Whats The Difference Between Scalp Psoriasis And Dandruff
Dr. Bhutani says it can be really tough to tell scalp psoriasis and dandruff aparteven for doctors! Although both conditions can cause those annoying flakes, which may be the only visible symptom at first for some people, they tend to pop up for different reasons. Unlike scalp psoriasis, dandruff isnt an autoimmune issue and can be spurred by various factors, like having very dry or oily skin, which can lead to an overgrowth of a yeast-like fungus that thrives on a moist scalp10.
But you may be able to pick up on subtle differences if you look a bit closer. Dandruff flakes can be white or yellow, which is not common in scalp psoriasis. With scalp psoriasis, plaques have a dry scale with more clearly defined edges, and the scales themselves are often thicker with a silvery sheen.
If your scalp is extremely itchy or you have any other scalp psoriasis symptoms, then you may want to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist, who can thoroughly assess whats going on. If youre only noticing some flaking and have tried an over-the-counter dandruff shampoo but havent noticed improvement, then you may want to see a dermatologist anyway theyll be able to take a closer look and prescribe something a bit stronger if you need it.
What I Have Learned
Stress is one of the main causes of outbreaks, less stress will definitely help in reducing flares and the severity of flares. Stay away from dandruff shampoos, my experience is that they would irritate my scalp and psoriasis. They cause more itching and flakes.
Drink plenty of water. This may sound repetitive but you simply must stay hydrated when you have psoriasis. Keep your scalp hydrated with oils like vitamin E, coconut, or avocado oil. Watch what you eat and make sure youre eating healthy oils in your diet. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential to keeping your skin and scalp healthy.
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.
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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.
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.
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Psoralen Plus Ultraviolet A
For this treatment, you’ll first be given a tablet containing compounds called psoralens, or psoralen may be applied directly to the skin. This makes your skin more sensitive to light.
Your skin is then exposed to a wavelength of light called ultraviolet A . This light penetrates your skin more deeply than ultraviolet B light.
This treatment may be used if you have severe psoriasis that has not responded to other treatment.
Side effects include nausea, headaches, burning and itchiness. You may need to wear special glasses for 24 hours after taking the tablet to prevent the development of cataracts.
Long-term use of this treatment is not encouraged, as it can increase your risk of developing skin cancer.
Turn Up With Turmeric
Another noted anti-inflammatory and skin soother, a daily turmeric supplement can help treat psoriasis .
If youd rather not take a turmeric pill, you can add the spice directly to your food. Whether you enjoy a turmeric latte or a delicious curry, there are lots of turmeric recipes to try to help your skin.
Also Check: How Do You Treat Plaque Psoriasis
Oral Or Injected Medications:
These are also recommended to people with moderate to severe psoriasis, when other forms of treatment are not effective.
Though the treatment depends entirely on the severity and type of psoriasis one has, the usual approach is to start with the mildest treatments and then move to the stronger ones, only if itâs necessary. The intention behind these treatments is to find the most effective way to slowdown the cell growth with least possible side-effects.
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.”
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How To Treat Scalp Psoriasis Naturally
February 11, 2020 by Andrea
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link.
Scalp psoriasis can be extremely uncomfortable. With symptoms like burning, itchiness, sensitivity, flaking, and even hair loss, its no wonder sufferers are willing to do anything to alleviate the discomfort.
Unfortunately, many of the topical treatments, including selenium sulfide, coal tar, and salicylic acid, can be hard for the liver to remove from the body and can even result in chemical burns. For risk-free remedies here are the most effective ways to treat scalp psoriasis naturally.
Coconut Or Avocado Oil
Coconuts and avocadoes are filled with healthy fats that boost skin health. Massage a few drops of either type of oil, cool or lightly heated, onto your scalp and put on a shower cap. Wait 20 minutes, remove the cap, then wash your hair as usual. This can reduce and remove some of the scaling associated with the condition.
Shop for avocado and coconut oil.
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Dead Sea Salt For Scalp Psoriasis
Image: Shutterstock
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do This
Do this once a week.
Why This Works
This salt is famous for its beneficial effects for a variety of skin disorders. It is calming and soothing for the itchy and irritated scales of scalp psoriasis .
Scalp psoriasis can be easily managed with these home remedies. Many people across the globe have tried and tested their effects. Keep in mind that no matter what remedy you decide to use, you do not use it on bruised skin or skin lesions. Such small cuts are common when you scratch the psoriasis scalps. It is best to refrain from scratching and make maximum use of these home remedies.
Here are some frequently asked questions about scalp psoriasis answered for you.
Glycerin For Scalp Psoriasis
You Will Need
Glycerin
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this once or twice a week depending on the severity of your patches.
Why This Works
Glycerin is a great humectant and emollient . It locks in moisture and treats the dryness and flakiness.
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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 Treat Scalp Psoriasis At Home
Its important to note that home remedies can help ease symptoms but theyre not proven cures. The following home treatments are generally safe and may help you reduce the symptoms of mild to moderate scalp psoriasis. Those with more aggressive forms of the condition should consult a doctor before starting home treatment.
Also Check: Natural Remedies For Severe Scalp 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.
Tips To Treat Scalp Psoriasis
Last but not least, at oneHOWTO we find it’s highly important you also take the following tips into account in order to assure you recover perfectly well and quickly from scalp psoriasis. Read the following tips and make sure you follow them:
- The most important thing when treating scalp psoriasis is being very gentle with your scalp. You should never scratch it, even if it’s itching, or remove the flakes, as this could create small wounds that could get infected. Treating the scalp gently will allow it to heal faster.
