Scalp psoriasis is a skin condition that causes itching, redness, and raised scales over the scalp. This skin disease is essentially a kind of plaque that develops over the scalp. It is thought to be a lasting skin problem, but can be controlled with treatment.
Since scalp psoriasis is incurable, the goal of treatment for this condition is not to cure, but to control it and its outbursts, as well as to relieve the patient from the outbreaks.
The available treatment options for scalp psoriasis are:
Oral/Topical Medications
The medicines available for the treatment of scalp psoriasis are either over-the-counter drugs or prescriptions. These treatments are to be taken orally or applied directly to the scalp to relieve symptoms. They must contain the following ingredients in order to be effective:
• Anathralin
• Calcipotriene
• Coal Tar
• Corticosteroid
• Retinoid
• Salicylic acid
In addition to these, vitamin A and vitamin D supplements have been proven to be efficient in managing scalp psoriasis.
One thing to remember though is that most medicines for psoriasis are topical. This can make it rather hard to utilize on the scalp since it needs to be applied directly to the skin, and not the hair.
Infusions and Injections
The next option available for scalp psoriasis management is the administration of injections and infusions. Infusions or injections should be made locally to the affected area. This, like skin products, is frequently more effective when the symptoms are just mild in nature.
Phototherapy
Another treatment that you can use for scalp psoriasis relief is phototherapy. This is usually done after it has been decided that topical treatments have failed to relieve the symptoms.
A handheld phototherapy lamp with comb attachment is most effective because it allows the comb’s bristles to part the hair and directly aim at the scalp.
Still, other than artificial light sources, sunlight is also used to alleviate the symptoms of scalp psoriasis. Sunlight brings vitamin D to the body which is very much effective in controlling the symptoms of this skin disease.
Scalp psoriasis is a non-contagious skin problem that is not curable, but is controllable with the correct treatment.