Steroid Treatments For Scalp Psoriasis
Steroid creams also called topical corticosteroids are used to treat moderate and severe cases of scalp psoriasis. Effective steroid-based treatments for scalp psoriasis include:
Topical steroid creams for scalp psoriasis work by reducing inflammation. This slows down signals from the immune system telling the body to produce more skin cells, which, in turn, reduces itching.
One of the things to keep in mind when using a topical treatment is that you can experience skin withdrawal symptoms if you use the medication for a long period of time. These withdrawal symptoms include burning and redness.
Because they are topical corticosteroids, steroid creams for scalp psoriasis should only be prescribed by a doctor or licensed pharmacist prescriber. If you think you need to use topical treatments for your affected skin then speak to a doctor or pharmacist.
Home Remedies To Try For Scalp Psoriasis
About 8 million Americans are affected with psoriasis, many of whom have the condition on their scalp, aptly called scalp psoriasis. Scalp psoriasis formation has no relation to our hair types or textures, so pretty much anyone can develop the condition. Mild to moderate symptoms may include fine, powdery flakes, and scales, while more severe cases can include plaques, which are raised, scaly patches of skin.
On lighter skin, these plaques appear red and silver on darker skin, plaques appear purple, grey, or dark brown. The condition can cause itchiness, inflammation, and discomfort, and the temptation to scratch might lead to infection or hair loss.
Managing scalp psoriasis involves some trial and error, as you find the over-the-counter shampoo or topical that works for you, without causing further irritation. A board-certified dermatologist can also prescribe medicated formulas, oral treatments, or administer a laser if you’re not seeing an improvement from home remedies, if you would prefer to go that route.
Ahead, we offer solutions for managing scalp psoriasis with home remedies, so you can get relief fast!
Spend Time In The Sun
When you suffer from psoriasis, the UVB rays of natural sunlight that can help slow down the growth of affected skin cells. This means spending time in the sun is one of the most natural remedies for psoriasis.
However, limit your exposure to direct sunlight, and always wear sunscreen and protective clothing. And if youre out in the sun for an extended period of time, be sure to reapply sunscreen every couple of hours.
The last thing you want to deal with is psoriasis and sunburn.
Also Check: How To Identify Scalp Psoriasis
Apply Aloe Vera To Scalp
The soothing properties of aloe vera can have some healing properties for people with mild to moderate scalp psoriasis. Aloe vera creams that contain 0.5 percent aloe can help reduce itching, inflammation, flaking, and redness on the scalp. Aloe should be applied up to three times per day to keep skin moist. It may take up to a month to start feeling and seeing positive effects.
Scalp Psoriasis And Hair Loss
Scalp psoriasis and hair loss is something many people with the condition worry about, but the condition itself does not lead to hair loss. With severe scalp psoriasis, heavy scratching, rubbing, and picking large scaly spots can cause temporary hair loss. The good news is that in the vast majority of cases, your hair grows back after scalp psoriasis clears.
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Peppermint Essential Oil For Psoriasis
Peppermint oil may help reduce itching and pain you get in and around psoriasis patches. This oil also tackles itching caused by anything from herpes blisters to scabies infestations.
One 2015 review noted that there are 25 different species of peppermint with over 600 varieties. No matter what plant you use, the menthol in the oil is what gives peppermint its punch.
In small doses, peppermint doesnt usually cause any side effects. Theres a slight chance of an allergic reaction, so be on the lookout for any unusual signs and symptoms after application.
A popular home remedy involves combining one cup of distilled water with five to seven drops of peppermint essential oils in a spray bottle. You can spritz this mixture onto painful, itchy skin for soothing relief.
Ginger For Scalp Psoriasis
Image: Shutterstock
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this once or twice a week.
Why This Works
Shea butter is full of rich triglycerides that deeply condition and moisturize the scalp. Dead, flaky skin will be easily shed and the skin will be left supple and hydrated. This butter extracted from the nuts of the shea tree is also rich in vitamin A and vitamin E. It can be used for the treatment of scalp psoriasis and also general psoriasis patches on the rest of the body .
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Scalp Psoriasis Natural Treatment/ Home Remedies/ Natural Remedies
As we read that Psoriasis is an immunity issue that recurs in most cases, many wellness experts recommend natural and home remedies to treat Psoriasis. Curing Psoriasis at home is possible if treated the right way.
Here is some insight on the natural remedies for Psoriasis on the scalp:
- Ayurvedic home remedies for Psoriasis such as using turmeric, neem, and guggul.
- Taking dietary supplements such as fish oil, aloe vera, Oregon grape, and milk thistle can help ease symptoms of scalp psoriasis hair loss. Also, including Vitamin D in the diet will make a significant difference.
