Scalp Psoriasis Flare Up Treatment

Visit Your Trusted Dermatologist

If youre struggling with scalp psoriasis or youre just ready for an annual skin exam, the U.S. Dermatology Partners team is here to help. You can get started planning your visit right away by completing our online scheduling request form. After we receive your appointment request, a team member will be in touch to finalize appointment details.

Find a location near me

Sign Up for Our Newsletter!

Get the latest updates on news, specials and skin care information.

Drinking Frequently Or In Excess

If you drink daily or have more than 2 drinks in a day frequently, your treatment for psoriasis may have little or no effect. Even treatment that could be effective for you may not work and youll continue to have flare-ups.

Reduce the risk of flare-ups from drinking

• Quit drinking.

• If you continue to drink, limit how much you drink in a day. Women should stop after 1 drink. Men should limit themselves to 2 drinks per day.

• Be sure to tell your dermatologist if you drink alcohol. Drinking can make it risky to take some psoriasis medications like methotrexate.

Drinking frequently or in excess

If you drink daily or have more than 2 drinks in a day frequently, your treatment for psoriasis may have little or no effect.

Avoid Medications That Cause Flare

Let your doctor know about all the medications you take, even over-the-counter ones. Ask if they could affect your psoriasis. Drugs that are known to make things worse include:

• Lithium, used to treat psychiatric disorders
• Propranololand possibly other beta-blockers, which are prescribed for heart conditions
• Quinidine, medication for irregular heart beat

If you’re using any of these medications, ask your doctor about substitutes. Know about these and other drugs that can trigger psoriasis flares.

You May Like: What Does Psoriasis Scalp Look Like

Is It Scalp Psoriasis Or Dandruff

More than half of all psoriasis patients have scalp psoriasis, according to the NPF. Itchy plaques can extend beyond the hairline onto the forehead, neck, and around the ears.

“Most people with scalp psoriasis have it on other parts of their body as well,” says Dina D. Strachan, MD, a dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City.

Scalp psoriasis is sometimes confused with seborrheic dermatitis, or dandruff. According to Dr. Strachan, dandruff which causes a flaky, itchy scalp without signs of inflammation tends to itch more than scalp psoriasis. It has a greasy-appearing yellow scale, Strachan says. In contrast, psoriasis whether it’s on your scalp or any other body part tends to have a thick, silvery scale.”

Psoriasis Honey Ultimate Relief Kit

We’ve put together our ultimate relief kit to team up with our Psoriasis Honey Renewing Cream to provide effective psoriasis relief and daily moisturizing support. The intentional ingredients in each product of this collection is everything you need to give yourself serious self-care. Our Psoriasis Honey Ultimate Relief Kit is designed to soothe and comfort at home.

The Psoriasis Honey Ultimate Relief Kit features full size products of:

Ways to use:

Use any of the products on their own or as needed together for a relaxing daily care routine

Use our Skin-Renewing Cream for relief or to control the symptoms of psoriasis. Once the cream melts into the skin, it creates a moisture barrier that soothes skin. Apply a thin layer to your skin, 1-3 times daily. Use our daily moisturizing body lotion for wider coverage of the entire body for exactly this purpose. Apply this or our Skin Serum on top of the Psoriasis Honey for effective nourishment. Use our renewing shampoo and conditioner daily to keep your scalp nourished.

Also Check: How To Stop Plaque Psoriasis

How To Treat Psoriasis Hair Loss

There are two separate aspects to treating hair loss from scalp psoriasis. The first is treating the psoriasis itself, usually with medication. The second is preventing hair loss from occurring when you experience a psoriasis flare-up by practicing the right care habits.

If youre worried that you may have scalp psoriasis, its best to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist.

Your dermatologist will check your scalp for signs of psoriasis. In some cases, they may remove a small amount of your skin for testing to check whether your symptoms are caused by psoriasis or a different skin condition with similar symptoms.

