Symptoms
Symptoms of scalp psoriasis can differ depending on the condition’s severity. In mild cases, only slight scaling may be present; however, in more severe cases, red scally patches and silvery-white scales can result from this condition. One may experience itching, burning, or soreness, as well as hair loss if they have a moderate or severe case of scalp psoriasis. Other than scalp irritation, a person with scalp psoriasis may also notice flakes of dead skin on their neck or shoulders, particularly after scratching their scalp. Hair loss is not the result of the scalp psoriasis, but excessive scratching or picking at irritated areas can lead to hair loss. Typically once the psoriasis is treated, the hair will grow back.
It is also not uncommon for psoriasis to extend past the hairline.
Triggers
Those with psoriasis may have certain triggers that may cause or worsen a flare-up. It is important to know and manage triggers. Among some of the most common triggers are stress, injuries to the skin, certain medications, infections, lifestyle choices, and winter.
Stress can be very taxing on our immune system and can make psoriasis worse what works best for managing stress that will change from person to person. Meditation, exercise, and talking to others are all viable options to help alleviate stress.
Infections directly impact your immune system and can trigger a psoriasis flare-up, and certain infections can worsen the condition.
Treat any skin injuries as promptly as possible and take the necessary steps to keep your skin healthy during the winter. Remember, cold air is dried, so one may benefit from adding additional moisture to the skin and using a humidifier to help combat the dry air. Medications can be a little harder to control, that’s why you should talk to your doctor. Always let your doctor know if you have psoriasis so they can prescribe medications that won’t aggravate the condition.
Lastly, studies indicate that certain lifestyle choices can worsen psoriasis. In particular, too much alcohol consumption or taking alcohol with certain medications.
Treatments
Scalp psoriasis may be difficult to treat depending on the individual and the severity of the condition. However, there are many treatment options, so if one doesn’t work, then chances are another one will. Treatment options can be more effective once the plaques that develop as a result of the condition are softened and removed. One way to do this is to first soak the scalp in warm water or apply oils, lotions, or creams to damp skin to help soften the plaque. A comb can then be used to help remove the softened plaque.
Scalp psoriasis can vary in severity ranging from mild to severe. Very mild cases tend to respond well to things like medicated shampoos, or in some cases, steroid injections, though the latter treatment option is often used sparingly as the body can absorb the medication. In moderate to severe cases of scalp psoriasis, it is not uncommon to have to try multiple treatment options before finding one that works. A combination of topical and systemic medications may be used.
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