What Are The Symptoms Of Scalp Psoriasis
Symptoms of scalp psoriasis vary.
Mild scalp psoriasis symptoms may involve only small, thin scales or flaking that looks like dandruff.
Moderate or severe scalp psoriasis symptoms include:
- Raised, discolored plaques with a white or silvery surface of dead skin cells.
- Plaques on most of your scalp or your entire scalp.
- Plaques along your hairline, forehead, the back of your neck or on the skin around your ears.
- Dryness.
- Irritation or pain.
Sores On Scalp Causes
Sores on scalp appear due to different reasons. Stress is one of those causes. Anxiety is believed to cause a number of physical and chemical changes in the body. It is thus possible to say stress could lead to physical symptoms such as dry mouth, sweaty palms, sore on body and pain. According to dermatologists and other health researches, psoriasis has been found to worsen during times of stress.
Skin cancer is the other possible cause of these sores. Squamous cell skin cancer that appears as a firm, red nodule or flat lesion with scaly and crusted surface is a common cause of scalp sores. Too most people, the symptoms of skin cancer on scalp can var. it could appear as a large brownish spot with darker speckles or a simple mole that changes in color, size or feel.
Other possible cause of the sores will include psoriasis, folliculitis, seborrheic dermatitis, hair loss, ringworm and contact dermatitis.
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 people, 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 for a while and then switch to another. Or a doctor may combine different therapies. It’s all about finding one that works for each person.
Sometimes what works for a while might stop working. This is one reason why it’s important to work closely with a doctor. Trying out new treatments can get a little frustrating, but most people eventually find one that works.
You May Like: Is Red Light Therapy Good For Psoriasis
Of Psoriasis Vulgaris Soles
Psoriasis vulgaris is the most common form of psoriasisâvulgarisâ means common. Psoriasis vulgaris is also known as plaque psoriasis because the condition is characterized by red, raised, well-defined plaques on the skin. Psoriasis vulgaris can occur on the hands, feet, scalp, knees, elbows, and lower back. This condition does not have a known cause, but genetic and environmental factors are believed to play a role. Topical creams, lotions, and sprays can help relieve psoriasis symptoms. Prescription medications, injections, and ultraviolet light treatment may also provide relief. Psoriasis cannot be prevented, but avoiding triggers may help reduce the risk of outbreaks.
Health Categories
Recommended Reading: Vitamin D Cream For Psoriasis
Risk Factors And Etiology
Approximately one-third of patients with psoriasis have a first-degree relative with the condition. Research suggests a multifactorial mode of inheritance.2,3 Many stressful physiologic and psychological events and environmental factors are associated with the onset and worsening of the condition. Direct skin trauma can trigger psoriasis . Streptococcal throat infection may also trigger the condition or exacerbate existing psoriasis. Human immunodeficiency virus infection has not been shown to trigger psoriasis, but can exacerbate existing disease. As the infection progresses, psoriasis often worsens.1
Smoking increases the risk of psoriasis and its severity.1,4 Obesity and alcohol use and abuse are also associated with psoriasis.4,5 These associations may not be causative patients with psoriasis may be more susceptible to unhealthy behaviors.4
Also Check: What Is The Difference Between Plaque Psoriasis And Psoriatic Arthritis
What Are The Most Common Scalp Psoriasis Symptoms
Youre probably wondering, What does scalp psoriasis looks like? Generally, you might notice flaking or scaly patches of raised skin on your scalp first, Dr. Bhutani says. These patches can also be inflamed, thick, and swollen6, and sometimes extend to the forehead, the back of the neck, or behind the ears. On light skin tones, psoriasis plaques on the scalp typically appear pink or red with silvery scales. For people with dark skin, these lesions may range in color and appear salmon-y pink, silvery white, violet, or brown, depending on your specific skin tone7.
But the signs of scalp psoriasis go far beyond the physical effects. Scalp psoriasis, honestly, causes some of the largest impact on quality of life, Dr. Bhutani says. Thats because severe symptoms can interrupt sleep, create feelings of anxiety, and hurt a persons self-esteem, especially if the scalp psoriasis plaques are clearly visible.
In addition to plaques, other scalp psoriasis symptoms include6:
- An extremely itchy scalp that can be distracting
- A burning sensation or soreness on your scalp
- Cracked and/or bleeding skin from scratching too much or from having a dry scalp
- Temporary hair loss if you excessively touch your scalp or attempt to pick off your scales, which can forcibly remove hair follicles
Painful Sores On Scalp
Those with sores on scalp will in most cases complain of pain, irritation, burning sensation and inflammation. Most of these symptoms can be managed and controlled at home using natural remedies or over the counter topical ointments like anti-itching creams and gel.