- Expose your scalp to a little sunlight. Too much sun can trigger outbreaks, but a small amount of sunlight can improve the psoriasis significantly.
- Apply corticosteroids or analogues of vitamin D before bedtime. These treatments can help remove scales. Your doctor may prescribe other products if necessary.
- For the best results, cover your head with a shower cap or plastic wrap to trap heat by your scalp while you sleep. Remove the head wrap and shower in the morning to remove the scales.
- Consult with your dermatologist if the methods listed above don’t work and your psoriasis gets worse.
This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.
If you want to read similar articles to The Best Natural Treatments for Scalp Psoriasis, we recommend you visit our Diseases & secondary effects category.
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Other Lifestyle And Dietary Modifications
Use a humidifier to keep the air in your home or office moist. It can prevent dry skin before it starts. Sensitive-skin moisturizers are also great at keeping your skin supple and from forming plaques.
Avoid soaps and perfumes which have dyes and fragrances in them. Sure, they can make you smell great but they also can inflame psoriasis.
Follow an anti-inflammatory diet, making sure to get plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, particularly those rich in carotenoids such as mangoes, sweet potatoes, carrots and squash, as well as leafy greens and tomatoes.
Fiber is important in maintaining a healthy colon. The fiber binds to colon toxins, and aids in their elimination. In addition to foods rich in fiber such as raw fruits and vegetables, you can also take psyllium seeds daily.
Psoriasis also with celiac disease and the gluten protein found in the grains wheat, barley and rye. While scientific research has not yet determined that gluten causes psoriasis, many psoriasis patients have benefited from eliminating gluten from their diets.
The National Psoriasis Foundation also lists nuts, high quality chocolate and cranberries as functional foods for treatment of psoriasis.
Ways To Treat Psoriasis At Home
Psoriasis is a recurring autoimmune disorder characterized by red, flaky patches on the skin.
Even though it affects your skin, psoriasis actually begins deep inside your body in your immune system.
It comes from your T cells, a type of white blood cell. T cells are designed to protect the body from infection and disease. When these cells mistakenly become active and set off other immune responses, it can lead to psoriasis symptoms.
Even though theres no cure, many treatments exist to ease the symptoms of psoriasis. Here are 12 ways to manage mild symptoms at home.
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A Natural Way To Treat Scalp Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a lot more common than you think, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation, psoriasis is the most prevalent autoimmune disease is in the United States with approximately 7.5 million Americans impacted. Those who are impacted know that it is a struggle to find proper treatments while trying to use all natural ingredients, especially when your doctor is always prescribing you medical shampoos. There is a trick you can use at home to self-medicate your scalp–and it is all natural.
What Are The Common Symptoms Of Scalp Psoriasis
Before we move on to finding solutions on how to cure psoriasis, letâs look at the symptoms of scalp psoriasis.
⢠Hair loss ⢠Scaly, red, bumpy patches ⢠Silvery-white scales
Looks familiar right? You wonât be faulted to think of the symptoms of psoriasis to be similar to dandruff, since flaking, itching and dry scalp occur in both conditions. However, in psoriasis, these symptoms are not just limited to the scalp it can affect other parts of the body as well.
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What Are Office Treatments For Scalp Psoriasis
Rarely, it may be of benefit to inject triamcinolone acetonide directly into psoriatic plaques. Aside from the pain involved, the benefit only lasts about six weeks at best. Ultraviolet light in wavelengths near 313 nm is effective in psoriasis. The hair, however, can pose a barrier to effective administration unless it is removed or sparse. The excimer laser produces out laser light in these UV wavelengths also and can be of benefit if the amount of scalp involvement is limited.
Psoriasis Diet Essential Oils & Supplements For Natural Treatment
Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune skin disease that causes inflammation and scaling of the skin that affects approximately 2 percent to 2.6 percent of the U.S. population. Normal, healthy skin experiences cell turnover about once a month, but when you have psoriasis, the skin cells rise way too fast and actually pile up on top of each other. Thankfully, you can help combat this condition with by following a proper psoriasis diet treatment plan.
We know that psoriasis begins in the immune system and involves a type of white blood cell called a T cell. When you have psoriasis, the T cells are put into action by mistake and become overly active, leading to unhealthy swelling and fast turnover of skin cells.
A major dermatology focus in the realm of skin diseases, psoriasis symptoms can vary according to the form of psoriasis . You might be thinking psoriasis is just an annoying skin condition, but it can also result in psoriatic arthritis, an inflammation of the joints that affects approximately 30 percent of all psoriasis patients.
Conventional psoriasis treatment might work, but it often doesnt or is only a temporary fix that doesnt get to the heart of the issue. There are many natural remedies for psoriasis, with a psoriasis diet making the very top of the list.
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Olive Oil Soothes The Scalp Loosens Flakes
Olive oil is good for your dietary health, but it also has many benefits when applied to the scalp and hair. An olive oil mask, for example, can help tame frizz and add shine. Olive oil also helps loosen flakes associated with psoriasis, says Soheil Simzar, MD, a clinical instructor of dermatology at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine in Los Angeles.
To get these benefits, massage 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil directly into the scalp. Depending on the severity of the plaques, you can leave the oil on anywhere from 10 minutes to overnight before washing it out. Prior to rinsing, use a fine-toothed comb to gently remove the loosened scales.