Treatment for Scalp Psoriasis

Scalp psoriasis is a skin disorder that can cause thick, red, itchy patches on the scalp. About 50% of patients with psoriasis may develop scalp psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic disorder, caused by chronic inflammation of the skin. Scalp psoriasis may occur with or without other forms of psoriasis. It mainly affects the back of the head; however, it can also affect multiple distinct areas of the scalp or even the entire scalp. Scalp psoriasis may be mild causing only light scaling, or it may be severe, causing crusted, thick scales all over the scalp. Given below are some of its symptoms.

• Visible, silvery-white scales, reddish plaque on the scalp and dandruff-like flaking.
• The thick scales and redness may also spread to the neck, forehead and behind the ears. There may be severe itching, soreness of the scalp, tender scalp, pain, and a feeling of tightness.
• In some severe cases of scalp psoriasis, there may be temporary hair loss. However, the hair usually grows back after the psoriasis is cured.
• In some cases, there may be a possibility of infections due to scratching and rubbing.

A weak immune system, hormonal changes and stress are some of the risk factors for scalp psoriasis. Flaking and constant itching can make the person feel very embarrassed. There are various treatment options for scalp psoriasis. Let's take a look at them.

How to Treat Scalp Psoriasis

A number of treatment options can help in controlling the symptoms of scalp psoriasis. The treatment is aimed at relieving the signs and symptoms and controlling flare-ups. It includes the use of topical medications, medicated shampoos and phototherapy. Topical therapy for scalp psoriasis includes corticosteroids, tazarotene, anthralin, calcipotriol/calcipotriene and tars. Topical medications are available in the form of creams, lotions, ointments, gels, foams and shampoos. These medications can be applied once or twice daily, for several weeks or months.

Corticosteroids such as betamethasone, clobetasol, fluocinolone acetonide or hydrocortisone are most commonly used for the treatment of scalp psoriasis. They come in the form of lotions, creams, foams and shampoos, which can be used safely for a prolonged period. If the scalp psoriasis is mild, involving only a few areas, then intralesional steroid injections in the scalp areas are recommended.

Anthralin is also another effective medication for scalp psoriasis. Apply 0.25% or 0.5% anthralin on the scalp and leave it for about 30 minutes. Then wash it off. Topical tazarotene is a retinoid resembling the properties of vitamin A. Apply a thin layer of the gel form of tazarotene to the scalp patches and leave it overnight. This medication should be avoided during pregnancy.

Salicylic acid is an active ingredient used in several topical scalp psoriasis ointments. It can help to loosen the scales and relieve itching. However, this treatment is useful in mild scalp psoriasis. Another effective treatment is a coconut compound ointment. It consists of a combination of salicylic acid, coal tar and sulfur. This ointment is rubbed over the affected areas and left overnight. It is washed off with a medicated shampoo the next morning.

Calcipotriene is a synthetic Vitamin D derivative that is effective in arresting rapid growth of skin cells (which is a common phenomenon in psoriasis). However, unlike natural Vitamin D, calcipotriene does not interfere with normal calcium metabolism. Calcipotriene is commonly available as either Dovonex or Daivonex.

Medicated shampoos are quite effective for treating scalp psoriasis. Coal tar shampoos are found to be useful for most patients. These shampoos consist of various active ingredients, which can help relieve itching and remove scales from the scalp. To achieve good results, rub the shampoo into the scalp and leave it in for about 5-10 minutes or as per the instructions on the bottle. Then rinse it off with warm water. Warm water helps to loosen and remove the scales easily. After shampooing, apply cortisone lotion to the scalp. Regularly comb your hair to remove any scaling. If the scalp is infected by bacteria or fungus, then it can worsen your scalp psoriasis. This can be treated with antimicrobial prescription drugs or antifungal shampoos. The latter can be used once or twice a week.

Ultraviolet light is another effective treatment option for scalp psoriasis. To achieve better results with UV light, you should cut your hair short or shave your head, so that the UV light can reach the scalp. The treatment involves administration of high intensity UV light with the help of a hand-held device called a UV comb. This can help remove plaque and repair skin. Natural sunlight is also a good source of UV light and can be used to treat scalp psoriasis.

Scalp Psoriasis - Home Remedies

Natural treatment for scalp psoriasis constitutes a combination of herbs and essential oils. Given below are some simple home remedies that can give you relief from psoriasis.

• Regularly rinse your scalp with a product that contains sea salts. You can use a shampoo that contains sea salts or mix sea salts in your regular shampoo.
• Regularly massage your hair and scalp with a mixture of jojoba oil and aloe vera.
• Massaging the scalp with chamomile tea oil or olive oil offers soothing relief from the itchiness.
• The use of eucalyptus oil, lavender oil or neem oil is also beneficial. Neem oil helps stop the itching, while lavender oil is a soothing agent. These oils can also stimulate hair growth.
• Application of a conditioning mask made from olive oil, honey and avocado can also be helpful to reduce the symptoms.
• Use shampoos that contain jojoba or wheat germ oil. These shampoos can help to maintain moisture and keep the scalp healthy.

Besides these treatment options, regular exercise like swimming, cycling, etc., a nutritious diet and use of relaxation techniques will help to relieve stress and improve health, thus contributing a lot in treating scalp psoriasis.