About scalp psoriasis (psoriasis of the scalp)

What is scalp psoriasis (psoriasis of the scalp)?

Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease of the skin that is estimated to affect about 2.2% of the adult population. Some people may have a genetic predisposition to psoriasis. The genes affected seem to be involved with control of the immune system. Psoriasis appears as red scaling, slightly raised areas (papules) that combine to form plaques. Psoriasis classically appears on the elbows and knees, but it can affect any part of the skin. The scalp is also characteristically affected in many people with psoriasis. Like psoriasis anywhere, scalp plaques produce excess scale and can itch. Severe disease can cause a loss of scalp hair, which usually will return if the disease can be controlled.

What are the symptoms for scalp psoriasis (psoriasis of the scalp)?

Dry scalp symptom was found in the scalp psoriasis (psoriasis of the scalp) condition

Scalp psoriasis is a form of plaque psoriasis, which causes silvery-red or purplish scaly patches (known as plaques). Plaque psoriasis is the most common psoriasis type. It can affect any part of the body.

Scalp psoriasis may also spread to — and cause Plaques to appear on — the:

  • hairline
  • forehead
  • back of the neck
  • back of the ears

In addition to plaques, scalp psoriasis may also cause:

  • fine white or yellow skin flakes on the scalp
  • an Itchy sensation
  • a Burning sensation
  • dryness
  • bleeding

Temporary hair loss is another common symptom and side effect. Hair usually grows back once scalp psoriasis is treated and clears up.

What are the causes for scalp psoriasis (psoriasis of the scalp)?

Researchers aren’t exactly sure what causes any kind of psoriasis. They think it occurs when a person’s immune system isn’t working properly. However, most people who develop psoriasis are likely to experience scalp-related symptoms.

According to two large 2016 studies, scalp psoriasis affects between 45 and 56 percent of people with psoriasis in the United States. A 2014 study conducted by the Asia Scalp Psoriasis Study Group concluded that psoriasis affects the scalp of 75 to 90 percent of people with psoriasis.

Someone with psoriasis may produce more of certain types of white blood cells called T cells and neutrophils. The job of T cells is to travel through the body, fighting off viruses and bacteria.

If a person has too many T cells, they may begin to attack healthy cells by mistake and produce more skin cells and white blood cells. In the case of scalp psoriasis, these excess skin cells may lead to inflammation, redness, patches, and flaking.

Genetics and lifestyle factors may also play a role in the development of psoriasis.

What are the treatments for scalp psoriasis (psoriasis of the scalp)?

The most important consideration in treating scalp psoriasis is getting an effective medication into the skin. Both the hair and any scale covering the disease act as an impediment to treatment. Removal of the scale in a nontraumatic fashion is very important. This can be accomplished by shampooing frequently. Using tar, selenium, or salicylic acid-containing shampoos can be helpful. This may have to be done at least twice a day initially if the scale is sufficiently thick. Gently rubbing off the scale with the fingertips and not the nails is important.

It should be appreciated that scaling is not due to dryness but to the excessive production of the horny layer of the skin. Occasionally, it may be necessary to cover the scalp overnight with mineral oil. To avoid an unpleasant mess, it is necessary to cover the scalp with a shower cap or swim cap. With moderate or severe scalp disease, the addition of a topical steroid is often required. The potency of the steroid would depend on the severity of the condition. The type of vehicle (lotion, solution, or foam) depends on physician and patient preference. It is important to remember that the medication must get past the hair in order to reach the scalp skin. Sometimes other medications may be of benefit, such as topical calcipotriene (Dovonex, Sorilux) in a lotion or foam form.

What are the risk factors for scalp psoriasis (psoriasis of the scalp)?

Family history

Having one parent with psoriasis increases your risk for the condition. You have an even greater risk for developing psoriasis if both your parents have it.

Obesity

People with obesity are also at an increased risk for psoriasis.

Smoking

Your risk for psoriasis increases if you smoke. Smoking also aggravates psoriasis symptoms, making them more severe.

Stress

High stress levels are linked to psoriasis. This is because stress affects the immune system.

Viral and bacterial infections

People with recurring infections and compromised immune systems, especially young children and those with HIV, have an increased risk for psoriasis.

Is there a cure/medications for scalp psoriasis (psoriasis of the scalp)?

Scalp psoriasis (psoriasis of the scalp) is a disorder that leads to an itchy, raised, reddish, and scaly scalp. It may be present in the form of small watches or cover the entire forehead. Moreover, scalp psoriasis can spread from the scalp to the forehead or back of the neck. It can also result in hair loss. The doctor states that this condition is connected to the immune system. However, it is curable through solutions, lotions, sprays, steroids, or foams, prescribed by doctors:

The cure/ Medication for scalp psoriasis (psoriasis of the scalp) are as follows:

  • Anthralin: It is available in the form of an ointment, cream, or paste, which helps to slow down the growth of the cells. It is preferably used at night and helps to cure psoriasis and other related diseases.
  • Antimicrobial: These are effective to treat yeast or bacterial infection associated with scalp psoriasis.
  • Calcipotriene: it is a strong derivative of vitamin D that helps to treat psoriasis of the skin and scalp.
  • Salicylic acid is highly recommended for people with scalp psoriasis. Using a shampoo, serum, oil, or hair conditioner infused with salicylic acid will ease the symptoms.
  • Mild psoriasis of the scalp can be treated by injecting steroids with vitamin A and D into the affected area.
  • UV (ultraviolet) lights can be used to cure this disorder.


Symptoms
Raised and bumpy scalp,Dry scalp,Dandruff flaky scalp,Burning,Soreness,Hair loss
Conditions
Itching in the scalp resides and scally scalp raised red bumps patches in the scalp
Drugs
Salicylic acid,Coal tar,Vitamin D,Anthralin,Antimicrobial,Calcipotriene

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