Scalp psoriasis, even though often adequately camouflaged by the hair, is often a source of social embarrassment due to flaking of the scale and severe 'dandruff'. Scalp psoriasis may not cause any symptoms at all, or may be extremely itchy. It tends to be a chronic problem, lasting many years, although it often fluctuates in severity and extent.
Scalp psoriasis involves thick scales and redness that appear around the scalp, normally becoming itchy and inflamed. Other symptoms include tightness and soreness around the head. The normal treatment options include shampoo that can be use at home, but severe scalp psoriasis normally has to be treated by a dermatologist, who may prescribe steroid creams or salicylic acid. Although the condition can return multiple times, it rarely lasts for long periods of time and more generally occurs in flare-ups.
With psoriasis of the scalp, this is especially uncomfortable, causing the area to be extremely sore and tight, and the skin can often become raw and bloody.
Where normal skin cells are renewed every 30 days, psoriasis causes cells to reach the exterior of the epidermis extremely quickly, dying as soon as they arrive. Psoriasis is considered to be hereditary, non-contagious and caused by situations where the immune system is being compromised by stress, hormonal changes or other conditions.
Rinsing your scalp with cool water that has an cup of apple cider vinegar added will help sooth itching. Because apple cider vinegar is alkaline, this will help reduce the inflammation created by psoriasis
Apply ice cubes to the areas on your scalp that are causing you pain and irritation.
Use a sulphate-free shampoo to wash your hair. When washing, make sure you use cool water, as hot water can irritate the inflammation. Organic shampoos that contain wheat germ or jojoba oil will help to keep the itching and redness down.
Another recipe for psoriasis of the scalp is to mix a quarter-cup of organic oatmeal with water and let it soak for a half an hour. Strain and place the liquid that is left in a cup with several drops of lavender and rosemary oil. Once the mixture is cool, daub on the sensitive areas of your scalp for relief.
If you do use a coal tar treatment, it may make your skin sensitive to the sun, so be careful not to be overexposed to UV rays. Psoriasis tends to flare up in humid conditions and in cold weather, so try to keep your head warm and dry, apart from the application of ice cubes and cool tea-treated water.
