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.
Head And Shoulders Clinical Strength Shampoo
This product was developed for seborrheic dermatitis which is another common skin condition affecting the scalp. Its symptoms are much like those that manifest with psoriasis, which is why this product has often been considered the best shampoo for psoriasis.
Head & Shoulders has long been praised as the most effective solution against dandruff, and their powerful Clinical Strength formula works wonders with relieving the symptoms associated with the condition. The selenium sulfide in the shampoo encourages the skin to shed excess dead cells on the surface and then soothes the irritation to prevent the overproduction of skin cells.
Another reason why this product has received praise from users is that it works well as a daily shampoo. It can be hard to find a formulation that can work well as a daily product because psoriasis shampoos are usually developed for the scalp not the hair. Able to provide users a thorough clean on top of minimizing the discomfort and irritation caused by psoriasis, this shampoo is definitely an all-around product that gets the job done.
Best For Damaged Hair
Dove DermaCare Scalp Dryness & Itch Relief Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
This pick from Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in the dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, contains zinc parathion, an ingredient that he says has both anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties that can be effective at treating scalp psoriasis by minimizing yeast production. By lowering levels of yeast on the scalp, this shampoo can calm inflammation to improve itching, redness, and flaking, he explains. With consistent use, you should see a visible improvement.
Also Check: How To Cure Psoriasis From The Inside Out
Combination Shampoo For Psoriasis And Color Treated Hair
For this article, we are going to specifically discuss over-the-counter shampoo products. If your scalp psoriasis is so bad that it requires a prescriptive shampoo then you will have limited choices to deal with your color treated hair.
All over-the-counter shampoos will use either coal tar or salicylic acid as an active ingredient. These ingredients have been studied and accepted by the FDA as effective for treating scalp psoriasis. These two ingredients work in the same way but may perform differently for each individual. Coal tar and salicylic acid are natural exfoliating ingredients. They will help your body to remove the dead skin cells caused by your psoriasis. This is important because if you can control the exfoliating process you will avoid the scaly build up that is often caused by scalp psoriasis. So which ingredient is right for you? The only way to find out is to try the product. For some people, coal tar will work great and salicylic acid will do nothing for them. For others, the opposite will be true. And then there will be others that will find either one will work well. If you are not sure which one to choose it is best to start with salicylic acid and if it does not work then move on to coal tar. The reason this is suggested is because salicylic acid virtually odor free and coal tar can sometimes have an offensive smell that has to be masked with fragrances.
Suave Essentials Scalp Control Mint Deep Clean & Detox Shampoo
Scalp psoriasis is tricky in the sense that you dont want to over-cleanse. But cleansing your hair and scalp actually benefits your condition. If your hair is washed and doesnt have buildup and excess products, it will stay less irritated. The Suave Essentials Scalp Control Mint Deep Clean & Detox Shampoo provides a gentle wash while the formula removes flakes and any residue left from a dry scalp.
Recommended Reading: Bentonite Clay For Scalp Psoriasis
Dove Dermacare Scalp Soothing Moisture Shampoo
The Dove Dermacare line is specifically crafted to treat dry scalps experiencing dandruff and flaking. It will also help to manage your scalp psoriasis. Doves Dermacare Scalp Soothing Moisture Anti-Dandruff Shampoo cleans your hair without leaving it dry and causing damage. The brand-specific Olacare Scalp Actives remove dandruff without irritating the scalp and causing inflammation. You can also use it daily if needed to help keep visible flakes out of sight.
Benefits Of Tea Tree Oil
First, a word about the central ingredient of tea tree shampoo: tea tree oil. Also called melaleuca oil, tea tree oil is naturally antibacterial and antifungal. The conditions that tea tree oil shampoo can treat include the following.
Head lice: Tea tree oil can destroy the enzymes that support head lice, causing them to die off. It can be used to treat an existing infestation or to prevent future infestations.
Hair loss: By strengthening the roots of your hair and clearing out dirt that can slow hair growth, tea tree oil is thought to reduce hair loss and encourage new hair growth.
