When we hear the term psoriasis, our mind often reels to the appearance of bright red and dry patches on the skin. While this accounts for a primary symptom, psoriasis signs and symptoms are extensive and can also affect the scalp skin, a condition medically termed Scalp Psoriasis.
Scalp psoriasis can be quite a bothersome condition because of its visibility and potential impact on daily life as the individual can become self conscious. Not to mention that the condition is often painful and can lead to blistering, pain, and discomfort, further affecting an individual’s quality of life.
In this detailed guide, we will discuss everything there is to know about Scalp Psoriasis treatment and the symptoms and natural remedies to look out for.
What is Scalp Psoriasis?
Scalp psoriasis occurs when an individual has an overactive immune system. This, in turn, triggers the rapid growth of skin cells on the scalp, forming red, scaly patches. The condition is a subtype of psoriasis and affects individuals globally.
These patches can extend beyond the hairline and may be accompanied by itching, burning sensations, and, in severe cases, hair loss. The exact cause and triggers of psoriasis remain unclear, but genetic factors, immune system dysfunction, and environmental triggers are believed to play a role in its development.
What are the Common Symptoms of Scalp Psoriasis?
Before we walk you through how to get rid of psoriasis on the scalp, let us discuss the signs and symptoms you need to look out for. Psoriasis is a progressive chronic disease, which means the symptoms can worsen if one doesn’t get proper treatment.
This is one of the reasons why our dermatologists at AAYNA Clinic prioritize taking even the early symptoms seriously instead of brushing them to the side.
Following are a few symptoms to look out for:
Red Patches – When it comes to the telltale and primary symptom of scalp psoriasis, it has to be the appearance of the red patches on the skin, which occur due to heightened skin cell turnover. Once these red patches start healing, the skin dries and forms a silvery-white scale over the red patch.
Itching and Burning – Individuals struggling with scalp psoriasis often struggle with complications related to burning and itching. There is a constant urge to scratch the affected area for some relief, but it exacerbates the symptoms.
Flaking and Scaling of the skin – As we mentioned, once the red patches start healing, they form a white scale over it, which tends to flake and fall off. People with scalp psoriasis often experience this issue, mistaking it for dandruff.
Hair Loss – When proper treatment isn’t implemented, scalp psoriasis can cause hair loss because of the damage caused to the hair follicles from the chronic inflammation that comes with the condition.
Early diagnosis is mandatory if you don’t want the symptoms to worsen. Paying close attention to the symptoms is thus vital and recommended by dermatologists at AAYNA Clinic before you opt for medical intervention.
What are the Treatment Options for Scalp Psoriasis?
With the symptoms out of the way, it’s time we delegate our focus to scalp psoriasis treatment options and how you can overcome the complications associated with the condition.
Since all individual’s symptoms and triggers are subjective, we recommend scheduling a consultation with one of our dermatologists at AAYNA Clinic to thoroughly analyze the potential causes before getting a tailored treatment plan.
Following are a few of the most common treatment options for scalp psoriasis:
Topical treatments
Topical treatments typically include creams, serums, and ointments on the red and white patches to promote healing and prevent the further spread of these patches on the scalp.
Some of the standard topical treatments include:
- Scalp psoriasis is often accompanied by inflammation and irritation. Topical corticosteroids are considered effective in addressing those concerns.
- Applying topical Calcineurin Inhibitors also helps suppress the immune system’s activity and reduce inflammation. If your scalp psoriasis also affects areas around the neck and face, this is a more suited treatment route.
Phototherapy
Phototherapy involves exposing the scalp to ultraviolet (UV) light under controlled conditions. UVB phototherapy is commonly used for treating scalp psoriasis, as it helps slow down the growth of skin cells and reduce inflammation.
Again, this is one of those scalp psoriasis treatments that require you to schedule a consultation with a specialist at AAYNA Clinic before you can undergo the treatment to get some relief from the symptoms.
Systemic medications
This treatment option is reserved for individuals struggling with severe scalp psoriasis symptoms where topical treatments and phototherapy don’t show relevant results.
In such instances, oral or injectable medications are prescribed to suppress the overactivity of the immune system and manage the symptoms.
Moisturizers and emollients
One of the main reasons scalp psoriasis, or any type of psoriasis, is so painful and itchy is the dryness. The cycle starts with the formation of the red patches, which then dry to form white patches that later flake and fall off the skin.
To prevent yourself from itching and worsening the condition, using moisturizers and emollients can effectively suppress discomfort and pain and reduce one’s urge to itch the area.
Note: Every patient’s experience with scalp psoriasis is different. This is one of the reasons why our dermatologists at AAYNA Clinic opt for an individualized treatment approach to address the symptoms and triggers and treat the condition from the root.
What are the Remedies to Get Rid of Scalp Psoriasis?
Besides all the different treatment options mentioned, there are a few remedies for scalp psoriasis removal that you can consider to eliminate the symptoms and lead a comfortable life.
Prioritize gentle scalp care
If your scalp is already irritated and inflamed due to the psoriatic symptoms, the last thing you want to do is worsen the situation by using harsh and chemical-infused scalp care products. Try to stay away from using styling products that can irritate the scalp.
Instead, choose fragrance-free natural/organic shampoos and conditioners to cleanse your scalp. Also, following a consistent hair care routine, as suggested by your dermatologist, is key to maintaining the symptoms and preventing further worsening.
Regular shampooing
Before you consider this a crazy idea, scalp psoriasis patients must prioritize regular shampooing to prevent the build-up of scales and patches on the scalp, often worsening the symptoms.
Consistent shampooing prevents the build-up of oils, dirt, and dead skin cells on the scalp, which can help effectively alleviate the symptoms of scalp psoriasis.
Warm oil treatments
Psoriasis can be extremely drying on the skin, which elevates one’s urge to scratch. What helps in preventing the complexity is using warm oil treatments. You can choose coconut oil, olive oil, or even tea tree oil to massage onto the scalp as instructed by your dermatologist.
The warm oil penetrates the skin of the scalp, keeping it moisturized and soothing the irritated skin on the scalp as well.
Avoid triggers
Scalp psoriasis is heavily reliant on external triggers. If you don’t want the symptoms to get worse, it makes sense that you’d need to identify your triggers like stress, medications, smoking, alcohol, etc., and prevent them at all costs.
Following a healthy diet
Some studies indicate a direct correlation between diet and scalp psoriasis. So, if you want to keep the symptoms in check, it makes sense that you’d want to switch to a well-balanced diet to promote overall skin health.
These remedies for scalp psoriasis removal, when paired with the right scalp psoriasis treatment, can help manage the symptoms and enable you to maintain an optimal quality of life.
Conclusion
Scalp psoriasis can be a challenging condition to manage, but individuals can find relief from symptoms with the right combination of treatments and lifestyle adjustments. If you are struggling with the condition, working with our dermatologists at AAYNA Clinic can change the trajectory of your life.
Right from the first consultation to the ongoing treatment plans, our dermatologists are here to partner with you on your journey to healing your issues with scalp psoriasis from within and prevent further worsening of the condition.
Contact our team at AAYNA Clinic directly for all the details and to schedule a consultation.
