How Did I Get Psoriasis Of The Scalp

Ways To Get Rid Of Psoriasis On Scalp Fast And Naturally

Psoriasis is one of the most common types of skin diseases that can be seen in a lot of people. Both women and men are affected by this skin disease and it mainly appears between the age of 15 years to 30 years of age. Though this is a bit difficult to cure completely but can be controlled by some of the best home remedies. So, if you are also affected by this and want to get rid of psoriasis on scalp fast here are some of the best home remedies that you can try. These are 100 % natural and effective.

What Are The Symptoms Of Scalp Psoriasis

Symptoms of psoriasis on the scalp might include:

• Fine scaling that looks like dandruff, or appears as thick, crusted plaques on the scalp
• Red, itchy areas on the scalp
• Scaling that covers parts of the scalp or the entire scalp
• Scaling that may extend beyond the hairline onto the neck

âIt can be itchy and painful and all that together can make psoriasis that affects a small body area disabling,â says Dr. Friedman.

Scalp psoriasis can have a social impact, too, he adds.

âIf someone sees a person with a flaky, red scalp, they may assume the person is unkempt or has a fungal infection, so there is an added level of anxiety associated with that in terms of misunderstanding what scalp psoriasis is and punishing the patients,â Dr. Friedman says.

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:

Recommended Reading: Cbd Oil For Psoriasis Reviews

Signs And Symptoms Of Scalp Psoriasis

The most common complaint is a dry, flaky, red scalp with occasional itchiness. Many people find that it worsens with stress and after some infections. Other common symptoms include:

• Reddish patches on the scalp, sometimes thick and inflamed
• Dandruff-like flaking and silvery-white scale that looks like dandruff
• Dry scalp that may crack and bleed
• Mild to intense itching
• Temporary hair loss

What Are The Causes

We still donât understand what exactly causes scalp psoriasis at a baseline level. What we do know is that psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that often runs in families and is characterized by flare-ups that can be triggered by stress, skin injury, infection, weather, as well as certain medications like lithium and antimalarials. We also know that those patches are caused by an internal inflammatory response. It goes something like this: White blood cells overproduce cytokines, signaling molecules that regulate your bodyâs immunity and inflammation response, which trigger inflammation in the skin. The inflammation, for some reason, causes an abnormally fast multiplication of keratinocytes, the main cells in the outer layer of the skin. And thus youâll see raised, scaly patches of skin.

Read Also: Is Dandruff A Form Of Psoriasis

What Are The Most Common Treatments For Scalp Psoriasis

Here are some popular home remedies for scalp psoriasis: aloe vera cream applied three times a day to the scalp and other effected areas apple cider vinegar solution, washing over effected areas baking soda and water paste, used to reduce scalp itchiness capsaicin cream, used to reduce flaking, redness, and inflammation coconut or avocado oil, to moisturize affected areas

Neutrogena T/sal Therapeutic Shampoo

The Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo is another 3% salicylic acid option that eliminates scalp buildup and alleviates symptoms associated with scalp psoriasis.

This shampoo has been praised by users for its ability to remove buildup from the scalp and alleviate itching.

Even after only one application, several users claim to have seen a reduction in irritation, although, the scent is intense.

Read Also: How To Stop Psoriasis From Spreading

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:

• sunburn

What Type Of Psoriasis Treatment Will I Need

Several treatment options can relieve psoriasis. Creams or ointments may be enough to improve the rash in small areas of skin. If the rash affects larger areas, or you also have joint pain, you may need other treatments. Joint pain may be a sign that you have arthritis.

Your provider will decide on a treatment plan based on:

• Severity of the rash.

Also Check: What Shampoo Helps With Psoriasis

Also Check: What Helps Psoriasis On Face

Make Hair Care Product Swaps

Villaneuva suggests opting for products that are free of sulfates, phthalates, and parabens. âThese ingredients will dry out the skin, which causes further irritation to the scalp,â she warns. Instead, look for ingredients like coconut oil, tea tree oil, turmeric, avocado oil, castor oil, and charcoal. All of these ingredients help to reduce inflammation and remove impurities to balance out the condition of the scalp.

