What People Are Saying About Us
“AMAZING STUFF! This cream is great. I have tried cream after cream trying to clear up sever eczema on my child. Nothing has worked. This helped him so much. Within a few applications, most of his red spots were gone. I also use this on my severely dry hands and it works like magic. My hands instantly feel better and the next day they are mostly healed. I will continue to buy and will tell my friends about it as well.Darilyn
Helped my wifes psoriasis. My wife has suffered from psoriasis on the back of her neck for several years and none of the products prescribed by her doctor were helpful so I decided to try the Wild Naturals product, and she felt an improvement in the first few days and that improvement has continued so that the psoriasis has almost completely disappeared. Excellent product.Geoff
What Are The Types Of Scalp Psoriasis
Different types of scalp psoriasis do not exist. The condition however appears in 3 different forms of severity. The treatment for scalp psoriasis is subsequently determined by the severity of the outbreak.
In the mild form of scalp psoriasis, less than 50 percent of the scalp is affected. Dandruff, redness, and itching are mild.
The moderate form also affects less than 50 percent of the scalp, but the symptoms such as itching, flaking, and redness are more pronounced than in the mild form.
The severe form of scalp psoriasis is visible over a large area , the external signs are most evident here.
Below are some scalp psoriasis images for easy identification:
What Causes Psoriasis Of The Scalp
People often confuse scalp psoriasis and dandruff because both conditions cause dry, flaky skin. Although uncomfortable, dandruff is preventable and usually easily treatable with a simple dandruff shampoo. Unlike dandruff, however, scalp psoriasis is a chronic condition thats not preventable, has no cure, and can be very uncomfortable.
Patricia Farris, MD, a clinical associate professor with the Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, explains a notable key difference between the two.
Scalp psoriasis is red scaling patches that are usually found on the back of the neck and behind the ears, she says. Dandruff is more diffuse and doesnt have the reddish plaque-type lesions you see in psoriasis. Psoriasis can be more extensive with plaques found around the front of the hairline and scattered throughout the scalp.
The key to recognizing it is a shiny silvery scale on top of the red plaque.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology , an estimated 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis. The scalp, elbows, and knees are common places to get psoriasis, but the patches can show up anywhere on the body.
Patients with scalp psoriasis can find some relief with topical lotions, medications, and shampoos that are specially formulated to alleviate discomfort.
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Suave Professionals Charcoal & Aloe Vera Clarifying Shampoo
The Suave Professionals Charcoal & Aloe Vera Clarifying Shampoos formula contains charcoalwhich takes toxins out of the scalp. Removing the toxins allows the scalp to breathe and catch a break from being overwhelmed with excess cell growth and plaques. The shampoo will help to remove flaking skin too.
Topical Creams And Ointments
Another treatment option is the so-called vitamin D3 derivatives, such as calcipotriol and tacalcitol. These active ingredients inhibit the rapid division of skin cells typical of psoriasis.
They promote normalization of the cornification and have an anti-inflammatory effect. Particularly pleasant to use: the gels are quickly absorbed and leave no traces of grease.
Special ointments with vitamin D3 have been developed that work just as well as cortisone, but do not have any side effects.
Cortisone is a highly effective anti-inflammatory drug and is therefore particularly effective against moderate psoriasis. In this way, the inflammation can be fought quickly and the associated dandruff plague is contained.
The cortisone active ingredient is usually applied in liquid form to the affected areas of the skin without greasing the hair. Depending on the level of inflammation, cortisone is prescribed in pure form, in a diluted form, or in a fixed combination with other active ingredients.
Preparations that contain vitamin D3 derivatives or a combination of vitamin D3 derivatives with cortisone are suitable for a longer period of use of up to one year.
Pure cortisone preparations, on the other hand, are not suitable for permanent external use for scalp psoriasis.
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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:
Treat Your Scalp With Care
As Quartullo noted, everyday grooming, scratching, and scrubbing can lead to the Koebner phenomenon, also known as Koebnerization. What that refers to is the emergence of a new psoriatic lesion or plaque following an injury or a trauma to the skin, she explained.
To avoid damaging the scalp and worsening psoriasis, Quartullo recommended treating the affected skin as gently as possible: Vigorously brushing or washing too aggressively or even habitually scratching or picking at the lesions can actually produce or trigger new psoriatic lesions.
The same goes for heat damage. Quartullo advised letting your hair air-dry and avoiding hot styling tools when possible, as a burn may result in Koebnerization. If necessary, keep heat styling tools set below 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Quartullo also advised waiting until after flare-ups have subsided to undergo hair treatments like hair dye, bleaching, or chemical relaxers, as chemicals can worsen psoriasis.
