home > Psoriasis > Scalp Psoriasis

Scalp Psoriasis

Overview

Scalp psoriasis is one of the most common types of psoriasis - it occurs in just over half of all people who suffer from psoriasis. Scalp psoriasis can range from mild, with slight fine scaling, to severe, with thick red plaques affecting the entire scalp. As with other forms of psoriasis, scalp psoriasis is caused by rapid skin growth which causes red lesions and scaling. In severe cases, scalp psoriasis causes hair loss. Scalp psoriasis can also occur around the ears, the back of the neck and on the forehead. For some people the scalp is the only affected area, but for most psoriatics, other parts of their body are affected as well as their scalp.

Psoriasis on the scalp appears as red, itchy areas with silvery-white scales. Patients with this type of psoriasis may notice flakes of dead skin in their hair or on their shoulders, especially after scratching the scalp. As there is no cure for psoriasis, topical treatments containing salicylic acid (see below for more options) may be applied to the affected area to alleviate the symptoms of the scalp psoriasis.

For individuals that have not been diagnosed with psoriasis on other parts of their body, it can be difficult to diagnose scalp psoriasis. Scalp psoriasis is often times confused for seborrheic dermatitis (red, scaly skin). The scaling associated with psoriasis tends to be thicker and drier in appearance than are the scales of seborrheic dermatitis. Scalp psoriasis also tends to be more resistant to treatment than does seborrheic dermatitis. The treatment for both conditions is similar.

Topicals containing salicylic acid may be applied to the affected area to alleviate the symptoms of the scalp psoriasis. Skin-Plaque Solution™ Advanced Salicylic Acid Therapy Shampoo is an aggressive and effective treatment for the itching and flaking associated with scalp psoriasis - yet it is gentle enough for daily use.

Disorder

Symptoms

Treatment

Scalp
psoriasis

Soreness, itching or burning

Dry, cracked skin

Red patches of skin covered by silvery scales

Changes to diet (psoriasis meal plan) and lifestyle.

Topical over-the-counter medicated shampoos and conditioners containing pyrithione zinc, salicylic acid, ketoconazole, tar or selenium sulfide.

Topical over-the-counter creams or ointments containing pyrithione zinc or salicylic acid.

Topical creams or ointments containing tar, corticosteroids or vitamin D analogues.

Light therapy.

Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp

Itching and/or soreness

Severe dandruff or skin flaking

Thick and crusty scalp or patchy scaling scalp

White or yellowish scales that are often attach to the hair shaft

Reddish-brown small bumps

Greasy red skin covered with flaky yellow or white scales

Topical over-the-counter medicated shampoos or conditioners containing pyrithione zinc, salicylic acid, ketoconazole, tar or selenium sulfide.

Topical over-the-counter medicated creams or ointments containing pyrithione zinc or salicylic acid.

Topical creams with hydrocortisone.

Changes to diet and lifestyle.

Most visited articles on Psoriasis

	Healing Psoriasis begins with your diet! You may be surprised to learn that what you eat can drastically affect the condition of your skin. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables and their juices, plus whole grains may help to alleviate some of the discomfort associated with not only psoriasis, but other skin conditions as well, such as acne and Rosacea.
	Vitamin D-3 and the skin Although there is currently no proven cure for psoriasis, recent research indicates that there are numerous health benefits to vitamin D. Supplementation with D-3 provides relief from many inflammatory ailments and medical conditions. We believe these include psoriais, dermatitis, dandruff, eczema, rosacea and severe acne.
	Inverse Psoriasis Inverse psoriasis is found in skin folds such as the armpits, groin, under the breasts, around genitals and the buttocks. Inverse psoriasis is more common in people who are overweight and people with deep skin folds where friction and sweating occur.

How Can We Help?

At DermaHarmony, our goal is to help inform chronic skin care sufferers about their choices, if necessary improve choices, and then support you in any way we can. Our Program supports healthy skin with nutritional supplements, topical treatments and dietary guidance. To learn more about our programs, click here or call us toll-free at 1-800-827-3730. Our Support Desk is open 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM EST, Monday-Friday.

Our skin assessment is designed to help us get a better understanding of your symptoms and to make diet and lifestyle recommendations for you. It’s super easy and free and only takes about 5 minutes. Take our Skin Assessment.

Principal Authors: DermaHarmony Editorial Staff
Date of Publication: 03/13/2004
Updated: 08/26/2009/2007

This website is protected by the copyright laws of the United States of America.
Pursuant to Title 17, United States Code, the owner of this content has filed a valid certificate of registration with the United States Copyright Office.

The statements within this website have not been evaluated by the FDA. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease. If pregnant or nursing, please consult a physician before taking any dietary supplement. You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase products.
Individual results do vary.

Questions?
Call 800-827-3730