What To Do For Scalp Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that can cause red, scaly patches to form on the skin.
While there is no cure for psoriasis, there are treatments that can help to control the symptoms.
If you have scalp psoriasis, you may find that your symptoms flare up at times and then subside.
There are a number of things that you can do to help manage your scalp psoriasis and keep your symptoms under control.
Treatment Options
There are a number of different treatment options available for scalp psoriasis.
Your doctor will work with you to determine the best treatment plan for your individual needs.
Treatment options may include:
- Topical treatments: These are medications that are applied to the skin. They can be in the form of creams, ointments, or solutions. Topical treatments can help to reduce inflammation and itching.
- Phototherapy: This is a type of treatment that uses ultraviolet (UV) light to help improve symptoms. Phototherapy can be done in a doctor's office or at home with a special UV light unit.
- Systemic treatments: These are medications that are taken orally or by injection. They work throughout the body to help control inflammation. Systemic treatments can have serious side effects and are typically reserved for severe cases of psoriasis.
Home Care
In addition to medical treatment, there are also a number of things that you can do at home to help manage your scalp psoriasis.
- Keep your scalp clean and moisturized: Gently cleanse your scalp with a mild shampoo. Be sure to avoid harsh scrubbing, which can make symptoms worse. After shampooing, apply a thick layer of moisturizer to your scalp. This will help to soothe irritation and prevent dryness.
- Avoid irritating substances: If you know that certain substances irritate your scalp, do your best to avoid them. This may include perfumed hair products, dyes, or certain types of styling products.
- : Stress can make psoriasis worse, so it's important to find ways to relax and reduce stress in your life. Try yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
1. Wash your hair regularly
It's important to keep your scalp clean, especially if you have scalp psoriasis. Wash your hair at least once a week with a gentle shampoo. You may also want to try using a shampoo with salicylic acid or coal tar. These can help to remove the dead skin cells that can build up on your scalp and cause flaking. Be sure to rinse your hair well after shampooing to remove all the soap residue.
2. Apply a medicated cream or ointment
There are a number of medicated creams and ointments that can help with scalp psoriasis. Look for products that contain corticosteroids, calcipotriene, or coal tar. You may need to try a few different products before you find one that works best for you. Be sure to follow the directions on the product label carefully.
3. Use a light therapy
If other treatments haven't worked, your doctor may suggest light therapy. This involves exposure to ultraviolet light on a regular basis. Light therapy can be done in a doctor's office or at home with a special lamp. Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions carefully to avoid burns or other side effects.
4. Try a biologic
If other treatments haven't worked, your doctor may suggest trying a biologic. This is a type of medication that is made from living cells. Biologics work by targeting specific parts of the immune system that contribute to psoriasis. They can be injected or taken as a pill. There are several different types of biologics, so you may need to try more than one to find one that works for you.