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Remedies & Relief for Scalp Psoriasis

Psoriasis affects the scalp of at least half of the people who are diagnosed with the condition. It can range in severity from some itching and slight scaling to serious discomfort with thick, crusted plaques covering the entire scalp area. However, there are options that can treat or reduce the symptoms of this condition.

  1. Shampoos

    • Psoriasis treatments may work for awhile, but become less effective with time. Therefore, treatments are sometimes combined or rotated. With scalp psoriasis, the preferred treatment will usually not be a systemic one unless the skin condition is also present on other parts of the body or the psoriasis of the scalp is moderate to severe. In mild cases, the best treatment for the scalp is the use of tar products and salicyclic acid. These products are usually in the form of medicated shampoos that can be purchased from any drug store or grocery store. Rotating these shampoos with tea tree oil shampoos can bring relief in mild cases..

    Steroids

    • Your medical provider may decide to inject steroid medications into the scalp lesions. These are used sparingly because the steroids can be absorbed into other body systems. This option for relief is only used when the scalp psoriasis is mild and does not cover more than a few areas of the head.

    Prescription Topical Treatments

    • More severe cases of scalp psoriasis might need more than one type of intervention. Topical prescription treatments are often the first option. These slow down the abnormal cell growth that causes psoriasis symptoms. They also can reduce inflammation. In conjunction with any of the treatments, oral histamines will help alleviate or reduce itching.

    Antimicrobial Treatment

    • Severe scalp psoriasis may necessitate more than one treatment intervention. If there is crusting on the scalp and/or lymph node enlargement, you may need to try different treatment plans before you find the one that works. If crusting of the scalp along with scaling occurs and/or the lymph nodes in your neck are enlarged, indicating a yeast infection, your doctor may prescribe antimicrobial treatment.

    Systemic Medications

    • Sometimes the doctor will suggest a systemic medication due to the severity of the psoriasis. These include methotrexate or cyclosporine. Another intervention that may help alleviate severe symptoms is the use of ultraviolet light. Handheld UV combs are available, but even natural sunlight can help if your hair is thin or your head is shaved.

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