Among the many autoimmune skin disorders, psoriasis is one of the most common ones, affecting 125+ million people worldwide. While psoriasis can occur on any part of the skin, scalp psoriasis is one of the most debilitating forms
Not only is it frustrating to deal with, but scalp psoriasis also leads to various associated complications like hair loss, impact on self-esteem and confidence, and discomfort, especially in public and social situations.
If you are suffering from scalp psoriasis and want the best treatment, numerous different approaches will be discussed in this comprehensive Kayakalp Global guide.
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ToggleWhat is Scalp Psoriasis and What Are the Symptoms?
Scalp psoriasis is a common type of psoriasis, primarily affecting the scalp’s skin. This condition can range from mild, with symptoms like fine scaling, to severe, with thick, crusted plaques covering the scalp.
Since psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder, it is usually caused by an overactive immune system that speeds up the lifestyle of the skin cells, causing them to accumulate rapidly on the surface. Numerous factors contribute to the issue, including a family history of psoriasis, stress, hormonal changes, cold weather infections or injuries on the scalp.
Following are a few of the most common symptoms of scalp psoriasis:
- Red patches on the skin, further covered in silvery scales.
- Flaky skin that resembles dandruff.
- Dry scalp that may crack and bleed.
- Itching and discomfort that can disrupt daily activities
What are the Types of Scalp Psoriasis?
Receiving optimal treatment for scalp psoriasis also depends on getting the right diagnosis. Distinguishing between the different types of scalp psoriasis is thus crucial.
Following are the three different types you need to be aware of:
Scalp Plaque: It accounts for most of the cases of scalp psoriasis wherein the affected areas on the skin have red, irritated and itchy scales. Besides the scalp, the condition can also affect the forehead, neck and ears.
Scalp Guttate: In this type, you will notice the appearance of tiny, drop-like lesions, which is usually aggravated by stress.
Scalp Pustular: As the name suggests, inflamed pustule-like structures are formed on the scalp in this particular type of scalp psoriasis.
During your initial consultation at Kayakalp Global, you will get a thorough physical examination, which helps determine the type of scalp psoriasis, following which the personalised treatment plan is curated.
Best Treatments for Scalp Psoriasis
Numerous factors are worth considering, from the diagnosis to the treatment of scalp psoriasis. Firstly, due to the location, diagnosis of scalp psoriasis is often quite difficult. Since the patches are hidden by hair, many people often mistake scalp psoriasis for dandruff.
Furthermore, since hair follicles are sensitive, treatment for scalp psoriasis requires additional care that you must consider. Scalp psoriasis can also co-exist with other types of psoriasis scattered throughout the body.
1. Topical Treatments
The most common type of psoriasis treatment on the scalp starts with topical therapy for psoriasis, which is the first line of treatment. These medications are usually applied directly on the scalp to reduce inflammation and slow down the rapid production of the skin cells, too.
Following are a few of the most common topical treatments for scalp psoriasis:
- Corticosteroids
Corticosteroid creams, lotions, or shampoos reduce inflammation and suppress the immune response. Since these are topical steroid medications, you need to consult the specialists for the correct dosage and frequency of application. Also, medical supervision is needed to avoid common side effects like skin thinning.
- Vitamin D Analogues
Since the rapid skin cell turnover causes scalp psoriasis due to an overactive immune system, Vitamin D analogues target that only. They gradually minimise the skin cell growth and reduce scaling. Usually, these are used in conjunction with corticosteroids for optimal results.
- Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid helps soften and remove scales, making it easier for other medications to penetrate the skin. Since scalp psoriasis treatment also involves the hair follicles, nourishing them is necessary. You will often find salicylic acid in the medicated shampoos that treat scalp psoriasis.
2. Medicated Shampoos
While we are already on medicated shampoos, that deserves a special shoutout, too. There are specially formulated shampoos to target the scalp psoriasis symptoms and overrule the complexities too.
These contain active ingredients such as:
- Ketoconazole: Treats fungal infections that can exacerbate psoriasis.
- Clobetasol: A potent corticosteroid to alleviate severe symptoms.
