Psoriasis of the scalp is quite common, with 1 out of every 10 people succumbing to it. Almost 80% of psoriasis patients are prone to develop thick crusted plaques on their scalp. Did you know that scalp diseases such hair psoriasis can persist for as long as five years? It is, therefore, important that you work towards treating psoriasis as soon as possible.
Scalp or hair psoriasis is often accompanied with not just an itchy scalp, but also itchiness in the forehead, back of the neck, and around the ears. In extreme conditions, hair psoriasis can also cause hair loss, making patients desperate for effective treatment.
Hair psoriasis is not a contagious skin disorder and its specific cause is yet to be ascertained. Dermatologists believe that this type of psoriasis is triggered from an abnormality of the immune system, which causes the skin cells to grow extremely fast. Psoriasis can also be genetic and you can blame your forefathers for this itchy problem!
Scalp psoriasis can differ in its intensity. While mild hair psoriasis can cause slight scaling on the scalp, moderate and harsher varieties of this disease can lead to reddish plaques, dandruff like flaking, dry scalp, silvery white scales, itching, hair loss and burning sensation or soreness.
If you are suffering from any of the above mentioned symptoms, it is time you visit a dermatologist to rule out the possibilities of falling prey to seborrheic dermatitis.
Mild hair psoriasis can be treated with salicylic acid and tar products like coal tar and non-coal tar medicated shampoos. Some doctors might inject scalp lesions containing steroids to treat the symptoms. On the other hand, severe hair psoriasis need more intense treatment plans. Here are 6 ways you can treat psoriasis effectively.
The most common and effective way to treat psoriasis is through topical medications available in the market. There are several dozen such medicated shampoos, gels, creams, oils, soaps and ointments available that are effective in treating mild to moderate hair psoriasis without too many side effects. Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as low-potency corticosteroid ointments, can be used on persistent plaques for relief from itchiness and burning of the scalp. Avoid using these drugs for a prolonged period of time as they can cause thinning of the skin!
Anti-microbial treatment is preferred in cases where the scalp is inundated with enlarged lymph nodes or there is a visible crusting of the scalp accompanied by scaling. This can be indicative of a bacterial or yeast infection that needs immediate attention. Salicylic acid is an easily available over the counter anti-bacterial medication that promotes sloughing of flaky dead skins and also reduces scaling of the skin. Salicylic acid is commonly found in most shampoo concoctions that claim to treat psoriasis.
Coal tar can help treat hair psoriasis! Surprised? Yes, you heard right, the black messy by-product of petroleum is one of the most effective remedies for psoriasis. Though it has a strong unpleasant odour, coal tar helps reduce flaking of the scalp and also alleviates other psoriasis symptoms.
Dithranol is an old remedy that has been in use for over 80 years. It is administrated in clinics where a dithranol cream foundation is applied to the scalp for about 5 to 60 minutes and washed off later. Patients who fail to respond to other topical medications find dithranol effective. However, prolonged use can cause skin irritation and itching; and temporary discolouration of skin and hair.
Unlike other oral medications, Vitamin D3 Analogs do not cause the calcium levels in the blood to rise abnormally, and is therefore, used to treat mild and moderate cases of psoriasis.These synthetic forms of Vitamin D are said to slow down the growth of skin. Dovonex is the most easily available Vitamin D Analog solution that helps combat psoriasis of the scalp. Rocaltrol is slightly more expensive, but shows better results and has lesser side effects.One of the most common side effects of Vitamin D3 Analogs is irritation or burning sensation in the areas that it is applied to.
6. Phototherapy:
The traditional UVB lamp therapy is usually not very effective in treating severe cases of hair psoriasis. However, using laser has been proven effective in treating milder cases as it generates a small spot of UVB light that can be aimed precisely at the affected region. It is focused by parting the hair using a tool similar to a blow dryer and then the laser is applied to the patch affected by psoriasis.
Each person responds to a specific treatment differently. So do not fret if a treatment that helped your friend does not work for you. Be patient and try these treatments under the guidance of a dermatologist for best results.