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.”
Why Is My Scalp Wet And Sticky
Why is my scalp coming off in chunks?Dandruff results from the abnormal proliferation of a micro-organism from the Malassezia family, which is a yeast. This phenomenon causes skin cells in the epidermis to renew much too quickly. They appear in clumps on your scalp, forming large dandruff or patches that fall off or become sticky.How to get rid of dandruff & scales on the scalp? Bioderma
What Is Plaque Psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis, which is recognizable due to the scaly plaques it produces on the skin, is the most common type of psoriasis. An estimated 80 to 90 percent of people with psoriasis develop plaques.
Some people will have more than one type of psoriasis. People who have plaque psoriasis may later develop other forms of the condition, such as psoriatic arthritis.
Usually, the turnover of peoples skin cells takes 21 to 28 days. In people with psoriasis, the body attacks healthy skin cells, so new cells develop every 4 to 7 days.
Psoriasis damages patches of skin, leaving areas of redness and irritation. This damage causes the skin to appear scaly and gray and to peel off.
Plaque psoriasis is not an infection, and it is not contagious. However, irritated patches of psoriasis can become infected.
In some people, an infection or injury to the skin can trigger an outbreak of psoriasis. People experiencing their first psoriasis flare-up may mistake their symptoms for an allergic reaction or skin infection.
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What Causes Severe Plaque Psoriasis
plaque psoriasiscauses
. Then, what is severe plaque psoriasis?
Plaque psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition. It appears on the skin in patches of thick, red, scaly skin. Plaque psoriasis can be a very itchy and sometimes painful condition. It also can be embarrassing and doesnt always respond to treatment.
Beside above, how do you get rid of plaque psoriasis? Avoid harsh or scented soaps, which can strip the skins natural oils. After bathing, gently remove the skin with your fingers, tweezers, or wet washcloth. You can also use a pumice stone or nail file on very thick scales. But take extra care not to tear or damage the skin beneath.
In this manner, what is the main cause of plaque psoriasis?
The sped-up skin cell production causes new skin cells to develop too quickly. They are pushed to the skins surface, where they pile up. This results in the plaques that are most commonly associated with psoriasis. The attacks on the skin cells also cause red, inflamed areas of skin to develop.
How long do psoriasis plaques last?
Once a person has had a psoriasis flare, they are likely to have another one. Patches of psoriasis may clear up after a few months, or they may stay the same, get bigger, or spread across the body. In some people, psoriasis will disappear and not return for years.
Causes Of Pustular Psoriasis
There are many reasons why people get pustular psoriasis. These include:
- Certain drugs. Thereâs a long list, but the ones youâre most likely to run across are:
- Pain or fever reducers with aspirin
- Coal tar
- Zinc pyrithione
- Steroids . If your doctor prescribes these drugs and you stop taking them more quickly than the doctor wants you to, it can trigger the disease.
- Sunlight. Too much time in the sun or under ultraviolet light can cause flare-ups.
- Stress. Feeling stressed can trigger pustular psoriasis.
- Pregnancy. It’s more common in pregnant women.
- Infections. An infection may trigger the disease.
- Unknown reasons. Sometimes, you never find out what caused your pustular psoriasis.
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Are There Complications Of Psoriasis
In some people, psoriasis causes more than itchiness and red skin. It can lead to swollen joints and arthritis. If you have psoriasis, you may be at higher risk of:
- Use medicated shampoo for scales on your scalp.
Other steps you should take to stay as healthy as possible:
- Talk to your healthcare provider about lowering your risk for related conditions, such as heart disease, depression and diabetes.
- Lower your stress with meditation, exercise or seeing a mental health professional.
What Are The Types Of Psoriasis
There are different types of psoriasis, but the most common kind isplaque psoriasis. It appears as raised, red patches of skin that are covered by silvery-white scales. The patches usually develop in the same pattern on both sides of the body and tend to appear on the:
- Scalp.
- Limbs, especially the elbows and knees.
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Guard Against Cold Or Dry Weather
Winter Psoriasis
Cold air, dry temps, and diminished sunlight all contribute to psoriasis flares in the winter. Combat these conditions by using a humidifier indoors. Using heavy moisturizers helps fight dry skin and reduce the discomfort from winter psoriasis. Choose moisturizers and skin products that are fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and formulated for sensitive skin.
Winter Skin Care Tips
Skin needs extra care and attention in the winter, whether you have psoriasis or not. Use this winter skin care tips to keep your skin healthy when its cold and dry outside.
What You Should Know About Plaque Psoriasis
This is the type youre probably thinking of when someone mentions psoriasis. Its characterized by clearly demarcated, raised, red, scaly patches called plaques that appear most commonly on your elbows, knees, scalp, and back .
