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Several medical treatments may help treat scalp psoriasis, including topical, oral, and injection medications. If you have too many T cells, they may attack healthy cells by mistake and produce more skin cells and white blood cells. In the case of scalp psoriasis, these excess skin cells may lead to inflammation, skin patches, and flaking. Psoriasis affects about 7.5 million people in the United States.
What medications or treatments are used to treat scalp psoriasis?
Hair usually grows back once you treat scalp psoriasis and it clears up. Scalp psoriasis can runs in families, but the actual triggers are complex. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that is characterized by “round patches of hair loss on the scalp,” although it can occur elsewhere on the body, Agbai says.

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Ultraviolet light is used to target affected areas, slowing down skin cell growth and reducing inflammation. Patients can opt for phototherapy sessions at medical facilities or use UV devices at home only after consulting with a medical professional. Scalp psoriasis shares symptoms that resemble other skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, and even dandruff.
MyPsoriasisTeam Members’ Tips for Managing Scalp Psoriasis
Over time, you learn to recognize when you are becoming stressed, and you learn how to relax more easily. One study combining CBT with biofeedback found positive results for people with psoriasis. The first type of phototherapy used was broadband UVB (BB-UVB), sometimes just called “UVB.” It exposes the skin to specific wavelengths of light. Narrowband UVB (NB-UBV) was developed a little later and uses a limited wavelength spectrum within that larger range.
Beyonce on Living With Psoriasis, Haircut, Motherhood - SurvivorNet
Beyonce on Living With Psoriasis, Haircut, Motherhood.
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This can lead to the formation of thick, scaly patches that can be difficult to manage and treat. Psoriasis shampoo can be used every day to help relieve symptoms and help with hair loss. However, it should not be used for longer than four months. If your symptoms are not under control within this time, it is essential to see a healthcare provider for an evaluation and to assess other possible treatment options. Consider speaking with a healthcare professional about ways to avoid hair loss if you have scalp psoriasis.
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Avoid drinking and stress-inducing activities

So, complementary therapies that can help you deal better with stress may also help reduce your skin symptoms. Biologic therapies are an option for some people with moderate or severe psoriasis. Biologic therapies are made from components of living things.
How psoriasis develops
The exact cause of scalp psoriasis is unknown, but research suggests that the immune system and genetics play a role. Seborrheic dermatitis is called “cradle cap” when it affects infants. In this case, it causes thick, greasy scales on the scalp, and it peaks at around 3 months of age. Psoriasis can affect fingernails and toenails, causing pitting, abnormal nail growth and discoloration. It’s also important to avoid scratching or picking at your plaques.
Does Scalp Psoriasis Go Away?
If you think you have scalp psoriasis, see a dermatologist to diagnose scalp psoriasis and visit a rheumatologist to screen for psoriatic arthritis. Both the CDC and the FDA warn against treating this common childhood condition on your own with non-prescription treatments. If left untreated, scalp psoriasis may lead to temporary hair loss. Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for scalp psoriasis.
Treating Scalp Psoriasis
Excessive scaling on the scalp can leave dark clothing covered with white flakes. Embarrassment about visible plaques on the head, ears, neck, and hairline can impact a person’s quality of life. Psoriasis treatments aim to stop skin cells from growing so quickly and to remove scales.
Stress, smoking, obesity, and genetic predisposition are thought to be risk factors for developing the skin condition. “I’ve had scalp psoriasis since age 7, but in my adult years, stress always makes it worse,” said one member. Newer topical formulations, such as foams and sprays, can help to improve treatment tolerability and outcomes. It can be contained within the hairline, though frequently affects the back of the head, or extends onto the forehead (facial psoriasis), ears, or neck.
Differentiating between scalp psoriasis and other skin conditions is essential for effective treatment. Doctors may need to conduct further testing to distinguish between scalp psoriasis and other skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, and contact dermatitis. Scalp psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that affects the scalp and surrounding areas.
Dermatologists can help people who have itching, scaling, hair loss, and bleeding due to scalp psoriasis. Your health care provider will likely be able to tell you if you have scalp psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis or both by looking at your skin, scalp and nails. Nonsteroidal topicals, such as the vitamin D analog calcipotriene (Dovonex) cream, may also be used in combination with steroids. They’re applied to the scalp before bed to penetrate scales and washed out in the morning. Retinoids, a synthetic form of vitamin A such as tazarotene (Tazorac), are also recommended for topical overnight use. Other prescription topicals include anthralin (Psoriatec), a medicated shampoo or cream that slows the growth of skin cells.
The least common type of psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis can cover the entire body with a peeling, itchy rash. Guttate psoriasis, more common in children and young adults, appears as small, water-drop-shaped spots on the trunk, arms or legs. And you can try lifestyle habits and coping strategies to help you live better with psoriasis. Two women share how their mental well-being was hit hard by alopecia from scalp psoriasis.
Telogen effluvium refers to the excessive shedding of hair follicles, and it occurs when hair follicles prematurely skip to the end of the hair growth cycle, she adds. Losing your hair can be a distressing experience, but you’re not alone. First of all, keep in mind that nail psoriasis won’t necessarily show up on all 20 of your nails at once. According to Dr. Shokeen, the condition can impact as little as one nail on one finger, and as much as multiple nails on the hands or feet. “In severe cases, nail psoriasis can cause significant discomfort, pain, and functional limitations,” she says. Many hair dyes, hairsprays, and other products are safe for people with psoriasis.