What Is The Best Thing For Scalp Psoriasis

Oats Or Colloidal Oatmeal

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Some people also notice that their psoriasis symptoms get worse after eating certain foods or as a result of allergies. Research has not yet conclusively proven that these factors can trigger psoriasis, however.

It is worth noting that environmental triggers alone do not cause psoriasis. People without a genetic predisposition for psoriasis will not develop it, even when they experience these triggers.

In the following sections, we will cover the different types of shampoo and home remedies that people with scalp psoriasis can try.

What Is Dandruff The Causes And Symptoms

Dandruff is a very common condition of the scalp that results in dry skin flakes, which end up caught in a persons hair or on their clothes. According to the American Academy of Dermatology , it generally doesnt require medical treatment, but it can be itchy and uncomfortable, as well as embarrassing to those having to deal with it. Here are the causes:

A yeast imbalance.Theres a type of yeast in all of our bodies called malassezia, part of our bodys normal microbiome, says Dr. Gohara. Dandruff, or seborrhea, is caused by an overgrowth of that.

An oily scalp. Dandruff can also be associated with increased oil production of the scalp, says Dr. Gohara, evidenced by greasy hair or an oily scalp.

A scalp thats overly dry. Dandruff can also be the result of a too-dry scalp, says Dr. Gohara. Also, flaking can be caused by using too many products in the hair, or not washing products out properly but this isnt the same thing as dandruff.

Scalp Psoriasis Can Cause Temporary Hair Loss

Fortunately, hair loss from psoriasis isnt all that common, but it does occur, says Dr. Bagel. Some people may lose clumps of hair, but this hair does grow back in about a month with adequate scalp psoriasis treatment, he says. The hair loss may be from scratching and the inflammation of the disease. Looking for relief? Try these 10 psoriasis remedies that can ease symptoms.

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Best Inexpensive Option: Ogx Extra Strength Refreshing Scalp + Tea Tree Mint Shampoo

Under $10 and available at most drugstores, OGXs tea tree-mint shampoo is meant to cleanse hair follicles and the scalp thanks to replenishing ingredients like argan oil. Tea tree products have long been heralded for their skin-clearing and smoothing properties, so its no wonder this product is so popular.

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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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Scalp Psoriasis Fact Sheet

It can be tough to manage scalp psoriasis. Psoriasis plaques on your scalp may be itchy, flaky and awkward to treat. When scalp psoriasis is blocked by the hair, finding a safe and effective treatment that doesnât mess with your mane can get even trickier.

But living with scalp psoriasis doesnât mean you canât enjoy your hair and manage scale build up. There are ways to make living with scalp psoriasis easier.

Request a scalp psoriasis quick guide from our Patient Navigation Center with tips on dealing with itch and info on what treatments might be right for you.

Psoralen Plus Ultraviolet A

For this treatment, you’ll first be given a tablet containing compounds called psoralens, or psoralen may be applied directly to the skin. This makes your skin more sensitive to light.

Your skin is then exposed to a wavelength of light called ultraviolet A . This light penetrates your skin more deeply than ultraviolet B light.

This treatment may be used if you have severe psoriasis that has not responded to other treatment.

Side effects include nausea, headaches, burning and itchiness. You may need to wear special glasses for 24 hours after taking the tablet to prevent the development of cataracts.

Long-term use of this treatment is not encouraged, as it can increase your risk of developing skin cancer.

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Argan Oil For Psoriasis

Argan oil is a carrier oil, not an essential oil. Its rich in vitamin E, which is hydrating to the skin. It may also improve your skins metabolism, reduce inflammation, and protect your skin from the sun.

Argan oil may work on psoriasis because its both anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. This means that the oil helps to reduce redness, dryness, swelling, and itchiness.

Note that culinary and cosmetic argan oils are not the same thing. You shouldnt ingest cosmetic argan oil. Allergic reactions are rare, and you should discontinue use if you experience discomfort.

Because argan oil isnt an essential oil, it can be applied directly to the skin or mixed with essential oils for a blend of results.

anthelmintic properties . It can help with a range of skin issues, from ones caused by psoriasis to ones caused by parasites.

It helps to soothe any inflammation while also speeding up the skins healing process. Black seed oil is an excellent moisturizer and can even reduce scale thickness.

Black seeds may slow blood clotting and lower blood pressure, so people with clotting disorders, diabetes, or low blood pressure should speak with a doctor before use. Pregnant women should also avoid using black seed oil. Black seed oil may also have a sedative effect.

