Scalp Psoriasis Vs Seborrheic Dermatitis
Occasionally, seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp can be confused with scalp psoriasis since both can produce excess scale and can itch. Pathological examination of the skin biopsy material occasionally may be helpful in distinguishing the two entities. As a practical matter, this is rarely necessary because most patients with psoriasis have typical psoriatic lesions present in other areas, such as the elbows, knees, or torso. In addition, both conditions generally respond to similar topical medications.
Make Hair Care Product Swaps
Villaneuva suggests opting for products that are free of sulfates, phthalates, and parabens. “These ingredients will dry out the skin, which causes further irritation to the scalp,” she warns. Instead, look for ingredients like coconut oil, tea tree oil, turmeric, avocado oil, castor oil, and charcoal. All of these ingredients help to reduce inflammation and remove impurities to balance out the condition of the scalp.
Villanueva’s go-to for immediate relief is a DIY paste made with oats and water. “If you need immediate relief, you can make a paste with crushed oats and water and apply it directly to the skin,” she says. “This will not stop the progression of psoriasis, but it will help to temporarily relieve the scalp as oats are extremely soothing to the skin.”
Psoriasis On Scalp Treatment
Although it is said that there is no permanent solution or treatment available to cure scalp psoriasis permanently. Still, with many home remedies and treatments, we can reduce it to a minimum and make it seem almost non-existent on our scalp. Here are 15 psoriasis on scalp treatment and home remedies available.
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Chamomile Tea As A Home Remedy For Scalp Psoriasis
Chamomile is well-known for its soothing effect. You can use it to relief the itching sensation caused by scalp psoriasis. Brew chamomile tea and leave it to cool down. You can speed up the process by adding ice cubes to it.
After you wash your hair, as usual, pour chamomile tea over the head and such affected areas, as neck or ears. You can mix chamomile tea with cool water to increase the volume. But the more concentrated chamomile tea is, the better effect it offers.
Can Scalp Psoriasis Cause Hair Fall
The condition alone does not result in hair loss. However, if the severity of itchiness is too high, then constant scratching of the scalp can cause a person to lose their hair.
Harsh treatments can also result in hair fall. However, this is usually a temporary symptom. Your hair is most likely to grow back when your skin clears up.
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The Healing Benefits Of Dead Sea Salt Baths
People with psoriasis have traveled to the Dead Sea, which borders Jordan, Palestine, and Israel, for centuries to soak in its salty water and experience its healing benefits. Though adding Dead Sea salts to your bath at home isnt quite the same Youre not in the 100-degree dry heat that the Dead Sea provides as well, Weiss says many people find that Dead Sea salt soaks can help alleviate their itching and burning. To try this natural treatment, add a quarter cup of authentic Dead Sea salts to bathwater that is warm to tepid and soak for about 15 minutes. Be sure to apply a moisturizer soon after the bath, because the salt can dry out the skin and worsen any scaly plaques.
Is Scalp Psoriasis Contagious
Scalp psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that is not transmitted by physical contact. It is not a contagious disease.
Wrapping Up
Now you know that this autoimmune condition causes red, scaly patches of skin on the scalp and sometimes, on the areas around it. OTC and topical treatments may help reduce mild psoriasis symptoms. However, for moderate to severe scalp psoriasis, oral medication or light therapy may be prescribed by your doctor. Following your doctors directions to control and reduce flare-ups is important to avoid complications.
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Scalp Psoriasis Vs Dermatitis
Scalp psoriasis and dermatitis are both common skin conditions affecting the scalp. These conditions share some of the same treatments and symptoms, including redness and flaky skin. However, these conditions have different causes and your doctor will be able to tell them apart.
Signs of scalp psoriasis include silver-red scales on the skin that often extend beyond the hairline, with itching and sometimes pain. With dermatitis, you may notice reddish skin covered by white or yellow scales, along with dandruff and itching. Treatment for psoriasis is often more aggressive than that for dermatitis.
Salts Are Also Good Natural Remedies For Scalp Psoriasis
Salt is another excellent treatment option, but not just any sort of salt though
According to a study, bathing in water from the Dead Sea is an excellent option to treat psoriasis. Taking a trip to this location is pretty expensive and stressful however, the do it yourself treatment is available for you to do it at home with Dead Sea salt baths.
Note that there is no clear explanation that tells how the saltwater remedy works, but it certainly is a very popular solution, and for good reasons.
If you want to give the DIY home remedy a try, add Dead Sea salt in warm water and soak your whole body in it for 15 minutes. When you are done, dry your body with care and apply any moisturizing agent, like coconut oil, to ensure that scalp psoriasis does not dry out when you are done bathing.
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Use An Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
Apple cider vinegar is a do-it-all ingredient, and when used as an apple cider vinegar rinse, it can help lower the pH of the hair, giving you the silky, shiny locks youve always wanted. Villaneuva says its a great natural at-home remedy to alleviate itching and irritation. Apply an apple cider vinegar rinse to the scalp and wait for it to dry, she suggests. Once the vinegar has dried, rinse the solution off of the scalp. However, only use this on mild flare-ups: Youll want to avoid using apple cider vinegar if your skin is cracked, bleeding, or there are open wounds. This is safe to repeat a few times a week to reduce irritation.