Seborrhoeic dermatitis: Also known as dandruff, this skin condition exists in conjunction with a fungus that occurs naturally on the scalp. Tea tree oil can greatly reduce dandruff.
Psoriasis: Many people find that tea tree shampoo can soothe and reduce psoriasis on the scalp.
Even if you dont have a specific condition that needs treatment, tea tree shampoo is an excellent shampoo that can keep your hair healthy, clean, and moisturised. The oil coats your hair, giving it natural protection a great benefit if you use chemical-heavy hair products.
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How To Choose The Right Shampoo For Psoriasis
- Ingredients
Coal tar is used by most psoriasis shampoo brands and can help reduce itchy skin. However, it is advised to refrain from using a shampoo with coal tar if you happen to have open wounds or blisters. Coconut oil is often used as a foaming agent in the place of sulfates and it has the added benefit of moisturizing the dry skin, strands, and scalp owing to healthy fats. A common and effective ingredient found in shampoos that treat psoriasis is salicylic acid. It is especially helpful for the scales that build upon the inflamed skin of the scalp and salicylic acid shampoos make it easier for topical treatments to be absorbed into the skin as they clear it up.
You can also use ketoconazole shampoos which are effective in getting rid of dandruff and the resulting flaky skin. Ketoconazole is a powerful ingredient that helps reduce inflammation on the scalp. Psoriasis shampoos can use one of these as the main active ingredient in a higher concentration or a mix of a few can also be used as the base.
- Multi-purpose shampoos
- Safety
As with any product that you apply directly on your skin and scalp, make it a point to pick a product that makes use of no parabens, preservatives, sulfates, mineral oils, and added fragrances as these can further irritate the scalp and make psoriasis symptoms worse and cause an allergic reaction.
How A Dermatologist Can Help
With so many products, it can be difficult to know what to use. If you dont see the results you like with OTC treatment for psoriasis, you may want to see dermatologist. Dermatologists are the skin disease experts. They know how to tailor psoriasis treatment to the type of psoriasis you have. Sometimes, this requires combining treatments. You may also need one treatment plan to gain control over your psoriasis and another to maintain the results.
ImagesGetty Images
ReferencesMenter A, Korman NJ, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Section 3: Guidelines of care for the management and treatment of psoriasis with topical therapies. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2009 60:64359.
Paghdal KV, Schwartz RA. Coal tar: Back to the future. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2009 Aug 61:294-302.
All content solely developed by the American Academy of Dermatology
The American Academy of Dermatology gratefully acknowledges the support from Amgen and .
Recommended Reading: What Oil Is Good For Psoriasis
Free & Clear Hair Conditioner
If you have allergy-prone sensitive skin, reach for the Free and Clear Conditioner.
This conditioner is pH-balanced and free of oils, sulfates, phosphates, gluten, formaldehyde, lanolin, protein, masking fragrances, and preservatives.
Indeed, the list of things it leaves out is longer than the list of ingredients.
Its specially designed to moisturize your scalp and hair without leaving a residue.
Ingredients To Look For
The following ingredients can help reduce itchiness and flakes, as well as gently soften and remove thick scale.
- Hydrocortisone is a mild corticosteroid that can decrease itching and inflammation.
- Coal tar decreases skin cell growth and helps the scalp shed dead skin cells.
- Salicylic acid is a âkeratolytic,â or peeling agent, that helps soften and remove thick scale. Once scale is removed, other medications will be able to penetrate the skin more easily, potentially increasing effectiveness.
Also Check: Best Cure For Psoriasis On Hands
Why Trust Verywell Health
Having been raised by two medical professionals, Amari Pollard understands the importance of health literacy. As a seasoned health writer, she is committed to producing well-researched and well-sourced product reviews to help people make informed medical decisions.
Additional reporting for this story by Sarah Bradley
Sarah Bradley has been writing health content since 2017everything from product roundups and illness FAQs to nutrition explainers and the dish on diet trends. She knows how important it is to receive trustworthy and expert-approved advice about over-the-counter products that manage everyday health conditions, from GI issues and allergies to chronic headaches and joint pain.
