Over The Counter Treatment For Psoriasis On Scalp

Treatments Designed With Hair In Mind

In recent years, pharmaceutical companies have worked not just on making scalp psoriasis treatments more effective, but on making them easier and more pleasant to apply.

This gives health care providers and patients options that now include shampoos, lotions, creams, sprays, gels, foams/mousses, and ointments. For more severe scalp psoriasis or when it also appears elsewhere on the body, there are also daily pills, occasional injections, and periodic infusions available that are effective on the scalp. UV light therapy is also appropriate in select cases .

A brief introduction to the many options follows, so you can make the most of your doctor visits and get on track to improve the condition of your scalp and give you a sense of peace that scalp psoriasis so often disrupts.

Topical Medication For Psoriasis

NYU Langone dermatologists treat many people who have psoriasis with topical medication, which is applied to the affected areas of the skin. Some of these medications are available over the counter others require a prescription. Topical medications may reduce the size and number of lesions and alleviate symptoms such as itching, burning, and swelling.

Based on the appearance of your skin, your doctor determines if one or a combination of topical medications is right for you. Topical medication is usually most effective for people with mild to moderate psoriasis, meaning lesions cover less than 10 percent of their bodies. Our experts provide instructions on how much of the medication to apply and when.

If topical medication relieves your symptoms, your doctor may recommend you use it for years, as part of a long-term treatment plan. Throughout treatment, he or she monitors how well the medication is working during periodic follow-up visits. Your doctor also looks for any side effects, such as thinning skin at the site of application. If you have side effects, your doctor may adjust how often you apply the medication or prescribe a different type.

Topical medication may lead to dry skin, which can exacerbate psoriasis symptoms. Doctors often recommend using an over-the-counter moisturizer, as well.

Vitamin D Analogues: How They Help

Vitamin D analogues are used to help control overactive skin cell production by binding to the vitamin D receptors on the skin cells.

Topical vitamin D analogues such as:

• calcitriol

are effective at slowing the growth of the skin cells and can be used with emollients and topical corticosteroids applied to the skin.

Calcipotriene with betamethasone is a vitamin D analogue that is already combined with an antiinflammatory corticosteroid. Brands include: Taclonex, Taclonex Scalp, Wynzora and Enstilar.

The most common side effect with these agents is mild skin irritation. Some topical vitamin D analogues may take up to 6 to 8 weeks for their full effect.

Oral calcitriol can also be used for psoriasis.

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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.

Types Of Psoriasis Continued

Examples of other types of psoriasis include:

• Inverse Psoriasis:: This psoriasis may affect skin fold areas such as the genital area, under the breast or arms, or around the groin area. The lesions are flat, red, and often without scales.
• Nail Psoriasis: Nails may become yellow-brown, pitted, flake away or detach from the nail bed.
• Psoriatic Arthritis: May occur in up to 30 percent of patients with psoriasis symptoms include swelling of the knees, ankles, hands and toe joints pain and may be accompanied by nail psoriasis.

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Is There More Than One Type Of Psoriasis Yes

There are many different types of psoriasis, and some may occur at the same time. Examples of different types of psoriasis include:

• Plaque Psoriasis: Most common form that causes raised, red skins areas that may be itchy or flaky.
• Guttate Psoriasis: May be a past history of streptococcal infection may occur in children or younger adults. Small plaques form on the midsection of the body.
• Pustular Psoriasis: Painful and severe form of psoriasis, with pus-filled sacs in the psoriasis plaques that can break. Fever may occur.

Is It Actually Psoriasis

There are at least 21 reasons that your scalp may itch, and just one of them is scalp psoriasis. This isnt something you should try to diagnose or treat yourself, however, so if you have any of the following symptoms, see a dermatologist right away, says Harold Farber, MD, a dermatologist in Philadelphia, PA.

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How Is Psoriasis Diagnosed

Doctors usually diagnose psoriasis by examining the skin, scalp, and nails. They’ll also ask whether someone else in the family has psoriasis and if the child recently had an illness or started taking a new medicine.

Rarely, doctors might take a skin sample to check more closely. A biopsy can tell the doctor whether it’s psoriasis or another condition with similar symptoms.

What Are The Types Of Psoriasis

In children, common types of psoriasis include:

Plaque psoriasis. This is the most common type of psoriasis. It causes plaques and silvery scales, usually on the knees, elbows, lower back, and scalp. They can be itchy and painful and may crack and bleed.