Painful sore appearing on scalp are likely to be caused by conditions such as Acne, viral infection, allergic reaction to hair care products or infection of hair follicles. Other condition such as Lichen planus and ringworm can also cause your scalp to develop these painful sores.
Don’t Miss: What Does Psoriasis Skin Rash Look Like
Shampoos And Scalp Medications
For the scalp, products that you apply directly to the scalp are a good starting point. Medicated salicylic acid and coal tar shampoos are over the counter. If those dont work, prescription topicals are available.
Medicines meant for use on the scalp usually come in shampoo, liquid, or foams, for easier application through your hair. Leave-on products work better than shampoos, but they might not be practical for styled hair.
Some common topical prescription medicines for psoriasis are below.
Topical steroids
When you first see a doctor for scalp psoriasis, youll probably get a prescription for a topical steroid. Steroids work quickly to calm inflammation and improve psoriasis symptoms. Unfortunately, psoriasis tends to flare when you stop using them, and its not safe to keep using topical steroids continuously. Side effects of topical steroids can include:
-
Thinning of the skin
-
Infections
-
Glaucoma
To avoid this, your doctor might rotate your treatment or have you alternate medications. Topical steroids commonly prescribed for psoriasis include:
There is data that the combination works better than either one alone. But since these products contain betamethasone, there is a risk of steroid side effects if you use them continuously for too long.
What Are Some Dos And Donts If You Have Scalp Psoriasis
If you have scalp psoriasis, proper skin care is important. It can improve the symptoms and help you avoid making things worse.
-
Shampoo with something that softens the scale like a salicylic-acid-based shampoo.
-
Brush scale away gently without traumatizing the scalp.
-
Use medication when you need to.
-
Use a conditioner every time you wash your hair.
-
Use a humidifier in cold temperatures.
-
Dont pick picking can cause psoriasis to intensify and create scarring.
-
Avoid blow drying.
-
Minimize coloring, perms, and relaxer.
You May Like: Can Gluten Allergy Cause 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.
Sores On Scalp And Face
It is very common for people with sores on scalp to spread to the face r those with sore on face to spread to the scalp. The sores especially those appearing on face will in most cases be accompanied with symptoms such as itching, irritation, burning sensation and pain.
Depending on the underlying cause of the sore, they can either be contagious or not. Sore appearing on both the face and scalp will in most cases be caused by systemic lupus erythematosus. This is an auto immune disorder where the body immune system attacks healthy body tissues. It commonly affects the joints, kidney, and brain. The condition can attack tissues of any of the body organ.
You May Like: Scalp Psoriasis Cause Hair Loss
What You Can Do: Reach Out
If youve been feeling low for a while, consider getting help from a mental health professional like a counselor. Build a good support system, too. You can join a psoriasis help group through the National Psoriasis Foundation. It can make you feel better to talk about what youre going through, especially with people who understand. They can help remind you that youre more than your skin.
What Is Scalp Psoriasis
This skin disease happens when your immune system sends faulty signals and skin cells grow too quickly. These pile up in red patches, often with silvery scales. At least half the people with psoriasis have it on their scalp. But you can also get it on your forehead, behind the ears, and down the back of your neck.
Read Also: Psoriasis Healing From The Inside Out
Patches Of Plaque Psoriasis
The most commonly affected parts of the body include the elbows, knees, and scalp. Most people with plaque psoriasis will develop patches in these areas. But some will also have psoriasis patches on other areas of the body.
The location of plaque psoriasis can change as patches heal. New patches may appear in different locations during future attacks. Plaque psoriasis affects everyone differently. No two people will experience the same symptoms.
Donât Miss: Castor Oil For Psoriasis On Scalp
Plaque Psoriasis Symptoms Pictures
So that you can understand symptoms of psoriasis on skin you should know that as usual it happens because of problems with immune systems when new skin cells develop faster than the old ones are removed, the vessels under the skin in these areas get swollen and cause red plaques. That particular condition is known as plaque psoriasis . The formations usually appear on the trunk, scalp, face, palms, soles of feet, elbows, and knees.
When it extends all around the head, we speak about the symptoms of scalp psoriasis including the patches along the forehead, back of the neck, behind the ears. They are usually itchy and may be rather painful. Chronic plaque psoriasis can show up even in cracked skin with bleeding. So the usual symptoms of plaque psoriasis are patches of thick, red, scaly skin as we mentioned before and can be confused with another unpleasant skin condition like eczema or dermatitis.
Read Also: Is Eucrisa Used For Psoriasis
What Is The Difference Between Scalp Psoriasis And Dandruff
Dandruff is a skin condition that affects your scalp. Its itchy, white or yellow flakes on your scalp. Medical researchers arent sure of the exact cause of dandruff, but they think factors may include:
- A yeast called Malassezia that overgrows on your skin.
- An increased level of androgens.
- An increased level of skin lipids.
- An inflammatory reaction.
