Scalp Psoriasis Treatment

Almost half of the patients of psoriasis are sufferer of scalp psoriasis and learning how to treat scalp psoriasis is very important to the sufferers. It is a skin problem that displays itself in the form of spots or crust on the scalp. Initially the sizes of these spots are small and it is also confused with the dandruff. Still not like dandruff these spots have silver tone. If it is remain untreated then this skin problem can become worse, wounds and spots extend and it can also slow down the new hair growth. It may also get inactive until and unless it activates again. It can cause hair loss permanently or make it thin in affected parts.

Wearing dark color clothes become impossible because of continuously peeling off or flaking of skin dropping on the shoulder. It gives unpleasant look like dandruff.

Reasons

Several studies have been done but actual reason of this disease is still unknown. On the other hand, it is believed that combination of different factors activate it like genetic predisposition, stress and environmental factors.

The most common fear factor among the sufferers is that whether scalp psoriasis itself or continuous scratching can cause sudden hair loss. It is a baseless fear factor, hair loss does not occur due to this skin problem.

Diagnosis of Scalp Psoriasis

One reason that can result in advancement of this disease is mistaking scalp psoriasis for any other kinds of scalp flaking. Physical check up can be helpful in differentiating. Figure out is there any other kind of psoriasis on the body. For proper diagnosis skin-biopsy can be done.

Treatment of Scalp Psoriasis

Treatment of this condition is basically same as body-wide psoriasis treatment. Still the site of the scalp psoriasis is different and some particular treatment choices are available and actually there are a few ways on how to treat scalp psoriasis.

Psoriasis Shampoos

People having sensitive skin along with psoriasis make it difficult to select toiletries such as shampoo. Daily bath and shampooing is must to deal with scaling and to relieve the development of seborrheic material which can occur on the scalp. Sufferer must use shampoo that has property of moisturizing which can reduce the itching. While shampooing the hair avoid scratching the scalp because it can increase the severity of psoriasis. Soaps and shampoos that carry shea cocoa butter, oatmeal, aloe and lanolin are especially moisturizing and soothing. Such toiletry items sufferer must try to use as much as possible.

Medicated shampoos can have shampoos that carry corticosteroids. Corticosteroids affect on the immune system and even stop the growth of new skin on the scalp and after shampoo it also make the hair look oily or greasy. Corticosteroids can be light as hydrocortisone cream or it may carry powerful shampoo with strong corticosteroids in it. There are shampoos that carry salicylic acid in it which permits the good absorption of the corticosteroids. Salicylic acid has ingredient that can reduce the scaling so that scalp remains smooth without any development.

In order to treat psoriasis coal tar shampoo or liquids can be used. Essentially sufferers apply the liquid or shampoo and give 10 minutes for settling it down. The smell is not bad for a psoriasis treatment. Once the coal tar preparation is rinsed off sufferer can shampoo again or use conditioner for blocking the unpleasant smell of coal tar shampoos. These shampoos are quite expensive and its price is $8-$10 for a 4-6 ounce bottle. Sufferer need to take proper care for using these products. It can reduce the growth of the skin and if it is used for longer period. Neutrogena T gel is a kind of coal tar shampoo which is effective for seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis. Soaps, polytar shampoos, Denorex Shampoo and Tegrin shampoo all of these works effectively for psoriasis treatment.

Psoriasis shampoo which is prescribed as Clobex shampoo carries clobetasol propionate which is cortisone based as well as strong shampoo. Sufferers feel conscious about the shampoo that it is strong and it can affect the adrenal glands if it penetrates into the skin. Use it regularly once for about 4 weeks. Leave it for 15 minutes before rinsing it off. Avoid using it on the rest of the parts of the body only use it on the scalp.

The normal growth of skin cells can be done with the help of Tazorac shampoo which is topical vitamin A analogue. Similar to any retinoid, women should not use it especially pregnant women or women who are planning to get pregnant. For serious cases of psoriasis it is available on prescription.