Psoriasis is an auto-immune condition, which means that it activates the immune system to attack normal cells in the body. In the case of psoriasis, skin cells are attacked, resulting in inflammation. This skin inflammation causes the skin cells to replicate very quickly. Psoriasis often affects the scalp, covering it in itchy, red and raised plaques. There are a variety of ways in which this form of psoriasis can be treated.
Step 1
Soak your scalp in mineral oil or oil-based scalp preparations. This should be done nightly, MayoClinic.com explains, and the scalp should be covered with a shower cap to keep the oil on it. This will help loosen the plaques, making them easier to remove.
Step 2
Apply medicated shampoos designed for the treatment of scalp psoriasis. Many of these shampoos contain coal tar and/or salicylic acid, the National Psoriasis Foundation explains. Salicylic acid helps remove the scalp plaques and the coal tar can help soothe itching skin and reduce inflammation, helping to keep plaques from getting worse. These shampoos need to be massaged into the scalp because they are only effective when they are in contact with the scalp, not the hair.
Step 3
Apply topical psoriasis ointments. Ointments which can be used to treat psoriasis of the scalp may contain anthralin, retinoids, corticosteroids and/or calcipotriene, the American Academy of Dermatology explains. These ointments need to be massaged into the scalp daily or as directed by the ointment's packaging to be effective. Patients using these ointments should be careful to not shower for several hours after application to prevent them from being washed off the scalp.
Step 4
Take systemic treatments, which can treat psoriasis wherever it occurs in the body, including the scalp. Examples of systemic treatments that can be taken orally include methotrexate, cyclosporine and retinoids. Biologics can also be used; biologics are compounds which interfere with the inflammatory signals that lead to psoriasis. Biologics which are effective for treating psoriasis of the scalp include etanercept, infliximab, efalizumab and alefacept, the American Academy of Dermatology reports. Biologic treatments must be given via injection.
Step 5
Utilize ultraviolet light therapy. Ultraviolet light is able to kill the immune cells which trigger psoriasis of the scalp and can be administered to the scalp using special lamps. This kind of treatment can be difficult to use because hair typically prevents ultraviolet light from reaching the scalp, the National Psoriasis Foundation explains. Patients who shave their heads or who have very thin hair may achieve good results, however; patients with thicker hair can try to part their hair into many rows. Special combs which emit ultraviolet light can also be used.
Things You'll Need
- Medicated shampoos
- Psoriasis ointments
- Ultraviolet light
