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[T1311]Treatment For Scalp Psoriasis

by Robert Hills, Rob

Scalp psoriasis is a skin disease that may cause itchy patches of thick, red skin with silvery scales. It can range from mild, with only light scaling to severe, with thick, crusted scales covering the whole scalp. The large flaky scales can be very uncomfortable and can itch quite painfully. Severe cases of scalp psoriasis can also lead to temporary hair loss which can be very distressing, but the good news is that the hair will grow back once the flare up calms down. The scalp is one of the most common affected sites in psoriatic patients as 79% of them have scalp involvement.

Scalp Psoriasis Treatment

Many treatment options can help control scalp psoriasis and its symptoms. Sometimes this type of psoriasis will clear on its own, other times it can remain on the scalp for long periods of time. Although it is not dangerous and life threatening, it can be persistent and difficult to treat.

The treatment of scalp psoriasis requires a different approach because it is more difficult to treat. Not that the disease is more stubborn, but the hair gets in the way of treatment. It can be challenging to apply topical creams to the scalp. Phototherapy treatment that involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet light also doesn't work very well because the hair blocks the rays.

While shaving the head would make it easier, many people feel uncomfortable doing so. Cutting hair short would also help, making the treatments easier to apply, but is again not appealing to everyone.

Treatment for mild scalp psoriasis consists of special medicated shampoos that were designed to clear the symptoms. Some of the more popular shampoo options include coal tar or salicylic acid, both of which are known for their exfoliating properties.

The shampoos work best if rubbed into the scalp well, and left in for 5 or 10 minutes and then reapplied. They are safe for daily use but may irritate if applied more than twice weekly. Soaking the scalp in warm (not hot) water can help loosen scales. Soaking with water makes scales easier to remove. The key of shampoo treatments is to loosen and remove scales, while providing as much moisture as possible.

A few things to keep in mind when using shampoo to treat scalp psoriasis: Be gentle when treating the scalp. Scratching the affected areas should be avoided, because breaking of the skin can make psoriasis worse. Be sure to use special medicated shampoos as directed. It is important to rub the shampoo into the scalp and not just the hair.

More severe cases of scalp psoriasis may require a stronger treatment, which can be achieved through topical applications that are left on the scalp or from administration of UVB light therapy.

Scalp psoriasis is a chronic condition and while it can't be completely cured, it can be controlled with the proper treatment.

Psoriasis is a bothersome condition and to complicate matters, it can not only show up on your body but also your scalp. Scalp psoriasis is something which affects more than 50% of those who have psoriasis. It varies from what seems to be dandruff flakes to red scaly lesions which can run down the hairline, to the forehead, ears, or even down the face. Usually these scaly layers of dead skin cells result in a lot of itchiness and a feeling of tightness on the scalp. Itching the area only worsens the situation as it can cause bleeding and can lead to embarrassing situations as the flaking of skin is akin to dandruff.

As a result of the scalp psoriasis many are left feeling self-conscious as to whether anyone is noticing them constantly itching at their scalp or the flakes of skin which fall off as they scratch. It is for these reasons that a cure for this dreaded condition is so eagerly sought out, but what can be done?

As far as what you can do immediately, it is helpful to wash your hair on a daily basis. This keeps your scalp as clean as possible and stops any excessive build up of flaking skin.

If possible it is also helpful to expose your scalp to the sun. This goes back to the notion of light therapy as being a method of treating psoriasis, although you should be careful not to get sunburned as if your skin is injured, scalp psoriasis will have a tendency to develop there.

When it comes to medicinal treatment for scalp psoriasis, your best bet are psoriasis shampoos or oil based treatment. Those will seep into your scalp and take effect whereas a cream or ointment may be too cumbersome to apply. Additionally, an oil based treatment will help to keep your skin hydrated, in the end the best approach may be a combination of treatments.

Continual use of natural psoriasis treatment methods should alleviate and heal your scalp psoriasis. A combination of a psoriasis shampoo and essential oil product will be your best bet in clearing your condition.

Article Source : Skin Toner

About Author

Both Robert Hills & Allen Iser are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Robert Hills has sinced written about articles on various topics from Cure Anxiety, Cars and Skin Care. To learn more about Psoriasis and Psoriasis treatment options visit - blog.. Robert Hills's top article generates over 5400 views. to your Favourites.

Allen Iser has sinced written about articles on various topics from Skin Care, Energy Healing and Skin Care. Allen Iser has experience dealing with psoriasis and is a proponent of Methods. For. Allen Iser's top article generates over 1900 views. to your Favourites.