Psoriasis is a condition in which the immune system attacks skin cells, causing them to divide and grow unusually quickly. Psoriasis can affect the scalp and may require special treatment if this portion of the body is affected.
Topical Treatments
Scalp psoriasis can be treated using specially-medicated shampoos or ointments, MayoClinic.com explains. These products contain chemicals such as coal tar, salicylic acid, corticosteroids, ketoconazole or chemicals derived from vitamin D, all of which can be used to treat psoriasis of the scalp. Patients can also benefit from soaking their scalps in mineral oil each night, using a shower cap.
Light Therapy
Psoriasis can be treated using ultraviolet light. A patient with very short or thin hair may be able to treat his scalp by exposing it to sunlight, or by using special lamps that emit ultraviolet light. Laser light therapy, which treats affected areas of the skin with intense light beams, may also be effective for scalp psoriasis, the American Academy of Dermatology states.
Systemic
Severe cases of scalp psoriasis may need to be treated with medications that affect the whole body. These include the oral use of corticosteroids, methotrexate or cyclosporine, as well as the use of injectable medications that block the inflammation, which leads to psoriasis.
