Psoriasis is a skin condition that can occur nearly anywhere on the body, and often pops up on the scalp. It's characterized by thick, red patches of scaly, dry, irritated and itchy skin. It can easily be confused for dandruff when it appears on the scalp, but it's a different skin condition that responds to different treatment.
Step 1
Try a dandruff shampoo. Often, a medicated dandruff shampoo is enough to treat some cases of mild psoriasis on the scalp. Try shampooing with a dandruff shampoo--look for shampoos with active ingredients like coal tar, zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole and ciclopirox. You can shampoo every day, but may want to limit it to only a few times a week to avoid scalp irritation.
Step 2
Use a topical treatment. Creams and ointments that contain coal tar or salicylic acid can be effective against scalp psoriasis when rubbed into the scalp. DermNet NZ recommends using an ointment with a coconut oil base, allowing it to soak into the scalp for around an hour before washing out.
Step 3
Try light therapy. Psoriasis anywhere on the body can often be treated using ultraviolet light, or phototherapy. Try it on the scalp, exposing the skin to controlled amounts of ultraviolet light, being careful not to get a sunburn (as it can worsen psoriasis).
Step 4
Consider biologic agents. These medications work against the body's immune system, which is thought to trigger psoriasis outbreaks, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. These medications include the brand names Humira, Remicade, Enbrel and Amevive.
Tips and Warnings
- See your doctor if you can't get control over your psoriasis symptoms for stronger and more effective treatment options.
- Be careful not to scratch too much--a secondary infection can develop on the scalp, which should be treated by a doctor.
Things You'll Need
- Dandruff shampoo
- Topical creams
- UV lamp
- Biologic drugs
