Psoriasis Start from the Scalp

Psoriasis affects any part of the body, including the scalp.

Scalp Psoriasis is a type of plaque psoriasis, the most common type of psoriasis.

Psoriasis in the scalp may appear like dandruff, but it is in the form of dry and silvery sheen scales.

Scalp psoriasis may affect your entire scalp or only a small part of your scalp.

Symptoms of Scalp Psoriasis

• Silvery and red patches in the hair or around it
• Small, scaly skin patches
• Flaky and dry skin
• Red bumps
• Itchiness
• Burning
• Temporary hair loss in the affected areas
  Severe scratching may lead to bleeding and infection.

Causes

Scalp Psoriasis occurs when the immune system sends wrong messages to the skin cells, leading to multiplicating these cells.

Generally, the new cell’s formation on the scalp takes weeks while it takes days when you have psoriasis. With this, the body finds it hard to shed the excess cells.

The skin cells form scaly patches as they develop on the scalp.

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, a few factors may increase the likelihood of having scalp psoriasis.

Some of these factors include:

• Strep throat or any infection
• Cut, burn, bruise, or other skin injuries
• Stress
• Use of heart medications like Quinidine or arthritis medications like Indomethacin
• Weather and allergies may also play a role, but there’s no scientific evidence to back this up.

When To See A Doctor

If you notice a new rash on your scalp, you should see your doctor or dermatologist as soon as possible to undergo a physical exam.

It would help if you did this to rule out the likelihood of severe medical conditions and get the needed treatment to control the symptoms.

Treatment

The type of treatment used for scalp psoriasis depends on the severity of the condition.

Systemic, topical medications, and natural remedies artreatments the treatment used in scalp psoriasis.

How to Manage Scalp Psoriasis

You can manage scalp psoriasis by following the tips below:A

• Avoid vigorous combing of the hair to prevent breakage due to treatmentS
• Seek help from a health professional for oral medication or topical ointment that will help manage itchiness and other symptoms
• Keep the scalp moisturized to improve the scalp appearance
• Avoid vigorous scratching to prevent bleeding and infection
• Pay attention to those things that trigger your scalp psoriasis and limit them as much as you can

Prevention

Preventing scalp psoriasis is difficult since the real cause remains unclear. Nevertheless, you can treat the condition as soon as you observe the symptoms to prevent it from worsening.

Factors that may increase your risk of scalp psoriasis

• Obesity
• Family history
• Smoking
• Viral and bacterial infections
• Stress
• Lack of vitamin D

Severe scalp Psoriasis may also result in hair loss and chronic inflammation.
Many people confuse scalp psoriasis for dermatitis.

The scales in dermatitis are yellowish and usually followed by dandruff.

On the other hand, scalp psoriasis may result in silvery-red scales that may go beyond the hairline, causing redness, itching, and flaking.

Scalp Psoriasis occurs due to a dysfunctional immune system, while dermatitis is caused by allergens and other types of skin irritants.

Generally, mild treatments are employed in psoriasis treatment that occurs on the face, neck, and head.