Following Your Treatment Plan Is Key To Getting Results
When working with a dermatologist, it is important to use the treatment exactly as prescribed and for as long as recommended. Many patients fail to see clearing because they stop following their treatment plan.
ImagesBefore and after treating scalp psoriasis: Photographs used with permission of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. J Am Acad Dermatol 2008 58:614.
ReferencesAl-Mutairi N, Al-Haddad A. Targeted phototherapy using 308 nm Xecl monochromatic excimer laser for psoriasis at difficult to treat sites. Lasers Med Sci. 2013 28:1119-24.
Bagel J, Lynde C, et al. Moderate to severe plaque psoriasis with scalp involvement: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of etanercept. J Am Acad Dermatol 2012 67:86-92.
Chan CS, Van Voorhees AS, et al. Treatment of severe scalp psoriasis: from the Medical Board of the National Psoriasis Foundation. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2009 60:962-71.
Guenther L. Current management of scalp psoriasis. Skin Therapy Lett. 2015 20:5-7.
Paghdal KV, Schwartz RA. Topical tar: Back to the future. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2009 Aug 61:294-302.
Renton C. Diagnosis and treatment of adults with scalp psoriasis. Nurs Stand. 2014 Feb 26-Mar 4 28:35-9.
Wong, JW, Kamangar F, et al. Excimer Laser Therapy for Hairline Psoriasis: A Useful Addition to the Scalp Psoriasis Treatment Algorithm. Skin Therapy Letter. 2012 176-9.
Benefits Of Using Head And Shoulders Shampoo
Head and Shoulders Shampoo has been around for decades, first introduced in 1924. It is one of the most well-recognized shampoos on the market today, with a reputation for quality.
Despite its long history of success, there are a few myths surrounding this popular product.
What Are The Common Symptoms Of Scalp Psoriasis
Before we move on to finding solutions on how to cure psoriasis, letâs look at the symptoms of scalp psoriasis.
⢠*Hair loss ⢠Scaly, red, bumpy patches ⢠Silvery-white scales
Looks familiar right? You wonât be faulted to think of the symptoms of psoriasis to be similar to dandruff, since flaking, itching and dry scalp occur in both conditions. However, in psoriasis, these symptoms are not just limited to the scalp it can affect other parts of the body as well.
Read Also: Natural Remedies For Psoriasis On Head
Psoriasis Shampoos Your Scalp Will Love
You deserve a product that keeps the itching and flaking at bay.
Over-the-counter shampoos are good for treating mild scalp psoriasis symptoms or removing scales so prescription scalp topicals can penetrate. With help from Meghan Feely, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New Jersey and New York City, who serves as a clinical instructor at Mount Sinai Hospitalâs department of dermatology, we compiled the following tips.
The following shampoos have all received the NPF Seal of Recognition, which highlights OTC products that are created to be safe for people with psoriasis.
MG217 Medicated Conditioning Coal Tar Formula ShampooActive ingredient: 3% coal tar
Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo-Stubborn ItchActive ingredient: 0.5% coal tar
Dermarest Psoriasis Medicated Shampoo Plus ConditionerActive ingredient: 3% salicylic acid
3 things to remember
Use all products as directed. Even effective treatments can cause side effects, such as irritation, itching and redness, that can aggravate psoriasis.
Medicated shampoos are meant to treat the scalp, not the hair. Separate sections of hair and gently apply medicated products only to roots. You can follow medicated shampoos with a moisturizing conditioner.
The best way to know if an OTC product is safe and effective: Ask your dermatologist.
Which One Do You Have
Unsure if the issue is dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis? Check for simple signs. Dandruff will appear as white, oily flakes at the root of the scalp. In most cases, dandruff may not cause itching. So a pharmacist can prescribe a medicated shampoo. However, if the flakes come with scaly patches on the scalp, this could be a sign of seborrheic dermatitis. Red patches around the nose and oily, tender skin are other early signs. Some cases may need stronger treatment like a corticosteroid. Seek help immediately if these symptoms pop up.
Don’t Miss: Que Es La Psoriasis Fotos
About Head And Shoulders
Introduced in 1961, the American brand Head and Shoulders provides a variety of products, but theyre most well-known for shampoos. From the 1980s until now, they always have products honored in the list ofBEST ANTI-DANDRUFF SHAMPOO FOR MEN and BEST SHAMPOO FOR DRY SCALP, which expanded their name from the US to Europe, Asia, and other regions.
There are clear advantages when using anti-dandruff shampoos by Head and Shoulders. Not only do they help you get rid of dandruff effectively, but they also aim to make your hair look great and smell great, as well as keep your scalp healthy and comfortable.
But whether Head and Shoulders is safe for kids is another totally different story. Lets take a close look at the ingredients used in their anti-dandruff shampoos to find out!
