Scalp psoriasis what is it

Generally, psoriasis treatments for the neck and face are gentler than treatments used on other parts of the body, such as the head. These are best used in conjunction with medical treatments that have been proven effective. Scalp psoriasis is a form of plaque psoriasis , which causes silvery-red or purplish scaly patches known as plaques. Plaque psoriasis is the most common psoriasis type. It can affect any part of the body.

Temporary hair loss is another common symptom and side effect. Hair usually grows back once scalp psoriasis is treated and clears up. However, most people who develop psoriasis are likely to experience scalp-related symptoms. According to two large studies, scalp psoriasis affects between 45 and 56 percent of people with psoriasis in the United States.

A study conducted by the Asia Scalp Psoriasis Study Group concluded that psoriasis affects the scalp of 75 to 90 percent of people with psoriasis. Someone with psoriasis may produce more of certain types of white blood cells called T cells and neutrophils. The job of T cells is to travel through the body, fighting off viruses and bacteria. If a person has too many T cells, they may begin to attack healthy cells by mistake and produce more skin cells and white blood cells.

In the case of scalp psoriasis, these excess skin cells may lead to inflammation, redness, patches, and flaking. Genetics and lifestyle factors may also play a role in the development of psoriasis. Having one parent with psoriasis increases your risk for the condition.

You have an even greater risk for developing psoriasis if both your parents have it. People with obesity are also at an increased risk for psoriasis. Your risk for psoriasis increases if you smoke. Smoking also aggravates psoriasis symptoms, making them more severe. High stress levels are linked to psoriasis. This is because stress affects the immune system. People with recurring infections and compromised immune systems , especially young children and those with HIV , have an increased risk for psoriasis.

Treating scalp psoriasis can prevent severe symptoms, chronic inflammation , and hair loss. The types of treatments you need depends on the severity of your condition. A doctor may combine or rotate several different options based on your needs. Here are some common treatments for scalp psoriasis:.

Calcipotriene is available as a cream, a foam, an ointment, and a solution. It contains vitamin D, which can change how skin cells grow on parts of the body affected by psoriasis.

This combination of a corticosteroid betamethasone and vitamin D calcipotriene works to relieve scalp psoriasis symptoms such as redness and itching.

It also changes how skin cells grow on affected areas. In the United States, this medication is sold as Wynzora cream and Enstilar foam. The brand-name version Taclonex is available as an ointment and a suspension. Tazarotene comes as a foam, cream, gel, or lotion.

It helps with increasing cell turnover, which helps reduce the number of plaques and keeps them under control. The brand-name version Tazorac is available as a cream and gel. Learn more about scalp psoriasis, treatment options and get lifestyle tips. Merola, J. Prevalence of psoriasis phenotypes among men and women in the USA. Clin Exp Dermatol, 41 5 , We use cookies to offer you a better experience and analyze our site traffic.

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Helpline Scalp Psoriasis. It can affect the scalp, hairline, forehead, back of the neck and skin around the ears. Photo courtesy of Amit Garg, M. Over-the-counter Products Over-the-counter OTC products may help manage symptoms if you have mild scalp psoriasis. Salicylic acid works to soften plaques and scales and remove scales from the skin. Tar made from coal or wood works to slow skin cell growth and reduce inflammation, itching and scaling.

Topicals Topical treatments include medicated shampoos, topical steroids and tars as well as prescription topicals. Oatmeal : Adding oatmeal to a bath or applying an oatmeal paste to areas with psoriasis helps reduce symptoms in some people, although there is no research evidence to support this. Tea tree oil shampoo : This may help relieve symptoms, although there is no scientific evidence to prove it. Try a little first, because some people have an allergic reaction to tea tree oil.

Turmeric : Consuming turmeric curcumin as a spice in food, as a supplement, or in a topical gel may help reduce symptoms or psoriatic activity. Capsaicin ointment : This may help reduce itching by numbing the nerve endings, but it may also cause a burning sensation.

More research is needed to guarantee its safety and effectiveness. Dead Sea salts : Adding these to a warm bath can help relieve itching and scaling, but the person should apply a moisturizer afterward.

Oregon grape : Topical creams containing a percent concentration of Oregon grape, or mahonia aquifolium, may help treat mild to moderate psoriasis. The manufacturers suggest that people check the list of ingredients before using it. Anyone who is considering using a complementary therapy should speak to a doctor first. Some remedies can interact with other medications. Seek treatment : A health professional can provide a topical ointment or oral medication that will help manage symptoms and itchiness.

Treat the scalp gently : People with this condition should avoid washing and combing the hair vigorously, as this can lead to breakage, especially if the hair is fragile due to treatment. Moisturize : Keeping the scalp moist will not cure psoriasis, but it may help improve the appearance of the skin. Avoid triggers : If possible, individuals should identify their triggers for scalp psoriasis and consider things ways to limit them.

It is important to seek treatment, as this can reduce the risk of further complications, such as hair loss or cracked and bleeding skin on the scalp. Scalp psoriasis affects individuals differently. Some people have an occasional flare-up while others deal with the condition frequently.

Read the article in Spanish. Doctors have tested the use of chemotherapy drugs including methotrexate and photochemotherapy to treat psoriasis.

However, there are side effects…. In this article, learn what ostraceous psoriasis is, including its symptoms, treatment options, and outlook. The term psoriasis vulgaris refers to the most common form of psoriasis, which is plaque psoriasis. Learn more. Taltz is a prescription drug used to treat psoriasis and certain autoimmune conditions. Learn about side effects and how to manage them. A person living with psoriasis may wish to add certain steps to their skin care routine to reduce the severity and duration of flare-ups.

What to know about scalp psoriasis. Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph. Symptoms Causes, risk factors, and triggers Treatment Prevention and outlook We include products we think are useful for our readers. Share on Pinterest Scalp psoriasis can cause red or silvery patches in and around the hair. Causes, risk factors, and triggers. Prevention and outlook. Dermatology Psoriasis. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Costs associated with obesity may account for 3.

Related Coverage. Can chemotherapy drugs treat psoriasis? What to know about ostraceous psoriasis In this article, learn what ostraceous psoriasis is, including its symptoms, treatment options, and outlook. Psoriasis vulgaris: What is it? Taltz side effects: What you should know Taltz is a prescription drug used to treat psoriasis and certain autoimmune conditions.