. 165, no. 5, pp. 1037-1043, 2011. Available: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2011.10494.x.
A. Egeberg, L. Mallbris, G. Hilmar Gislason, L. Skov and P. Riis Hansen, Increased risk of migraine in patients with psoriasis: A Danish nationwide cohort study, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, vol. 73, no. 5, pp. 829-835, 2015. Available: 10.1016/j.jaad.2015.08.039.
A. Capo, G. Affaitati, M. Giamberardino and P. Amerio, Psoriasis and migraine, Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, vol. 32, no. 1, pp. 57-61, 2017. Available: 10.1111/jdv.14472.
Can My Scalp Get Sunburned
Yes, the scalp can undergo sun damage. Although men and women with significant hair loss are more prone to sun damage, having hair will not completely protect you against sunburn. Just like the rest of the skin, UV rays can still reach the scalp after one spends an extended amount of time out in the sun. Wearing a cap/hat will reduce the risk of exposure.
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Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Disorder
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction disorder refers to long-term pain and dysfunction in the TMJ, the joint that connects the upper and lower jawbones.
The TMJ is a complex joint with complicated movements and is subject to strain and injury. Symptoms may come and go for no apparent reason. Misalignment of the teeth and jaw, and tooth grinding, are no longer believed to be a cause. Women seem to be more susceptible than men.
TMJ disorder has three types:
- Pain or discomfort in the muscles controlling the TMJ.
- Dislocation or injury to the jawbone.
- Arthritis of the TMJ.
Diagnosis is made through patient history, physical examination, and imaging. The goal is to rule out other causes such as sinus infection or facial nerve damage.
Due to the difficulty of diagnosing TMJ disorder, treatment begins with conservative methods that do not permanently change the jaw or teeth. Ice packs, soft foods, gentle stretching of the jaw muscles, and reducing stress are all encouraged. Short-term pain medications may be used. Splints, Botox, implants, and surgery are not recommended.
Psoriasis And Its Severity Associated With Migraine
A Danish study of more than 5 million people has found a link between psoriasis and migraine that increases with the severity of psoriasis. Both diseases have been associated with increased cardiovascular risk, but little is known about their interplay. To better understand a potential link, researchers reviewed health data on all Danish citizens ages 18 and older from January 1, 1997, to December 31, 2011. Of the more than 5,300,000 individuals, 53,006 had a mild form, 6,831 severe psoriasis, and 6,243 patients had psoriatic arthritis.
Rates of migraine increased as the severity of the skin disorder increased. The incidence rates per 1,000 person years of new-onset migraine were 3.86 for the entire cohort, 5.25 for patients with mild psoriasis, 6.41 for severe psoriasis, and 9.27 for psoriatic arthritis.
One of the most important elements of the study, he said, is that certain forms of migraine are associated with increased risk of stroke, and studies have shown that patients with psoriasis have an increased risk of stroke.
Focus on migraine in patients with psoriasis, including during cardiovascular risk assessments, may be warranted, he said.
The authors concluded additional studies are necessary to determine if antipsoriatic treatment affects the association, and whether migraine affects the psoriasis-associated risk of cardiovascular disease.
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Psoriatic Arthritis And Migraines
Recent studies have found links between psoriasis, PsA, and migraine. The inflammation in the body from psoriasis can make its way around the body, including the brain.
A 2015 study investigated the link between psoriasis and PsA, and the risk of new-onset migraine. Research showed a significant rate of migraine in people with mild or severe psoriasis and PsA. They also found that the risk of migraines increased with the severity of psoriasis.
Another study in 2017 linked psoriasis with migraine, and more frequently, migraine with aura. Similarly, a 2019 study found migraine and neuropathic pain frequently occur in people with rheumatic diseases, conditions that affect the joints. The study recommends getting checked and treated for headaches or migraines even if the underlying rheumatic disease is under control.
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:
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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
Do Freckles Go Away On Their Own
First, its worth understanding how freckles naturally arise and disappear in some cases. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun is the main culprit. When exposed to sunlight for extended periods of time, the skin triggers a response in the form of melanin production . Some people are simply more predisposed to developing freckles due to their genetic makeup and environment. For instance, those with fair skin, red or blonde hair, and/or highly sensitive skin and who also live in warmer, sunnier environments are more prone to getting freckles. These freckles can vary in size and shade, and some might stick around for a long time while others naturally fade. Generally speaking, peoples freckles become more prominent in the summer months and hide during the winter, though dark freckles usually remain visible. Freckles also tend to dwindle as people get older, and solar lentigines may take their place without proper prevention.
So, yes, freckles can disappear without intervention. However, they may return when things get warmer and sunnier, and even if old freckles fade, new ones may show up.
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Psoralen Plus Ultraviolet A
For this treatment, youll 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 hasnt responded to other treatment. Side effects of the treatment 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 isnt encouraged, as it can increase your risk of developing skin cancer.
What Is Genital Psoriasis
As the term suggests, genital psoriasis is psoriasis in the genital area. Sometimes this can be the only area affected. Genital psoriasis affects approximately 63% of people with psoriasis at least once in their lifetime. The presentation will vary according to the site involved and may range from plaques on the external genitalia to fissures in between the buttocks. Usually, genital psoriasis does not resemble the thick, red, scaly plaques seen in other areas. It appears as bright red, shiny patches of skin, often with no scale on top. The reason for this is that the affected sites are usually covered, which helps the lesions to retain moisture and therefore appear redder and less scaly.