Although theres no cure for scalp psoriasis, several treatments can make dealing with flare-ups easier. Your dermatologist may prescribe:

• Medicated shampoos, bath solutions or other personal care products

• Topical medications, such as topical steroids or retinoids

• Systemic medications, such as oral medications or biologic drugs

Your healthcare provider may also recommend applying an over-the-counter moisturizer to your skin to help control redness and itching.

While these medications and products wont cure psoriasis, they can make your symptoms less severe and help you to make it through flare-ups without itching your scalp and causing damage to your hair.

Make sure to closely follow the treatment plan provided by your healthcare provider and use all of your medications as prescribed.

Major Symptoms Of Psoriasis

Signs and symptoms will be different from one to another. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Cherry colored lesions over the skin
• Spots like dandruff mostly in children
• Dry, cracked skin causes itching or bleeding sometimes
• Itching, burning sensation over the patches
• Pitting of nails
• Abnormal nail growth
• Inflammation and stiffness of joints

Patches can vary from a dandruff-like scaling of a few spots to major lesions that cover large areas. This is most commonly visible on the lower back, elbows, knees, legs, soles of the feet, scalp, face, and palms.

Most types of psoriasis occur as cycles, firstly flaring for a few days or weeks, then subsiding for a time, and the cycle repeats

Also Check: What Helps Psoriasis Flare Ups

How Can Parents Help

For some children, psoriasis is just a minor inconvenience. For others, it is a difficult medical condition.

To manage symptoms and make outbreaks less likely, your child should:

• Wash hands well and often and stay away from people who are sick to prevent infections.
• Manage stress through exercise, yoga, or meditation.
• Not smoke or drink alcohol.
• Keep a healthy weight. People who are overweight tend to have more severe psoriasis symptoms.

Kids and teens with psoriasis may feel uncomfortable with the way their skin looks. Help your child understand that psoriasis is common and treatments can help.

Whether your child’s psoriasis is mild or severe, learn about the condition together. Offer to help find a therapist or join a support group if that might help. Talk to your doctor or check websites like:

What Causes Psoriasis Outbreaks

Psoriasis outbreaks differ from person to person. No one knows exactly what causes flare-ups. Common psoriasis triggers may include:

• Skin injury .
• Streptococcal or other infection that affects the immune system.
• Certain prescription medications .
• Cold weather, when people have less exposure to sunlight and humidity and more to hot, dry indoor air.

Read Also: Can You Have Multiple Types Of Psoriasis

Cut The Itch With Apple Cider Vinegar

Some people say to use this on your scalp a few times a week. Its long been used as a disinfectant, so it may burn a bit when you put it on. You can mix it with equal parts water to cut the sting. Some people like to use it full-strength and then rinse once it dries. But dont try this one if you have cracks or open skin. Itll really hurt! It may take a few weeks to notice a difference in itchiness. In general, check with your doctor before you try natural remedies.

Tips To Help With Discomfort

Recently, the importance of high vitamin D levels as a natural psoriasis treatment has been confirmed. This feel good hormone was found to moderate immunity in psoriasis. Vitamin D from sun exposure is the best way to optimize such levels, helping to boost the immune system and improve the condition. Treatment can also mean avoiding gluten as it can be a big factor with many chronic skin problems, including psoriasis.

One of the more common natural remedies is salt water swimming in the ocean, taking seawater baths or applying seawater to the affected area of the psoriasis daily. Avoid all chemical based soaps and other products and change to natural ones. Even eating certain fruits and vegetables can be beneficial for psoriasis and these include beets, grapes, cucumber, dark green leafy varieties and carrots.

Also see our rosacea and eczema products*

Recommended Reading: Cuã¡l Es La Mejor Crema Para La Psoriasis

Is It Psoriasis Or Eczema

Like psoriasis, eczema is a very itchy skin condition. In fact, eczema usually results in a more intense itch than psoriasis. Scratching causes inflammation of the skin, leading to a worsening of the eczema. Scratching can also cause a secondary bacterial infection.