Limit Your Use Of Styling Tools
Be gentle when styling your hair, in order to avoid irritating the scalp. Its best to avoid tight hair styles, as pulling too tight on the scalp can lead to irritation. Additionally, curling irons, rollers, coloring, perming or relaxing your hair should be limitedespecially if there is an active flareas these can be irritating on the scalp.
If you’re concerned about concealing plaques, try a low pony with added texture to hide irritation at the nape of your neck. You can add volume to down-dos by gently teasing strands at the root to conceal any scaliness behind the ears. If the hairline is typically your trouble zone, full or side-swept bangs can help hide redness.
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Home Remedies To Try To Relieve Scalp Psoriasis
About half of the 8 million Americans affected with psoriasis have the condition on their scalp, aptly called scalp psoriasis. Scalp psoriasis formation has no relation to our hair types or textures, so pretty much anyone can develop the condition. Mild cases are characterized by fine, powdery flakes. Moderate cases involve scales, while more severe cases include plaques, which are raised, scaly patches of skin.
On lighter skin, these plaques appear red and silver on darker skin, plaques appear purple, grey, or dark brown. The condition can cause itchiness, inflammation, and discomfort, and the temptation to scratch might lead to infection or hair loss.
Managing scalp psoriasis involves some trial and error, as you find the over-the-counter shampoo or topical that works for you, without causing further irritation. A board-certified dermatologist can also prescribe medicated formulas, oral treatments, or administer a laser if you’re not seeing an improvement from home remedies, if you need to take this route.
Ahead, we offer 10 solutions for managing scalp psoriasis with home remedies, so you can get relief fast.
Do Scalp Psoriasis Home Remedies Work
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 home12:
Skip styling tools when possible: Since heat can further dry out your scalp and exacerbate symptoms, its best to avoid blow-drying, curling, and straightening tools if you can. 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.
Choose hair products wisely: Using certain hair products, such as hair dyes, can also be irritating to your scalp. Ask your dermatologist for brand recommendations or if there are ways your stylist can dye your hair that might be more gentle on your scalp.
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What To Do For Infection
If your scalp psoriasis becomes infected, you may have crusting, redness, warmth, tenderness, and sometimes swelling of your lymph nodes. Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic treatment for this problem.
Show Sources
National Psoriasis Foundation: “Specific locations: scalp,” “Scalp Psoriasis,” and “Over-the-Counter Topicals,” “Traditional systemic medications,” “Moderate to severe psoriasis: Biologic drugs.”
Handa, S. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 2010.
Skin Therapy Letter: “Treatments for Scalp Psoriasis with Emphasis on Calcipotriol Plus Betamethasone Dipropionate Gel .”
Various Ways To Treat Scalp Psoriasis
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil abounds in antibacterial, antifungal and ant-inflammatory properties which heal and cure all types of skin disorders. Warm some coconut oil and massage your scalp thoroughly with it for fifteen minutes. The oil will soften the scales and cause them to fall off.
It will also keep the scalp well moisturized and provide great relief in the itching. Massage at night before going to bed and in the morning wash off the oil.
Olive Oil
Olive oil has great healing and soothing properties. Massage your scalp thoroughly with it. Use liberal amounts, making the oil penetrate the skin. Keep overnight and in the morning wash it off.
The patches of dead skin will fall away easily and the itching will abate considerably. Regular use will soon clear away your scalp psoriasis.
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Summary: Hemp Seed Oil For Psoriasis
Hemp oil has benefits for hair, skin, and nails. The long list of nutrients and vitamins help with normal hair growth and moisturized skin. When you have a condition like scalp psoriasis hemp oil helps even more.
Hemp seed oil helps with scalp psoriasis by slowing rapid skin cell growth and boosting your immune system. Hemp oil also moisturizes and gives you a strong scalp that can fight back when psoriasis flares.
Since no one knows exactly what causes psoriasis its best to find out what your triggers are. Then use hemp oil as a treatment to reduce those flares from coming back in the future.
Choose to use hemp seed oil topically to help with dryness and increase circulation. To help with your immune system try taking hemp oil internally. You can take hemp oil by the spoonful or try it in recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
No matter how you choose to use hemp oil for scalp psoriasis it will help calm your flare-up. Try hemp oil today to begin moisturizing your scalp and boosting your immune system.
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Treatment You Receive At A Dermatologists Office Or Clinic
If the psoriasis fails to clear with treatment applied to the scalp or you have thick psoriasis on your scalp, your dermatologist may recommend the following.
Injections of corticosteroids: Your dermatologist can inject a corticosteroid directly into the scalp psoriasis. While this can be effective, its use is limited to a few times.
Excimer laser and other light treatments: This laser can treat psoriasis in difficult-to-treat areas like the scalp, feet, and hands. When used to treat the scalp, your dermatologist may use a device that looks like a blow dryer. A benefit of using this to treat scalp psoriasis is that this laser treats only the areas that need it.