All age groups may be affected by genital psoriasis, including babies. Involvement of the genital area in this age group is often described as nappy psoriasis, which may appear very red and can be alarming to parents, who need reassuring that this is usually not a painful condition.
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Ways To Treat Psoriasis At Home
Psoriasis is a recurring autoimmune disorder characterized by red, flaky patches on the skin.
Even though it affects your skin, psoriasis actually begins deep inside your body in your immune system.
It comes from your T cells, a type of white blood cell. T cells are designed to protect the body from infection and disease. When these cells mistakenly become active and set off other immune responses, it can lead to psoriasis symptoms.
Even though theres no cure, many treatments exist to ease the symptoms of psoriasis. Here are 12 ways to manage mild symptoms at home.
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Generalised Pustular Psoriasis Or Von Zumbusch Psoriasis
This causes pustules that develop very quickly on a wide area of skin. The pus consists of white blood cells and is not a sign of infection.
The pustules may reappear every few days or weeks in cycles. During the start of these cycles, von Zumbusch psoriasis can cause fever, chills, weight loss and fatigue.
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Invest In The Right Hair Products
There are various hair products that are created to help you deal with a sore scalp. So, find the right hair product that offers you immediate relief from the intense scalp pain. Enter Head & Shoulders hair products that are designed to soothe your scalp and give you relief from any scalp-related issue.
The Head & Shoulders Clinically Proven Solutions Scalp Relief Shampoo is created using selenium sulphide that targets the cause of severe dandruff. Moreover, this shampoo is clinically proven to control itching and flaking. This clinically proven shampoo fights flakes, dryness, and tight scalp. The gentle formula is ideal for everyday use and leaves your hair smelling great. The moisturizers nourish your hair and give you healthy-looking hair.
If your sore scalp is caused by severe dandruff, Head & Shoulders Clinically Proven Solutions Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is here to save the day. The new selenium sulphide dandruff shampoo is tough on flakes, but gentle on your hair. It moisturises your tresses and leaves them feeling fresh, soft, and healthy looking.
A sore scalp will be the least of your problems if you act immediately after noticing the first symptoms surfacing. Your scalp needs equal attention as your hair because a healthy scalp is the route to strong, healthy hair.
How Are Migraines And Psoriasis Related
Migraines and psoriasis are conditions that can severely impact the quality of life for those that experience it, with more serious cases impairing physical and psychological functioning . In addition, several studies have indicated that both conditions are associated with ischemic stroke and other cardiovascular diseases .
Recently psoriasis has been linked in several studies with a greater risk of migraines. Egeberg et al particularly found psoriasis patients were at a significantly increased risk of new-onset migraines depending on the severity of their condition . These findings are supported even when accounting for demographic variables are represented equally across conditions. For instance, a longitudinal study equally matched in age, sex, medical history, and other demographic factors between psoriasis and the control group found a higher rate of migraines in participants with psoriasis, suggesting that psoriasis increases the risk of developing migraines, especially in middle-aged men .
The exact mechanism for this relationship is unclear but it has been suggested that systemic inflammation may play a role since evidence suggests psoriasis patients may have endothelial dysfunction and a mechanism of migraines involve neuropeptide action on the endothelium . But currently, the process by which both diseases are linked is speculative, as there is a possibility for other lifestyle factors such as exercise playing a role.
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Things To Avoid If You Have Scalp Psoriasis
Scalp psoriasis can be very uncomfortable, but find the right treatment and avoid these 6 pitfalls, and you can keep your scalp inthe best condition possible.
1. Dry skinKeep your scalp hydrated by using a moisturizing shampoo every time you wash your hair.
2. Itching and scratchingNever pick at scales or sore patches of skin Ââ this will make the condition worse!
3. Dry, cold weatherThe weather can have a big effect on psoriasis. Cold, dry weather can make the symptoms appear worse, so make sure to wrap up warm in winter and consider getting a humidifier to take the edge off the dry air.
4. Certain medicationTell your doctor about any medication you take and ask whether it might affect your psoriasis.
5. StressStress is often linked with flare-ups, so try to reduce stress and anxiety. Meditation and yoga are a good place to start.
6. AlcoholItâs thought that excessive alcohol consumption may worsen psoriasis symptoms, so drink in moderation. If youâre taking psoriasis medication, check whether itâs okay to drink alcohol while taking them.
How should you treat scalp psoriasis?Scalp psoriasis is a somewhat rare skin disorder, affecting about 3% of the population. If you havenât yet been diagnosed with the condition, itâs worthwhile to check to see if your symptoms are the result of a more common scalp flaking disorder like seborrheic dermatitis.
Try using Clinical Strength Shampoo for seborrheic dermatitis.
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What Are The Types Of Psoriasis
Common types of psoriasis include:
Plaque psoriasis. This is the most common type of psoriasis. It causes plaques and silvery scales, usually on the knees, elbows, lower back, and scalp. They can be itchy and painful and may crack and bleed.
Guttate psoriasis. This type often shows up after an illness, especially strep throat. It causes small red spots, usually on the trunk, arms, and legs. Spots also can appear on the face, scalp, and ears.
Inverse psoriasis. This causes smooth, raw-looking patches of red skin that feel sore. The patches are in places where skin touches skin, such as the armpits, buttocks, upper eyelids, groin and genitals, or under a girlâs breasts.
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