Neutrogena T/gel Therapeutic Shampoo Original Formula
Neutrogenas T/Gel has coal tar extract in it. After you rinse it, the effects last for hours.
This is one of the best shampoos for treating psoriasis. It does a great job of reducing itching and flaking. Its recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation as an effective product.
Its also mild enough to use every day.
For managing dandruff, one or two washes a week might be sufficient.
I cant emphasize enough that you really need to leave it on your scalp for at least 5 minutes.
And please apply conditioner afterward.
For those of you who read labels, here are some specifics. The formula has 0.5% coal tar, as well as sodium laureth sulfate and a fragrance.
Recommended Reading: Castor Oil For Psoriasis On Scalp
Best Overall: Nizoral Anti
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Safe for color-treated and processed hair
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May cause dryness
Gentle, yet strong enough to kill any dandruff outbreak, Nizoral is one of the most highly trusted anti-dandruff shampoos on the market. It contains 1% ketoconazole, an antifungal that works by preventing fungus growth, and relieves the flaking, scaling, and itching caused by dandruff. This shampoo lathers quickly, seeping into the scalp to relieve common symptoms caused by dandruff and leaving your hair smelling fresh. In order to see the best results, its recommended to use this shampoo every three to four days for up to eight weeks.
Active Ingredients: Ketoconazole 1% | Uses: Flaking, scaling and itching of the scalp associated with dermatitis
Mg217 Psoriasis Medicated Conditioning 3% Coal Tar Shampoo
Dr. Skotnicki agrees that psoriasis products that are tar-based and contain salicylic acid are tops when looking for important ingredients. Less important? Shampoos containing zinc or antifungal ingredients do not help, she says. MG217 contains 3% coal tar, which is on the higher end for over-the-counter medicated shampoos. Dr. Skotnicki says the following symptoms are common for those suffering from scalp psoriasis: dry scalp, itching, and sometimes burning and soreness. Some hair loss can be expected as the itching is severe, but this hair loss is not permanent, she adds.
Recommended Reading: How Do I Get Rid Of Psoriasis On My Scalp
Medications For Scalp Psoriasis
Prescribed medications for scalp psoriasis may have higher concentrations of either salicylic acid or coal tar. Other FDA-approved medications include:
- Anthralin
- A strong derivative of Vitamin D called Calcipotriene
- A strong derivative of Vitamin A called Tazarotene
- Betamethasone dipropionate
Oral medications can cause serious side effects, including liver damage, and therefore they require a doctors close eye. It’s also important to know that oral vitamin derivatives are different from and more powerful than OTC vitamin supplements. Ordinary vitamin A and D supplements do not help.
Oral medications include:
- A strong derivative of vitamin A called Soriatane
Scalp Psoriasis Natural Treatment
The Best Natural Treatment Options for Scalp Psoriasis
Some people with scalp psoriasis seem to benefit from natural treatment. You can make a mask for your scalp yourself and let it soak in for desired effects. For example:
- Yogurt and banana: hydration of the scalp, restore pH of the skin, less itching and burning, and fewer flakes.
- Aloe Vera and olive oil: fewer crusts, dryness, and irritation.
- Garlic and Coconut Oil: anti-inflammatory, cleansing the scalp, hydration, better circulation.
- Oats and Honey: hydrates the scalp, removes dead skin cells, less irritation and itching, and fewer flakes.
- Apple cider vinegar improves circulation, restores the pH balance of the skin, and softens the flakes.
To find out which one works best, try them all.
Read Also: Can Psoriasis Be Detected By Blood Test
How Psoriasis Affects The Scalp
Scalp psoriasis can involve mild to severe scaling with crusted plaques on the scalp. This can be uncomfortable, leading to itching and sometimes pain. It may also extend to a persons forehead, ears, and back of their neck.
At first, the flaking of dead skin cells can resemble dandruff. However, scalp psoriasis will have a scaly, silver appearance.
