Scalp psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that occurs when your cells rapidly multiply and accumulate on the surface of your scalp. Psoriasis tends to fluctuate between periods of activity and periods of remission. Symptoms include itchy, red skin patches or plaques with silver-white scales; dandruff-like flakes; a dry, cracked scalp; scalp pain and, in severe cases, psoriasis-related arthritis. Stress, infections, toxins, cold weather, medications and excessive alcohol consumption may contribute to a psoriasis outbreak. Along with your prescribed treatment plan, a variety of vitamins may alleviate symptoms associated with scalp psoriasis and prevent future occurrences.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A boosts immune system function and protects your scalp from permanent damage, according to Christopher Hobbs, Ph.D., author of "Vitamins for Dummies." Dr. Hobbs, a licensed acupuncturist, adds that vitamin A improves the condition of your skin and scalp, lowers your risk of psoriasis outbreaks, helps heal scalp sores, reduces scalp inflammation and eliminates scalp redness, dryness, itchiness and pain. Foods rich in vitamin A include sweet potatoes, carrots, liver, collard greens, spinach, lettuce, cantaloupe, dried apricots and butternut squash.
Vitamin B-6
Vitamin B-6, also known as pyridoxine, aids in cellular reproduction, protects your scalp from irreversible damage and reduces the frequency and intensity of scalp psoriasis, according to Pauling Bruning, M.P.H. and Shari Lieberman, Ph.D., authors of "Real Vitamin and Mineral Book: A Definitive Guide to Designing Your Personal Supplement Program." Dr. Bruning and Dr. Lieberman add that vitamin B-6 prevents the excessive buildup of cells on your scalp, lowers your risk of psoriasis-related arthritis, decreases scalp irritation and inflammation and alleviates itchy, flaky, red plaques on your scalp. Foods rich in vitamin B-6 include liver, chicken, potatoes, peanuts and red peppers.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that strengthens your immune system and protects your body from infections, viruses, toxins and diseases that can trigger scalp psoriasis, according to John Pagano, D.C., author of "Healing Psoriasis: The Natural Alternative." Dr. Pagano adds that vitamin C aids in collagen production, supports skin and scalp health, strengthens the blood vessels in your scalp, accelerates the healing process, hydrates your skin, alleviates scalp bleeding, itchiness, pain and dandruff-like scaling and lowers your risk of psoriasis-related joint pain and inflammation. Foods rich in vitamin C include grapefruits, oranges, mangoes, cranberries, tomatoes, Swiss chard, peppers and cauliflower.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that improves immune system function and protects your body from damaging free radicals that can worsen scalp psoriasis, according to Steve Blake, Sc.D., author of "Vitamins and Minerals Demystified." Dr. Blake adds that vitamin E helps to keep your scalp healthy, strengthens the blood vessels in your scalp, reduces scalp inflammation, improves scalp circulation, eases scalp pain and discomfort, heals scalp sores, eliminates scaly skin, prevents future outbreaks of psoriasis and lowers your risk of psoriasis-related arthritis. Foods rich in vitamin E include sunflower seeds, wheat germ oil, spinach, corn oil, hazelnuts and tomatoes.
Biotin
Biotin, also known as vitamin H, minimizes psoriasis-related scarring and hair loss, soothes a dry, cracked scalp, balances your hormone levels, aids in cellular reproduction and eliminates scalp flakiness, according to Lee McDowell, Ph.D., author of "Vitamins in Animal and Human Nutrition." Dr. McDowell adds that biotin transports oxygen and blood to your scalp, prevents cellular buildup on the scalp, eliminates itchy, red plaques on your scalp, aids in the healing process and lowers your risk of psoriasis-related joint pain, inflammation and stiffness. Foods rich in biotin include beans, salmon, eggs, mushrooms, yogurt, sweet potatoes, carrots and milk.
References
- "Healing Psoriasis: The Natural Alternative"; John Pagano, D.C.; 2008
- "Vitamins for Dummies"; Christopher Hobbs, Ph.D.; 1999
- "Vitamins and Minerals Demystified"; Steve Blake, Sc.D.; 2007
- "Real Vitamin and Mineral Book: A Definitive Guide to Designing Your Personal Supplement Program"; Nancy Pauling Bruning, M.P.H. & Shari Lieberman, Ph.D., C.N.S., F.A.C.N., 2011
- "Vitamins in Animal and Human Nutrition"; Lee R. McDowell, Ph.D.; 2008
- "Psoriasis: The At Your Fingertips Guide"; Tim Mitchell; M.B.C.H.B., D.R.C.O.G.; 2005
