Choosing the Best Psoriasis Shampoo

Different psoriasis shampoos are made for your scalp and hair, and knowing the right one is vital. Some shampoos that are made for your scalp can help with itching, redness, and flaking.

Some of these shampoos have the same ingredients as the lotions and medicines recommended by your doctor for psoriasis treatment.

Shampoos that treat mild to moderate psoriasis can be gotten over the counter while you may need a doctor to recommend the stronger one for you.

Regardless of which shampoo you choose, you need to use them for a short period and use them gently. Scrubbing too hard could also worsen your psoriasis.

Below are the best ingredients you should look out for when choosing the best psoriasis shampoo.

Coal Tar

Coal tar has been used to treat psoriasis for more than 100 years. You can find it in lotions, creams, oil, and shampoos.
Shampoos that contain coal tar help slow down skin cells’ growth and scalp hardening, thickening, and scaling.

They also give your scalp a better look and help ease itching. However, note that shampoos that contain coal tar can result in scalp damage due to sensitivity to the sun and because it can remain on your scalp for 24 hours or more.

If you must stay out after using it, staying in the shade or using a hat can help prevent this.

Coal tar can also stain your skin or clothes and make your hair darker, and the shampoo does not smell nice.

To make your hair smell good, you can use a regular conditioner or shampoo to wash off afterward.

Salicylic Acid Shampoos

Salicylic acid works by helping to soften, lift and remove scales on your scalp. It’s not ideal when you have a cut or rash, and it’s harmful to the eyes, nose, and mouth.

To use a shampoo with this product, make your hair wet and work the shampoo into it. Rinse and repeat after this and use it according to your doctor’s advice.

Shampoos with this ingredient can result in more flaking and make your scalp dry. It can also make you nauseous and cause irritation.

Also, it’s not advisable to use it for a long period or overuse it without first seeking your doctor’s advice.

Some shampoos with this ingredient also have sulfur, making it the right shampoo for you if you have a yeast infection on your scalp. You can keep your scalp healthy by using it once a week after treating the infection.

Shampoo With Steroids

Due to their harshness, shampoos with steroids are usually recommended by a doctor. They’re usually used for a few weeks to reduce redness and swelling. Afterward, you may be asked to switch to a coal tar shampoo or other mild shampoos.

Unlike other shampoos, you shouldn’t wet your hair before applying this shampoo to it. You will then have to leave it for 25 minutes before wetting your hair and rinsing it out.

This shampoo is quite strong, and you should try as much as possible to keep it away from soft areas of your skin, including your ears and face.
You should also wash your hands thoroughly after using this shampoo.