- Zinc Pyrithione: Soothes irritation and reduces flaking.
Consulting a medical professional and scalp psoriasis specialist allows you to get a tailored prescription for the best-medicated shampoo that would reduce the symptoms and improve your scalp health.
3. Light Therapy (Phototherapy)
Another effective treatment for scalp psoriasis that doctors recommend is phototherapy for psoriasis. It is a safe and effective treatment ideal for individuals with moderate severity of the disease.
This treatment exposes the scalp to ultraviolet (UV) light to halt the skin cell turnover and reduce scaling and inflammation.
Types of Light Therapy For Psoriasis
- UVB Phototherapy: Artificial UVB light is used to target affected areas.
- UV Light Therapy For Psoriasis
- Excimer Laser: Provides focused UVB light to small, stubborn plaques.
- Natural Sunlight: Controlled exposure to sunlight can help alleviate symptoms.
While the benefits of phototherapy are quite extensive, it is also important to keep in mind that overexposure to UV light can lead to skin damage or an increase in the risk of skin cancer. This explains why we recommend the treatment under an experienced specialist at Kayakalp Global.
4. Natural Remedies for Scalp Psoriasis
Natural remedies and Ayurveda also play a role in improving scalp psoriasis symptoms.
The following are a few to consider:
- With its anti-inflammatory and emollient properties, coconut oil moisturises the scalp and softens the red scales for easier removal. You can apply warm coconut oil on the scalp and leave it overnight.
- Aloe vera, with its moisturising and soothing properties, calms the sensation of burning and itching, so application of the aloe vera gel directly on the patches helps too.
- If you are tired of the itching and the inflammation on the scalp, applying apple cider vinegar in diluted form can also help.
- With its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric may reduce flare-ups, so you can consider adding turmeric supplements to your diet, too.
5. Lifestyle and Home Care Tips
Another important aspect of treating scalp psoriasis is prioritising healthy lifestyle and home care choices. To prevent flare-ups and to prevent aggravating the symptoms, you can consider making lifestyle adjustments as follows:
- Stress Management
Stress is a known trigger for psoriasis. You can indulge in a number of stress management factors like meditation, yoga, etc.
- Scalp Care Routine
Use mild, non-irritating shampoo and avoid scratching the scalp too much. The more you scratch, the more the chances of bleeding and infections. Also, use a soft brush when removing the patches from the scalp.
- Diet Modifications
A healthy diet can strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation. For optimal scalp psoriasis management, you can consider consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like fish, flaxseeds, walnuts, etc. You can also increase the amount of foods rich in antioxidants in your diet.
Scalp Psoriasis Treatment: The Kayakalp Global Way
Kayakalp Global prioritises the blend of modern medicine and Ayurveda to treat scalp psoriasis symptoms. To prioritise holistic solutions for treating the condition, our specialists depend on the following:
- The first step is analysing the extent of the disease, whether it is limited to the skin or has extended to the nails or joints.
- Depending on the initial diagnosis, blood purifying agents are prescribed too. This helps clear out the toxins from the body, prevents cell division to prevent excess skin formation and improve digestion and reduce stress.
- A customised treatment plan is then curated for the patient depending on their symptoms and the extent of their disease too.
One of the leading elements of psoriasis treatment at Kayakalp Global is the “Psorcure Oil,” which is formulated after years of research and complements other therapies to deliver long-lasting comfort. It keeps the symptoms in check, prevents further worsening of the symptoms and prevents future flare-ups too.
Explore Some Additional Psoriasis Therapies
Not just the current symptoms, scalp psoriasis treatment at Kayakalp Global also focuses on future complications by cleansing the blood and keeping the immune response in check.
Following are a few factors that make Kayakalp Global stand out:
- Expertise in treating chronic skin conditions.
- A blend of advanced medical and traditional Ayurvedic therapies.
- Patient-focused care with long-term wellness in mind.
- Guidance on lifestyle and dietary modifications.
The Kayakalp Global treatments are natural, holistic, and focus on long-term wellness without side effects.
Take the First Step Towards Healing!
Scalp psoriasis can be challenging to manage, but with the right treatment and care, it is possible to control symptoms and improve quality of life.