Eczema is not a specific disease, but rather a term referring to a group of rash-like conditions. The most common type of eczema is caused by a reaction to irritants, like detergents, soaps, or household cleansers.

Eczema often shows up on the back of the knees or the inside of the elbows.

Eczema can affect anyone and affects children more than psoriasis does.

Is Scalp Psoriasis Curable

Dr. Wofford says, Unfortunately, there is no cure for any form of psoriasis, including scalp psoriasis. However, advancing research has enabled your dermatologist to provide effective treatments to prevent flare-ups and manage symptoms when they do arise. That means most people have mild symptoms that do not last long.

There is a range of treatments available for scalp psoriasis. In most cases, youll begin with medicated shampoos, creams, or other topical treatments that you apply directly to the affected areas. Some of these products are available over the counter and in prescription-strength formulas. Prescription topical treatments may also include ingredients like anthralin, antimicrobials, vitamin D , corticosteroids, and/or vitamin A derivatives.

For severe symptoms that dont improve with topical treatment, a combination of in-office and at-home dermatology treatments may be recommended in addition to continuing topical treatments. Some commonly recommended solutions include:

• Laser therapy using low-heat lasers to address itch and redness and improve scalp psoriasis symptoms
• Oral medications corticosteroids, cyclosporine, methotrexate, retinoids , apremilast
• Biologics adalimumab, brodalumab, certolizumab, etanercept, guselkumab, infliximab, ixekizumab, risankizumab, secukinumab, tildrakizumab, ustekinumab

Recommended Reading: What Causes Psoriasis In Children

Or Try One With Vitamin A Or D

Meanwhile, products containing vitamins A or Dincluding their synthetic versions and derivativescan also reduce the symptoms of a flare-up thanks to their anti-inflammatory effects, Dr. Stein says.

For example, your derm may recommend trying a prescription retinoid, a derivative of vitamin A, like tazarotene. Medications like this increase cell turnover while reducing the buildup of psoriasis scales, making retinoids a great option for those who deal with thick plaques during flares.

Synthetic forms of vitamin D can also be useful because they help regulate the cell turnover process and, therefore, help reduce scales.

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.

You May Like: Can A Dermatologist Help With Psoriasis

Shampoo For A Dry And Flaky Scalp

Several kinds, both over the counter and prescription, can help. Try selenium sulfide , zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole , or tar-basedones for thin plaques.

For thicker scales, salicylic acid shampoos can work well. Not all of these work for every person. You may have to try one for a few weeks and switch to another if it doesnt work.

Use the medicated shampoo first when youd normally lather up. Its OK to use your regular shampoo and conditioner afterward. Know that tar-based options can be a bit smelly.

Associated Features And Comorbidities

Assess risk factors and comorbid disease of psoriasis at presentation and as indicated thereafter.

• Cardiovascular risk factors, and management of these
• Measure blood pressure, lipid studies and fasting glucose at least annually.

Children

Children with psoriasis may have higher rates of associated comorbid disease. Recommended screening for risk factors and comorbid disease depend on the childs age .

• All ages psoriatic arthritis, lipids, annually for depression and anxiety
• From age 2 annually for elevated body mass index
• From age 3 annually for hypertension
• From age 10 3 yearly for diabetes in patients who are obese or overweight and have 2 or more risk factors for diabetes screen for NAFLD in those who are obese or overweight with additional risk factors for NAFLD.
• From age 11 annual substance abuse screening

Eye conditions may occur more commonly in people with psoriasis . Consider asking patients about ocular symptoms at each follow-up appointment .

Also Check: Is It Ok To Swim With Psoriasis

How Can You Combat Scalp Psoriasis And Thinning Hair

Once you’ve had a formal scalp psoriasis diagnosis, you can start your treatment plan and get to work clearing up the irritating issue. It is worth remembering that there is currently no cure for the condition, so it’s all about managing flare-ups when they happen.

