Scalp Psoriasis
Scalp psoriasis is a common skin disorder that produces raised, reddish, and often scaly patches. It can
appear as one or multiple patches on the scalp, affect the entire scalp, and
spread beyond the scalp to the forehead, back of the neck, or behind the ears.
Scalp psoriasis is
not contagious. Like other types of psoriasis,
its exact cause is unknown. But it's believed to result from an abnormality of
the immune system that causes skin cells to grow too quickly and build up as
patches. You may be more likely to develop scalp psoriasis if psoriasis runs in
your family.
Recommended Related to Psoriasis
If you're living with
psoriasis, you know how uncomfortable and embarrassing the red, itchy, scaly
skin can be. Treatment options for psoriasis include steroid cream or other
medicated creams, oral medications, and light therapy. All of these treatments
work well, but medications can have side effects and light therapy requires a
regimen of three sessions a week for two to three months. Today, there is
another option for treating psoriasis: excimer lasers, which deliver
ultraviolet light to localized...
About half of the
estimated 7.5 million Americans with psoriasis -- which can affect any skin
surface -- have scalp psoriasis. Most commonly, people with scalp psoriasis
also have psoriasis on other parts of their body. But sometimes the scalp is
the only affected area.
Scalp psoriasis can
be mild and almost unnoticeable. But it can also be severe and long lasting,
causing thick, crusted lesions that affect appearance. Intense itching can interfere with sleep and everyday life,
and frequent scratching can lead to skin infections and hair loss. People
with scalp psoriasis often report that it leaves them feeling embarrassed and
ashamed.
Symptoms of Scalp
Psoriasis
Symptoms of mild
scalp psoriasis may include only very slight, fine scaling. Symptoms of
moderate to severe scalp psoriasis include:
·
Reddish plaques
·
Silvery-white scales
·
Dandruff-like flaking
·
Dry scalp
·
Itching
·
Burning sensation or soreness
·
Hair loss
Although scalp
psoriasis itself is not the cause of hair loss, frequent or intense scratching,
forceful removal of scales, harsh treatments, and associated stress can cause temporary hair loss. Fortunately, hair usually grows back
after the psoriasis lesions clear.
If you have any of these
symptoms, see your doctor or dermatologist. He or she may diagnose scalp
psoriasis by visual examination alone or perform a skin biopsyto rule out
other conditions, such as seborrheic dermatitis.
Topical Treatments
for Scalp Psoriasis
The first line of
defense against scalp psoriasis is topical treatment: medicated shampoos,
creams, gels, oils, ointments, and soaps. Although some of these products are
available over the counter, stronger topical treatments require a prescription.
·
Coal tar
Prescription products
for scalp psoriasis may contain higher concentrations of salicylic acid, coal
tar, or both, as well as other FDA-approved medications, such as:
·
Anathralin, an older prescription medication
·
Antimicrobials, which are used to treat bacterial or yeast infections associated with scalp psoriasis
·
Calcipotriene, a
vitamin D derivative
·
Other topical steroids
·
Tazarotene, a vitamin A derivative
To be effective, topical treatments must be applied
to the scalp instead of just to the hair. They also must be used exactly as
directed until you get adequate control of your lesions, a process that can
take up to eight weeks or longer. After your psoriasis has cleared, you may be
able to prevent recurrences by shampooing daily or twice-weekly with a shampoo
containing coal tar or other medications. Free information. Do you want
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