Scalp psoriasis is one of the most common types of this skin condition. It affects over fifty percent of people who have psoriasis. Psoriasis of the scalp can vary in severity from mild, where there may be some fine scaling, to severe where you experience thick crusty plaques all over the scalp. Severe cases often report serious hair loss as well as itchiness and pain.

Scalp psoriasis is not normally a life threatening disease but it does affect millions of people world wide every year. It is a disorder of the skin that has varying degrees of severity. The more severe cases can cause psychological self-image problems because the flaking skin and raised red patches that accompany this disorder can be visually repulsive to other people.

Many times the cause of the psoriasis is the family history. If the parents or the grandparents have suffered from this disease then the younger generation is more likely to get the infection. Genetic cause is the most common cause which results in psoriasis.

Many people mistakenly think that psoriasis is very similar to dandruff or other conditions that involve excess sebum or androgens.? In fact, this is an autoimmune condition in which excess skin production causes scaly patches that sometimes take on a silvery white appearance. You'll often see areas like the elbows and knees affected, but the scalp is not at all off limits.

Many doctors will tell you that when this condition occurs on the scalp, the plaque and scales can choke out the hair follicles and keep healthy hair from growing (only while there is a flare in place.)? Often, this doesn't not occur over the entire scalp.? There will more often be patches that you can clearly see being affected and that is where you'll see the hair being compromised or thinning.? (This process is pretty hard to miss and is pretty obvious upon close inspection.) However, typically when the area heals, the hair will become normal again.

Scalp Psoriasis Treatment

Because it varies so much, when it comes to scalp psoriasis, treatment options vary as well. Finding the right scalp psoriasis treatment is key to having a healthy scalp. When all else fails, doctors may use a prescription medication. When looking for the right treatment for your scalp psoriasis, do not lose hope if you try a few things and they do not work.

One of the most popular treatments is a special shampoo that is used all over the scalp on a regular basis. Treatments must be continued over a long period of time, as they are usually only effective temporarily.

Many successful psoriasis shampoos are formulated with Jojoba Oil, Emu Oil, Panthenol and Peppermint and menthol extracts to help soothe dry, tight scalp, and leave a cool, clean and fresh feeling. Jojoba Oil is well known for its restorative properties and is a common ingredient in shampoos and conditioners.

Scalp psoriasis shampoos work for some people to a certain degree making one's life a bit more bearable. However, coal tar shampoo is rather hash to the scalp and the smell is rather unpleasant not to mention complications because the hair is in the way. This leads us to search for natural scalp psoriasis treatment.

Another scalp psoriasis treatment is simple sunlight. Sunlight has shown to be very effective in treating psoriasis in many parts of the body. Ensuring that you get thirty to forty minutes of sunlight a day should prove to benefit your condition greatly.