B Effective Ayurvedic Home Remedies For Scalp Psoriasis
1. Add a tsp of turmeric powder into a half cup of curd. Apply this mixture on the affected areas on your scalp and leave it for about 30 minutes before rinsing it off using lukewarm water. Turmeric contains curcumin , which fights against specific proteins that are responsible for psoriasis spread. You can also include turmeric in your regular diet as it balances all the three doshas.
2. Apply freshly extracted aloe vera gel on your scalp regularly. This helps in reducing the redness and scaling tremendously while aloe vera balances all the three doshas well.
3. Prepare a fine paste by crushing jasmine flowers. Add some yogurt and coconut oil into it. Apply this mixture thoroughly across your scalp and leave it for 30-45 minutes before washing it off using an Ayurvedic shampoo. Jasmine reduces itching and inflammation while balancing all the three doshas.
4. Oral medications of guggul and shallaki are the most commonly used herbs to treat psoriasis. Your Ayurvedic consultant can prescribe you the right dosage based on your dosha profile.
5. Include garlic in your diet regularly as it helps in your blood purification and controls psoriasis by reducing inflammatory responses in your body.
6. Regular Panchakarma therapy helps to detox and purify your body, which contributes exceptionally in controlling your scalp psoriasis.
The Last Word
How We Chose The Best Shampoos For Scalp Psoriasis
To create this list, we looked mainly for products that contain salicylic acid and coal tar to target scalp psoriasis. These are two ingredients recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology Association .
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid thats often used as an exfoliant. It helps soften and break down plaques and scales for easier removal. Removing the plaques should help ease symptoms, like itching, burning, and irritation.
Coal tar is derived from black coal, and, according to the AAD, has been used to treat psoriasis for over 100 years. It helps pump the brakes to make sure the skin cells on your scalp arent growing too fast and building up. Still, coal tar can be drying and can stain.
We also included shampoos with other research-backed ingredients, like selenium sulfide.
Finally, we looked at reviews from customers with scalp psoriasis to determine the effectiveness of each one.
How Do You Get Rid Of Seborrheic Dermatitis On The Scalp Naturally
Its best to work with your dermatologist to treat seborrheic dermatitis since this condition can be chronic and recur in some people. To help manage the itching on your own, you can try home remedies like a gentle moisturizer, unscented skin products, lukewarm baths or showers, coconut oil, tea tree oil, and stress management techniques.
Don’t Miss: Is Coffee Good For Psoriasis
Psoriasis Skin Flakes: What Are They
Flakes in psoriasis are the dead cells at the outer layer of the skin that are being shed, saysMitchell Bressack, MD, a dermatologist at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago who specializes in treating psoriasis. The outer layer of the skin normally turns over every 28 days, which means that it takes about a month for the bottom layer of cells to make their way to the top.
In people with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, however, the cells at the base of the epidermis multiply more rapidly than normal and they progress from the base of the epidermis to the surface more rapidly than normal, so theres an increase in the number of dead cells being shed from the surface of the skin on a daily basis, Dr. Bressack says. This appears as scales, which can flake off in large pieces.
What Questions Should I Ask My Healthcare Provider
- Do my symptoms indicate seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, atopic dermatitis or psoriasis?
- What over-the-counter treatment or combination of treatments would work best for me?
- Is there a specific brand of dandruff shampoo, cream or lotion that you recommend?
- Is there a prescription shampoo, cream or lotion you can prescribe?
- How often should I see a dermatologist regarding this condition?
- What should I do if I have an allergic reaction to a shampoo/cream/lotion?
- Is my acne treatment covered by my insurance?
Although seborrheic dermatitis is itchy and uncomfortable, it does not harm your health. The condition can be managed with treatment. Itchy skin and white flakes on your black shirts shouldnt be a normal part of your day!
You May Like: Psoriasis On Palms Of Hands Pictures
Difference Between Dandruff And Scalp Psoriasis
- 16 Jul 2020, 17:36 IST
Do you suffer from an itchy scalp which is accompanied by white flakes that fall all over your clothes? Well, to a layman it might look like dandruff because of its common occurrence. What you do need to understand to be able to identify the illness is that it can be scalp psoriasis as well. Scalp psoriasis is another scalp problem that is very similar to dandruff in appearance. While dandruff is a milder problem, scalp psoriasis is chronic and requires medical attention. Read on to understand what these two scalp problems are and how to identify them.
