Don’t Soak Up The Booze
Doctors are still trying to find out for sure why alcohol exacerbates psoriasis. They suspect that alcohol increases activity of a certain kind of white blood cell that’s found in psoriasis patients but not in other people.
“Alcohol is a definite problem,” according to Stephen M. Purcell, DO, professor of dermatology at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. “It’s best to not drink at all if you have psoriasis.”
Common Scalp Conditions And How To Treat Them
Its not only your hair health you need to think about. Strong, beautiful hair can only grow from a healthy scalp. Some of the most common scalp conditions cause itchiness, rashes and hair loss. So watch out for the symptoms and find out how to treat them!
Seborrheic Dermatitis is one of the most common scalp conditions that is defined by dandruff and patches of grease. In a worst case scenario, it can even lead to hair loss! Its not contagious but is an obvious inconvenience. Seborrheic Dermatitis is associated with stress and seasonal changes in your body, such as weakened immune system or seasonal depression, so tends to worsen in winter and early spring. Besides these causes, this disease can also be triggered by Parkinsons, diabetes, obesity or caused by fungus. To fight this condition, youll need a prescription-strength ketoconazole shampoo that should be applied directly to your scalp for 5-10 minutes prior to wetting your hair and followed by a moisturising shampoo and conditioner to prevent excessive dryness.
Tea Tree Oil Keeps The Scalp Infection
Tea tree oil, an essential oil distilled from the leaves of a plant native to Australia, has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that can help keep the scalp free of infection,which may result from frequent scratching.
If you have dandruff, psoriasis, or a dry, itchy scalp, mix 1 part tea tree oil to 10 parts olive oil and dab the affected areas with a cotton ball. Leave it on for five minutes before rinsing out.
“While there is no scientific evidence to support the use of tea tree oil for psoriasis, some people report it works, says Stefan C. Weiss, MD, a dermatologist at the Weiss Skin Institute in Boca Raton, Florida. But Dr. Weiss cautions that it can cause an allergic reaction in others. If you’re thinking of trying tea tree oil, test it first by applying a small dab on a healthy patch of skin on the inner arm before using it on your scalp.
Read Also: Cerave Psoriasis Moisturizing Cream Walgreens
Apple Cider Vinegar Can Relieve Psoriasis Itch
Thanks to its anti-bacterial properties, apple cider vinegar has the ability to ease the irritation of everything from bug bites to blisters. When it comes to your scalp, apple cider vinegar can help relieve the itch associated with psoriasis.
Try it by saturating your scalp with a mixture of 1 to 2 parts water and 1 part vinegar several times a week for 10 minutes but dont try this at-home treatment if you have cracked or bleeding skin.
Use a comb to gently remove scales once theyve plumped up from the moisture, then shampoo and rinse as usual. You can also use the same apple cider vinegar rinse to remove dulling product buildup. Be sure to follow up with a deep conditioner to prevent your hair from drying out.
What Are The Most Common Scalp Psoriasis Symptoms
Youre probably wondering, What does scalp psoriasis looks like? Generally, you might notice flaking or scaly patches of raised skin on your scalp first, Dr. Bhutani says. These patches can also be inflamed, thick, and swollen6, and sometimes extend to the forehead, the back of the neck, or behind the ears. On light skin tones, psoriasis plaques on the scalp typically appear pink or red with silvery scales. For people with dark skin, these lesions may range in color and appear salmon-y pink, silvery white, violet, or brown, depending on your specific skin tone7.
But the signs of scalp psoriasis go far beyond the physical effects. Scalp psoriasis, honestly, causes some of the largest impact on quality of life, Dr. Bhutani says. Thats because severe symptoms can interrupt sleep, create feelings of anxiety, and hurt a persons self-esteem, especially if the scalp psoriasis plaques are clearly visible.
In addition to plaques, other scalp psoriasis symptoms include6:
- An extremely itchy scalp that can be distracting
- A burning sensation or soreness on your scalp
- Cracked and/or bleeding skin from scratching too much or from having a dry scalp
- Temporary hair loss if you excessively touch your scalp or attempt to pick off your scales, which can forcibly remove hair follicles
You May Like: Psoriasis On Hands And Feet Treatment
How To Use Salicylic Acid In Collodion Liquid
Use this product on the skin as directed by your doctor. If you are self-treating, follow all directions on the product package. If you are uncertain about any of the information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
First wash the affected area. You may soak it in warm water for about 5 minutes to soften it. Dry thoroughly. Your doctor may direct you to use a rough towel, pumice stone, file, or emery board to gently remove the top dead layers of thickened skin after soaking and before applying the liquid. Do not use sharp objects. Removing the dead skin helps the medication to work better. Do not try to rub the wart, corn, or callus off.