Because it accounts for 80% of all cases, plaque psoriasis tends to get the most press. Its the type addressed in most psoriasis drug commercials, and celebs including reality star Kim Kardashian and singer Cyndi Lauper have both been vocal about being plagued with plaques.
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Scalp Psoriasis Vs Dermatitis
Dermatitis is a term used to describe various types of skin inflammation. This includes contact dermatitis as well as seborrheic dermatitis .
Like psoriasis, dermatitis can also affect the scalp. While some of the treatments for these conditions may overlap, the conditions themselves have different causes.
Scalp psoriasis is likely caused by immune dysfunction. Dermatitis is caused by various skin irritants, such as allergens.
With scalp psoriasis, youll notice silvery-red scales that may extend beyond the hairline. Theyll cause itching, flaking, and redness. In dermatitis, scales are white or yellowish and accompanied by dandruff.
A doctor can usually tell the difference between scalp psoriasis and dermatitis by taking a look at the affected area. In other cases, it might be trickier to tell the difference.
They might perform a skin scrape or take a biopsy. An overgrowth of skin cells will be present in cases of scalp psoriasis. In dermatitis cases, there will be irritated skin and sometimes bacteria or fungi.
Dermatitis can cause dandruff. Scalp psoriasis and dandruff share many of the same symptoms, such as:
- white or yellow skin flakes on the scalp
- mild redness
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.
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Racial Disparity In Psoriasis
Psoriasis can affect persons of any race however, epidemiologic studies have shown a higher prevalence in western European and Scandinavian populations. In these groups, 1.5-3% of the population is affected by the disease.
The highest documented disease prevalence is in Arctic Kasachye, with 12% of the population affected, followed by Norway, where 4.8% of the population has psoriasis. Lower prevalence rates for psoriasis have been reported among Japanese and Inuit populations.
Psoriasis is thought to be rare in West Africans and African Americans and is nearly absent in North American Indians. Psoriasis was undetected in the Samoan population and in a study that examined 26,000 South American Indians.
What Is Chronicplaque Psoriasis
Chronic plaque psoriasis is the most common presentation of psoriasis. It presents as small to large, well-demarcated, red, scaly and thickened areas of skin. It most likely to affect elbows, knees, and lower back but may arise on any part of the body.
It tends to be a relatively persistent or chronic pattern of psoriasis that can be improved with treatment but is difficult to clear completely with topical treatments alone. It is characterised by large flat areas of psoriasis with a typical silvery scale. These plaques may join together to involve very extensive areas of the skin, particularly on the trunk and limbs. It is often accompanied by scalp and nail psoriasis.
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What Medications Or Treatments Are Used To Treat Plaque Psoriasis
Your healthcare provider may prescribe the following as a cream, lotion or gel to treat mild cases of plaque psoriasis:
Salicylic acid shampoo treats plaques in your scalp.
In more severe or widespread cases of plaque psoriasis, your healthcare provider may prescribe:
- Medicine injections. Your healthcare provider will use a thin needle to inject medicine into your skin or a vein in your arm. These medicines may include adalimumab, etanercept or ustekinumab.
- Oral medicines. Oral medicines are pills or tablets that you swallow with water. These medicines may include acitretin, cyclosporine or methotrexate.
- . Phototherapy uses ultraviolet light, usually ultraviolet B , from special lamps. The ultraviolet light waves in sunlight can help certain skin disorders, including plaque psoriasis.
What Is The Difference Between Eczema And Plaque Psoriasis
Eczema and plaque psoriasis look and feel different. Eczema is very itchy. Plaque psoriasis may be itchy, but it also may burn or sting.
Eczema irritates your skin and makes it change color, and it may cause tough, swollen, dark patches of skin. Plaque psoriasis patches are often white or silvery, and they rise above your skin. Plaque psoriasis is also thicker than eczema.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Plaque psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes thick patches to develop on your skin or scalp. You may feel self-conscious, and it can be unpleasant if it itches or is painful. But it isnt contagious, and treatments can help your symptoms improve.
Its important to pay attention to your skin. Contact your health provider as soon as you notice any plaques develop on your skin.
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Take Care Of Your Feet
Start by taking good care of your feet. Wash them regularly with a gentle soap that does not dry the skin or trigger flares. Your doctor can offer medical advice to help you find a soap that will work for you. If you are particularly prone to outbreaks of psoriasis on your feet, an oatmeal foot bath may also soothe your skin.
When your feet are clean and dry, use a gentle moisturizer to keep your feet well hydrated. Some lotions with urea or salicylic acid are specifically designed for people diagnosed with psoriasis.
How To Treat Plaque Psoriasis
Theres currently no cure for plaque psoriasis . But there are a ton of treatment options to help soothe those itchy patches and help you get through the day.
Take your time finding the treatment thats best for you. It may take some trial and error.
Most people with psoriasis can treat the symptoms at home. A quick slather of moisturizer and a short blast in the sun may be enough for some people . But you may also need medical treatment.
