How To Choose A Shampoo For Scalp Psoriasis
Still unsure how to pick the right shampoo for your hair and scalp? Heres what to consider:
- Severity of your symptoms. If youre experiencing a mild to medium case of scalp psoriasis, start with an OTC shampoo. If you have a severe case, or if OTC products dont seem to help, you may need to see your doctor for a prescription shampoo.
- Consider your hair type. Check the ingredients list before you make a purchase, especially if you have dry, curly, color treated, or fine hair. Some shampoos may contain drying ingredients, like sulfates, while others may be too heavy for fine hair.
- Do your research. If you didnt see a shampoo on this list you want to try, no worries! There are many shampoos out there that will work great for you. Just look for key ingredients, like salicylic acid or coal tar, and be sure to check reviews to see what others with scalp psoriasis have to say about it.
The Best Coal Tar Shampoos
Below is a selection of our favorite and best-formulated coal tar shampoos weve yet reviewed.
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis and Psoriasis
DHS Coal Tar Shampoo is an expertly formulated shampoo containing 0.5% coal tar and is the gentlest coal tar shampoo weve yet reviewed
We can’t recommend this product or this company highly enough.
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis and Psoriasis
Scalp 18 Coal Tar shampoo is a 2% coal tar formulation that has a number of added essential oils to further nourish and soothe the scalp.
These essential oils do contain fragrance but if you’re not sensitive to fragrances then this is a superb shampoo.
It is extremely gentle and washes like a high end salon shampoo.
If youre not sensitive to fragrances then I wouldnt hesitate to recommend this shampoo.
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis and Psoriasis
Capasal have taken the unique step of combining 1% Coal Tar with 0.5% Salicylic Acid and added coconut oil.
It’s perhaps the most original and interesting shampoo formulation we’ve yet seen
While the shampoo is SLS, fragrance and paraben free there are still a few known contact allergens in there. Unfortunately it smells like a coal tar shampoo too.
That aside Capasal is an excellent shampoo for those who suffer mild to moderate scalp psoriasis.
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis and Psoriasis
Alphosyl is an outstanding shampoo let down by the presence of both sulfates and parabens.
Use with caution.
Treatment Of Dandruff And Seborrheic Dermatitis
You can try several products to see if they help dandruffor seborrheic dermatitis. Since both affect the scalp, there are severalshampoos you may find beneficial.
For dandruff, there are many product options. Zincpyrithione as found in Head & Shoulders, Pert, and Zincon shampoosis a good ingredient to try. Follow all label directions for use.Selenium sulfide as found in Selsun Blue is an alternative that ishelpful. Salicylic acid helps dandruff and is found in Ionil Plus,Scalpicin Scalp Liquid, T/Sal, and Denorex Extra Strength.
A product called Nizoral A-D shampoo containsketoconazole, a medication that attacks the fungus that can contributeto dandruff in some patients. It is worth a trial to see if the funguscan be controlled in your case.
Seborrheic dermatitis responds to all of the medicationslisted above except Nizoral A-D. Any may be beneficial. You may also trya trial of nonprescription hydrocortisone for seborrheic dermatitis,using a product such as Cortaid.
If your condition fails to respond to these interventions,you may need to visit a physician for a prescription medication such asketoconazole cream. Applied once daily, it may effectively prevent theseborrheic dermatitis symptoms. Your physician can also check to seewhether the condition is a more severe problem.
Remember, if you have questions, Consult Your Pharmacist.
REFERENCES
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Can You Clear Rosacea With Dandruff Shampoo
Rosacea is a common skin condition associated with easy flushing or blushing, persistent redness, inflamed blood vessels and small red bumps on the skin. People who have had rosacea for a long time may develop a bumpy, bulbous nose. Many people who have skin symptoms of rosacea also have trouble with their eyes: dryness, irritation and swollen eyelids. Doctors prescribe a number of medications that may help clear rosacea symptoms, but home remedies can help in some cases.
The Mental Burden Of Skin Flakes In Psoriasis And Psoriatic Arthritis
You dont need a medical study to tell you that scaling and flaking is bothersome, but the evidence exists nonetheless: 65 percent of patients rank flaking, peeling, and shedding on their body as one of the top three most distressing symptoms they experience, per research published in The Journal of Dermatological Treatment.
