Skin goes through a cycle where the cells grow for a certain amount of time and then shed. The whole process then starts over again. Psoriasis is a chronic condition where the skin cells grow abnormally at a rapid rate. This leads to patches of skin that are red, itchy, inflamed and have a scaly appearance. Psoriasis can take place anywhere on the body, including the scalp. Treatments for this disease cannot cure it altogether, but they can definitely offer relief and make the symptoms more tolerable.
Step 1
Use a peeling agent. Keratolytic is a peeling agent also known as "salicylic acid." You can get this over-the-counter and apply it to the areas that you have psoriasis. It causes the skin cells to shed and the areas of scales reduce in size. This is available in solutions for the skin and also in shampoos for the scalp.
Step 2
Use coal tar. Coal tar is a substance that comes from the wood of juniper and pine. It comes in the form of shampoos, oils and creams, and it can help reduce irritation while slowing down the growth of skin cells. You can also find this treatment over-the-counter.
Step 3
Moisturize the skin. Moisturizing your skin can help reduce itching and redness, and also keep it from getting too dry. According to the Mayo Clinic, moisturizer in an ointment base is usually more effective than a lighter cream or lotion.
Step 4
Go outside. Sunlight has natural UVA (ultraviolet) and UVB radiation in it. When you experience sun exposure, highly active T cells in the skin die, which causes a reduction in scaling. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, short, multiple exposures to sunlight are recommended. However, be sure not to overdo it. Excessive sun exposure can exacerbate your symptoms.
Step 5
Use biologics. Biologics are also known as "immunomodulator drugs." Biologics block the action of immune cells that are causing psoriasis to appear. These are administered through subcutaneous injection, intravenous infusion or intramuscular injection, and examples of them include infliximab, alefacept and etanercept.
Step 6
Get laser treatment. An excimer laser is used to treat localized psoriasis. A high intensity beam of UVB light is shot down on your affected areas to dry up plaques that have formed. This can take four to 10 treatments that are administered twice a week at least two days apart.
