Scalp psoriasis is both common and unpleasant, causing raised and scaly patches on the scalp.

Psoriasis is a skin condition that can affect various areas of the body. Scalp psoriasis, in particular, causes symptoms to develop on a person’s scalp. In some people, only a single area will be affected. Other scenarios account for cases where the entire scalp is affected. There are ways you can effectively treat scalp psoriasis. We look at what causes this skin condition and what you can do about it.

How can I identify the signs of skin disease on my scalp ?

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Studies indicated that up to 3% of the UK population is affected by the condition. There are different types of psoriasis. About half of those with plaque psoriasis will experience its symptoms on their scalp. Recognising early signs of scalp psoriasis is important, even if you have never had any signs of this condition before.

Small scaly patches will develop on the scalp. They may be either of silvery or red colour. These symptoms may often indicate mild scalp psoriasis.
In more severe cases, additional symptoms usually develop too. These generally include:

• Burning or itchy sensation on the scalp
• The patches become raised and form bumps
• The bumps will be flaky
• Dryness of the scalp

Hair loss can be another indication of this condition. In most cases, the hair loss is considered temporary, and you will be able to reverse it if appropriate treatment is initiated. Some people find that the symptoms spread to other areas on the head. The scalp psoriasis symptoms may also start to affect the forehead, neck, and ears.

Important to remember that other conditions can manifest themselves in a way similar to scalp psoriasis. Hence, you must first be checked by your doctor before deciding on the treatment.

Scalp Psoriasis, what causes it ?

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The Psoriasis Association agrees that there are signs that psoriasis is strongly linked to the immune system. This publication states that scalp psoriasis is considered an autoimmune disease. That means that a person’s own immune system wrongly recognises healthy body cells as foreign and harmful and attacks them. When this happens, your skin cells will start to multiply faster than they should.

It generally takes a couple of weeks for new skin cells to be produced on your scalp. In cases where you develop scalp psoriasis, this entire process takes only a few days.
The formation of new skin cells becomes faster compared to how quickly your body is able to shed excess skin cells. This is when your skin starts to become dry and flaky, and when those raised bumps start to form on your scalp too.
No specific cause linked to the development of scalp psoriasis has been identified so far. Researchers suggest that the development of psoriasis is genetically preconditioned.
Psoriasis is not contagious and cannot be transmitted sexually.

Are there any risk factors associated with this infection of the scalp ?

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In one particular study, researchers found that people with factors that contribute to an increase in inflammation responses in the body may be more likely to develop scalp psoriasis. The primary concern that was raised in this study was obesity. Millions of people are obese, and the condition is known to cause a significant increase in inflammatory triggers in the body.
Additionally, some studies also suggest that certain dietary factors could potentially play a role in the risk of scalp psoriasis. Eating processed and fatty foods can worsen the condition.
Besides, those who suffer from scalp psoriasis must avoid taking hot baths and showers, as hot water dries out and irritates the skin. On the other hand, cold weather can also make the disorder flare.

What Triggers Scalp Psoriasis ?

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You may find that the symptoms come and go if you have scalp psoriasis. Bouts of the disease can affect you only at certain times. These flare-ups can be exceptionally unpleasant – especially when they happen unexpectedly.
Even though no specific cause for scalp psoriasis has been identified, researchers have been able to point toward certain factors that are considered its triggers. These can cause a person to experience bouts of scalp psoriasis.
Some important triggers that you need to be wary of include:

• When you injure your skin – especially your scalp or skin areas close to your scalp. Injuries refer to bruises, cuts, and burns. The presence of an infection, for example, a strep throat, can sometimes act as a trigger for scalp psoriasis symptoms. Some other infections can also contribute to a flare-up of these symptoms.
• Serious stress can also play a major role here. In fact, stress may be the reason for the symptoms to manifest themselves the very first time – it acts as the initial trigger for the skin disorder. When the initial symptoms have become present already, stress can also act as a trigger for recurrent flare-ups of scalp psoriasis.
• There is some evidence that certain medications could also increase your risk of experiencing a bout of the disease. If you do have scalp psoriasis, be careful when taking Quinidine or Indomethacin. Indomethacin helps in the treatment of arthritis. Quinidine is a pill given to patients to treat heart diseases.

Is it possible to get rid of Scalp Psoriasis ?

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There are ways to relieve the effects caused by scalp psoriasis. The first step, however, is to understand if you need to see a doctor. Sometimes, home treatments can yield effective results. In other cases, you may need a professional opinion from a licensed healthcare provider before proceeding with any type of treatment.
It is important to note that no cure exists for scalp psoriasis. However, there are many ways to manage the skin disorder that are also available at home.

Coconut or tea tree oil

Both oils have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties and can greatly relieve itching and rash and moisturise the skin.

Salicylic acid

Due to its ability to kill bacteria and fungi, salicylic acid, the active component of aspirin, can be a useful remedy not only for pain but also for scalp psoriasis. Read this article to learn how to use aspirin for your scalp.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera acts as an antiseptic, soothes the skin and calms psoriasis bouts. Combine the juice from aloe vera leaves with a few drops of coconut oil and apply the mask onto your scalp for some time before washing the hair. Topical medications are available to help reduce the symptoms on your scalp. There are also special shampoos that may be useful in treating scalp psoriasis.

Avoid picking flaky patches or scales at all costs, as this can trigger a flare-up. In some cases, a doctor may also provide you with systemic medication — this helps to slow down skin cell turnover that your immune system is consistently signalling.

Have you tried Dr Balwi’s hair care products ?

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The range of Dr. Balwi shampoos and sprays are an excellent example of a non-invasive treatment for scalp psoriasis. These products will not expose your scalp to harmful ingredients that could damage your hair or skin. The shampoo and spray combo from the Dr. Balwi brand also addresses problems like hair loss – which is something you may experience when you suffer from scalp psoriasis.

These products are also able to help strengthen your hair – at the root. Dr Balwi’s range uses ingredients like Biotin, Hops extract, Green tea extract, Horsetail extract, and caffeine to provide you with a series of potential benefits.

Conclusion

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Scalp psoriasis is a concerning skin disorder. The condition affects the skin on an individual’s scalp, leading to scaly skin that is raised. The condition can affect the entire scalp, leading to more serious concern. There are effective ways to reduce the symptoms caused by scalp psoriasis, including special shampoos and treatments that have been proven to yield an improvement in the condition.

Do you have more questions ? Then don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team that will answer all your queries. Furthermore they can also propose a free and non binding hair analysis. So don’t hesitate if you want to benefit from Dr. Balwi and Elithairtransplant’s expertise for a successful and affordable hair transplant in Turkey !

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