- Preventing Dry Skin/Scalp at all costs. Using a moisturizer, the likes of Betnovate cream, can be beneficial in keeping away the possibility of dry skin. You can also use a ketoconazole shampoo to keep dry flakes in your scalp away.
- Taking regular baths and keeping your body clean and moisturized.
- Eating healthy food with omega-3 fatty acids is the best way to deal with this such foods help in reducing inflammation.
- Cutting down on stress, alcohol intake, and smoking will also go a long way in treating Psoriasis.
Apple Cider Vinegar For Your Scalp
Apple Cider Vinegar is more than just a salad dressing. Put some on your head a few times a week — either full strength or mixed with water. It’s a recipe for relief when your scalp calls out “scratch me.”
Rinse it off after it dries so you won’t get an irritation. And don’t try this when your scalp is bleeding or cracked. The vinegar will make it feel like it’s burning.
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Risk Factors To Consider
Always research the specific oil you intend to use before you incorporate it into your treatment plan. Each oil comes with its own cautions and interactions.
Although theyre all-natural, essential oils can be particularly potent ingredients. For this reason, they should be treated like medication and used with care.
Essential oils are generally not recommended for infants, children, or pregnant or nursing individuals. Some oils may interact with certain medications or health issues. You should speak with your doctor about the oils youd like to use to complement your current psoriasis care plan.
Some essential oils are also toxic to pets. This is true both for direct contact with the skin and for inhalation.
Consider storing any essential oils in a place where children and pets cant reach them. As for your diffuser, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recommends using it in a well-ventilated space or in a room that your pet cant access.
Your vet or another medical professional may be able to give you more specific recommendations.
Scalp Psoriasis Natural Treatment
The Best Natural Treatment Options for Scalp Psoriasis
Some people with scalp psoriasis seem to benefit from natural treatment. You can make a mask for your scalp yourself and let it soak in for desired effects. For example:
- Yogurt and banana: hydration of the scalp, restore pH of the skin, less itching and burning, and fewer flakes.
- Aloe Vera and olive oil: fewer crusts, dryness, and irritation.
- Garlic and Coconut Oil: anti-inflammatory, cleansing the scalp, hydration, better circulation.
- Oats and Honey: hydrates the scalp, removes dead skin cells, less irritation and itching, and fewer flakes.
- Apple cider vinegar improves circulation, restores the pH balance of the skin, and softens the flakes.
To find out which one works best, try them all.
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Salts Are Also Good Natural Remedies For Scalp Psoriasis
Salt is another excellent treatment option, but not just any sort of salt though
According to a study, bathing in water from the Dead Sea is an excellent option to treat psoriasis. Taking a trip to this location is pretty expensive and stressful however, the do it yourself treatment is available for you to do it at home with Dead Sea salt baths.
Note that there is no clear explanation that tells how the saltwater remedy works, but it certainly is a very popular solution, and for good reasons.
If you want to give the DIY home remedy a try, add Dead Sea salt in warm water and soak your whole body in it for 15 minutes. When you are done, dry your body with care and apply any moisturizing agent, like coconut oil, to ensure that scalp psoriasis does not dry out when you are done bathing.
Tumeric To Fight Inflammation
People use lots of natural herbs to treat their skin, and turmeric is one of the most popular ones. This yellow herb is particularly helpful in lessening psoriasis flare-ups because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
You can decide if you want to take it as a supplement or simply sprinkle some of it into your food and consume it in its most natural state.
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Treatment For Scalp Psoriasis
How do you treat scalp psoriasis?
Scalp psoriasis is often more difficult to treat than other forms of psoriasis due to hair on the affected areas. Medication must reach the scalp and should not be applied over a large area, but rather in a targeted manner.
Ointments and lotions are difficult to reach the scalp due to the thick layer of flakes located there. Also very greasy ointments with, for example, petroleum jelly are less suitable especially on a hairy scalp because they cannot be washed out properly.
If you suffer from thick scales, it is necessary to remove them first, otherwise, the treatment of psoriasis will take much longer or will not work.
Thick flakes stop the anti-psoriasis agents you have been prescribed as it prevents the active substance from reaching the skin.
Basically, there are four different forms of psoriasis treatment for the scalp. External use with 1) shampoos, 2) light therapy, 3) topical medications , and 4) biologics .
How to Remove Psoriasis Scales From the Scalp
Follow these 3 steps to a healthy scalp:
1. Soak the flakes on the scalp
The flakes come off best when you soak them overnight using a scaling ointment.
OTC products that contain ingredients such as lactic acid, zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid, selenium sulfide, or urea are great at softening the scales. You do not need a prescription. You can massage this solution into the scalp during the day also to soften the flakes for gentle removal.
2. Remove loose flakes from your hair
The Nitty Gritty Of Scalp Psoriasis
Its easy to think that patches of dry, itchy skin on the scalp are caused by some kind of lack of hygiene. But cleanliness has nothing to do with scalp psoriasis.