Villanuevaâs go-to for immediate relief is a DIY paste made with oats and water. âIf you need immediate relief, you can make a paste with crushed oats and water and apply it directly to the skin,â she says. âThis will not stop the progression of psoriasis, but it will help to temporarily relieve the scalp as oats are extremely soothing to the skin.â

Also Check: Scalp Psoriasis And Psoriatic Arthritis

What You Should Know About Plaque Psoriasis

This is the type youre probably thinking of when someone mentions psoriasis. Its characterized by clearly demarcated, raised, red, scaly patches called plaques that appear most commonly on your elbows, knees, scalp, and back .

Because it accounts for 80% of all cases, plaque psoriasis tends to get the most press. Its the type addressed in most psoriasis drug commercials, and celebs including reality star Kim Kardashian and singer Cyndi Lauper have both been vocal about being plagued with plaques.

Don’t Miss: Difference Between Dry Skin And Psoriasis

What Are Scalp Psoriasis Symptoms And Signs Can Scalp Psoriasis Cause Hair Loss

Psoriasis appears as a small bump, a papule, surmounted by scale. When these papules coalesce, a plaque is formed that is often covered by thick layers of horny scale. When this scale is shed, it appears as dandruff, which can be quite unsightly. Scratching these plaques, either because of itching or because of the impulse to remove it, is a very poor idea because of what is called the Koebner phenomenon . This may cause psoriasis to develop in areas of inflammation and trauma. Scratching off the scale will only make things worse. Although most patients do not note hair loss, there can be extensive alopeciahair loss in severe cases.

What Professional Shampoo Is Good For Psoriasis

Dr. Kristine, a dermatologist in New York City recommends DHS Sal Shampoo.

DHS SAL Shampoo, with a salicylic acid concentration of 3%, has the potential to decrease the appearance of flakes while moisturizing the scalp.

It keeps hair from accumulating on the scalp even after it has been cleaned. Dr. Kristine suggests utilizing it at least twice a week to get the most out of it.

This shampoo has gotten high marks for its effectiveness in treating dandruff and flaky scalp.

Don’t Miss: How To Use Olive Oil For Psoriasis

How Do You Treat Scalp Psoriasis

Theres no cure for scalp psoriasis, but there are ways to manage its symptoms. I always remind my patients that theyll need to continue treating it to keep it under control, says the dermatologist Steve Daveluy, MD, an assistant professor at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit.

According to data published in February 2016 in the journal Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, a combination of treatments works best against scalp psoriasis.

Treatments for scalp psoriasis may include the following:

How Do You Treat Psa

If you have this condition, youll want to see a rheumatologist, a doctor who specializes in arthritis. Treatments can range OTC non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs , including methotrexate, that work by slowing your immune system and your bodys inflammatory response. If those dont work, biologics may be considered.

Don’t Miss: Hemp Oil For Scalp Psoriasis

What You Should Know About Guttate Psoriasis

This type doesnt bring large plaques, but instead little red bumps smaller than a fingertip. You can wind up with hundreds of them scattered on your arms, legs, and torso.

About 10% of all psoriasis cases are the guttate type. You can have a mild case with just a few spots in one area, a moderate case that covers up to 10% of your body, or a severe breakout that leaves most, or even all, of your body covered in bumps.

How Do You Treat Plaque Psoriasis

There are several treatments that target plaques. Your physician will decide which one is right for you based on your general health, any underlying conditions, and the severity of your plaque psoriasis. Your options include:

• Topical ointments and creams such as cortisone cream, oral or injectable corticosteroids

• Light therapy

• Systemic drugs such as Gengraf and Sandimmune and Rasuvo and Rheumatrex

• Biologic medications, which are made from living organisms and work by slowing down your overactive immune system

Research suggests that biologics for psoriasis might help with those other inflammatory diseases linked to the skin condition, too. A study in Cardiovascular Research found that treating psoriasis with biologics helps reduce the plaque buildup in the arteries, which leads to heart attacks and strokes.

However, once your skin plaques disappear, youre not necessarily in the clear. Exposure to your triggers can bring on a new bout of plaque psoriasis. Only 10% of people are lucky enough to have whats called spontaneous remission, when your skin clears up forever and you never have a flare up again.

Also Check: Coconut Oil To Treat Scalp Psoriasis

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.

