What Is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disorder that causes skin cells to multiply enormously and causes inflammation. This inflammation helps to build up the bumpy patches on the skin. Patches of the skin become scaly, itchy, painful, and sometimes crack and bleed. In a normal healthy individual, skin cells grow and shed off in a month but individuals with psoriasis do this within 3-4 days. Psoriasis affects the skin, scalp, nails, and joints. No matter the age, anyone can get affected by the psoriasis.
What Is Scalp Psoriasis?
Being particular about scalp psoriasis is characterized as dry, thick, itchy silver-white to purple-grey scaly patches, and scratching makes it worse and causes alopecia (hair loss). As an individual, managing your day with a skin disorder might make you feel anxious and traumatized but consulting the dermatologist helps to deal with it.
Dr. David Kim, a 40-year-old MD dermatologist from New York City, discussed scalp psoriasis on Instagram under the username @dr.david.kim. Dr. David Kim discussed how psoriasis can be managed and his recommendations. He explained that scalp psoriasis is notoriously difficult to treat.
Dr. David Kim said that though it’s hard, stop scratching. Scratching your scalp not only increases the risk of infection but also stimulates psoriasis to get bigger and thicker, which is known as the “Koebner Phenomenon”. While talking about it he also suggests to do everything you can not to scratch.
He recommended washing the scalp with Nizoral shampoo thrice a week. Nizoral shampoo with 1% ketoconazole has a great anti-inflammatory and calming effect on the scalp. He points out that it’s important to leave it on for at least 30 seconds before washing it off.
Fluocinolone oil/ Dermasmoothe is another recommendation by Dr. Kim. Fluocinolone is a very gentle steroid that helps with itching and also keeps the plaques moist so the scales can come off naturally and easily without traumatizing the skin. Apply oil all over the scalp, wear a nightcap, and wash it off the next morning.
He also said to be consistent and stick to the routine at-least for about 6-8 weeks before it gets shows results.
I do feel like I'm in a place of acceptance with it now. Like it doesn't really bother me even if I do have a flare-up, but it took me a minute to get there.Jonathan Van Ness, American hairstylist
Scalp psoriasis can be mild and almost unnoticeable. Sometimes it lasts longer causing thick crusted sores which are severe. Intense itching can affect your sleep and everyday life, and scratching a lot can lead to skin infections and hair loss. 1
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, 45 to 56 percent of people living with psoriasis have scalp psoriasis. 2
Note: This content is purely informational and isn’t medical guidance. It shouldn’t replace professional medical counsel. Always consult your physician regarding treatment risks and benefits.
References:
1. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis/scalp-psoriasis
2. https://www.psoriasis.org/scalp/