Psoriasis is actually a chronic inflammatory disorder caused when the immune system doesnt work quite right. Doctors arent sure why, but some people have an immune system that churns out too many skin cells. Since the body cant get rid of these excess cells fast enough, they pile on top of each other, forming flakey, silvery scales.
Psoriasis can pop up anywhere on the body, but when it shows up on your head, dry skin patches can appear under the hair, on the back of the neck, and behind the ears.
Its easy to confuse psoriasis with dandruff, and sometimes dermatologists arent so sure themselves. When it looks like a blend between psoriasis and dandruff, they call it sebopsoriasis a cute couples name for seborrheic dermatitis, aka dandruff, and psoriasis.
However, some clues that your scalp irritation might be psoriasis include more defined or patterned pink scale-like plaques.
Dandruff looks more like generalized greasy flaking with pink patches. Over-the-counter shampoos can typically knock out dandruff, but scalp psoriasis is a little harder to treat.
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Natural Remedies For Scalp Psoriasis 15 Home Recipes
I am often asked by psoriasis sufferers if I know of any particularly good natural remedies to be applied on the scalp.
The answer is yes of course, by there is not a one-size-fits-all remedy as each one of us can react differently to some remedies. Personally, I have my own recipes which work extremely well for me. Of course, I will share them with you here, but it doesnt mean that they will work for all of you.
So, it is a question of testing one that youd like to try first, taking notes of the results, or lack of, and testing another one. And so on, okay?
For that, I am giving you here 15 natural remedies for scalp psoriasis that you can choose from. If you know of any that are not listed here, we would be pleased to know about them. Please share them in the comments section at the bottom of this blog post. Thanks.
Those who have this kind of skin condition, and I was one of them, will know that having a dry and flaky scalp is not something anyone would love to have.
Unlucky, some people are battling with scalp psoriasis, and since there are no one-size-fits all-cure for scalp psoriasis, one may end up trying different treatment options to keep this problem at bay.
If you have this condition and you have been looking for a perfect solution, I have good news for you. There are different home remedies that can help you attain clear skin.
Make Hair Care Product Swaps
Villaneuva suggests opting for products that are free of sulfates, phthalates, and parabens. “These ingredients will dry out the skin, which causes further irritation to the scalp,” 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.
Villanueva’s go-to for immediate relief is a DIY paste made with oats and water. “If you need immediate relief, you can make a paste with crushed oats and water and apply it directly to the skin,” she says. “This will not stop the progression of psoriasis, but it will help to temporarily relieve the scalp as oats are extremely soothing to the skin.”
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Use An Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
Apple cider vinegar is a do-it-all ingredient, and when used as an apple cider vinegar rinse, it can help lower the pH of the hair, giving you the silky, shiny locks you’ve always wanted. Villaneuva says it’s a great natural at-home remedy to alleviate itching and irritation. “Apply an apple cider vinegar rinse to the scalp and wait for it to dry,” she suggests. Once the vinegar has dried, rinse the solution off of the scalp. However, only use this on mild flare-ups: “You’ll want to avoid using apple cider vinegar if your skin is cracked, bleeding, or there are open wounds.” This is safe to repeat a few times a week to reduce irritation.
Lupus Lesions On The Scalp
Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which your body creates antibodies that attack healthy tissue. In addition to attacking healthy parts of your body, these antibodies can cause pain and inflammation. Lupus is chronic and noncontagious.
About two-thirds of people with lupus will also notice that the disease has an effect on their skin, notes the Lupus Foundation of America.
Lesions or rashes may appear in areas that are commonly exposed to the sun, such as your head, face, and neck. If the lesions occur on the scalp, hair loss and scarring can occur.
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Let’s Start With Basic Tips
Psoriasis flare-ups on the scalp can be really frustrating. It heightens your self-consciousness because you cant hide it. One of the first things you can do is take a deep breath and know everythings going to be ok.
Before diving into some of the natural remedies I’ve tried, I want to share some basic tips when managing the inconvenient and frustrating symptoms of scalp psoriasis.
Avoid sweat: Scalp psoriasis can be really itchy and sweating only irritates it. Sometimes when flares are bad, it will creep down onto your neck, forehead and even ears.
Be gentle: When an outbreak occurs the best thing to do is to remove the thick scales gently from your scalp and surrounding area. This allows the treatment to penetrate the skin and moisturize the affected area.
Keep moisturizing: The main key when removing the scales is to keep the surface area moist. You need your scalp to be hydrated with moisture to effectively remove the scales and begin treatment.
Learn your options: You can opt for a non-natural approach that uses products that contain active ingredients that will break down the skin flakes. However, there have been many natural treatments that help do the same thing but without the chemicals.