Its best to talk with a doctor or dermatologist who can help work out the best treatments for you.
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What Are The Risk Factors For Plaque Psoriasis
Anyone can get plaque psoriasis, but there factors that can put you at increased risk:
- Family history if one parent has plaque psoriasis this increases your risk of getting it. If both parents have it this increases your chances even more.
- High stress can affect your immune system and as plaque psoriasis is caused by problems in the immune system, high stress can increase your risk of developing plaque psoriasis
- Smoking can increase your risk of developing plaque psoriasis and also can increase how severe your plaque psoriasis can become.
Living With Plaque Psoriasis
According to recent studies, more than 7.5 million Americans live with psoriasis, a chronic skin disorder that causes the body to make new skin cells too quickly.
There are several types of this disease. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, Plaque psoriasis is the most common form, affecting between 80%-90% of people with psoriasis.
While there is currently no cure for psoriasis, including plaque psoriasis, understanding the disorder is the first step to living a thriving, active life while controlling flare ups and symptoms.
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What If Those Psoriasis Treatments Dont Work
If psoriasis doesnt improve, your healthcare provider may recommend these treatments:
- Light therapy: UV light at specific wavelengths can decrease skin inflammation and help slow skin cell production.
- PUVA: This treatment combines a medication called psoralen with exposure to a special form of UV light.
- Methotrexate: Providers sometimes recommend this medication for severe cases. It may cause liver disease. If you take it, your provider will monitor you with blood tests. You may need periodic liver biopsies to check your liver health.
- Retinoids: These vitamin A-related drugs can cause side effects, including birth defects.
- Cyclosporine: This medicine can help severe psoriasis. But it may cause high blood pressure and kidney damage.
- Immune therapies: Newer immune therapy medications work by blocking the bodys immune system so it cant jumpstart an autoimmune disease such as psoriasis.
What State Is Best For Psoriasis
What is the best climate for people with psoriasis?Cold and dry weather extracts moisture from your skin, which is already at a premium for people with psoriasis. Cold weather keeps more people indoors, where heaters can dry out the skin and trigger flare-ups. Theres less sunlight during the winter months, which in moderation can help relieve symptoms.Tips for Managing Psoriasis in Cold Weather Healthline
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What Is The Treatment For Psoriasis
The goal of psoriasis treatment is to stop the skin cells from growing rapidly and to remove the scales.
There are several treatment options for psoriasis. The type of treatment done for you depends on how severe is psoriasis, and how responsive it has been to a previous treatment.
The different types of treatments done for psoriasis include:
Topical therapy: This includes the topical application of certain medications.
Corticosteroids:
- These are the most commonly prescribed medicines for the treatment of mild to moderate psoriasis.
- Corticosteroids may be available in the form of creams, ointments, gels, lotions, foams, shampoos, and sprays.
- Examples of corticosteroids include hydrocortisone, triamcinolone, and clobetasol.
Vitamin D analogues:
Retinoids:
- Tazarotene is a type of retinoid that is available in the form of a cream or gel.
- It can be applied one or two times a day.
Calcineurin inhibitors:
- They help in reducing the inflammation and buildup of plaque.
- Examples include pimecrolimus and tacrolimus.
Coal tar:
- It helps in reducing itching, scaling, and inflammation.
Salicylic acid:
- Salicylic acid present in shampoos and scalp solutions reduces the scaling of the scalp psoriasis.
Anthralin:
It is a tar product in the form of a cream.
- It is used to slow skin cell growth. It also removes the scales to make the skin smoother.
Goeckerman therapy:
Sunlight:
- Daily exposure to sunlight for a brief time is known as heliotherapy. This may help in improving psoriasis.
Steroids:
What Are The Treatment Options For Chronic Plaque Psoriasis
There is no definitive treatment for psoriasis, and people with chronic plaque psoriasis often experience the condition for the rest of their lives. The goal of the treatment is to enhance the patient’s quality of life by lowering plaque size, scaling, and thickness. Some people with moderate psoriasis may opt not to get therapy, and some will experience spontaneous clearance of plaques without treatment.
Medical treatment
Approximately, 80 percent of patients with chronic plaque psoriasis be treated in primary care using topical treatments including corticosteroids and vitamin D analogs for mild cases.
Patients who have more than 20 percent of their body surface area affected should be referred to a higher care center because topical therapies alone may not provide enough relief in such cases.
For moderate to severe conditions, treatment is done with:
If these treatments fail, patients are treated with biological medicines such as TNF-antagonists such as adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab, or the anti-IL12/23 monoclonal antibody ustekinumab.
Lifestyle modifications
Smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity have all been linked to the development of psoriasis and worsening of symptoms. Although enough clinical studies have not been conducted, it is believed that lifestyle adjustments such as weight reduction, reduced alcohol use, or smoking cessation may improve symptoms.
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