Guttate psoriasis. This type often shows up after an illness, especially strep throat. It causes small red spots, usually on the trunk, arms, and legs. Spots also can appear on the face, scalp, and ears.

Inverse psoriasis. This causes smooth, raw-looking patches of red skin that feel sore. The patches develop in places where skin touches skin, such as the armpits, buttocks, upper eyelids, groin and genitals, or under a woman’s breasts.

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Scalp Psoriasis Over The Counter Treatment

Ive been dealing with scalp psoriasis since I was 14 and Im 30 now. I have had severe scalp Psoriasis for over 10 years now and nothing seemed to work. Ive been researching and trying products for years and I have finally found some relief.

First pics are of how bad my scalp was about a month. And a half ago and the last few pics are of my scalp now!

And now :

I figured Id go ahead and post about what my weekly routine is and the different products Ive found that have kept the thick scales away and drastically decrease my itching!

I have to alternate between my high concentrated Coal Tar Shampoo and my high concentrated Salicylic Acid Shampoo to see any difference and I also use a shampoo called Healthy Hair Psoriasis Shampoo which is minty and very soothing for the inflammation.

The only way that any of these shampoo have worked for me is to have a strict weekly overnight oil treatment routine that I do 2-3 times a week along with the Apple Cider Vinegar washes I do once a day. I take Apple Cider Vinegar gummies and Im going to start taking a D3/K2 Vitamin when it finally gets delivered. The pics of products below :

So far Ive been able to keep the thick scales away and significantly reduce my itching. I hardly flake anymore and my scalp finally doesnt have that tight dried out feeling. Ive been dealing with it for over 10 years now on my scalp and this has been the best relief Ive had!.

Tips For Treating Scalp Psoriasis

In addition to finding a specially formulated shampoo, here are a few other things you can do to keep scalp psoriasis symptoms in check:

• Shampoo your hair as often as you can. This will help alleviate buildup and itchiness of the scalp. However, keep in mind that shampooing every day isnt suitable for all hair types.
• Limit stress, alcohol, and smoking. Along with irritants in your hair products, scalp psoriasis flare-ups can also be triggered by stress, alcohol consumption, and smoking. Limiting stress and intake of these substances may help keep things under control.
• Try aloe vera.Aloe vera gel has anti-inflammatory properties and may be soothing. You can try applying it to your scalp, or look for it as an ingredient in your shampoo.
• Use baking soda.Baking soda is great for an itchy scalp. One tablespoon of baking soda mixed with a cup of water should do the trick. Apply the mixture to your scalp to relieve itching and irritation.
• Apply natural oils. These will help keep your scalp moisturized and are filled with fats to keep the scalp healthy. Coconut oil is a great oil to start with.

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What Should I Do When I Have Acquired A Shampoo For Psoriasis On Scalp

In the event that my shampoo for psoriasis on scalps can be heard by a complete stranger, I am concerned. When mentioned to uninitiated persons, guns are viewed negatively.

The range trips we discuss make us seem like we are a part of some obscure club. Thanks for allowing me to assist. Feel free to contact me if you need any other assistance.

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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.

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Dont Let Psoriasis Win: Fight Back

While psoriasis may be a lifelong and chronic condition, medications can make a dramatic improvement in skin lesions and ones sense of well-being. That means no more fears to show a little skin your embarrassment is dramatically lessened and your self-confidence is boosted.

However, medications for psoriasis are some of the newest treatments on the market and its important you understand their use and side effects. Always follow the advice and direction of your health care provider.

• To expand your understanding, join force with other patients who share the same condition and have similar questions.
• Voice concerns with other group members and stay up-to-date with the with latest psoriasis news, all in the Drugs.com Psoriasis Q& A Center and Support Groups and the Psoriatic Arthritis Groups. There is always power in numbers!

Treatment Of Psoriasis: An Algorithm

ASHA G. PARDASANI, M.D., STEVEN R. FELDMAN, M.D., PH.D., and ADELE R. CLARK, P.A.-C., Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Am Fam Physician. 2000 Feb 1 61:725-733.

See related patient information handout on psoriasis, written by the authors of this article.

