Psoriasis is a condition that affects over 7.5 million Americans and can appear anywhere on the body, including the scalp. Scalp psoriasis causes red, itchy, and scaly patches to form on the scalp, which can lead to discomfort and embarrassment for those who suffer from it. In this blog post, we will be discussing what scalp psoriasis is, its symptoms, how it differs from dandruff, and most importantly, how it can be treated.
Scalp psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects the scalp. It is caused by an overactive immune system, which causes skin cells to multiply faster than normal. This results in the buildup of thick, scaly patches on the scalp. Scalp psoriasis can occur on its own or in combination with other forms of psoriasis, such as plaque psoriasis.
The symptoms of scalp psoriasis can vary from person to person, but common symptoms include redness, itching, flaking, and scaling of the scalp. Some people may experience hair loss in the affected areas, while others may experience a burning sensation. It’s important to note that scalp psoriasis can spread beyond the scalp to the forehead, back of the neck, and behind the ears.
The symptoms of scalp psoriasis can often be mistaken for dandruff, but there are a few differences to take note of. Dandruff is a common scalp condition caused by the overgrowth of yeast on the scalp, which leads to the flaking of skin. Unlike scalp psoriasis, dandruff does not usually cause redness or itching, and it is not typically accompanied by scaly patches on the scalp. Additionally, dandruff is generally milder than scalp psoriasis, and can often be treated with over-the-counter shampoos.
Scalp psoriasis can be challenging to treat, but there are a number of options available. Mild cases can often be managed with medicated shampoos containing coal tar, salicylic acid, or selenium sulfide. More severe cases may require prescription medications, such as corticosteroids and vitamin D derivatives.
Some people find relief with biologic medications, which work by targeting specific parts of the immune system. Light therapy, or phototherapy, can also be an effective treatment option.
In addition to medication, there are a number of things you can do to help manage scalp psoriasis and reduce symptoms. Here are some tips to consider:
Phototherapy uses ultraviolet light to slow down the growth of skin cells and reduce inflammation. This treatment is performed in a doctor’s office under controlled conditions. The usual treatment frequency is three times a week for 6-8 weeks or until the plaques have cleared to an acceptable degree.
Avoid harsh hair treatments and styling products that can irritate your scalp. Use a gentle, fragrance-free shampoo and conditioner, and avoid using hot water when washing your hair.
Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties, which makes it a popular natural remedy for scalp psoriasis. Dilute a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, and massage it into your scalp. You can also mix tea tree oil with water or olive oil and apply it on the affected areas.
Look for shampoos, creams, and ointments that contain ingredients like aloe vera, jojoba oil, and chamomile. These ingredients can help soothe redness, itching, and flaking. If you suffer from scalp psoriasis, you might want to consider coal and wood tar shampoos, recommended by doctors and dermatologists. Made from petroleum, coal sources, and wood sap, respectively, these shampoos can help slow skin cell growth, reduce inflammation, itching, and scaling. But we have to be mindful of safety concerns surrounding these products.
Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Adding turmeric to your diet or taking turmeric supplements may help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms. In a modest study performed in 2015, participants with scalp issues applied it for nine weeks and noticed significant improvement in their symptoms.
The National Psoriasis Foundation notes that stress is one of the primary triggers of psoriasis, including scalp psoriasis. Stress is a common trigger for psoriasis flare-ups. Finding ways to manage stress, such as exercise, meditation, or relaxation techniques, may help reduce symptoms.
Want a natural solution to get rid of psoriasis flakes? Try using olive, coconut, or avocado oil! These oils can help soften plaques and make them slough off more quickly. However, be careful not to apply too much as it can weigh down fine hair. If you have dry or frizzy hair, these oils can actually help to moisturize and tame your locks. Massage 1-2 tablespoons of oil into your scalp, leave it on for 10 minutes to overnight depending on your hair type, then gently remove loosened scales with a fine-toothed comb and rinse. Give it a try and see the difference it can make for your scalp and hair!
Are you taking good care of your scalp? For a long time, it’s been overlooked but now it’s finally getting the attention it deserves! There are now numerous products available to ensure the health of your scalp.
