Scalp Psoriasis: Causes, Symptoms and the Right Shampoo

Psoriasis on the head appears as thick red patches with silvery white scales and causes itching. You may notice flakes of dead skin on your hair or shoulders, especially after scratching your head. The cause of scalp psoriasis is a disordered, weakened immune system, as well as environmental factors.

Scalp psoriasis English is Scalp psoriasis - just a common skin condition. At least 50% of people have psoriasis on the head, then it spreads to the front of the forehead, behind the ears, and down the nape of the neck. It is considered both a chronic disease and an autoimmune disease.
Scalp psoriasis is caused by your immune system sending faulty signals, causing skin cells to grow too quickly and pile up in red patches, often with silver scales. In addition, the disease also occurs when combined with some risk factors from the external environment.
You cannot get psoriasis on your head from other people. This is not a contagious disease, but runs in the family's genes. Most people with scalp psoriasis also have at least one family member with the condition.

Red and white patches of skin The most common scalp psoriasis symptom is thick, red, swollen patches with well-defined boundaries. On the surface of these patches are numerous silvery-white scales. They are very easy to peel and cause bleeding. Therefore, people with psoriasis on the head need to be gentle when combing, shampooing, or putting on and taking off a hat.
Dry and flaky scalp When skin cells grow too quickly, they tend to pile up and peel off. This scalp psoriasis symptom can look like dandruff. However, the scalp psoriasis will be bright silver and dry, while dandruff is usually waxy or greasy.
Itching This is often one of the most annoying scalp psoriasis symptoms. The degree of itching can be intense and constant. Some patients also experience a burning sensation. However, the patient should try not to scratch. While scratching may provide immediate relief from the itch, it will peel the skin and cause bleeding. Excessive scratching also causes hair loss and infection. Swollen lymph nodes are a sign of infection. At this point, the patient needs to see a doctor for treatment.

Pain When patches on the scalp become dry to the point of cracking or you have to scratch because it's so itchy, severe pain can flare up. With itching, pain, and discomfort, bleeding can occur from scratching or removing patches.
Hair loss Excessive scaling and scratching affects the hair follicles, which can cause noticeable hair loss over a period of time. The entire hair cluster can also be completely lost when the scalp is damaged. But hair usually grows back once the psoriasis is under control and the skin heals. Certain scalp psoriasis treatments and stress also make the condition worse. For example, the use of salicylic acid or retinoids in the treatment can also cause breakage and hair loss. Hair will stop falling out once you stop using these products. People with scalp psoriasis should consult a doctor about how to prevent hair loss.
Depression People with scalp psoriasis will have a hard time controlling the scabs, itching, and pain every day. Even the most optimist can be discouraged when treatments that once worked are suddenly no longer helpful. When someone mocks or says bad things about your condition, the problem becomes even more difficult to deal with.

Some types of scalp psoriasis shampoo are listed below:

Some shampoos for dry and flaky scalp are also available at pharmacies or by prescription. Such as selenium sulfide (1%), zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole (over-the-counter antifungal), or other oil-based moisturizers. Salicylic shampoo can reduce the size of red and white patches of skin, as well as thick scales.
Baker P&S brand mineral oil-based solution or Derma-Smoothe FS scalp oil (a prescription corticosteroid) are also two overnight treatment options. You can apply the medication at night and put a shower cap over your head while you sleep to soften the scales. Wash your hair the next morning.
When bathing, it is recommended to use medicated shampoo first, then you can use regular shampoo and conditioner, because some medicated shampoos will have an unpleasant smell. The above shampoos can promote different uses and effects in each individual. You'll have to try one for a few weeks and switch to another if it doesn't work.

Apple cider vinegar has long been used as an antiseptic, applying apple cider vinegar mixed with water to the scalp several times a week can help relieve itching. However, you will feel a little burning when applied to the psoriasis on the head. Some people like to apply pure apple cider vinegar, let it dry naturally, and then wash it off. Note, do not apply this method on open wounds to avoid pain. To be on the safe side, you should consult your doctor before trying any natural remedies.

Although there aren't any specific studies to prove it, some people say this is also a natural remedy to help relieve and control scalp psoriasis symptoms. You can choose to use a shampoo that contains tea tree oil in the ingredients. Note, it is recommended to test a little of the product on the arm first to see if an allergic reaction occurs.

Dry air can make the psoriatic skin patches on the head worse. You should use a humidifier in your home. In addition, after shampooing, use an appropriate conditioner to keep the scalp moisturized. Remember to rub the product gently on the scalp, not the hair for better effect.

Some ingredients in shampoos (such as sulfates) and some medications (such as lithium or malaria) can cause irritation if you have scalp psoriasis. In addition, patients should also avoid:
Living in a dry climate, low humidity Should choose shade, wear a hat and use sunscreen Blow-dry hair. Instead, let it air dry or gently wipe it off with a towel. Chemical beauty salons, like dyes and perms; Smoking, drinking and stress. As a general rule, be gentle when handling psoriasis patches on your head. While waiting for the treatment measures to work, doctors often advise patients to maintain confidence and limit stress. If you want to mask the obvious symptoms of scalp psoriasis, you can use some new hats, scarves or wigs.
If you want the treatment of scalp psoriasis to be highly effective, then choose a reputable and quality medical facility. Currently, Vinmec International General Hospital not only has a team of highly qualified and experienced doctors, but also is fully equipped with modern facilities and equipment for diagnosing and classifying diseases. the most effective pre-treatment phase. Especially when coming to Vinmec International General Hospital, patients do not need to wait long, have a quick examination time, and are carefully guided by a team of experienced medical staff on the use of medicines and instructions. Lead positive lifestyle changes so that patients can easily adhere to their treatment management.

Reference source: webmd.com