Scalp Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic condition that currently affects about four million Americans. It is a disease in which the regeneration of skin cells occurs at an extremely rapid rate. This becomes compounded by the fact that the skin in affected areas does not slough off easily. The result is patches of scaly, swollen lesions that may be itchy or even painful. Psoriasis can occur on any area of the body, but it is most often found on the elbows, knees, legs, palms, feet, and face. It can also affect the area on and around the scalp. Scalp psoriasis affects roughly two to three percent of the population nationwide.
The Look and Feel of Scalp Psoriasis
Scalp psoriasis often looks much worse than it actually feels. It appears as patches of raised red lesions that are covered with silvery scales. These thick patches are often evident throughout the scalp and around the scalp margins. Scalp psoriasis most commonly affects the back of the head, but it may also be evident on discrete areas throughout the scalp. Many people who suffer from scalp psoriasis experience itching and some soreness on the affected areas. Some people with severe scalp psoriasis also experience a temporary loss of hair in the affected area. Although this can be quite distressing, the hair will usually grow back once the flare up has subsided. Scalp psoriasis can be particularly embarrassing due to its resemblance to dandruff. This condition can occur on its own, or in combination with other forms of psoriasis.
Diagnosing Scalp Psoriasis
There are no medical tests or procedures that can be used to diagnose the condition, but a licensed health care professional will be able to diagnose scalp psoriasis with a simple visual examination. Your health care provider may recommend home treatment, or a prescription psoriasis remedy to clear up your condition.
Caring for Scalp Psoriasis
Caring for scalp psoriasis is slightly different from caring for psoriasis that affects other areas of the body, as the hair on the scalp makes it difficult to apply treatment products. The hair also blocks ultraviolet light, which is often used to complement treatments on other parts of the body. Therefore, it is very important that treatment products are applied carefully on the scalp. In order to apply a treatment product for scalp psoriasis, the hair must be parted in sections, while the product is gently rubbed into the exposed area. It may be necessary to get assistance in reaching the back and top of the head. Most treatment products for scalp psoriasis work best if rubbed into the scalp and allowed to sit for five to ten minutes before rinsing. Some products also recommend an immediate reapplication.
Unfortunately, most products that are available for the treatment of scalp psoriasis are messy and smelly. And it’s likely that these products will need to be used regularly for several weeks before any substantial change is noticed. In most cases, the preparation will have to be applied regularly in order to keep scalp psoriasis under control.
Keeping the hair cut short is also helpful in alleviating scalp psoriasis as it allows more light to reach the scalp and makes it easier to apply treatment products. However, it is not necessary in the overall treatment of the condition.
Over the Counter Scalp Psoriasis Remedies
Coal Tar Shampoo: Shampoos made from coal tar are generally very effective for most patients with scalp psoriasis.
Coal Tar Cream: Coal tar creams are even more effective than their shampoo counterparts. However, they can be quite messy.
Prescription Scalp Psoriasis Remedies
Topical Steroid Lotions: These products are often used to reduce the itching and swelling of scalp psoriasis. However, they generally do not remove the scales very well. Topical steroids can be used intermittently to alleviate the symptoms of flare-ups.
Salicylic Acid Cream: Creams made from salicylic acid are available by prescription. They are usually rubbed into and left on the scalp for a minimum of one hour before being shampooed off. Some people even apply the cream at night and then wash it off in the morning.
Similar Conditions
There are several conditions that are similar to scalp psoriasis, but require different treatment methods and products. Sebo-psoriasis is a condition that has symptoms similar to both psoriasis and seborroeic dermatitis. Rather than the silvery scales that are associated with psoriasis, this condition is characterized by scales that are yellowish and greasy. It also has more defined margins and thicker scales than those seen with seborrhoeic dermatitis. Another condition that is often confused with scalp psoriasis is pityriasis amiantacea. This condition is characterized by thick, yellow-white scales that densely coat the scalp. These scales often adhere to the scalp hairs as they slough off of the affected area. Pityriasis amiantcea often causes temporary hair loss.