Because the body can't shed the old skin as rapidly as new cells are rising to the surface, raised patches of dead skin develop on the arms, back, chest, elbows, legs, nails, folds between the buttocks, and scalp. Psoriasis is a genetically determined inflammatory and proliferatve disease, characterized by sharply, well defined plaques covered by silvery scales that appear mainly on the extensor prominence and scalp.

Psoriasis is often so mild it is barely noticed by the affected person, but it can occasionally so severe the patient must be admitted to hospital for treatment. Psoriasis is probably one of the longest known illnesses of humans and simultaneously one of the most misunderstood. A complete medical history and examination of the skin, nails, and scalp are the basis for a diagnosis of psoriasis.

Psoriasis tends to be worst in those with a disordered immune system for other reasons (cancer, AIDS or autoimmune disease). The disease appears first in the scalp, where lesions appear as scaly patches on the scalp and may spread later to involve different skin sites mainly on the extremities and trunk.

Scalp Psoriasis

Individuals who scratch one time too often in public are often viewed as people with embarrassing hygiene problems. And since you can't explain the reason why to each and every stranger seeing you scratching, your confidence might suffer when you're the recipient of not-so-friendly looks. As a result of the scalp psoriasis many are left feeling self-conscious as to whether anyone is noticing them constantly itching at their scalp or the flakes of skin which fall off as they scratch.

Psoriasis on the scalp is distinguished from seborrheic dermatitis, or dandruff, because the scales of psoriasis are dry, not greasy. Scalp psoriasis basically looks like a really bad case of dandruff, but can be very annoying or painful depending on the level of severity. Generally, the scalp will have plaque psoriasis characterized by elevated, inflamed, lesions covered with silvery white. Although it is not dangerous, scalp psoriasis can be persistent and difficult to treat.

Scalp Psoriasis Treatment

There is no magic cure for scalp psoriasis. The best natural treatment for scalp psoriasis would be a combination of internal and external treatments. External treatment includes herbal treatment to put dermatitis scalp under control. We want natural herbs that are not harsh to our bodies. Scalp psoriasis treatment targets repairing damaged tissue that leads to flaking and itchy, while providing long-term scalp health to protect and guard against outbreaks, localized hair loss and inflammation.

Scalp psoriasis has different affects on all its sufferers so it’s important to remember that not all treatments work the same for everybody. Sometimes it may take a little patience to find the correct treatment. If one treatment doesn’t work, don’t give up, it’s just a matter of finding the right one.

For patients in whom psoriasis is limited to the scalp, the first-line therapy is usually daily antidandruff shampoo . If you have psoriasis of the scalp, it helps to wash your hair daily.  Psoriasis shampoos combined with topical treatments help reduce irritation, heal sores and provide tissue restoration - providing quick relief to scaling, tenderness and scabbing. First apply tar shampoo such as Tarsum, which is available from us, to the scalp. Rub the liquid into the scalp, then wait 15-20 minutes before showering. Your doctor may prescribe a cortisone lotion to rub into your scalp after shampooing or before bed.