How Is Seborrheic Dermatitis Diagnosed
Seborrheic dermatitis is an easy condition to diagnosis because of its appearance on the affected skin and where it appears on your body. No blood, urine or allergy tests are needed. Your dermatologist may perform a skin biopsy to rule out other diseases if your condition does not respond to treatment.
Recommended Reading: How To Reduce Psoriasis Flare Ups
Articles On Types Of Psoriasis
Knowing which kind of psoriasis you have helps you and your doctor make a treatment plan. Most people have only one type at a time. Sometimes, after your symptoms go away, a new form of psoriasis will crop up in response to a trigger.
In general, most types of psoriasis result from the same triggers:
- Diet
- Weather
Here’s how you can spot the 7 types of psoriasis and what you can do to treat them.
Scalp Psoriasis Vs Dandruff Symptoms
|
Symptoms Of Dandruff |
|
Now, lets understand what causes each of the two scalp ailments along with different Ayurvedic home remedies.
Also Check: Home Remedies For Itchy Scalp Psoriasis
Dandruff Vs Seborrheic Dermatitis
Dandruff causes white or yellow flakes of dry skin on the scalp. Seborrheic dermatitis also causes flaky skin. In addition, this condition can lead to scaling, itching, redness, swelling, and inflammation of the skin.
Dandruff is always found only on the scalp, while seborrheic dermatitis can spread to other seborrheic areas like the face, ears, and upper chest.
Seborrheic dermatitis tends to occur during certain phases of life and peaks during infanthood and adolescence. Cradle cap, a common skin condition on the scalp of infants, is caused by seborrheic dermatitis.
Seborrheic dermatitis affects about 42% of infants, and can be found on an infants face and diaper area as well.
In adolescents, seborrheic dermatitis often affects the scalp, face, upper chest, underarms, and inguinal folds, or folds in the groin. It is more common in men than women.
Dandruff is also more common and occurs more often in men than women. Dandruff usually starts during puberty, peaks around age 20, and is less common after age 50.
How To Treat Scalp Psoriasis
Topical treatments like medicated shampoos are the first course of action for scalp psoriasis, too, and sometimes products with the same ingredientssuch as salicylic acid and tarare recommended, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. “But scalp psoriasis may also be treated with topical steroids and vitamin D analogs, both available by prescription,” says Dr. Feldman.
Read Also: Why Do I Only Have Psoriasis On My Scalp
What Is The Treatment For Scalp Psoriasis Vs Dandruff
It is important to get a diagnosis for scalp psoriasis versus dandruff, because in some cases, scalp psoriasis may require prescription medications.
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
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.
Recommended Reading: How Many People Have Plaque Psoriasis
Symptoms Of Scalp Psoriasis
Not all people experience psoriasis in the same way. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, symptoms can vary from scaling that resembles mild dandruff to thick, crusted skin plaques that span the entire scalp.
Scalp psoriasis can be quite uncomfortable. In a 2014 survey of nearly 3,500 people with psoriasis, 43 percent of respondents reported that itchiness was the most bothersome symptom of their psoriasis. As one member of MyPsoriasisTeam described, It feels good to scratch, but end up with a dandruff-looking pile on your clothes.
Scratching can have another frustrating impact: temporary hair loss. If a person scratches their dry scalp or forcibly removes itchy scales, they may inadvertently lose hair in the affected areas.
This very experience led another MyPsoriasisTeam member to learn of their diagnosis: I just found out I have psoriasis because I have a huge round spot on the back of my scalp, and it’s so itchy! they shared. My dermatologist told me what I was already pretty sure of.
Fortunately, these patches are usually temporary, and hair will often regrow when the inflammation of the psoriasis resolves.
Treatments For Scalp Psoriasis
Addressing scalp psoriasis can be somewhat difficult, due to its location on the body.
Hair can complicate treatment for scalp psoriasis. As one research team described in a report for the journal Psoriasis: Targets and Therapy, hair doesn’t just complicate the application and penetration of medications to affected areas. It also impacts the likelihood a person will stick to their treatment plan. During the study, individuals commonly complained of the greasy effects of their medications and the difficulty of removing products from their hair.
That said, topical treatments are currently used as first-line treatment in many people with scalp psoriasis. Those with more moderate to severe cases may also need phototherapy or a type of medication known as biologics.
Topical Treatments
Topical corticosteroids have proven the most effective treatment for scalp psoriasis in clinical trials and are the most commonly prescribed treatment. These medications are available as over-the-counter or prescription lotions, oils, gels, foams, soaps, shampoos, and creams.