Other symptoms may include:
- bleeding, if a person scratches the scalp
- a dry scalp, which may result in cracking and bleeding or itching
- soreness, due to the skin scaling and as a result of itching
- temporary hair loss, due to repeated itching or severe scaling on the scalp
- loss of sleep, as a result of discomfort at night
Some people may feel embarrassed about the changes they see, and this can lead to depression and anxiety.
Although most people with scalp psoriasis know they should not scratch their scalp when it itches, it can be hard not to. However, scratching an itchy scalp can worsen symptoms and cause the areas of psoriasis to grow or become infected.
Scalp psoriasis can be challenging to treat, and it is hard to know which treatments will be effective.
A person should speak to a doctor if:
- they experience symptoms for the first time
- symptoms are severe, including cracking or bleeding
- OTC shampoos or medicated shampoos do not help
If there is cracking or bleeding, it can cause an infection. A doctor may recommend a systemic treatment in moderate to severe cases of scalp psoriasis.
Examples include:
Cerave Hydrating Cleanser Bar
The creation of this soap bar targets all the symptoms of psoriasis. You would agree with me as it is concocted by dermatologists who know very well how we can achieve healthy skin.
CeraVe utilizes MVE technology to replenish the adequate amount of ceramides and to lock in moisture. I love that ceramide reconstructs the natural barrier of the skin. What I like most is it doesnt only deduct the much-needed moisture in fighting psoriasis symptoms but it also evens multiplied thrice moisture due to the 5% moisturizing cream and hyaluronic acid.
I can see that it promotes hydration. The nourishment it provides will counter dryness and irritation, which I suffered when I had psoriasis. It received the approval of The National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance as it has shown efficacy in handling sensitive skin issues.
Im sure it is best suited for dry skin. This soap for psoriasis also helped me get through winter when my skin became dry. By providing an adequate amount of moisture, itchiness can be eliminated. Its also non-comedogenic.
I like it being non-fragrance. When you use this cleanser, you have to lather it well but you can rinse it off easily. It needs patience for you to see the results. Using it continuously is advised as its worth it.
- Continuous use is needed to see the results
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Dermasolve Psoriasis Scalp Oil
Dermasolve psoriasis scalp oil is a combination of more than 10 natural oils to help you to reduce flaky build-up on your scalp. Dermasolve is invented to moisturize, to stop peeling, and to condition the scalp. It also helps to cool and calm the scalp. You should apply a thin layer to the affected part at night and shampoo the hair next day.
Dermasolve is mild and has no irritation, fragrance, or steroids. It is safe to use on your body and scalp like your face, elbows, etc. It is also suitable for ages six and above. This product is made in the USA.
Suave Professionals Tea Tree & Hemp Seed Oil Revitalizing Shampoo
Tea tree oil for treating your scalp psoriasis is another excellent remedy. The Suave Professionals Tea Tree & Hemp Seed Oil Revitalizing Shampoo adds tea tree oil and hemp seed oil to moisturize, cleanse, and soothe any inflammation. The tea tree oil fights bacteria and fungus that can cause your psoriasis to flare-up.
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Topical Creams And Ointments
Another treatment option is the so-called vitamin D3 derivatives, such as calcipotriol and tacalcitol. These active ingredients inhibit the rapid division of skin cells typical of psoriasis.
They promote normalization of the cornification and have an anti-inflammatory effect. Particularly pleasant to use: the gels are quickly absorbed and leave no traces of grease.
Special ointments with vitamin D3 have been developed that work just as well as cortisone, but do not have any side effects.
Cortisone is a highly effective anti-inflammatory drug and is therefore particularly effective against moderate psoriasis. In this way, the inflammation can be fought quickly and the associated dandruff plague is contained.
The cortisone active ingredient is usually applied in liquid form to the affected areas of the skin without greasing the hair. Depending on the level of inflammation, cortisone is prescribed in pure form, in a diluted form, or in a fixed combination with other active ingredients.
Preparations that contain vitamin D3 derivatives or a combination of vitamin D3 derivatives with cortisone are suitable for a longer period of use of up to one year.
Pure cortisone preparations, on the other hand, are not suitable for permanent external use for scalp psoriasis.