The problem with any skin disease is that its on the outside. You have to deal with how the world is interacting with you and your skin disease. It can cause a lot of pain and suffering, says Amy Wechsler, MD, who is board-certified in both dermatology and psychiatry and author of the book The Mind-Beauty Connection. For instance, if psoriasis flakes are on your hands, you may be worried about shaking hands in work or social settings to say hello.
The challenge then becomes controlling and responding to flares, cleaning up flakes, and explaining them to friends, colleagues, and loved ones. Generally, the more widespread the disease, or the more difficult it is to cover up, the greater the effect it has on quality of life, says Dr. Bressack.
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How To Use Selsun Blue 1 % Shampoo
This medication is for use on the skin only. Some brands require shaking before use. Check your product package to see if your brand needs to be shaken. Before using this medication, remove any jewelry to avoid damage to it. Avoid getting this medication into your eyes, inside your nose or mouth, or on any areas of broken/inflamed skin since it may cause irritation. If this occurs, flush the area with plenty of water. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about how to use this medication properly.
For the treatment of dandruff or scalp dermatitis, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, or use as directed by your doctor. Wet the scalp and massage the medication onto the wet scalp. Leave it on your scalp for 2-3 minutes and rinse thoroughly. Some brands may require a second application. Check your product package to see if your brand requires a repeat application. Be sure to rinse your hair and scalp well with water after each application, especially on bleached, tinted, or permed hair. This medication is usually used 1 or 2 times per week to treat dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, or less frequently to maintain control of dandruff.
Wash your hands after using selenium sulfide. Do not leave this medication on your hair, scalp, or skin for a longer period or use it more often than directed. Your condition will not clear faster, but side effects may be increased.
If your condition worsens or does not improve, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
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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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.
What Are Ketoconazole And Selenium Sulfide
Ketoconazole is an anti-fungal medication in the same family of drugs as fluconazole , itraconazole , and miconazole . It prevents growth of several types of fungi by preventing production of the membranes that surround fungal cells. It is an anti-fungal medication prescribed to treat fungal infections such as thrush, ringworm, jock itch, athlete’s foot, dandruff, tinea versicolor, blastomycosis, histoplasmosis, and coccidiomycosis.
Selenium sulfide is a chemical agent commonly used for treating dandruff. It is an antifungal agent that also relieves itching, flaking, scaling, and dry skin on the scalp due to dandruff. Selenium sulfide is also used for treating seborrhea and tinea versicolor, a fungal infection of the skin.
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What Should I Avoid While Using Selenium Sulfide Topical
Avoid getting Selsun Blue Balanced Treatment in your eyes, nose, mouth, rectum, or vagina. If it does get into any of these areas, rinse with water. Do not use Selsun Blue Balanced Treatment on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or broken skin.
Avoid covering treated skin areas with tight-fitting, synthetic clothing that doesn’t allow air circulation. Wear loose-fitting clothing made of cotton and other natural fibers until your infection is healed.
Treatment Of Severe Seborrhea
An occasional patient with severe seborrhea that is unresponsive to the usual topical therapy may be a candidate for isotretinoin therapy.14 Isotretinoin can induce up to a 90 percent reduction in sebaceous gland size, with a corresponding reduction in the production of sebum. Isotretinoin also has anti-inflammatory properties. Treatment with daily doses of isotretinoin as low as 0.1 to 0.3 mg per kg may result in improvement in severe seborrhea after four weeks of therapy. Thereafter, a dose as low as 5 to 10 mg per day may be effective as maintenance therapy over several years. However, isotretinoin has potentially serious side effects and few patients with seborrhea are appropriate candidates for therapy. The most devastating side effect is teratogenicity, but other serious side effects include hyperlipidemia, neutropenia, anemia and hepatitis. Mucocutaneous adverse effects include cheilitis, xerosis, conjunctivitis, urethritis and hair loss. Long-term use has been associated with the development of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis . This agent must be used cautiously and only by physicians who are well versed in all of its adverse effects.
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Light Or Laser Therapy
You can go to a dermatologists office two or three times a week to receive whats called narrow-band UVB phototherapy.
It feels a lot like going to a tanning salonyou step into a vertical box thats filled with lights. You dont really see maximum benefit until 10 to 12 weeks and many patients continue to do it for six months, says Dr. Klein. There are also home light box units that we try to get insurance to cover. Light therapy is generally a good choice if you have scalp psoriasis, as well as psoriasis on other areas of your body.