Black seed oil is a carrier oil. You can apply black seed oil directly to the skin or mix it with an essential oil before application. This method should help soothe itch and moisturize skin.

Treatment For Scalp Psoriasis

Your dermatologist can treat mild scalp psoriasis with topical medications. For more stubborn cases, oral or injectable treatments are also effective but may have side effects including increased infections.

At UCLA Dermatology, our specialists may recommend one or more of the following:

• Topical medications applied to the scalp, such as tar shampoos and steroid sprays, creams and solutions
• Medicated shampoos

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Systemic Treatments And Uv Light

If you have moderate to severe psoriasis elsewhere on your body, one of these medications may help:

• Methotrexateslows an enzyme involved in the rapid growth of skin cells.
• Oral retinoids help control the growth of cells.
• Cyclosporinelowers the immune system function, and therefore helps to reduce the inflammation of psoriasis.
• Biologics target specific parts of the immune system that are overactive in psoriasis.

Talk with your doctor about the potential side effects of these treatments.

Ultraviolet light is another treatment option. Hair can block the light from reaching your scalp, so if you have thick hair, it may help to part it in rows. Hand-held devices can directly deliver light to your scalp.

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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Following Your Treatment Plan Is Key To Getting Results

When working with a dermatologist, it is important to use the treatment exactly as prescribed and for as long as recommended. Many patients fail to see clearing because they stop following their treatment plan.

ImagesBefore and after treating scalp psoriasis: Photographs used with permission of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. J Am Acad Dermatol 2008 58:614.

ReferencesAl-Mutairi N, Al-Haddad A. Targeted phototherapy using 308 nm Xecl monochromatic excimer laser for psoriasis at difficult to treat sites. Lasers Med Sci. 2013 28:1119-24.

Bagel J, Lynde C, et al. Moderate to severe plaque psoriasis with scalp involvement: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of etanercept. J Am Acad Dermatol 2012 67:86-92.

Chan CS, Van Voorhees AS, et al. Treatment of severe scalp psoriasis: from the Medical Board of the National Psoriasis Foundation. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2009 60:962-71.

Guenther L. Current management of scalp psoriasis. Skin Therapy Lett. 2015 20:5-7.

Paghdal KV, Schwartz RA. Topical tar: Back to the future. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2009 Aug 61:294-302.

Renton C. Diagnosis and treatment of adults with scalp psoriasis. Nurs Stand. 2014 Feb 26-Mar 4 28:35-9.

Wong, JW, Kamangar F, et al. Excimer Laser Therapy for Hairline Psoriasis: A Useful Addition to the Scalp Psoriasis Treatment Algorithm. Skin Therapy Letter. 2012 176-9.

Scalp Psoriasis Itches A Lot

Itching is one of the most commonand vexingsymptoms of scalp psoriasis, Dr. Farber says, adding that psoriasis on the scalp is the itchiest kind. But resist that urge to itch it! When you scratch the itch it leads to inflammation, which can make the scalp psoriasis spread, he says. Making matters even more difficult, stress tends to travel with psoriasis and many of us cope with stress by scratching. You can use an over-the-counter anti-itch product to help curb the itch, but be careful when you apply these products to inflamed scales, as they can burn or sting, he explains. Other anti-itch treatment options can include topical steroids and oral antihistamines.

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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.

If It’s Scalp Psoriasis Are There Lifestyle Factors To Consider

One thing people should be aware of is that stress can worsen psoriasis, because stress increases the hormone cortisol, which in turn increases inflammation, says Dr. Gohara. So it makes sense to focus on whatever you can do to lower your tension level, whether that means taking yoga classes, practicing mindfulness, carving out time to relax and read or reaping the benefits of daily reflective walks.

Another concern among those with scalp psoriasis is whether its safe to dye ones hair. I would never tell someone to avoid coloring their hair, but its true that psoriasis tends to emerge in areas of the body that are under pressure or trauma, says Dr. Gohara. Hair dye, styling products and chemicals can cause trauma to one’s skin. So yes, people with scalp psoriasis can get a flare up from coloring their hair. Its a good idea to have a conversation with your stylist about using gentle formulas.

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Best For Scalp Psoriasis: Krastase Initialiste Advanced Scalp & Hair Serum

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, more than 60 percent of people with psoriasis develop some scaling on their scalp. Nourishing ingredients like green tea extract and ceramides combine in this conditioning serum to combat flakes and bring moisture back to the scalp while also reducing hair breakage. With tea tree products, Dr. Tareem recommends rubbing them on the arm first to make sure the skin doesnt irritate.

