Scalp Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition, which often affects the scalp more than other body areas. It varies in intensity from mild to severe. In scalp psoriasis, areas of the skin grow much faster than normal and form red, scaling patches. Psoriasis is a problem only because it itches and can be unsightly. It is not contagious. Although it is not dangerous, scalp psoriasis can be persistent and difficult to treat.
Treatment:
A good daily regimen is as follows:
1. Next wash the scalp with a tar shampoo. Many different kinds are available at the drug store without a prescription. If you have light colored hair you may want to use a medicated shampoo instead, such as Head & Shoulders, Psoriasin S/A or Sebulex. Tar shampoos can discolor light hair.
2. Your doctor may prescribe a cortisone lotion to rub into your scalp after shampooing or before bed.
3. For itching during the day, Psoriasin Scalp Liquid is very effective. This treatment is available at your local drug store without a prescription.
4. Sometimes you must take a break from your regimen for a few days because the psoriasis will become resistant to treatment. After pausing for several days, the psoriasis should again respond to treatment.
If all of the above treatments fail, you should warm olive oil on the stove, making sure it is not too hot, and then rub it into your scalp. Next, wrap a towel around your head and let it soak overnight under a shower cap. The next morning shampoo as above.
Treatment:
- There is no magic cure for scalp psoriasis. Treatment is temporarily effective, and may need to be continued for quite a while.
- If you have psoriasis of the scalp, it helps to wash your hair daily.
- Moderate sunlight exposure of the scalp is often helpful. Avoid sunburn, since psoriasis may develop in areas of injured skin.
A good daily regimen is as follows:
1. Next wash the scalp with a tar shampoo. Many different kinds are available at the drug store without a prescription. If you have light colored hair you may want to use a medicated shampoo instead, such as Head & Shoulders, Psoriasin S/A or Sebulex. Tar shampoos can discolor light hair.
2. Your doctor may prescribe a cortisone lotion to rub into your scalp after shampooing or before bed.
3. For itching during the day, Psoriasin Scalp Liquid is very effective. This treatment is available at your local drug store without a prescription.
4. Sometimes you must take a break from your regimen for a few days because the psoriasis will become resistant to treatment. After pausing for several days, the psoriasis should again respond to treatment.
If all of the above treatments fail, you should warm olive oil on the stove, making sure it is not too hot, and then rub it into your scalp. Next, wrap a towel around your head and let it soak overnight under a shower cap. The next morning shampoo as above.