Psoriasis of the scalp, advice, what treatments, actions?

What is scalp psoriasis?

Psoriasis is one of the autoimmune diseases the most widespread. It affects 2% to 5% of the world's population. Doctors and dermatologists describe it as a chronic inflammatory skin disease. The scalp can actually be affected by this disease. Moreover, scalp psoriasis affects approximately 50% of people with psoriasis (1). This represents between 1,5 and 4 million people in France.

Making the diagnosis is not always easy. Indeed, the symptoms can be multiple. Do you have itchy and dry scalp? Do you think you have psoriasis? To take care of your scalp, learn about the symptoms of psoriasis. Find out everything about it. What are the solutions for the scalp psoriasis ?

Plaque psoriasis or guttate psoriasis? The form of scalp psoriasis

The two largest families of psoriasis are:

• plaque psoriasis (more than 80% of cases)
• and gout psoriasis (rarer).
  Scalp psoriasis is plaque psoriasis. Know it.

How to treat and stop scalp psoriasis?

The causes of psoriasis are still poorly understood. Current treatments are of two types: medications or prescription treatments; more natural or non-prescription care.

Prescription psoriasis treatments

Corticosteroids

Dermatologists most frequently prescribe corticosteroids in liquid form for scalp psoriasis. Like all medications in this family, you must be aware of the habituation effect over time. It can lead to lower efficiency over time. In addition, abrupt cessation of corticosteroid treatment is not recommended. In fact, it would then cause a rebound effect of the disease. The cessation must be gradual.
Certain shampoos can also be prescribed, even if they are available in pharmacies without a prescription.

Phototherapy and puvatherapy

These two treatments involve exposing the patient to UV rays. They are generally effective on psoriasis. However, the limits of phototherapy or puvatherapy are the number of sessions over a lifetime. The goal is to avoid any risk of melanoma.

Systemic treatments for severe psoriasis

Systemic treatments are related to the injection or ingestion of medications. They should be differentiated from topical treatments for psoriasis. These consist of a local application, on the injured areas. Systemic treatments, such as biotherapies for example, are sometimes fraught with side effects. Consultation with a specialized dermatologist, such as Dr. Ezzedine (2) is essential. Dr Khaled Ezzedine is a dermatologist, specialist in psoriasis disease and vitiligo disease. There are obviously many others, in Paris or in the provinces.

Other more natural treatments exist. They are few in number, but worth considering.

How to treat scalp psoriasis naturally?

Advice to follow every day

First of all, it is important to follow the simple everyday tips mentioned above.

• Do not attack your scalp while drying your hair.
• Or, don't scratch the itch hard.
• We recommend washing your hair every day or very frequently. Thus, psoriasis flare-ups are slowed down.
• A vitamin D3 intake is also welcome.

A very effective Dermatological Shampoo

Pso Natura Shampoo is a 99% natural shampoo. Its effectiveness is based on the gentle formulation that respects the health of the hair. It offers a concentration of active ingredients. Pso Natura Dermatological Shampoo does not contain water. The most present ingredient is Carapa procera oil. It is used exclusively by LM Natura.
It helps soothe itching from the first application. Used as a treatment for around 15 days, the shampoo contributes to:
– eliminate inflammation,
– make dander disappear
– and cleanse the scalp.

Then used from time to time for maintenance, it helps to space out the regrowth of psoriasis.

Other shampoos exist, even if they are less complete or significantly less natural. They generally target one specific action and not two. Soothing itching, or reducing dandruff. See also our article on natural treatments for hair psoriasis.

In the case of scalp psoriasis, it is important to approach treatment from two angles:
– Which psoriasis shampoo to get rid of the symptoms (itching and scales)?
– And which shampoo to use between two cures or psoriasis treatments? The answer is to choose a shampoo that is as natural as possible. Of course, it must be very gentle on the hair and scalp.

Any gesture that the scalp could interpret as an attack can trigger a psoriasis flare-up.

• Brushes and combs : The effect of combs and brushes with hard bristles can be harmful. They are too aggressive on the scalp. These utensils are intended for hair. Touching the scalp should be avoided. Ask your hairdresser
• Scratching your scalp with your nails : here again, vigorous scratching of the scalp is interpreted as aggression. Better to use the pads of your fingers to scrape psoriasis. At night, for unconscious scratching, cotton gloves are a solution.
• The stress is often an aggravating factor in cases of psoriasis. It can be the cause of a flare-up. It can also reinforce a flare-up linked to an autoimmune reaction.
• Water too hot : it can also constitute an attack on the scalp. Prefer lukewarm water.
• The hairdryer : A hot hairdryer should be avoided. Choose a gentler heat instead. Always keep the hair dryer 20cm from the scalp.
• Drying your hair too vigorously : When getting out of the shower, use a towel carefully. It is better to pat the hair dry with a gentle, prolonged application of a towel. Too vigorous a massage of the hair and therefore also the scalp should be avoided.