Your struggles with scalp psoriasis don’t have to take control over your life. With a personalised and holistic approach to treatment at Kayakalp Global, you can embark on a journey of improving your well-being physically and emotionally.
Call us at 91-9599794433
Email us at [email protected]
Visithttps://www.kayakalpglobal.com/
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you manage scalp psoriasis effectively.
FAQs
1. What triggers scalp psoriasis flare-ups?
Much like any other type of psoriasis, even scalp psoriasis’ flare-ups are triggered by numerous factors, including stress, infections, skin injuries, certain medications, and environmental factors like cold weather. One thing that you need to understand about scalp psoriasis is that every patient’s experience is subjective. So, the key to managing potential flare-ups is identifying and avoiding personal triggers.
2. Can scalp psoriasis lead to hair loss?
Scalp psoriasis isn’t a direct contributor to hair loss or complete baldness. However, some of the key symptoms of this condition include the formation of dry and patchy scabs on the scalp, which causes irritation, scratching, and even blood loss (in extreme cases). Pair that with some of the harsh treatments, and the stress associated with the condition can lead to temporary hair loss. The good news is that once the scalp heals, the hair regrows, too.
3. Are there specific shampoos recommended for scalp psoriasis?
When treating scalp psoriasis, your specialists will emphasize using medicated shampoos that contain certain active ingredients, like coal tar or salicylic acid. Anything that would help reduce the scaling and inflammation on the scalp is recommended. Also, you need to follow all the associated treatment and instructions as suggested by the doctors for optimal results.
4. What is the difference between scalp psoriasis and dandruff?
Since scalp psoriasis also leads to scabs and scaling of the skin on the scalp, it is often confused with dandruff. However, both of these conditions have stark differences. Scalp psoriasis typically presents as thick, silvery scales that may extend beyond the hairline, while dandruff is characterised by fine, white flakes and an oily scalp without significant inflammation. Not just the symptoms but even the mechanism of formation and the causes are different for both conditions.
5. Can stress management techniques improve scalp psoriasis symptoms?
Stress is one of the biggest triggers behind the onset of psoriasis and can lead to scalp psoriasis flare-ups, too. So, if you are worried and confused about why your psoriasis is flaring up, despite you getting all the treatment, chances are that stress is playing a major factor into it. This explains why implementing the right stress management techniques is crucial. When your stress is well-managed, it further decreases the frequency and severity of the flare-ups.
6. How long does it take to see improvement in scalp psoriasis with treatment?
There is no definitive answer to this question because every individual responds different to the treatments. However, on average, with our Kayakalp Global psoriasis patients, we have noticed stark improvements within 3-4 weeks of the treatment. Consistency is key—adherence to prescribed treatments and regular follow-up with the specialists is highly important. Also, since scalp psoriasis is a chronic condition, it requires long-term management rather than a one-time cure, so keeping realistic expectations from the treatment is also necessary.
7. Can scalp psoriasis spread to other parts of the body?
If you have been diagnosed with scalp psoriasis, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the condition will remain confined to the scalp only. Psoriasis is a manifestation of an autoimmune disorder, meaning that the symptoms can later develop on other parts of the body, including forehead, neck, behind the ears, or even other body parts. While it may initially present only on the scalp, untreated or poorly managed psoriasis can spread.
8. Is it necessary to change shampoos frequently when managing scalp psoriasis?
The answer is no. The key to managing your scalp psoriasis symptoms is to stick to a definite treatment plan and using a well-formulated medicated shampoo that contains coal tar, salicylic acid, ketoconazole, etc. and then stick to it consistently. Some people benefit from rotating between 2–3 shampoos with different active ingredients to prevent resistance or irritation. However, if you notice improvements to your symptoms with one shampoo only, there’s no need to switch between different shampoos.
9. Are biologic treatments effective for severe scalp psoriasis?
Yes, biologic therapies have shown great efficacy in treating moderate to severe scalp psoriasis, especially in patients unresponsive to topical or phototherapy treatments. Biologics work by directly targeting specific immune pathways, providing long-lasting relief from the symptoms.
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