Scalp psoriasis is a common skin disorder that makes raised, reddish, often scaly patches. It can pop up as a single patch or several, and can even affect your entire scalp. It can also spread to your forehead, the back of your neck, or behind your ears.
Psoriasis Scalp Pictures
What is the cause of scalp psoriasis?
It is generally accepted that scalp psoriasis, like all psoriasis, is related to genetic defects that affect certain parts of the immune system. There are undoubtedly environmental factors that trigger its initial development in genetically predisposed individuals. The notion that "emotional stress" plays a causal role or at least exacerbates psoriasis has been difficult to prove. There is no question, however, that psoriasis of the scalp can be an extremely stressful experience.
What are scalp psoriasis symptoms and signs?
Psoriasis appears as a small bump, a papule, surmounted by scale. When these papules coalesce, a plaque is formed that is often covered by thick layers of horny scale. When this scale is shed, it appears asdandruff, which can be quite unsightly. Scratching these plaques, either because of itching or because of the impulse to remove it, is a very poor idea because of what is called the Koebner phenomenon (also known as the Koebner response or isomorphic response). This may cause psoriasis to develop in areas of inflammation and trauma. Scratching off the scale will only make things worse. Occasionally, seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp can be confused with psoriasis since both can produce excess scale and can itch.
Symptoms of mild scalp psoriasis may include only slight, fine scaling. Symptoms of moderate to severe scalp psoriasis include:
Scaly, red, bumpy patches
Silvery-white scales
Dandruff-like flaking
Dry scalp
Itching
Burning or soreness
Hair loss
Scalp psoriasis itself doesn’t cause hair loss, but scratching a lot or very hard, picking at the scaly spots, harsh treatments, and the stress that goes along with the condition can lead to temporary hair loss. Fortunately, your hair usually grows back after your skin clears.
If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor or dermatologist. He may simply take a look or do a skin biopsy to rule out similar conditions like seborrheic dermatitis.
Treatment for Scalp Psoriasis
The first step in treating scalp psoriasis effectively involves removing or lifting thick scales, which helps medication penetrate the plaques and clear them up.
"One common way to do this is by using keratolytics treatments, which contain active ingredients, such as salicylic acid, urea, lactic acid, or phenol, that are designed to dissolve skin flakes or scales," says Strachan.
"Another way to soften and loosen scalp scales is to apply oils, lotions, creams, or ointments to a damp scalp."
Once the psoriasis scale has been softened, you can remove it with a fine-tooth comb or brush.