Using the applicator provided, apply a thin coat of the medication to cover the entire wart, corn, or callus. To minimize irritation, be careful not to get the liquid on surrounding skin. Let dry. Repeat this procedure 1 to 2 times daily as needed until the wart, corn, or callus is removed. For warts, you may use this product for up to 12 weeks. For corns and , you may use it for up to 2 weeks. Wash hands after use.
Do not use this product on skin that is irritated, red, or infected. Avoid contact with the eyes and face. If this product gets on these areas or on healthy surrounding skin, wash it off right away. Flush the eyes with water for 15 minutes. If irritation persists, contact your doctor right away.
Avoid inhaling the fumes from this product.
Also Check: Best Bath Soak For Psoriasis
Make Time For Afternoon Tea
Tea tree oil isnt messing around. This strong antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory oil can treat scalp psoriasis when paired with a carrier oil .
Dont go nuts with this one. Start with just a drop or two and see how your skin reacts. Also, if youre pregnant, breastfeeding, have linear IgA disease, or are taking the antibiotic vancomycin, then this oil is not for you.
Don’t Miss: Can You Have Psoriasis On Your Hands
Oats Or Colloidal Oatmeal
Some people also notice that their psoriasis symptoms get worse after eating certain foods or as a result of allergies. Research has not yet conclusively proven that these factors can trigger psoriasis, however.
It is worth noting that environmental triggers alone do not cause psoriasis. People without a genetic predisposition for psoriasis will not develop it, even when they experience these triggers.
In the following sections, we will cover the different types of shampoo and home remedies that people with scalp psoriasis can try.
How To Cure Psoriasis Permanently: Top 10 Home Remedies
What is psoriasis and what does it look like? Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that occurs due to the excessive growth of skin cells. New skin cells developed in a day instead of a week. Skin cells start piling up on the skin and cause patches. They are thick, red, scaly patches on the skin. Psoriasis can occur on elbows, knees, scalp, palms, back, face, and feet but can occur in other parts of the body too. This is a long-lasting skin problem but you can cure psoriasis with a natural home remedy.
Psoriasis occurs when your immunity is not working properly. The cell turnover process takes months normally but during psoriasis, it takes only a day to complete. People with serious health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and stress are more at risk.
Psoriasis mainly occurs in people aged between 15-40 years, but it can occur at any age. Its very rare but an infant can have psoriasis. Psoriasis is not a contagious skin disease.
Contents
Don’t Miss: Best Treatment For Psoriasis On Legs
Use Omega 3 Fats For Psoriasis
Fish and fish oil contains this type of fat and can help to relieve autoimmune conditions such as psoriasis and reduce inflammation as studies have shown.
How much benefit you can get from this supplement can vary with dosage, the type of psoriasis, etc.
It can also interfere with other medications which can lead to some side effects.
So, it is always advisable to consult your doctor before taking this type of supplement to combat psoriasis.
Limit Your Use Of Styling Tools
Be gentle when styling your hair, in order to avoid irritating the scalp. “It is best to avoid tight hair styles, as pulling too tight on the scalp can lead to irritation,” says Garshick. “Additionally, curling irons, rollers, coloring, perming or relaxing your hair should be limitedespecially if there is an active flareas these can be irritating on the scalp.”
If you’re concerned about concealing plaques, Green suggests “a low pony with added texture to hide irritation at the nape of your neck. You can add volume to down-dos by gently teasing strands at the root to conceal any scaliness behind the ears. If the hairline is typically your trouble zone, full or side-swept bangs can help hide redness.”
Don’t Miss: Que Causa La Psoriasis En El Cuero Cabelludo
What Is Scalp Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a group of autoimmune conditions that affect the skin. Autoimmune conditions cause the immune system to target the wrong cells or overreact to harmless triggers.
In the case of psoriasis, the autoimmune activity causes skin cells to grow more quickly than usual, creating scales and lesions on the skin. The appearance of the lesions depends on the type of psoriasis.
The only type of psoriasis that affects the scalp, however, is plaque psoriasis.
The most common symptoms of scalp psoriasis include:
- Scales on the scalp: These may be light and fine or thick and crusty. The patches of scales might be small, or they could cover the entire scalp.
- Psoriasis plaques on other areas of the body: Scales may spread from the scalp, extending to the face or neck. They may also develop on distant parts of the body.
- Hair changes: In more severe cases, hair loss, changes in hair texture, or patchy hair can develop.
Scalp psoriasis is not a distinct type of psoriasis. Around half of all people who have psoriasis develop plaques on their scalp.