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Dont Scratch That Itch

Refrain from rubbing or scrubbing your scalp when shampooing, as tempting as it may be to dig into those itchy spots. Scratching induces trauma which in turn induces psoriasis, a process known as Koebnerization, Bagel explains.

If youre finding it hard not to scratch, try applying a dab of hydrocortisone, a mild corticosteroid, to itchy spots, to help decrease itching and inflammation, the NPF says. Start with the least powerful topical steroid that works for you, and use it just three to four times a week.

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What Are The Complications Of Psoriasis

Psoriasis can be a very frustrating condition because it is hard to treat. In some cases, psoriasis can become so severe that it causes physical and emotional distress. Additionally, people with psoriasis are at an increased risk for other autoimmune conditions and heart disease, diabetes and depression. The common complications of psoriasis can be arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, skin cancer, and eye problems.

What Are Causes And Risk Factors Of Scalp Psoriasis

It is generally accepted that scalp psoriasis, like all psoriasis, is related to genetic defects that affect certain parts of the immune system. There are undoubtedly environmental risk factors that trigger its initial development in genetically predisposed individuals. The notion that “emotional stress” plays a causal role or at least exacerbates psoriasis has been difficult to prove. There is no question, however, that psoriasis of the scalp can be an extremely stressful experience.

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Scalp Psoriasis Can Look A Lot Like Dandruff

While dandruff is accompanied by flaking and dryness, scalp psoriasis looks silvery and has well-defined red, raised plaques, not just flaking and dryness. The scales from psoriasis can flake off much like dandruff, says Richard Torbeck, MD, a dermatologist at Advanced Dermatology in New York City. Additionally, itching from psoriasis is quite similar to itching from dandruff. However, each condition needs to be treated very differently,” he adds.

Scalp Psoriasis Is Common

Psoriasis is a common chronic skin condition caused by an overactive immune system. Its characterized by skin flaking and inflammation, along with thick, white, silvery, or red patches of skin. And over 60 percent of all people with psoriasis will develop some scaling on their scalp, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation . Scalp psoriasis runs the gamut from mild to severe, and psoriasis scalp can extend beyond the hairline onto the forehead, the back of the neck, and around your ears. While its caused by an autoimmune problem, eating certain foods can make psoriasis worse.

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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.

How To Prevent And Treat Your Stress To Cure Psoriasis

There are many ways to prevent and treat stress. Some people may find those different methods work for them, but these are some general tips that can help:

1) Identify healthy coping mechanisms and stick to them. This could involve things like exercise, journaling, or deep breathing exercises.

2) Avoid any type of self-judgement. Accepting that everyone has stress and its normal to feel overwhelmed sometimes can be helpful.

3) Try to maintain a positive outlook and practice gratitude. Focusing on the good things in life can help to offset negative thoughts.

4) Seek professional help if the stress is becoming too much to handle on your own. There is no shame in seeking help, and a professional. can provide you with the tools you need to manage your stress.

If you are struggling with psoriasis and stress, it is important to seek help. There are many resources available to you, and a professional can help you find the best way to manage both conditions. Stress can make psoriasis worse, so it is important to take the time to reduce the stressors in your life.

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Scalp Psoriasis Vs Seborrheic Dermatitis

Occasionally, seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp can be confused with scalp psoriasis since both can produce excess scale and can itch. Pathological examination of the skin biopsy material occasionally may be helpful in distinguishing the two entities. As a practical matter, this is rarely necessary because most patients with psoriasis have typical psoriatic lesions present in other areas, such as the elbows, knees, or torso. In addition, both conditions generally respond to similar topical medications.

Natural Scalp Psoriasis Treatments

Like many other conditions, natural remedies can be used in treating scalp psoriasis at home.

Essential oils such as tea tree oil or peppermint oil are antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory. Adding a few drops in your oil mix and applying it directly on your scalp can help soothe the itchiness caused by scalp psoriasis. Not to mention, that minty feeling on your scalp feels amazing! For a bonus tip, you can also add drops of tea tree oil or peppermint oil to your shampoo or use shampoos that have these oils as their main ingredients.

Did you know that apple cider vinegar contains antiseptic and disinfective properties? Well, this is why ACV is a great natural scalp psoriasis treatment that can help reduce itchiness and soreness caused by scalp psoriasis. When using ACV to treat your psoriasis, dont apply it directly on your scalp because it might burn, especially if the affected area is already an open wound. So, always mix it with some water to cut out the sting. A great way to implement ACV in your hair-care routine is by using it as a rinse after shampooing and before applying your conditioner.

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