• References

Psoriasis is characterized by red, thickened plaques with a silvery scale. The lesions vary in size and degree of inflammation. Psoriasis is categorized as localized or generalized, based on the severity of the disease and its overall impact on the patient’s quality of life and well-being. Patient education about the disease and the treatment options is important. Medical treatment for localized psoriasis begins with a combination of topical corticosteroids and coal tar or calcipotriene. For lesions that are difficult to control with initial therapy, anthralin or tazarotene may be tried. The primary goal of therapy is to maintain control of the lesions. Cure is seldom achieved. If control becomes difficult or if psoriasis is generalized, the patient may benefit from phototherapy, systemic therapy and referral to a physician who specializes in the treatment of psoriasis.

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Other Risks Of Apremilast

Other possible concerns related to the use of apremilast include:

• Weight loss. Apremilast can also cause unexplained weight loss. Your doctor should monitor your weight for unexplained weight loss during treatment.
• Effects with kidney disease. Talk to your doctor before taking this drug if you have kidney disease. You may need a different dosage.
• Drug interactions. You shouldnt combine apremilast with some other drugs, because they make apremilast less effective. Examples of these drugs include the seizure medications carbamazepine, phenytoin, and phenobarbital. Talk to your doctor about other medications youre taking before you start apremilast.

Systemic treatments also include injected prescription drugs. As with oral drugs, injected drugs called biologics work throughout your entire body to slow the diseases progress. Still other treatments include light therapy and topical medications.

Pretreat Your Hair Before Applying Any Rx

When it comes to scalp psoriasis, priorities count. Apply scale-softening agents or oils to psoriasis patches first, before you dab on medication. Any treatment you use afterward will penetrate the skin more easily, upping the benefits. Next, choose a peeling agent that includes salicylic acid in the ingredients list, which softens scales, making them easier to remove.

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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.

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How Is Psoriasis Treated

Psoriasis is usually treated by a dermatologist . A rheumatologist may also help with treatment. Treatments can include:

• ultraviolet light from the sun or from home or office treatments. But in some children, sunlight can make psoriasis worse.
• creams, lotions, ointments, and shampoos such as moisturizers, corticosteroids, vitamin D creams, and shampoos made with salicylic acid or coal tar
• medicines taken by mouth or injected medicines

A doctor might try one therapy and then switch to another, or recommend combining treatments. It’s not always easy to find a therapy that works, and sometimes what works for a time stops helping after a while.

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Don’t Let Psoriasis Win: Fight Back

While psoriasis may be a lifelong and chronic condition, medications can make a dramatic improvement in skin lesions and one’s sense of well-being. That means no more fears to show a little skin your embarrassment is dramatically lessened and your self-confidence is boosted.

However, medications for psoriasis are some of the newest treatments on the market and it’s important you understand their use and side effects. Always follow the advice and direction of your health care provider.

• To expand your understanding, join force with other patients who share the same condition and have similar questions.
• Voice concerns with other group members and stay up-to-date with the with latest psoriasis news, all in the Drugs.com Psoriasis Q& A Center and Support Groups and the Psoriatic Arthritis Groups. There is always power in numbers!

Calcipotriol + Corticosteroids: A Powerful Combination

Simultaneous use of calcipotriol and corticosteroids has been found to be more effective than either therapy alone, and the combination appears to minimize the side effects of both. The combination works as quickly as the faster acting corticosteroid component, producing good results in about four weeks.

Combination products are available in a variety of formulations, though they can be far more expensive than some of the generic steroids that are available.

One option when cost is a factor is to be prescribed the two products separately and use them, for example, on alternating days. Some doctors, noting that the combination products are only modestly more effective, and recognizing that complexity in a treatment regimen reduces compliance, simply start off with a topical corticosteroid for scalp psoriasis.

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Safety And Side Effects

Keep in mind that these products wont cure scalp psoriasis, but they may help manage flare-ups.

If your condition worsens, its best that you check in with your doctor. Some cases of scalp psoriasis are more severe and may require prescription shampoos.

As with any new product, be sure to do a patch test before using a scalp psoriasis shampoo over your whole head. To do a patch test, put some product on the inside of your wrist and wait 24 hours. Keep an eye out for any signs of irritation.

Coal tar might not be safe to use during pregnancy or on infants, so its always best to talk with your doctor first.

Using some of these shampoos alone can be drying to your hair because coal tar and salicylic acid strip away oils. Find a good conditioner and make sure that youre keeping your hair and scalp moisturized.

Kenkoderm, Head & Shoulders, and Vanicream have conditioners that pair with their respective shampoos. As for other shampoos, you can pair them with moisturizing or intensive care conditioners.