Psoriasis on the Scalp: Exploration of Shampoos, Home Remedies, and Underlying Causes
Scalp psoriasis, a common autoimmune condition that affects the skin, can be challenging to manage. However, a combination of over-the-counter (OTC) shampoos and home remedies can help alleviate symptoms and provide relief. In this article, we explore some effective options for managing scalp psoriasis.
## Over-the-Counter Shampoos
Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo, with an active ingredient of 3% Salicylic Acid, is a popular choice for treating scalp psoriasis. Salicylic acid helps clear crusty scalp build-up, relieve itching and flaking, and control symptoms of psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and dandruff. Dove Damage Therapy Dryness & Itch Relief Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, containing Pyrithione Zinc, is another effective option. This shampoo moisturizes the dry scalp, providing relief from itchiness and flakiness associated with dandruff.
## Home Remedies
Aloe Vera Gel is a soothing remedy that may reduce inflammation and improve skin hydration on the scalp. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is believed to ease itching and irritation by balancing the scalp’s pH and offering mild antimicrobial effects. Coconut Oil can help moisturize and soothe the scalp, reducing irritation and flakiness.
It's essential to remember that while these remedies can help manage symptoms, they may not cure psoriasis. For severe cases, prescription medications or professional medical advice may be necessary.
Other home remedies include turmeric, which has shown anti-inflammatory effects in individuals with scalp psoriasis, according to a study. Oats or colloidal oatmeal can soothe irritated skin and help with extremely dry plaques on the scalp.
## Important Considerations
Always consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen. Perform a patch test when trying new treatments to avoid allergic reactions. Combining home remedies with OTC shampoos may enhance their effectiveness.
Remember, treatment might become less effective if a person uses the same medication for a long time, and a healthcare professional may change their treatment regimen if this is the case. Selenium sulfide is effective for treating scalp psoriasis, while Dead Sea salts or Epsom salts can help remove scales and relieve itching when mixed with warm bathwater.
For more severe cases, a healthcare professional might consider prescribing more intensive topical treatments, such as calcipotriene, a synthetic form of vitamin D, which can help by slowing cell growth in the skin, shedding scales, and reducing the size of lesions. Topical prescription corticosteroids can also help reduce swelling, itching, and scale associated with scalp psoriasis.
Salicylic acid helps soften thick patches of scalp psoriasis and remove them from the skin. Systemic therapies, medications that affect many systems in the body and target the autoimmune activity at the root of psoriasis, may be necessary for some individuals.
Living with psoriasis can affect a person's self-esteem and may give rise to depression or anxiety. It's crucial to seek medical attention and consider a range of systemic and topical treatments to slow the progress of the condition.
[1] Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo product information, Neutrogena, 2021. [2] Aloe vera gel for skin conditions, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, 2019. [3] Dove Damage Therapy Dryness & Itch Relief Anti-Dandruff Shampoo product information, Dove, 2021. [4] Apple cider vinegar for scalp psoriasis, Healthline, 2020.
- Treatment seekers for scalp psoriasis might find relief with Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo, featuring salicylic acid as its active ingredient.
- Dove Damage Therapy Dryness & Itch Relief Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, featuring pyrithione zinc, is another OTC shampoo option for managing scalp psoriasis.
- For home remedies, apple cider vinegar (ACV) is believed to alleviate itching and irritation by balancing the scalp's pH and offering mild antimicrobial effects.
- Aloe vera gel may reduce inflammation and improve skin hydration on the scalp, making it a soothing option.
- In addition to shampoos and home remedies, chronic-kidney-disease patients seeking mental-health support, including assistance with depression or anxiety associated with living with psoriasis, should consider seeking help from a healthcare professional.
- For severe cases, healthcare professionals might prescribe therapies-and-treatments like calcipotriene, a synthetic form of vitamin D, or topical prescription corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and control symptoms.
- CBD, a popular ingredient in health-and-wellness products, has shown potential anti-inflammatory effects, although more scientific research is needed to determine its effectiveness in managing scalp psoriasis.
- Skin-care routines can be instrumental in managing chronic-diseases like psoriasis, and treatment seekers should always consider a combination of OTC shampoos, home remedies, and potentially even prescription medications as part of their overall health-and-wellness regimen.
