Understanding Scalp Psoriasis and How to Treat It

Symptoms

Scalp psoriasis causes scaly, inflamed skin patches on the scalp. Skin patches may also be found on the forehead, hairline, back of the head, and behind the ears. Some people with scalp psoriasis may experience only mild, fine scaling, while others may have more severe symptoms.

Moderate and Severe Symptoms

Moderate and severe scalp psoriasis can cause:

• Red, purple, or brown skin patches
• Silvery white or gray scales
• Dry scalp
• Itching
• Burning
• Soreness
• Bleeding
• Hair loss

Hair Loss

Scalp psoriasis does not cause hair loss itself. However, scratching, picking at scaly areas, harsh treatments, and stress can lead to hair loss. Inflammation from scalp psoriasis can also weaken hair roots and cause them to be fragile. Follow your treatment plan to reduce hair loss. Apply topical medicines or medicated shampoo to your scalp regularly.

Treatment

Treatment for scalp psoriasis includes:

• Topical corticosteroids
• Topical retinoids
• Phototherapy
• Systemic medications such as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
• Biologics, which are available as injections and infusions, to reduce skin cell growth
• Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors that work to calm the immune system
• Ultraviolet (UV) light therapy to treat the entire scalp

Preventing Scalp Flares

While psoriasis has no cure, you can reduce the number of scalp flare-ups by following your treatment plan. Research shows that people who follow their treatment plans have fewer flare-ups and are more likely to experience periods of remission. You can also reduce flares by avoiding triggers such as:

• Stress
• Infections and illnesses
• Skin injuries
• Cold, dry weather
• Smoking
• Alcohol consumption
• Allergies
• Medications

When to See a Provider

If you are experiencing scalp pain, itching, or soreness, make an appointment with a healthcare provider. They can examine your skin and run tests to determine if scalp psoriasis is the cause of symptoms or if it is something else. If you were previously diagnosed with scalp psoriasis, you will want to reach out to your healthcare provider for:

• New symptoms, either related to the skin or systemic (fever, fatigue, etc.)
• Worsening symptoms
• If treatments are not helping
• If psoriasis is affecting your mental health or self-confidence
• If you are curious about a new treatment
• If your joints are starting to hurt

Conclusion

Scalp psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition that causes scaly, inflamed patches on the scalp. The cause is unknown, but researchers think genetics and other risk factors might be involved. Treatment for psoriasis includes OTC topical medicines, prescription topicals, corticosteroids, biologics, and light therapy. If you or a child have scalp pain, itching, soreness, or visible lesions, make an appointment with a healthcare provider. They can examine the scalp and run tests to diagnose psoriasis or another cause. Once you have a diagnosis, you can begin treatment, which may lead to clearer skin.

FAQs

• What is scalp psoriasis?
  Scalp psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition that causes scaly, inflamed patches on the scalp.
• What are the symptoms of scalp psoriasis?
  Symptoms include scaly, inflamed skin patches, red, purple, or brown skin patches, silvery white or gray scales, dry scalp, itching, burning, soreness, bleeding, and hair loss.
• How is scalp psoriasis treated?
  Treatment for scalp psoriasis includes topical corticosteroids, topical retinoids, phototherapy, systemic medications, biologics, and ultraviolet (UV) light therapy.
• Can scalp psoriasis be prevented?
  While psoriasis has no cure, you can reduce the number of scalp flare-ups by following your treatment plan and avoiding triggers such as stress, infections, and skin injuries.