In conclusion, scalp psoriasis can be an uncomfortable and embarrassing condition to live with, but there are many treatment options available to help manage symptoms. From medicated shampoos to light therapy, there are a variety of options to explore. Additionally, there are a number of things you can do at home to help soothe symptoms and reduce the frequency of flare-ups. With the right combination of treatment and self-care, you can successfully manage scalp psoriasis and improve your quality of life.
Do you suffer from scalp issues? Share your tips and tricks with us!
“As far as I can remember I have always struggled with sensitive skin. The issues culminated in my mid-twenties when I started having rosacea flares and redness. My personal quest for effective, safe solutions took a professional turn, and I was given the opportunity to apply my (Pharma) background in developing a new skin friendly product line. My goal was to create something new, a clinically proven sustainable skincare brand. This science backed probiotic skincare derived technology is a product of years of research and innovation in personal care products. Metabiotics contain naturally produced hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, SMase, lipoteichoic acid, over 40 peptides and enzymes. All assigned with specific tasks for activating the skins native repair mechanisms.”
sales@anbiome.com
© Anbiome 2023. All rights reserved
Following the principles of Clean Beauty, we have joined the dedicated stream of safe, non-toxic beauty enthusiasts.
Our products contain carefully selected hypoallergenic ingredients suitable for sensitive and reactive skin.
We’re committed to formulating with natural, organically-derived, and skin-friendly synthetics while excluding popular “good feeling” and potentially harmful compounds to provide the best skincare solutions.
“It is easy to get hooked on conventional products, with inviting perfumes and the instantly pleasant skin feeling. The sooner you understand that those sensations are short-lived the better! Choose Clean Beauty and allow the science backed ingredients time to work wonders on your skin.”
Our products’ superiority has been proven in a controlled study on 50 volunteers where it was shown that four-week product use leads to a significant increase in skin moisture levels (39%), increased skin elasticity (50%), and a decrease in the appearance of wrinkles (23%).
Other beneficial effects include decrease in skin sensitivity, increase in skin cleanliness, evenness of the skin tone, decrease in acne formation.
This study serves as proof of the skin’s gradual return of its protective layer, integrity, and balance. All study results have been published in a peer reviewed journal as well as the full study report.
“Putting all science aside, we are most proud of our users’ testimonials. All tested volunteers claimed visible and tangible improvement in skin feel and appearance.”
The greatest breakthrough discovery we stumbled upon is that skincare and cosmetics should not be sensational.
Personal care should be comprehensive, accessible, and efficient, just as all solutions that come from nature are.
We are often faced with labels such as anti aging skin care, organic skin care, natural skincare products, which lack the necessary explanation… What do these phrases actually mean?
“Grown tired of all the misleading, incomprehensive, irrelevant information used in the beauty industry we decided to stick to a no-nonsense approach. It is what it is, and skin care is not magic! It requires commitment, patience and understanding your skins’ needs.”
We are dedicated to neutralizing our negative impact on the environment as much as possible and have joined the stream of sustainable skincare brands. We’re taking you on for the ride (we’ve even packed the goodies)!
To help minimize our carbon footprint, for every product order a tree will be planted thanks to our amazing planters at One Tree Planted. It’s estimated that a mature tree nullifies around 20lbs of CO2 a year.
We’re doing our best to reuse, reduce and recycle. Wishing to inspire a circular economy we have partnered up, to create a customized recycling program. Collect three empty plastic packages to receive your Anbiome Recycling Envelope and follow the instructions on how to take part in our recycling mission.
Your good deed shall be rewarded. For every three products recycled you receive one product gift!
Today’s trends in skincare require the use of synthetic active ingredients which interact with the skin. Our approach is to distinguish natural alternatives, which mimic the skins native repair mechanism and are more efficient and ecologically sound.
Translating solutions from nature into industrial settings is hardly an easy task, but it’s one we enjoy undertaking.
We have screened 500+ different wild probiotic strains from the nature, to find the most powerful ones.
Special fermentation process was developed to harvest powerful molecules (HA, LTA, SMase, LA and 40 peptides).
Result is the composition of native signal components and molecules that keep the skin balanced, healthy and protected.