Other common topical treatments for scalp psoriasis include salicylic acid in 5 percent to 10 percent concentrations, which offers a keratolytic effect. Coal tar and coal-tar shampoo can offer anti-inflammatory and anti-itch benefits. Shampoos containing Nizoral and selenium sulfide can also be helpful.
This treatment is more difficult to apply to the scalp, due to hair coverage.
Systemic Treatments
Recommended Reading: Ways To Help Scalp Psoriasis
When It Is Psoriasis Not Just Dandruff
Psoriasis is a skin disorder that causes cells to multiply up to 10 times faster than normal. This causes skin cells to build up on the surface, forming red patches usually covered with scales.
It is not a contagious disease, so a person cannot catch it from someone else. However, the disorder has a genetic element so people who are affected may often have a family history of the same. Symptoms of psoriasis are often first seen in early adulthood and can manifest anywhere, including the elbows, knees, lower back and even the scalp.
Difference between scalp psoriasis and dandruff
Of the different types of psoriasis, scalp psoriasis can be particularly difficult to recognise and treat. It can affect any area of the scalp and cause extreme itching. In some cases, the skin may become so dry that it cracks and bleeds.
Hair loss is a common problem in scalp psoriasis and is not a result of the psoriasis itself but is seen because of damage to the hair shaft or hair follicles. This damage can occur from rubbing, scratching, excessive combing, and from chemicals or ingredients in treatments and products.
Scalp psoriasis can look very similar to dandruff, which is why it may be difficult to diagnose. Young individuals with high stress levels can develop both dandruff and scalp psoriasis, it may become hard to tell the difference and treat appropriately.
Treatment for scalp psoriasis
Vitamin D and psoriasis
Do Scalp Psoriasis Home Remedies Work
How you take care of your hair and scalp can have a big impact on your scalp psoriasis flare-ups. In addition to the treatment plan your doctor recommends, you may want to try some of the following tips at home12:
Skip styling tools when possible: Since heat can further dry out your scalp and exacerbate symptoms, its best to avoid blow-drying, curling, and straightening tools if you can. When brushing your hair, use gentle pressure to avoid further irritation. If you have natural hair and are used to consistent styling that requires heat, talk to your dermatologist or stylist to figure out a plan that reduces the risk of potential flare-ups while maintaining the health of your hair.
Avoid the tight up-do: If you have longer hair and have hair loss, you may also want to avoid pulling it back tightly in a ponytail, since that can pull on the already-fragile scalp and possibly lead to more hair loss. If you must pull your hair back, keep the hair low and loose to prevent excess tugging.
Choose hair products wisely: Using certain hair products, such as hair dyes, can also be irritating to your scalp. Ask your dermatologist for brand recommendations or if there are ways your stylist can dye your hair that might be more gentle on your scalp.
Read Also: What Is The Life Expectancy Of Someone With Psoriasis
Ingredients That Can Benefit Scalp Psoriasis
Shamban says that when looking for products, keep an eye out for gels and shampoos or pre-treatments containing salicylic acid, as it can help soften thick patches of skin on the scalp. Another good thing about salicylic acid? It penetrates into skin and pores, allowing other medications for other symptoms to get in deeper. Look for products with antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-fungal properties that can help treat seborrheic dermatitis and scalp psoriasis, she adds. Antifungals also inhibit yeast growth, a main factor in dandruff which is a secondary outcome with the condition.
How Are Scalp Psoriasis And Dandruff Diagnosed
The diagnostic processes for scalp psoriasis and dandruff are relatively similar. In both cases, a doctor will ask questions and examine the hair and scalp for telltale signs of a certain condition.
If a doctor suspects scalp psoriasis, they may also perform a biopsy on the affected area to rule out other skin conditions and confirm their diagnosis. If scalp psoriasis is suspected, the rest of the body should be examined for other areas of psoriasis.
Recommended Reading: What Do You Do For Psoriasis
Psoriasis And Dandruff: What Are They
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that impacts many biological systems in the body, including the musculoskeletal and immune systems. Like dandruff, psoriasis is often identified by irritated patches of scaly skin. Key word: scaly.
Dandruff, on the other hand, is a more common condition. It is the flaking of your scalp as a result of irritation. Key word: flaking.
But heres the tricky part: Flaking can be triggered by a number of medical conditions, including psoriasis . That means you may have dandruff, psoriasis, or both.
Neither dandruff or psoriasis is contagious or necessarily harmful to your general health. However, you should seek medical treatment if your skin starts to bleed or scalp cracks under your hair due to excessive dryness or abrasion.