Get Hair Health And Science News Delivered Right To Your Inbox

Does anybody actually like dealing with scalp infections? Well, actually we do. Yes, we know scalp fungus causes hair lossâand can be uncomfortable and itchy. But weâve done our scalp infection research and have solutions for you. Not only will we tell you the difference between scalp fungus and plain old dry skin, but weâll also share how and why scalp infections happen. Plus, weâve got scalp fungus treatment options. Hereâs what we know.

Also Check: Aloe Vera Plant For Psoriasis

Candida Overgrowth And Hair Loss

Besides the symptoms listed above, candida overgrowth can contribute to hair loss. A scalp fungus like this can be mistaken for other things, including dandruff or psoriasis. But, it can be much more severe because it can cause hair loss in a couple of different ways.

First, too much yeast on the scalp will cause it to become itchy. Unfortunately, the more you scratch at your scalp, the higher your risk of hair loss. You could be breaking and pulling hairs out each time you scratch at your skin. If you damage your skin, the hair follicles could become clogged with dirt and debris, making it even harder for new hair to grow.

A fungus can also cause hair loss in more significant patches. It can cause the fibers of your hair to break off, falling out easier than they usually would.

Finally, Candida can affect the bodys hormones if it is systemic. When your hormones are out of whack, it can cause hypothyroidism. This can lead to lower blood circulation throughout the body. This includes circulation to your scalp and hair follicles. Sometimes, thyroid medication is needed in extreme cases of candida to balance things out. If your hair follicles arent getting enough blood flow, they cant work correctly. Not only can it cause you to lose hair, but it can prevent new, healthy hair from growing.

Recommended Reading: Start Of Psoriasis On Elbow

How Is Psoriasis Of The Scalp Treated

Scalp psoriasis can be difficult to treat. The goal of treatment for scalp psoriasis is to relieve symptoms.

Treatments to help get rid of psoriasis on the scalp include:

• Topical treatments, such as creams and ointments
• Over-the-counter topical treatments: The National Psoriasis Foundation has a Seal of Recognition program that recognizes over-the-counter products intended to be non-irritating and safe for people with psoriasis
• Look for products such as shampoos that contain:
• Salicylic acid to help soften plaques and scales and remove scales from the skin
• Coal tar or wood tar, to help slow skin cell growth and reduce inflammation, itching, and scaling
• Scale lifters with active ingredients such as salicylic acid, urea, lactic acid, or phenol to help loosen and remove scale, and allow medications to reach the psoriasis plaques
• Aloe vera, jojoba, zinc pyrithione, and capsaicin to soothe, moisturize, remove scale, or relieve itching
• Anti-itch treatments such as calamine, hydrocortisone, camphor, benzocaine, diphenhydramine hydrochloride, and menthol
• Coverings such as plastic wrap, cellophane, waterproof dressing, cotton socks, or a nylon suit may be applied over topical treatments to help increase effectiveness

You May Like: Best Home Treatment For Psoriasis

Add Back The Right Types Of Fat To Reverse Essential Fatty Acid Deficiency

Fats are good for us, but they must be the right kind and they must be raw to be fully useable. When we eat the right types of fat, we are happy, our hormones are balanced, our immunity is improved, our appetite is satisfied, our skin is smooth and our hair silky.

Healthy fats come from some of our most delicious and versatile foods which makes it very simple to add them to our diet:

Also Check: What Helps Psoriasis Flare Ups

Treatment: Where To Start

The most common treatments for mild cases are medications that you put directly on your scalp. If you have a more severe case or have psoriasis elsewhere on your body, you may need a medication that treats your whole body. You can take these medications by mouth or injection.

If your psoriasis doesn’t respond well after repeated use of one medication, your doctor may replace or combine it with another type of treatment.

One of the first steps is to soften and remove scales. This makes it easier for medications to do their job.

• Apply over-the-counter products to your scalp to help soften scales and make them easier to peel off. Look for products with the active ingredients salicylic acid, lactic acid, urea, zinc pyrithione, or selenium sulfide.
• Gently loosen the scales with a brush or fine-toothed comb.
• Shampoo your scalp to remove the scales, using a salicylic acid shampoo or soap.
• Apply thick creams to your scalp while it’s still damp to hold in the moisture.

To apply medication:

You May Like: Will Losing Weight Help Psoriasis