Another variation: You can get a comb with a light in it, so you can essentially brush with this light turned on that emits UVB rays, says Dr. Buka. Thats one way to suppress inflammation on the scalp without using a steroid.
Theres also an excimer laser, which is a form of ultraviolet laser and can be used in a doctors office two to three times a week. This works great for the scalp because its more of a targeted therapy and we actually put the laser where we see the plaques, says Dr. Klein.
How Do I Store And/or Throw Out Selsun Blue Dry Scalp
- Store at room temperature.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
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Treatment Of The Face
Involved areas of the face may be washed frequently with shampoos that are effective against seborrhea as detailed above. Alternatively, ketoconazole cream, 2 percent, may be applied once or twice daily to affected areas. Often, 1 percent hydrocortisone cream will be added once or twice daily to affected areas and will aid with resolution of erythema and itching. Sodium sulfacetamide, 10 percent lotion, is also an effective topical agent for seborrheic dermatitis.
Are Ketoconazole And Selenium Sulfide Safe To Use While Pregnant Or Breastfeeding
Ketoconazole
A small amount of ketoconazole is secreted in breast milk. Nursing mothers should probably avoid breastfeeding while using ketoconazole.
Selenium Sulfide
Use of selenium sulfide during pregnancy has not been adequately evaluated. It is not known whether selenium sulfide is excreted in breast milk.
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Selsun For Skin Fungus
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Which Shampoo Is Right For You
Find the Selsun blue® shampoo that works for your hair type and dandruff symptoms.
Max StrengthMedicated
Great shampoo. A thorough clean, and the results are better than expected. No scalp itch and no noticeable flakes.
Max StrengthMoisturizing
After suffering from itching and dry scalp, I have found some relief. Finally, a product that works! Thank you!
Max Strength2-in-1 Treatment
Selsun Blue is amazing. It helps relieve dry, flaky dandruff, and my scalp feels less irritated. I like the scent, and it is easy to apply with the perfect amount of lather.
Daily CareItchy Dry Scalp
I love Selsun Blue. I’ve had issues with itchy, dry scalpespecially during the winter months. Selsun Blue really helps relieve that itch! Plus it leaves my hair soft and smelling great!
Daily Care
Love it. Smells good, and really helps with my dry scalp.
Daily Care3-in-1 Treatment
Selsun Blue Active 3-in-1 is my one favorite product now in the shower. It has also cleared up my skin.
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Injectable Or Infused Biologic Medications
These target specific parts and pathways of the immune system to control the over-reactivity that triggers psoriasis flares. These are the most powerful options for treating psoriasis and are used in moderate to severe psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. That said, flaking alone is not a sign that you would need to jump to systemic therapy. Most people would not want to go on systemic medications simply for the flaking, as these can have significant side effects and can be extremely costly, says Bressack. If youre doing well , you probably dont need a systemic medication.
Examples include:
- golimumab
- abatacept
Are There Any Side Effects From Using A Coal Tar Shampoo
Although most people do not experience significant side effects, the WHO state that coal tar shampoos may cause skin irritation and on rare occasions allergic sensitization is possible. They also recommend that a coal tar shampoo should not be applied to inflamed, broken or infected skin.
Because coal tar can increase sensitivity to sunlight, skin treated with coal tar products should be protected from ultraviolet rays to avoid irritation and sunburn. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that you protect your scalp from the sun by wearing a hat when outdoors and seeking shade whenever possible if you use a coal tar shampoo.
The same organization advises that tar shampoos can discolor blonde, grey or light-colored hair.
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Can Dandruff Shampoo Clear Rosacea Symptoms
Q. I want to thank you for the information you provide. I tried dandruff shampoo, store brand with 1 percent selenium sulfide, on my rosacea. The improvement was almost instantaneous. Ive been using it for over a week and can barely see the red veins that were clearly visible on my cheeks. It really seems to clear rosacea.
Best For Damaged Hair
Dove DermaCare Scalp Dryness & Itch Relief Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
This pick from Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in the dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, contains zinc parathion, an ingredient that he says has both anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties that can be effective at treating scalp psoriasis by minimizing yeast production. By lowering levels of yeast on the scalp, this shampoo can calm inflammation to improve itching, redness, and flaking, he explains. With consistent use, you should see a visible improvement.
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