The drawback to this treatment is that you will need to travel to your dermatologists office or a psoriasis clinic two or three times per week. Each treatment session takes about 10 minutes. Most patients need to continue these visits for several weeks. If your schedule wont permit this, be sure to tell your dermatologist.
While getting these treatments, you may also need to use another treatment at home.
Excimer laser treatment is usually painless, but possible side effects include redness and sunburn-like pain.
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When Should You Do A Hot Oil Treatment On Natural Hair
It would be best to consider doing a hot oil treatment once or twice a week for natural black hair. Depending on how damaged or healthy your hair is, you might need to do an oil treatment more or less often.
You should also consider doing a hot oil treatment at least once a week if your natural hair is dry or coarse, especially after shampooing. This treatment is helpful in conditioning hair, making it softer and more manageable while also sealing in the moisture to prevent further damage.
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Home Remedies For Scalp Psoriasis
While there are many home remedies often used for psoriasis, many of them are not often used on the scalp. For instance, some people find applying a paste made from oatmeal and water to the affected area relieves the intense itching that often accompanies psoriasis, but most people do not want to plaster oatmeal paste all over their heads, especially if they have any hair. Here are a couple of popular, and easy to use, home remedies for psoriasis on the scalp.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a common scalp psoriasis home remedy. Its supposed to help relieve itching and discomfort. Simply rinse your scalp with apple cider vinegar after shampooing and rinsing your hair in the shower. The National Psoriasis Foundation recommends not using this remedy if the skin on your scalp is cracked or bleeding, as it may cause a burning sensation.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an essential oil extracted from the Australian plant Melaleuca alternifolia. Tea tree oil has antiseptic and antifungal properties and is often used to treat skin disorders, including psoriasis. In fact, shampoo containing tea tree oil is one of the more common, and most effective, home remedies for scalp psoriasis.
The easiest way to use tea tree oil as a scalp psoriasis home remedy is in a shampoo or conditioner. You can purchase shampoos and conditioners that contain tea tree oil. If you cant find these products where you normally purchase hair care products, visit a health food store.
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Dont Scratch That Itch
Refrain from rubbing or scrubbing your scalp when shampooing, as tempting as it may be to dig into those itchy spots. Scratching induces trauma which in turn induces psoriasis, a process known as Koebnerization, Bagel explains.
If youre finding it hard not to scratch, try applying a dab of hydrocortisone, a mild corticosteroid, to itchy spots, to help decrease itching and inflammation, the NPF says. Start with the least powerful topical steroid that works for you, and use it just three to four times a week.
Don’t Soak Up The Booze
Doctors are still trying to find out for sure why alcohol exacerbates psoriasis. They suspect that alcohol increases activity of a certain kind of white blood cell that’s found in psoriasis patients but not in other people.
“Alcohol is a definite problem,” according to Stephen M. Purcell, DO, professor of dermatology at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. “It’s best to not drink at all if you have psoriasis.”
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What Will Happen If You Dont Treat Scalp Psoriasis
Treating psoriasis and following up with your doctor is important to prevent flare-ups and other complications that come with psoriasis.
If You Leave Your Psoriasis Untreated, It Can:
- Cause permanent hair loss due to constant scratching.
- You may lose your nails and even notice changes in them.
- You may experience joint pain and stiffness in case you have arthritis. It can even cause permanent joint damage.
- You may develop erythrodermic psoriasis that occurs in those who discontinue medication too soon or without consulting their doctor. It is characterized by a sunburn like rash that can be widespread and results in peeling of the skin.
- Constant flare-ups can be uncomfortable and frustrating.
- You may become prone to other inflammatory diseases like heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease and others.
- The symptoms may cause you to get depressed and affect your mental health.
- Your quality of life may be compromised due to severe itching.
Heres A List Of 7 Effective Home Remedies For Scalp Psoriasis:
1. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has anti-bacterial properties. It can help reduce the redness, soreness and irritation caused due to scalp psoriasis. It contains antiseptic properties that which prevents recurring infections. To use apple cider vinegar as a home remedy for scalp psoriasis, add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to half a cup of water. This reduces burning sensations. Apply it to the affected areas for 20 minutes. Repeat this twice a week. Rinse the scalp with lukewarm water. Do not use apple cider vinegar if the scalp is cracked or bleeding. Vinegar will sting and cause more irritation if you have any open wounds. It is one of the best home remedies for scalp psoriasis.
Home remedies for scalp psoriasis: Apple cider vinegar should not be used if there are open wounds on the scalp.
2. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel, when applied to the scalp, gives a soothing effect. It can help with itchiness and irritation caused due to scalp psoriasis. Its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties help you treat psoriasis naturally. Use fresh aloe vera gel along with lavender oil for better results. After every sitting, wash your hair with a mild, medicated shampoo.
Home remedies for scalp psoriasis: Aloe vera gel, when applied to the scalp. provides a soothing effect
3. Coconut oil
Home remedies for scalp psoriasis: Coconut oil is one of the best home remedies for scalp psoriasis
5. Yogurt
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