According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, nearly half of all people with the condition have psoriasis outbreaks on their scalps. Scalp psoriasis is powdery with a silver sheen, unlike dermatitis, which appears greasy and yellow. The rash and dry, flaky skin may be mild or thick and crusty. Psoriasis on the scalp can extend beyond the hairline onto the neck, forehead and ears.
Step 1
Wash with soaps made from coal tar or salicylic acid that you can buy over the counter to get rid of psoriasis on the scalp. Mild cases of the condition often respond well to medicated shampoos. You'll probably have to shampoo your hair after one of these treatments for the scalp. Use a mild, moisturizing shampoo following a scalp treatment.
Step 2
See your doctor about getting steroid injections directly into the lesions on your scalp if over-the-counter treatments don't work. Steroid injections are usually reserved for mild outbreaks because the medication also gets into the bloodstream.
Step 3
Treat more severe cases of scalp psoriasis with prescribed topical ointments or oral medications. Antimicrobial topical treatments often prescribed include Anthralin, Tazorac or Dovonex. Common oral medications that will treat the whole body include oral retinoids, methotrexates and cyclosporin.
Step 4
Expose your scalp to UVB light rays or sunlight. Part your hair in rows if it's thin enough to allow the lesions exposure to the light. Shave your head to get the maximum amount of UVB rays needed to treat the psoriasis.
Step 5
Identify the triggers that set off your psoriasis outbreaks and eliminate them wherever possible. Many people develop outbreaks when they become stressed. Other triggers may include smoking or drinking alcohol. Doctors at the Mayo Clinic report that various medications, including lithium used to treat bipolar disorder and beta-blockers for high blood pressure, can trigger an attack.
Step 6
Try alternative medicines that Mayo Clinic doctors say are unproven treatments for psoriasis but do not cause any negative side effects. While results are mostly anecdotal, there is no harm in trying what has worked for some people. Capsaicin cream burns when first applied to the scalp, but can help reduce the severity of the outbreak. Aloe vera cream can reduce itching and scaling though it must be used regularly for more than a month to see any results. Fish oil is another ingredient that is touted for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Tips and Warnings
- Use shampoos containing menthol to reduce scalp itching. Oral antihistamines and topical steroid creams also can reduce the itching that accompanies psoriasis.
- Be careful about what kinds of psoriasis medications you use if you are pregnant. Prescribed topical creams can get into your blood stream and affect your baby. Talk to your pediatrician about any kind of psoriasis treatment you are considering.
Things You'll Need
- Coal tar soap
- Steroid injections
- Prescription medications
- Menthol shampoo