Scalp psoriasis is an autoimmune disease.
Understanding Psoriasis On Your Feet
The amount of skin affected by palmoplantar psoriasis differs from person to person.
Sometimes you can have psoriasis on your feet and hands, just your hands or just your feet, and nowhere else on your body, notes Bruce Strober, MD, clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University and founder of Central Connecticut Dermatology Research in Cromwell, Connecticut.
When your hands and feet are involved, your nails are likely affected, too, he says. Symptoms of nail psoriasis include white, brown, or yellow nails denting or pitting in the nails and crumbling.
Though foot psoriasis may not cover a whole lot of your bodyat least compared with other forms of psoriasisit can be more debilitating.
People with foot psoriasis are almost twice as likely to report problems with mobility as those with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, according to a 2018 study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Theyre also almost 2.5 times more likely to say they had trouble completing daily activities.
Whats more, these folks fare worse on quality-of-life measures, even though they typically have less affected body surface area than people with psoriasis on other parts of their body, the study showed.
Also Check: What Does Inverse Psoriasis Smell Like
What Are Other Types Of Psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis is the most common type. About 80% to 90% of people with psoriasis have plaque psoriasis.
Other, less common types of psoriasis include:
- Inverse psoriasis appears in skin folds. It may look like thin pink plaques without scale.
- Guttate psoriasis may appear after a sore throat caused by a streptococcal infection. It looks like small, red, drop-shaped scaly spots in children and young adults.
- Pustular psoriasis has small, pus-filled bumps on top of the red patches or plaques.
- Sebopsoriasis typically appears on the face and scalp as red bumps and plaques with greasy yellow scale. This type is a cross between psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.
Also Check: Food Not Good For Psoriasis
Psoriasis Inside The Nose
According to The Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance, a small number of people may experience psoriasis that appears inside the nose.
Because it is so rare, it recommends that a person who suspects they have psoriasis inside their nose contacts a doctor to rule out other possible conditions.
Doctors may prescribe antibiotics to treat nasal vestibulitis.
Recommended Reading: Treatments For Plaque Psoriasis Scalp
Symptoms Of Scalp Psoriasis
Scalp psoriasis causes red, itchy, sore skin and silvery scales of dry skin on the scalp. It can extend to a persons forehead, neck, and ears.
The severity of scalp psoriasis usually varies over time. People often experience flare-ups, when their symptoms become worse, and periods of remission.
Some people may confuse this dry, scaly skin with dandruff, which is a different condition. Unlike dandruff, scalp psoriasis causes a general silvery sheen in the hair, and people can usually detect silvery scales on the scalp.
Other symptoms of scalp psoriasis include:
- reddish patches on the scalp
- a dry scalp
While scalp psoriasis shares many of the same symptoms as psoriasis on other parts of the body, the presence of head hair can make it more challenging to treat.
For example, it is more difficult to apply topical medications directly to the skin on the scalp.
Historically, lotions could make a persons hair feel greasy and unpleasant. However, modern treatment products use different methods of application, as people are more likely to adhere to medications that do not have unpleasant side effects. These products include sprays, gels, and foams.
The best way to manage scalp psoriasis is to apply medication according to the instructions of a healthcare professional.
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, the initial treatment of scalp psoriasis will typically involve shampoos and other topical treatments.
Read Also: Is Psoriasis Hereditary From Parents
Sores On Scalp Pictures
For visual assistance, we have provided images to help you understand how the sores in scalp look like. Remember the images are only for illustration purposes and cannot be used to substitute a professional health diagnosis.
The appearance of the sores might also vary depending on the underlying causes. It is advised you seek medical assistance for early diagnosis to also help on treatment and medication, this way, the chances of early recovery and control spread of the infection can be managed.
Don’t Miss: Light Therapy For Psoriasis Cost
When To See A Doctor
Anyone who has a new rash on the scalp or the body should seek medical help.
A doctor will carry out a physical exam and ask the person about their symptoms.
A dermatologist may be able to diagnose scalp psoriasis by examining the rash. Sometimes, they may recommend a skin biopsy to rule out other conditions.
Scalp psoriasis may flare up periodically, but it is not usually a serious medical condition. Appropriate treatment can usually control symptoms.
Symptoms Of Plaque Psoriasis
If you happen to have a rash that never seems to go away with ordinary over the counter medication then you should consider visiting a doctor. Your doctor will then look for the distinctive plaque psoriasis symptoms, ask you how the rash responds to medication then prescribe the appropriate treatment after diagnosis. Plaque psoriasis is often found on the outside of the elbow and knees, the lower back, the scalp, the face, soles of the feet and the palms. When psoriasis skin is biopsied, it looks thicker and inflamed when compared to conditions like eczema.
Recommended Reading: Castor Oil For Scalp Psoriasis