References And Further Information
References:
Further information:
Skin Deep is a website that contains images of people with different skin tones to help patients and doctors better understand and describe symptoms of different skin conditions: .
The PDF document below shows what eczema can look like on different skin tones.
Don’t Miss: How To Treat Severe Scalp Psoriasis
How Can I Reduce My Risk Of Seborrheic Dermatitis
Theres little that can be done to prevent seborrheic dermatitis. Cradle cap is a natural, harmless condition. It can be simply treated at home. If you are a teenager or an adult with seborrheic dermatitis, you might be more prone if you have higher than normal levels of androgens, a higher level of lipids in your skin or have an overgrowth of the yeast that is always present on your skins surface.
Some simple healthy things you can do to reduce your risk include getting plenty of rest, controlling your emotional stress and getting a daily small doses of sunshine . Stay away from the midday sun.
Always follow your healthcare providers instructions for using medicated shampoos and skin products. Under treatment or inappropriate treatment can result in flare-ups of your condition and return visits to your healthcare provider.
Recommended Reading: How To Take Care Of Baby Eczema
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.
Also Check: Aloe Vera Gel For Psoriasis
Best Ways To Manage Seborrhoeic Dermatitis
Scalp issues arenât as rare as you think. While some people suffer from an oily scalp, others deal with a dry scalp. One such condition that is quite common and needs specialised care is seborrhoeic dermatitis. Read on to know more about what it is and effective seborrhoeic dermatitis treatmentâ¯techniques that can help you deal with this hair care woe.
Seborrhoeic dermatitis is not a difficult condition to treat, but itâs always safer to nip things in the bud. Weâve done all the research to help you identify early signs of the condition and the ways to treat it.
Dermatitis Or Eczema Prevention
Most forms of dermatitis and eczema are chronic conditions. One exception is contact dermatitis. It can be prevented by finding and avoiding the irritant that caused the skin condition.
Its important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis, then try to avoid triggers for your type of eczema or dermatitis .
Other forms of dermatitis can usually be avoided or managed with proper self-care, which includes the following:
- Avoid long showers or baths, which can dry out the skin.
- Use moisturizers like oils, lotions, or creams.
- Avoid irritants that make your skin more susceptible to breakouts, like scented products.
- Dont scrub your skin too hard.
- Use topical steroids to help with itching.
- Keep your fingernails short if you have a habit of scratching.
- Avoid stressful situations that may cause a flare-up.
Establishing a skincare routine can help you manage your atopic dermatitis or eczema symptoms. A doctor can help you come up with a regimen that works for you. You should also take note of things that may have caused your breakouts.
You May Like: Oatmeal Bath For Toddler Eczema
Also Check: Psoriasis And Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Treatment Of The Body
Seborrhea of the trunk may be treated with frequent application of zinc or coal tar containing shampoos or by washing with zinc soaps. Additionally, topical ketoconazole cream, 2 percent, and/or a topical corticosteroid cream, lotion or solution applied once or twice daily will prove useful. Benzoyl peroxide washes are also helpful in controlling seborrhea of the trunk. Patients should be cautioned to rinse thoroughly after application of these agents as they will bleach clothing and bed linens. These agents may be drying, and the patient may benefit from application of a moisturizer after treatment.
Ingredients To Look For
The following ingredients can help reduce itchiness and flakes, as well as gently soften and remove thick scale.
- Hydrocortisone is a mild corticosteroid that can decrease itching and inflammation.
- Coal tar decreases skin cell growth and helps the scalp shed dead skin cells.
- Salicylic acid is a âkeratolytic,â or peeling agent, that helps soften and remove thick scale. Once scale is removed, other medications will be able to penetrate the skin more easily, potentially increasing effectiveness.
Read Also: What Is The Most Effective Treatment For Psoriasis
Is There A Cure For Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is essentially a more severe form of dandruff. We know that medicated shampoos can keep it under control, but is there actually a cure for the condition?
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that affects areas of the body that produce sebum, one of which is the scalp.
There are many factors that influence the development of the condition, such as genetic and hormonal influences as well as naturally occurring microbes that live on the skin.
Seborrheic dermatitis does not have a cureItâs what we call a recurring condition â just like dandruff.
So, while you can effectively control it and treat all the symptoms, unfortunately it cannot be completely cured.
Itâs possible to get rid of the symptoms for goodJust because it canât be cured, it doesnât mean youâll have to put up with the symptoms forever. Use the right treatment regularly and you can help keep all the symptoms away â and as long you keep on using it, you can stop them from coming back.
Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength Shampoo is specially formulated to tackle seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp.
It differs from our normal, effective dandruff shampoos as it contains the active ingredient selenium sulfide and has been shown to give prescription-strength flake protection1.
Read Also: Athleteâs Foot Or Eczema
How Does It Work To Stop Hair Loss
Head and Shoulders works by targeting the root of the problem, which is dandruff. It does not promote hair growth or target certain areas of your scalp.
