Everything you must know about scalp psoriasis

Scalp psoriasis is a skin disorder that is characterized by raised red patches of skin covered by silvery-white scales. The disorder can occur in many different parts of the body, like the elbows, knees, palms, and soles, but most typically occurs on the scalp. Scalp psoriasis happens due to the excess buildup of skin cells on the scalp. The inflamed, scaly areas of the scalp are just layers and layers of dead skin cells all piled up.

This skin disorder has no known cause. The only understandable data is that it is likely to occur because of the malfunctioning of the immune system, which causes an excessive development of skin cells. Doctors have, however, found out that the disorder may be passed down from generation to generation. Scalp psoriasis is not a contagious disorder.

Certain factors trigger the onset of scalp psoriasis in people who are prone to the disorder. These factors include smaller issues such as cuts, burns, or bruises. Stress and infections have also been found to act as triggers for the disorder.

Signs of Scalp Psoriasis

Scalp psoriasis is more likely to occur in adults, but it does also occur in children. Small patches of reddened, scaly areas all over the scalp are characteristic of mild cases of the disorder. More severe cases of scalp psoriasis are characterized by large patches that are flaky and itchy, which may also spread all over the scalp, down the back of the neck, and to the ears. Some people have also described the irritation caused by scalp psoriasis as a burn.

Although it is not a symptom of the disorder, hair loss is often common to occurrence in people suffering from scalp psoriasis if they scratch their scalps due to intense itchiness and irritation. It does not arise from the condition itself. However, excessive and vigorous scratching may lead to bleeding and infection.

The symptoms of scalp psoriasis must not be confused with those of seborrheic dermatitis. The patches that develop due to the latter disorder are, unlike those of scalp psoriasis, greasy and moist.

Diagnosing Scalp Psoriasis

Diagnosing scalp psoriasis typically involves a physical examination and a look at the patient’s medical history. Doctors can most often recognize scalp psoriasis just by examining the rash. However, some situations call for biopsies to rule out the rash being symptoms of any other disorder.

Skin disorders such as scalp psoriasis can cause havoc to people’s everyday lives and severely damage their self-esteem and faith in getting better. Therefore, it is best to not delay in seeking a doctor’s professional opinion on any rash that may be breaking out on the body. Catching the disorder while it is still in its mild stages can help speed up the recovery process.

Scalp Psoriasis – Treatment

Scalp psoriasis does not have any definitive cure, but it does have multiple types of scalp psoriasis treatment that can reduce the frequency and severity of its occurrence. scalp psoriasis treatment plans for the disorder can be made based on its severity, any medical conditions that the patient may currently be suffering from, the extent of scalp psoriasis treatment that the patient is willing to go through, and the treatments that the patient has already undergone.

Initial scalp psoriasis treatment involves the use of topical treatments such as ointments, lotions, oils, shampoos, and moisturizers. Some treatments for inflammation and scaling are corticosteroids and salicylic acid. Other drugs and tar treatments may also be prescribed in order to help the condition.

If topical scalp psoriasis treatment does not work effectively, doctors may recommend medication that works to target particular molecules in the body that could help overcome the disorder. The use of medication would mean that the doctor would have to keep a sharp eye on their patient to avoid any worse developments. Drugs often cause side effects that could contribute to the already existing hindrances to the patient’s lifestyle. If patients are considering trying home remedies to cure or lessen the effect of the disorder, it is recommended that they consult their doctor first, just to stay away from further harm.

The last form of scalp psoriasis treatment is light therapy. For mild cases of the disorder, patients may be instructed to simply spend time in the sun to help reduce the scalp psoriasis, since Vitamin D is extremely helpful to overcome the condition. This is also known as phototherapy. Phototherapy also involves the use of concentrated ultraviolet rays on the affected areas of the scalp to treat the disorder. This is usually done at the doctor’s clinic, or at home with a special lamp that emits UV rays.

Although there is no known cause or cure for the disorder, doctors have come up with several scalp psoriasis treatments. These scalp psoriasis treatments have effectively eased the lives of millions of patients suffering from acute cases of the disorder. Although it is bothersome and can lead to side effects such as hair loss and lowered self-confidence, it is important to remind patients that are suffering from this condition that hair is not what defines them at all!