Your questions and our advice on scalp psoriasis

Does psoriasis cause hair loss?

Hair loss is one of the most common symptoms in people with psoriasis. Itching causes scratching which is harmful to the health of the hair and the scalp. Many patients report hair loss in small proportions. All our tips for keeping healthy hair.

Facial psoriasis, a consequence of scalp psoriasis?

Psoriasis can appear on different parts of the body. To our knowledge, there is no link between the affected areas. Even if these areas are close like the face and scalp. The most common areas for psoriasis to occur are areas of friction. Therefore, joints, such as elbows or knees, are frequently affected. Other areas see the appearance of psoriasis. There is not always a known reason for this.

Seborrheic dermatitis or scalp psoriasis?

The symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis are:

• itches,
• a skin rash,
• red, spongy patches,
• and finally scabs and cysts.

Seborrheic dermatitis affects the scalp. It's more like eczema. Making a diagnosis is sometimes difficult. Whether it is seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis of the scalp, you should know that the treatments are most often the same.

The impacts of psoriasis

Quality of life impacted by psoriasis

Scalp psoriasis causes the formation of plates, scales and dandruff, is unsightly. Small psoriasis scabs fall on the shoulders. They are often the subject of comments from those around them. Obviously, they can trigger patient discomfort. Many people with scalp psoriasis avoid wearing dark clothing. Their life becomes conditioned by their psoriasis.

The look of the others

Scalp psoriasis is often a source of complexes and discomfort in society. It can cause depression. The suffering linked to psoriasis is less physical than psychological in general.

What causes scalp psoriasis?

The origin of psoriasis is multiple. On the one hand, it is linked to a genetic predisposition. A bouquet of genes, by its arrangement, makes the subject susceptible to developing the disease. It is not necessarily hereditary (only 30% of cases). Then, psoriasis is most often triggered by traumatic shock. It also appears during particular stress, and sometimes following an allergic reaction to a medication for example. It can also arise from prolonged friction, a source of skin irritation.

However, it should be noted that the exact causes of the disease are still poorly identified. This explains why no treatment can today cure psoriasis.

Scalp psoriasis is not contagious

Since it comes from the genetic field, psoriasis cannot under any circumstances be contagious. However, it is a fairly common cliché that we must fight against. Consequently, a face-to-face meeting with a patient who has developed the disease is risk-free.

Psoriasis in men, women or children?

Psoriasis is a non-discriminating disease. It affects adults, men or women, as well as children, without distinction of sex. We most often notice the appearance of the first symptoms of psoriasis around the age of 15, but also from the age of 50.

What are the symptoms of scalp psoriasis? How to recognize it?

Scales, psoriasis crusts in the hair, dandruff

The lesions appear in the form of papules, plaques or crusts of psoriasis. These come off. They are then distributed throughout the hair. Psoriasis could be summed up as the phenomenon of too frequent renewal of epidermal cells. Its frequency increases from 3 to 5 days, instead of the usual 28 days. A stack of skin cells then forms whitish crusts, dandruff. They are also called the scales.

Psoriasis itch

Psoriasis flare-ups are often accompanied by itching. This is an unpleasant itchy feeling. The flare-up period lasts about 5 to 10 days. On the other hand, scratching your psoriasis amounts to stimulating it. Also, many patients complain of continuous itching, including at night.

Location of scalp psoriasis

Scalp psoriasis can cover the entire scalp. We then speak of a “headphone” effect. But it can also be very localized. The areas most often affected by scalp psoriasis are:

• The top of the neck
• At the base of the skull
• Psoriasis behind the ears

Psoriasis is activated by friction. Certain gestures or knocks should be banned. A regular gesture of pushing your hair behind your ears for example. Or even just hair at ear level. They can cause a flare-up of psoriasis in this area.

sources:

1) France Psoriasis Association

2) Dr Ezzedine – Dermatologist Pariset Hospitals

Science-Direct – State of play on scalp psoriasis

Read also:

Shower gels and soap for psoriasis