However, Head and Shoulders shampoo contains chemicals known to cause hair loss in individuals who are sensitive to them. These include Zinc Pyrithione, which has been associated with male and female pattern baldness.
Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Plaque Psoriasis
Symptoms Of Scalp Psoriasis
There are some similarities between scalp psoriasis and the symptoms of dandruff such as flaking, itching and dry scalp but suffers are also likely to experience
-
scaly, red, bumpy patches
-
burning or soreness
-
hair loss
These are not just confined to the scalp either and can appear on areas like your elbows, knees and naval as well as the more common areas such as the scalp, hands and face.
Head And Shoulders For Eczema
Head and Shoulders claims that the active ingredient that helps make their shampoo effective for eczema is zinc pyrithione. This ingredient has anti-fungal properties to prevent and treat it. It also works as an anti-seborrheic to slow the excess production and shedding of skin cells in the treatment of this condition. It is prescribed to treat eczema on the scalp by reducing the growth of skin fungi and decreasing excess skin cell growth that contributes to flaking and itching. .
Many reviews, including this one with over 50 postive claims, states that it is effective shampoo for relieving eczema, but it must be used regularly to notice a difference in itching and in the severity of it. However, it does not cure it.
Youll notice that the shampoo does have a great scent to it but this is because of the enormous amount of chemicals that are used in the shampoo everything from sodium laureth sulphate , sodium benzoate , propylene glycol , to parrafinum .
There are over 10 chemicals used in this shampoo, and the Environmental Working Group has listed out the ingredients and the dangers in more detail.
Overall, zinc pyrithione in Head and Shoulders can help control scalp eczema , but it wont completely cure the problem. It also might cost more in comparison to other shampoos because of the zinc pyrithione but the chemicals may not be worth it for your health in the long run.
Don’t Miss: Is Psoriasis The Same As Psoriatic Arthritis
How Many Washes Before Head And Shoulders Works
If you wish to see excellent results right out from the head and shoulders, then make it useful for some time duration. It is only by using it 3 times a week that you will see noticeable and perfect results. The user will be in the position to combat severe and intense dandruff problems if you use it three times a week.
If you are using some other anti-dandruff shampoo and it is not giving you effective results, we suggest you go with this option. It keeps you away from having problems like dry and itchy scalp, flaky and dandruff-filled strands. Make it a practice to make it use three times a week and we are sure that you will get the best results and outcomes.
You might have now understood from the above-mentioned details that its usage will keep your hair dandruff-free. Your scalp will come out clean and tidy and all go smooth and nourished look. In addition, it runs on advanced technology and is composed of rose essence and Argan Oil as well.
At the end of the day and with its constant use, your scalp will no longer feel any discomfort and your hair will also get strengthened at the root. Lastly, it is clinically proven. Now, you know how to get rid of flakes, itchiness, and dryness, just get hold of this shampoo.
Ways Of Treating Psoriasis
You can get rid of this condition if you use your head and shoulders. It is time that you have to replace using traditional and cheap shampoos and use this version only.
We hope that this hair problem will get solved and your strands will become psoriasis-free. Use it three times a week and you will definitely see improvement. There will be no visible flakes.
On the other hand, if you want to get rid of seborrheic dermatitis, then you can sure by using this same anti-dandruff shampoo. It is expected that its usage will be able to reduce flaking.
If still the problem does not get solved, then see a dermatologist. He will recommend you some other stronger prescription. So, that is all we have for you on the commonly asked question, how do head and shoulders work Reddit!
You May Like: Home Remedies For Psoriasis On Elbows
Medicine You Apply To The Scalp
This is the most commonly prescribed treatment. Your plan may include one or more of the following medicines.
Corticosteroids: This is the #1-prescribed treatment for scalp psoriasis in children and adults. Corticosteroids work quickly to reduce redness, swelling, itch, and scale. This makes it more effective than any other treatment that you apply to the scalp.
When used as directed, this medicine is safe. Because side effects can occur with long-term use, your dermatologist may recommend another treatment to use with the corticosteroid. This reduces possible side effects.
Medicated shampoos: This is often part of a treatment plan.
If you have stubborn scalp psoriasis, your dermatologist may prescribe a shampoo that contains clobetasol propionate. This can be quite effective when used in a shampoo. Studies show that patients can safely use this shampoo every day for up to four weeks. Its also safe to use it once or twice a week to maintain results.
Gently shampoo
Rubbing, scrubbing, and scratching your scalp can worsen existing psoriasis.
Scale softeners: If the psoriasis on your scalp is thick, it can be hard for the treatment you apply to work. A product that contains salicylic acid can soften thick, stubborn patches. Other ingredients can also help.
Tip for applying medicine
Lift your hair up and away when applying medicine to your scalp.