Depending on the severity of your scalp psoriasis, to help slow skin cell growth, your dermatologist could recommend topical steroids, topical therapies or even steroid injections if the legions just won’t disappear. Always seek professional help from a dermatologist for you scalp psoriasis. They can help make recommendations and you can ask them about any products you’d like to use.

Learn: Smelly Scalp? Here’s What You Can Do

Can I Prevent Flare

According to Dr. Wofford, Prevention is an essential part of your scalp psoriasis treatment plan. Each patient will have different triggers that may lead to flare-ups, so the first step toward preventing scalp psoriasis is learning these triggers. I encourage my patients to take a few minutes to note their skin condition as well as any external factors that may have triggered a flare-up. So, patients should make a note of the day, when/how they noticed the symptoms, severity of the flare-up, weather, activities, and other factors that may impact skin health. By tracking these details during flare-ups, patients can begin to recognize contributing factors and avoid potential triggers.

If you notice scalp psoriasis symptoms, you can also take some steps to reduce the severity of your flare-up. First and foremost, avoid scratching or peeling your flaking skin. This can cause irritation, inflammation, wounds that may lead to infection, and hair loss. Instead, massage the scalp while washing your hair. Then, gently comb or brush the clean hair to remove flakes. Using a leave-in conditioner, shea butter, aloe vera, or other moisturizer applied directly to the scalp after cleaning can also help to alleviate symptoms of scalp psoriasis. Colloidal oatmeal baths, frequently recommended to address psoriasis itch on the body, can also help to relieve itching of the scalp.

Recommended Reading: Safe Psoriasis Treatment While Pregnant

Is Psoriasis The Same As Eczema

Psoriasis and eczema are two different skin conditions. They differ in where the disease appears on the body, how much it itches and how it looks. Eczema tends to appear more often behind the knees and inside the elbows. Eczema also causes more intense itching than psoriasis. Many people, especially children, can get both eczema and psoriasis.

New Treatments Are On The Horizon

Doctors are working diligently on new treatments to successfully manage scalp psoriasis. As personalized medicine gains traction, research efforts are shifting toward the use of certain immune system cells, called monoclonal antibodies, to stimulate the immune system to stop psoriasis patches from forming.

Living with scalp psoriasis can be challenging, but the condition can be treated with your doctors help. If youre concerned about scalp psoriasis or are interested in exploring therapies that may work for you, talking with your doctor is the first step in finding effective ways to manage your symptoms.

You May Like: Dr Blaine’s Revitaderm Psoriasis Treatment Reviews

Get Some Sun But Not Too Much

The ultraviolet rays in sunlight slow the growth of skin cells, so getting moderate doses of sun is good. But make it brief — about 20 minutes or so at a time. And use sunscreen. Sunburn can trigger psoriasis, and it raises your risk of skin cancer. Some medications can make your skin more sensitive to ultraviolet rays, so talk to your doctor first. Read more on the risks and benefits of sunlight for psoriasis.

Tips For Managing Scalp Psoriasis

The following tips can help people to manage scalp psoriasis:

Seek treatment: A health professional can provide a topical ointment or oral medication that will help manage symptoms and itchiness.

Treat the scalp gently: People with this condition should avoid washing and combing the hair vigorously, as this can lead to breakage, especially if the hair is fragile due to treatment.

Avoid scratching: Scratching can lead to bleeding and possibly an infection.

Moisturize: Keeping the scalp moist will not cure psoriasis, but it may help improve the appearance of the skin.

Avoid triggers: If possible, individuals should identify their triggers for scalp psoriasis and consider things ways to limit them.

It is important to seek treatment, as this can reduce the risk of further complications, such as hair loss or cracked and bleeding skin on the scalp.

It is difficult to prevent scalp psoriasis, because the exact cause remains unclear.

However, treating the condition as soon as symptoms appear may prevent it from becoming worse.

Scalp psoriasis affects individuals differently. Some people have an occasional flare-up while others deal with the condition frequently.

If a person knows what triggers symptoms for them, they can try to avoid these factors.

Also Check: Scalp Psoriasis And Psoriatic Arthritis