Hair Loss? Check What’s Causing your Scalp Psoriasis?

When you have scalp psoriasis, it means you have an overactive immune system, and your genetics and environmental factors are affecting it. Treatments can include prescribed medications, OTC shampoos, and at-home remedies.

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes a buildup on your scalp skin and different body parts. The excess skin cells create dry, scaly skin patches that flake, itches, or even bleed. 

About 80% of people suffering from psoriasis experience these skin patches on their scalp. It is known as scalp psoriasis. 

Symptoms from this condition can also affect your body parts, including elbows, knees, and lower back. 

Continue to learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for scalp psoriasis.

Symptoms of Scalp Psoriasis

Scalp psoriasis is a form of plaque that causes silvery-red or purplish scaly skin patches, also known as plaques. 

In scalp psoriasis, these plaques generally affect the back of your head and your hairline. However, they can develop anywhere on your scalp, including the back of your ear and forehead. 

Other symptoms can include – 

• An itchy sensation 
• Fine white or yellow flakes on your scalp 
• Dryness
• Bleeding

In most cases, scalp psoriasis can lead to temporary hair loss. Those hair grows back when you are done with the treatment part and your head is clear. 

Causes of Scalp Psoriasis

The exact cause is not known. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, it results from the bad immune system.

With psoriasis, your immune system can produce more T-cells. These are a type of white blood cell that travels throughout the body, and fights with viruses and bacteria. 

If you have too many T cells, it can even attack your healthy cells and produce more skin cells, even white blood cells. Sometimes, these excess skin cells can lead to inflammation, flaking, and skin patches. 

What causes scalp psoriasis flare-ups?

Some risk factors and causes are linked with the scalp psoriasis, including – 

• Obesity
• Genetics
• Stress
• Viral infection 
• Bacterial infection 
• Alcohol
• Smoking

How is scalp psoriasis treated?

Treatment for the scalp psoriasis depends on various factors, such as – 

• Underlying conditions you have
• Severity of your symptoms
• Your general health

Your treatment plan will help you get some relief and prevent any complications that arise. A healthcare professional can recommend the suitable medications as well as the right home remedies. 

Psoriasis Shampoos

Psoriasis shampoos are among the topical treatments available that are usually prescribed for the treatment. 

Shampoos, lotions, or gels condition coal tar that are recommended for scalp psoriasis because they can relieve flaking and itching. Scale softeners used with salicylic acid also help prevent psoriasis plaques on your scalp. 

It is essential to use fragrance and alcohol-free shampoos as they can dry your scalp and worsen symptoms. 

Medical Treatments

Various medical treatments can also help treat scalp psoriasis. It also includes oral, topical, and injection medications. 

It is important to work with the healthcare professionals as various medications can have some possible side effects and interact negatively with different drugs. 

Topical medications

Some topical medications available as a foam, cream, or ointment include – 

• Vitamin D
• Tazorac
• Calcipotriene

Oral Medications

Oral medications with anti-inflammatory properties can ease your scalp psoriasis symptoms by inhibiting inflammation and excessive cell proliferation. These medications can include – 

• Cyclosporine
• Acitretin
• Methotrexate

Home Remedies

Some home remedies can help relieve your symptoms of scalp psoriasis when used with medical treatments. 

Here are some popular remedies you can use to moisturize your scalp or reduce scalp psoriasis. 

• Aloe vera cream or gel
• Apple cider vinegar solution 
• A paste of baking soda and water
• Capsaicin cream
• Sea salt bath
• Tea tree oil
• Turmeric
• An oatmeal bath

Takeaway

Scalp psoriasis is a skin condition that causes skin irritation, dryness, and scaly patches. It can develop at the back of your head or around your hairline. 

Take help from healthcare professionals when you experience changes in your skin that don’t resolve on their own or with home treatment. 

They can help design a treatment plan suitable for you.