Scalp psoriasis is a skin disorder that causes red scaly patches on or around the scalp. It can range in severity and include the forehead, neck, and ears. Most treatments are placed directly on the skin. There are a variety of topical treatments such as medicated shampoos, lotions, gels, ointments, and creams. There are many over-the-counter treatments available, however, for more severe cases, prescribed treatment is recommended.
Useful Tips for Managing Scalp Psoriasis
- Limit alcohol consumption, smoking and stress as these are all aggravating to the condition.
- Follow all instructions provided by your doctor regarding your prescription.
- Make sure to condition hair and scalp after washing.
- Limit the use of heating tools in hair.
Treatment Options for Scalp Psoriasis
There are several natural remedies that can help manage scalp psoriasis:
Baking Soda:
take a tablespoon of baking soda, and put it in a small glass of water, then use a washcloth to apply the solution to the affected area.
Garlic:
mix pureed garlic with aloe vera gel in a 1:1 ratio, apply the mixture and wait 15 minutes and then rinse.
Aloe:
Creams that have at least 0.5 percent aloe vera can be effective in soothing scalp psoriasis. Apply cream to the affected area up to three times a day.
Apple Cider Vinegar:
Dilute apple cider vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio and apply to scalp. This should not be used if the skin is cracked or bleeding. Make sure to rinse after.
Oatmeal Bath:
adding oatmeal to your bath and soaking your scalp in it will reduce itching and inflammation.
Coconut or Avocado Oil:
Massage oil into the scalp and put a cap over it for 20 minutes, remove cap then wash hair.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids:
take up to three grams a day to help reduce outbreaks.
Tea Tree Oil:
a few drops on the scalp can reduce itchiness and inflammation.
Tumeric:
Taking up to three grams of turmeric can help reduce inflammation.
If natural remedies don’t work there are several methods that you can try with over-the-counter medications.
Removing the scales:
Removing the scales from the scalp will the medicine absorb better. To remove the scales, first wash hair with either a shampoo or soap that contains salicylic acid. After conditioning gently remove scales with a fine-tooth comb. Then apply thick creams to the scalp to help hold the moisture in.
Over-the-counter medicine:
Once the scales have been removed, you may then medicine. Any over-the-counter medicines should contain either salicylic acid, selenium, lactic acid, urea, or zinc pyrithione to be effective. To apply medication, first, cover ears and with petroleum jelly to prevent the medicine from entering the ear canal. Then apply ointment directly to your scalp, for oils and gels, simply part hair and drip directly on the scalp.
Dealing with scalp psoriasis cannot be cured, but with help from a doctor and natural remedies it can be manageable.