How To Naturally Manage Dry & Inflamed Scalp Psoriasis
Have you ever noticed scaly red patches on your scalp? If so, you may be among the 2 to 3% of Americans with psoriasis, an autoimmune disorder that presents itself on the skin, as well as in the joints. And if you’ve ever experienced this type of flare-up on the scalp, you know it can be quite the challenge to learn how to live with it, while not allowing it to control your every hair move. We consulted with experts to get the lowdown on scalp psoriasis and the natural remedies you can take to help manage your condition.
You May Like: Early Signs Of Psoriasis Of The Liver
Lavender Oil For Psoriasis
Lavender oil is one of the most studied essential oils. Its frequently used for a variety of conditions, including abrasions, headaches, and muscle pain. Lavender oil has even been shown to have successful antibacterial and antifungal properties against different bacterias when traditional medicines have failed.
If youre under stress, consider applying diluted lavender oil to your temples. This may help ease your mind, possibly alleviating certain emotional triggers of psoriasis. Lavender oil may also help to lessen itching on the skin when mixed with a lotion and applied to the skin.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as people who have diabetes, should avoid using lavender oil. Overuse of this oil may result in nausea, vomiting, or headaches.
As with other essential oils, you may try applying a few drops of lavender oil to your skin when diluted with a carrier like coconut oil. Some people add drops of lavender oil diluted in a carrier oil to bath water.
What Causes Psoriasis Of The Scalp
You cant catch scalp psoriasis from another person. As with other types, we dont know what causes it. Doctors believe it comes from something wrong with your immune system that causes skin cells to grow too quickly and build up into patches. You may be more likely to get scalp psoriasis if it runs in your family.
You May Like: What Does Psoriasis Scalp Look Like
Coconut Oil For Psoriasis
Coconut oil isnt considered an essential oil. But it has anti-inflammatory properties that may help ease psoriasis pain. Its widely regarded as a gentle ingredient. Because of this, its often recommended as a treatment for scalp psoriasis. The oil moisturizes the skin and scales.
When used alone, coconut oil doesnt typically cause any side effects. The oil is routinely used as a cooking ingredient and is safe for consumption. It can be taken internally or applied externally with few, if any, interactions. Coconut oil is often used as a carrier oil for essential oils. Do not consume coconut oil if there are any essential oils added.
You can use coconut oil in several ways. Try ingesting up to two tablespoons of virgin coconut oil daily. The lauric acid substance inside may block bacteria and viruses from entering your body. You can also apply virgin coconut oil liberally to the affected areas. It may be more effective if you put it on your skin directly after bathing.
If you have pain, itching, or other unusual symptoms after using coconut oil, stop using it and speak with your doctor. Learn more about coconut oil and psoriasis.
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.
Dont Miss: What Not To Do With Psoriasis
You May Like: What Is The Best Treatment For Guttate Psoriasis
Scalp Psoriasis Vs Seborrheic Dermatitis
Occasionally, seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp can be confused with scalp psoriasis since both can produce excess scale and can itch. Pathological examination of the skin biopsy material occasionally may be helpful in distinguishing the two entities. As a practical matter, this is rarely necessary because most patients with psoriasis have typical psoriatic lesions present in other areas, such as the elbows, knees, or torso. In addition, both conditions generally respond to similar topical medications.
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.
Recommended Reading: How To Cure Psoriasis Arthritis Naturally
How Do Health Care Professionals Diagnose Scalp Psoriasis
The fact that the scalp is a hair-bearing area in most people produces challenges in diagnosis as well as treatment. If scaling plaques are present on portions of the body in a distribution characteristic of psoriasis, then the diagnosis of the scalp disease is much easier to make.
The most important consideration in treating scalp psoriasis is getting an effective medication into the skin. Both the hair and any scale covering the disease act as an impediment to treatment. Removal of the scale in a nontraumatic fashion is very important. This can be accomplished by shampooing frequently. Using tar, selenium, or salicylic acid-containing shampoos can be helpful. This may have to be done at least twice a day initially if the scale is sufficiently thick. Gently rubbing off the scale with the fingertips and not the nails is important.
Scalp Psoriasis Vs Dermatitis
Scalp psoriasis and dermatitis are both common skin conditions affecting the scalp. These conditions share some of the same treatments and symptoms, including redness and flaky skin. However, these conditions have different causes and your doctor will be able to tell them apart.
Signs of scalp psoriasis include silver-red scales on the skin that often extend beyond the hairline, with itching and sometimes pain. With dermatitis, you may notice reddish skin covered by white or yellow scales, along with dandruff and itching. Treatment for psoriasis is often more aggressive than that for dermatitis.
Read Also: How To Ease Psoriasis Itching