Scalp psoriasis may not cause any symptoms at all or may be extremely itchy. It tends to be a chronic problem, lasting many years, although it often fluctuates in severity and extent. In very severe cases, there may be some temporary mild localised hair loss, but scalp psoriasis does not cause permanent balding. Sebopsoriasis is an overlap between psoriasis and another common skin condition, seborrhoeic dermatitis. Sebopsoriasis tends to have less silvery scale than psoriasis and more yellowish, greasy scale.
Pityriasis amiantacea is characterised by thick, yellow-white scales densely coating the scalp skin and adhering to the hairs as they exit the scalp. The scales are arranged in an overlapping manner like tiles on a roof or flakes of asbestos, hence the name. The underlying scalp skin may appear normal, aside from the scale, or can be reddened or scaly. Pityriasis amiantacea is often present without any apparent underlying cause but may be associated with psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis or lichen simplex another form of dermatitis.
Most patients with scalp psoriasis do not lose hair despite thick plaques. However, hair loss and localised bald patches alopecia can occur. Scalp psoriasis associated with hair loss Diffuse non-scarring alopecia. Scalp psoriasis requires slightly different regimes from psoriasis affecting the skin elsewhere.
This is due to hair, which makes the application of many topical products difficult and protects the scalp from the effects of ultraviolet light. Unfortunately, many scalp treatments for scalp psoriasis are messy and smelly. Most treatments will need to be used regularly for several weeks before a benefit is seen.
The shampoos work best if rubbed into the scalp well, and left in for 5 or 10 minutes and then reapplied. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that can affect the skin, including the scalp.
It may appear as raised patches of scaly, flaky skin. Areas of psoriasis may resemble dandruff, but the scalp will also have a silvery sheen and dry scales. Symptoms can affect the entire scalp or only small patches. They can also spread to the ears, the hairline, and the neck.
Psoriasis is more common in adults, but it can develop in children. The National Psoriasis Foundation report that 2—3 percent of the population in the U. The most common type of psoriasis causes dry, red patches, or plaques, to form on the skin. On black skin, the patches may be purple or violet, rather than red.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology AAD , at least 50 percent of all people with plaque psoriasis experience at least one flare-up on the scalp.
Symptoms of severe scalp psoriasis can include :. Psoriasis does not cause hair loss, but it can happen if a person scratches or picks at the patches of skin.
Scratching can also result in bleeding and infection. Seborrheic dermatitis, or cradle cap, often affects babies. It causes a patchy, red rash that looks greasy or moist to form on the scalp. Ringworm , a fungal infection, can cause a crusty, red rash to form on the scalp, usually in the shape of a ring. With scalp psoriasis, the affected patches of skin are scaly and dry and do not usually form a ring.
Psoriasis, including scalp psoriasis, is a common condition that appears to develop when the immune system sends the wrong signals to the body. Normally, new cell formation on the scalp may take weeks. With psoriasis, cells form within days. This makes it difficult for the body to shed the excess cells.
As the skin cells build up on the surface of the scalp, they form scaly patches. The exact cause of scalp psoriasis is unknown, but research suggests there is a genetic link. People who have a family member with the condition have a higher risk of developing scalp psoriasis.
In , research published by nutritionists noted that psoriasis may be more likely in people who have:. The National Psoriasis Foundation note that a number of other factors may trigger a flare-up of symptoms in people who are prone to scalp psoriasis.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that allergies and the weather may play a role, but there is a lack of scientific evidence to show this. A dermatologist may be able to diagnose scalp psoriasis by examining the rash. Sometimes, they may recommend a skin biopsy to rule out other conditions. Scalp psoriasis may flare up periodically, but it is not usually a serious medical condition. Appropriate treatment can usually control symptoms. Currently, there is no cure for scalp psoriasis, but over-the-counter and prescription treatments are available.
Both topical and systemic medications can help. Some sources also recommend natural remedies. The type of treatment may depend on the extent or severity of the symptoms. The National Psoriasis Foundation note that people may need to rotate treatments as their response to one medication can lessen after repeated use. A person will apply a topical treatment directly onto the affected area, usually as a cream or a shampoo. The treatment may contain one or a combination of the following:.
Salicylic acid : Some treatments contain salicylic acid. This helps the outer layer of the skin to shed and softens the scales that develop with scalp psoriasis.
Bhutani says it can be really tough to tell scalp psoriasis and dandruff clinically known as seborrheic dermatitis apart—even for doctors! Although both conditions can cause those annoying flakes, which may be the only visible symptom at first for some people, they tend to pop up for different reasons. But you may be able to pick up on subtle differences if you look a bit closer. Dandruff flakes can be white or yellow, which is not common in scalp psoriasis.
With scalp psoriasis, plaques have a dry scale with more clearly defined edges, and the scales themselves are often thicker with a silvery sheen. And here are two things both scalp psoriasis and dandruff do have in common: Neither condition is contagious or rooted in bad hygiene.
While scalp psoriasis is a chronic condition, you can help ease uncomfortable symptoms with the right plan. Bhutani says, explaining that she often prescribes topical corticosteroids first. Although topical treatments are very effective for short-term management of scalp psoriasis flare-ups, if the symptoms are severe or if the plaques spread to other areas of the body, additional treatment may be needed.
Bhutani adds. Bhutani notes this approach is of special consideration for some people of color, whose hair can be damaged from frequent hair washing required with using topical treatments.
Keep in mind that your treatment options may change over time based on new research and newly available therapies. Make sure you have ongoing conversations with your doctor about which treatment options may be best for you.
How you take care of your hair and scalp can have a big impact on your scalp psoriasis flare-ups. In addition to the treatment plan your doctor recommends, you may want to try some of the following tips at home 12 :. When brushing your hair, use gentle pressure to avoid further irritation. If you have natural hair and are used to consistent styling that requires heat, talk to your dermatologist or stylist to figure out a plan that reduces the risk of potential flare-ups while maintaining the health of your hair.
Avoid the tight up-do: If you have longer hair and have hair loss, you may also want to avoid pulling it back tightly in a ponytail, since that can pull on the already-fragile scalp and possibly lead to more hair loss. If you must pull your hair back, keep the hair low and loose to prevent excess tugging.
0コメント