Scalp Psoriasis Treatment, Causes & Management
Treating scalp psoriasis can be difficult because the scalp is covered with hair. This makes it hard to reach the affected skin with creams or other treatments. And when you do treat scalp psoriasis, you need to be careful not to irritate the surrounding skin or cause more hair loss.
There are several different ways to treat scalp psoriasis. The best approach depends on the severity of your symptoms and how much they bother you. This post will cover some of the most common treatment options.
What Is Scalp Psoriasis?
Scalp psoriasis is a common skin condition that causes raised, red, scaly patches on the scalp. It can also cause itching, burning, and soreness. Scalp psoriasis is a chronic condition that can last for years or even a lifetime.
There are several different types of scalp psoriasis treatments available. Treatment options include topical creams and ointments, light therapy, and oral medications. The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
Causes of Scalp Psoriasis
There is no one answer to what causes scalp psoriasis. The condition is linked to an overactive immune system, which causes the body to produce too many skin cells. Many things: can trigger this.
- Stress
- Weather changes
- Hormonal changes
- Certain medications
If you have scalp psoriasis, it’s essential to see a dermatologist for treatment. There are a number of options available that can help improve your symptoms and quality of life.
Symptoms of Scalp Psoriasis
They include:
- Itchy scalp
- Flaking and scaling of the skin on your scalp
- Red patches of skin on your scalp
- Stiff and brittle hair
- Hair loss
Scalp psoriasis can cause intense itching. You may also have soreness, burning, or stinging. Your symptoms can be very mild with just a fine scalp scaling. Or they can be severe with thick, crusted plaques covering your entire scalp. At its worst, psoriasis can lead to temporary hair loss. In most cases, it does not permanently damage your hair follicles or affect the number of hairs on your head.
Treatment and Management of Scalp Psoriasis
Scalp psoriasis can be a complex condition to manage. Several treatments are available, and finding the right one for you may require trial and error.
Topical treatments are usually the first line of defense against scalp psoriasis. These include medicated shampoos, creams, gels, or ointments applied directly to the affected areas. Steroid injections or ultraviolet light therapy may also be used in more severe cases.
If your scalp psoriasis is resistant to topical treatments, your doctor may prescribe oral or injected medications. These include drugs that suppress the immune system, such as methotrexate or cyclosporine. Biologic drugs that target specific proteins involved in the development of psoriasis may also be an option.
Whatever treatment you choose, it’s essential to be patient. Finding a regimen that works for you may take some time, and even then, flare-ups are common. But with the proper management, you can keep your scalp psoriasis under control and enjoy life.
If you have scalp psoriasis, you can do several things at home to help manage your symptoms. These include:
- Keep your scalp clean and well-moisturized. Use a gentle cleanser and avoid harsh scrubbing. After shampooing, apply a moisturizing cream or lotion to your scalp.
- Avoid irritants. Don’t use products that contain alcohol, fragrance, or other harsh ingredients. These can trigger or worsen psoriasis flare-ups.
- Protect your scalp from the sun. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day, even when it’s cloudy.
- Avoid stress. Stress can trigger psoriasis flare-ups, so find ways to relax and manage stress effectively.
Conclusion
Scalp psoriasis is a chronic and relapsing condition that can significantly impact the quality of life. There is no cure for scalp psoriasis. However, there are many effective treatments available. The key to managing scalp psoriasis is to find the proper treatment for you and stick with it. If you struggle to control your scalp psoriasis, please see your GP or dermatologist for help.