Before knowing about scalp psoriasis, you should first know what is psoriasis? A chronic skin condition, psoriasis result in building up of skin cells in various parts of a human body. Excess skin cells cause silvery-red patches, which bleed, flake, crack, and itch. Now, when this condition affects your scalp, it is termed as scalp psoriasis. Today, it is a common skin disorder that causes reddish, raised and often scaly patches. Sometimes, it can appear as a single patch or many, and can even infect your complete scalp. It can also spread to the forehead, back of the neck, or inside and behind the ears.
Symptoms of Scalp Psoriasis
You have mild scalp psoriasis if you have symptoms such as only slight and fine scaling. However, the following are some of the symptoms of medium to serious:
- Bumpy patches, red, scaly
- Silvery-white scales
- Dandruff-like flaking
- Dry scalp
- Itching
- Burning or soreness
- Hair loss
Only scalp psoriasis doesn’t result in hair loss. Scratching a lot, picking at scaly spots, some harsh treatments, as well as the stress can also cause your temporary hair loss. Don’t worry! Hair normally grows back once the condition is treated and cured.
Risk Factors and Causes of Scalp Psoriasis
Unfortunately, even scientists do not know how exactly does it is caused. They state that it occurs when an individual’s immune system is not functioning properly. However, lifestyle, as well as genetics, can be related to your scalp psoriasis. Take a look at some of the factors that may increase the possibility of scalp psoriasis:
People who are overweight commonly develop psoriasis on their scalp. Also, people with obesity conditions have more skin folds and creases where psoriasis rashes are gradually formed.
If anyone of your parents has scalp psoriasis, then it can just increase your possibility of having it too. And in case both your parents have, then my friend you have an even greater risk.
You believe it or not, but high your stress levels are related to your psoriasis condition as stress majorly affects our immune system.
Smoking just worsens the symptoms of psoriasis in people who already have it.
- Bacterial and Viral Infections
People with several infections, HIV and a poor immune system have an increased possibility of psoriasis. If you have scalp psoriasis, you should know that your symptoms may worsen or trigger by numerous factors including:
- Deficiency of vitamin D
- Addiction to alcohol
- Infections such as skin infections or strep throat
- Skin injuries
- Smoking
- Some medications like iodides, lithium, antimalarial drugs, and beta-blockers
- Stress
Treatments for Scalp Psoriasis
The right treatment can prevent it to be severe and also hair loss. Treatments differ from person to person, that is, the severity of scalp psoriasis.
Medical Treatments
Following are some medical treatments that are proven to heal scalp psoriasis:
- Anthralin (cream)
- Calcipotriene (cream, solution, ointment and foam)
- Tazarotene (foam and gel)
- Methotrexate (oral medication)
- Oral Retinoids (oral medication)
- Cyclosporine (oral medication)
- Biologics (injectable medications)
- UV Light Therapy
Scalp PsoriasisHome Remedies
Although home remedies are not proven to reduce the severity of scalp psoriasis symptoms. However, some researchers said the following can reduce the symptoms if it is used with the medical treatments:
- Apply aloe Vera cream 3 times a day to your scalp
- Use apple cider vinegar solution to wash affected areas
- Baking soda & water paste will reduce scalp itchiness
- Coconut or avocado oil will moisturize the affected areas
- An oatmeal bath will reduce flaking, itchiness, and inflammation
- Sea or Epsom salt bath will reduce inflammation and redness
- Tea tree oil and turmeric will reduce inflammation
- Vitamin D reduces inflammation and redness
Bottom Line
If you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms, it is high time to see a doctor. They will help you to design a plan for you to treat your condition. Proper treatment of scalp psoriasis can effectively reduce your discomfort as well as the risk of severe diseases.
Also Read: Psoriasis And Detox Diet Plan