Finally, she recommended using conditioner every day when you wash your hair. Doing so can help prevent some of the dryness associated with psoriasis shampoos
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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.
Try A Parting Of The Ways
When applying a product, part your hair to expose your scalp so you can target plaques directly, says Fran Klapow, a hairstylist from Long Island, New York, who has scalp psoriasis. Repeat this sectioning piece by piece so you can treat your scalp without getting the gooey stuff all over your hair.
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Neutrogena T/gel Therapeutic Shampoo Extra Strength
Listen, this Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo Extra Strength has exceeded more than 1,000 reviews and rated five over five stars across all marketplace on Google. No wonder it is highly recommended by dermatologists worldwide. This shampoo by Neutrogena was made with coal tar , while leaving your hair looking smooth and shiny. A must have!
Why we love it:
- A 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner
- Dermatology tested and approved
Where to buy: Lazada
When To See A Doctor For Scalp Shampoo
Its generally safe to try an over-the-counter medicated shampoo for to see if it cures the problem. If you dont get results after a couple of months of regular use, then make an appointment with a dermatologist for a diagnosis. You may have a condition like scalp that requires a stronger, prescription shampoo. Living with the itch and flaking of dandruff can be annoying, but medicated shampoos offer a very good treatment that works well for most people.
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Is Skin Psoriasis Contagious
Absolutely not! Psoriasis problembe it scalp or skincannot be transmitted via touching. It is not an infection, so you dont have to worry about transferring the skin problems to anyone around you. Psoriasis is mainly caused by genes or your lifestyle, so you cannot give or get psoriasis by physical contact. But bare in mind that fouly environmental can further trigger your psoriasis concern. Bacterial infections, stress and medications all can cause flare ups. So you need to be careful.
Bubble & Bee Really Good Organic Shampoo
Bubble & Bee products are always amazing, natural, and completely free of chemicals and toxins and their Really Good Shampoo is no different. This shampoo contains no SLS, synthetic detergents, water, gluten, or GMOs. The ingredients of this shampoo are as follows:
âSaponified oils of organic coconut, olive, and jojoba, vegetable glycerin, organic sweet almond oil, organic macadamia nut oil, organic jojoba oil, organic aloe vera, organic peppermint essential oil, organic tea tree essential oil, organic spearmint essential oil, organic guar gum, rosemary extract.â
The bubbles and foam from the shampoo come from natural soaps, and tea tree oil and peppermint oil soothe the scalp and provide a healthy scalp for healthy hair that is shiny, hydrated, and well taken care of. If you are truly looking for a shampoo that has zero chemicals or harmful ingredients, this is the best option for you. You can use this product every day without any fear it will hard your hair, skin, and body.
As you can see, all of the ingredients are things that we know and recognize. All of the ingredients used in this product are meant to hydrate, soften, and cleanse hair in the gentlest and most powerful way possible. One unique ingredient in this shampoo is the Bladderwrack seaweed.
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Shampoo Ingredients To Avoid For Psoriasis Hair
1. Sulphates
Sulphates are strong detergents used not only in shampoos but also more heavy-handed applications such as washing up liquid and engine degreasers. They take numerous guises including sodium coco sulphate, sodium lauryl sulphate, and the ethoxylated forms such as sodium laureth sulphate. The eths are slightly milder on the skin, but their manufacturing process pollutes the environment. The same goes for anyone with scalp sensitivity its well worth choosing sulphate free shampoo.
Youll find lots of reports online from people who have gone sulphate-free and found it benefited their scalp. I have psoriasis and have found dilute shampoo helps. I never did well with sulfates, they make my hair shed and anything with perfume can irritate my scalp. Katrine, LonghaircommunityMany people they use a natural shampoo that shifts scalp psoriasis so I looked them up and bought a trial shampooand in 3 days in my head feels less itchy and the plaques are breaking up! Leah, Psoriasis-Association
2. Artificial fragrance
Frustratingly, when on an ingredients list, fragrance is an umbrella term that covers potentially hundreds of artificial chemicals. The Environmental Working Group lists synthetic fragrances as being a toxic, allergenic and an irritant to the skin. Unfortunately, most conventional shampoos contain artificial fragrance including some brands who suggest their fragrance comes from a natural source!
3. Methylisothiazolinone
Best Coal Tar Shampoo
“Coal tar is a mainstay in the treatment of psoriasis,” says Dr. Mauricio, adding that coal tar shampoos, such as Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo, can be very effective. This popular shampoo received the National Psoriasis Foundation Seal of Recognition, meaning it’s intended to be non-irritating and safe for people with psoriasis. It helps treat itching and reduces scalp buildup, but there are some limitations to the benefits of coal tar. Kids canât use the ingredient, for one, and you have to be careful with sun exposure when using coal tar. It can also temporarily discolor light-colored hair, and also runs the risk of staining your skin or clothing.
