Scalp Psoriasis: What It Is and What to Do

Medically Reviewed By Bukky Aremu, APRN

Scalp psoriasis is a skin disorder that appears as scaly patches of flushed skin on the scalp. In some people, it shows up as a single, little patch. In others, it can cover the entire scalp as well as a section of the forehead, neck, or ears. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, over 8 million people in the United States have psoriasis.

Other estimates suggest that about 125 million people Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source in the world have the disorder.

This article explains scalp psoriasis in further detail. It also discusses the causes and treatment of the disorder. 

What are the signs of scalp psoriasis?

a woman is taking a shower and applying shampoo to her hair
Mihajlo Ckovric/Stocksy United

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, signs of psoriasis can include:

  • Patches on the scalp: Patches are usually raised, thick, and reddish. They may or may not be noticeable. 
  • Flaking and silvery-white scale: The skin around the scalp tends to break into flakes and come off.
  • Dryness: The scalp becomes very dry and can crack easily.
  • Itching: Patches are usually itchy. Itchiness is mild in some people and intense in others.
  • Bleeding: Scratching the scalp may cause bleeding. It can also make the patches bigger.
  • Burning sensation: Pain often accompanies scalp psoriasis. In some cases, the patches may become sore.
  • Temporary hair loss: While psoriasis itself does not cause hair loss, scratching the scalp may cause some hair to fall off. However, hair typically grows back when the disorder goes away.

Is scalp psoriasis different from dandruff?

Scalp psoriasis shares many similarities with dandruff. However, the two conditions are not the same.

In the case of scalp psoriasis, patches may have a silvery-colored lining. Dandruff has no such lining.

Also, scalp psoriasis usually produces a thicker scale of dead skin cells than dandruff. This is because psoriasis is due to a buildup of skin cells due to overproduction, and dandruff involves thinner layers of skin falling off.

Moreover, psoriasis is a chronic condition. It can come and go in flares but will affect a person long-term. Dandruff may not last as long.

More facts about psoriasis

Psoriasis affects people of all ages. However, it typically occurs Trusted Source National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Governmental authority Go to source in adults.

In many cases Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source , the disorder accompanies a more serious health condition, such as diabetes.

Experts have also observed that people who have psoriasis usually go on to develop psoriatic arthritis.

Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory disease that affects the joints. It typically makes the joints swollen, sore, and painful.

Psoriasis is not contagious

What causes scalp psoriasis?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Trusted Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Governmental authority Go to source , psoriasis occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks normal tissues in the body. This speeds up the formation of dead skin cells.

There is also evidence Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source that certain nutritional deficiencies may contribute to psoriasis.

Nutritional deficiencies that may cause psoriasis

A lack of certain essential vitamins may increase a person’s risk of psoriasis. These vitamins include Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source :

Be sure to follow a healthy eating plan that contains all the essential nutrients.

Learn about what can trigger psoriasis to flare up here.

How is scalp psoriasis treated?

Treatment methods for scalp psoriasis are usually medications that you can apply directly to your scalp. 

They include:

  • Salicylic acid and coal tar creams: These creams, including coconut oil ointment, can reduce inflammation and scaling. For best results, rub the ointment into the patches and let it on for at least an hour.
  • Topical steroids: This treatment can reduce redness and itchiness. Try not to overuse topical steroids, as they can have side effects. Applying 2–3 times a week should be enough. 
  • Vitamin-D-based corticosteroids: These steroids, such as calcipotriene (Dovonex), can slow down the growth of skin cells and remove scales. You can apply the medication to the scalp and rub it in gently.
  • Topical nonsteroidal treatments: These treatments, including vitamin A derivatives, can slow down the growth of skin cells. To apply the medication, drip onto the affected area and rub.
  • Over-the-counter medicated shampoos: These can help relieve irritation and itchiness. Shampoos are most effective when you rub them into your scalp, rather than just your hair. Doing this once or twice a week may clear psoriasis faster.

Other methods of treatment

The following are alternative treatment methods that your clinician can administer:

  • Targeted phototherapy: This uses a special light to remove scales. A specialist will use a targeted device or a UVB comb to perform the operation.
  • Intralesional corticosteroid injections: This uses corticosteroids, such as acitretin, to treat chronic scalp psoriasis. Your dermatologist will inject the drug directly into the scales.

Natural remedies

A variety of natural remedies may also be effective against scalp psoriasis. 

Like most psoriasis medications, you can apply these remedies directly to your scalp.

They include:

  • apple cider vinegar
  • tea tree oil shampoo
  • turmeric
  • dead sea salts
  • mahonia

Learn more about treatment for psoriasis here.

Which shampoo should I buy for scalp psoriasis?

Not all shampoos can treat scalp psoriasis.

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, for a shampoo to be effective against the disorder:

  • It must be a medicated scalp shampoo, not an ordinary hair shampoo.
  • It must contain an antipsoriatic ingredient, such as salicylic acid, coal tar, or clobetasol propionate.

Be sure to look out for these features before you buy a shampoo for scalp psoriasis.

You can talk with a clinician to get the best recommendation for which brand of shampoo to use.

Summary

Scalp psoriasis is a skin disorder that appears as scaly, red patches on the scalp. It occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks regular tissues in the body. Experts say certain vitamin deficiencies also play a role.

The disorder can affect people of all ages, but it typically occurs in adults.

Treatment options usually involve creams that you can apply directly to the scalp. Treatments include salicylic acid and coal tar creams, topical steroids, and medicated shampoos.

Natural remedies, such as apple cider vinegar and turmeric, may also be helpful.

Look for a shampoo intended for use on the scalp that contains salicylic acid, coal tar, or clobetasol propionate.

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Medical Reviewer: Bukky Aremu, APRN
Last Review Date: 2022 Apr 25
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