Note that Dr. Mauricio has her patients with scalp psoriasis rotate between this, Selsun Blue, Nizoral, and a shampoo with salicylic acid â all featured below â for best results.
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Mg217 Psoriasis Medicated Conditioning Shampoo
Best Medicated Shampoo For Psoriasis
For powerful and proven scalp psoriasis relief, look no further than MG217s Psoriasis Medicated Conditioning Shampoo.
This product helps relieve itchy scalp, scaling, irritation, and redness, making it one of the most versatile medicated shampoos designed for scalp-related problems including psoriasis.
Featuring a maximum-strength formula that uses coal tar, MG217s medicated shampoo works by slowing cell growth and effectively controlling buildup on the scalp.
Coal tar is considered to be one of the oldest ingredients used in treating psoriasis.
Since it is formulated with coal tar, MG217s Psoriasis Medicated Conditioning Shampoo wont smell as good as most regular shampoos. However, its a small price to pay for effective relief from scalp psoriasis.
This Psoriasis Medicated Conditioning Shampoo from MG217 also features a conditioning formula that leaves hair soft, clean, and manageable.
Its many benefits for scalp psoriasis as well as its effectiveness has earned it its Seal of Recognition from the National Psoriasis Foundation.
Ingredients That Can Help With Scalp Psoriasis
The first line of defense against scalp psoriasis is topical treatments like applying lotions, creams, gels, soaps, ointments, and medicated shampoos.
The best ingredient for scalp psoriasis, according to dermatologists, is the anti-inflammatory ingredient corticosteroid. It can be used to treat scalp psoriasis by calming the inflammatory response that causes the scalp disorder or it can be used as a preventive measure.
Pyrithione zinc and salicylic acid help in the treatment of psoriasis as they can soothe the scalp and reduce irritation and itching.
When it comes to treating scalp psoriasis, salicylic acid and coal tar have been around for a while. Treatment with coal tar is available in a shampoo formulation and a lotion formulation.
Both these ingredients are keratolytic, which means they help loosen the bonds between cells so that the skin can shed or scale easily.
Salicylic acid and coal tar have been proved to be beneficial in the treatment of scalp psoriasis and are also approved by the FDA.
Therefore, the best shampoo for scalp psoriasis is the one that contains either salicylic acid or coal tar.
Still skeptical about how to pick the right shampoo for scalp psoriasis? Heres what you need to consider before buying:
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Sheamoisture Moringa & Avocado Power Greens Shampoo
Avacado is the star ingredient in this shampoo, and rightfully soit has fatty acids that strengthen hair follicles. Avacado also contains phytosterols and vitamin E that fight against a dry and damaged scalp. If your scalp psoriasis is irritating, then try this shampoo. It soothes your scalp and will leave it fully hydrated and calm.
Medicated Shampoos Vs Everyday Shampoos
Medicated scalp psoriasis shampoos are available and these often contain strong chemicals such as coal tar which help to relieve an itchy scalp.
Your consultant will be able to suggest the best treatment shampoo for your scalp psoriasis but it is worthwhile noting that NHS guidance advises that treatment shampoos are not designed to cleanse or condition the hairi.
Because of this, they suggest that patients may want to use a medicated shampoo to treat the scalp and use a gentle everyday shampoo to care for their hair.
Some haircare ingredients can aggravate delicate skin and if you choose to wash your hair with a non-medicated shampoo it is best to use a gentle, natural shampoo that is free from SLS, silicone, synthetic colourants, alcohol or perfume.
These are all known to irritate delicate skin and are not used in any Green People hair care products.
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Dove Dermacare Scalp Soothing Moisture Shampoo
The Dove Dermacare line is specifically crafted to treat dry scalps experiencing dandruff and flaking. It will also help to manage your scalp psoriasis. Doves Dermacare Scalp Soothing Moisture Anti-Dandruff Shampoo cleans your hair without leaving it dry and causing damage. The brand-specific Olacare Scalp Actives remove dandruff without irritating the scalp and causing inflammation. You can also use it daily if needed to help keep visible flakes out of sight.
How Does Scalp Psoriasis Affect The Hair
Scalp psoriasis is a form of psoriasis that affects the health of the scalp. Like dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatosis, scalp psoriasis can make the scalp incredibly itchy. Those with the condition may also develop red, scaly skin on their head and nape of their necki.
A GP or Dermatologist will be able to diagnose scalp psoriasis and because the condition can contribute to a flaky scalp and cause temporary hair lossi, they may suggest making simple changes to your hair care routine to help alleviate your symptoms.
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