Shampoo and scalp treatments
Scalp psoriasis requires a treatment programme that is different to psoriasis affecting the skin on the rest of your body – this is due to hair. Treatment is aimed at reducing signs and symptoms and controlling flare-ups.
It is common for scalp treatments to be varied in both product and amount of use to prevent the patient’s psoriasis becoming less responsive if used regularly. Systemic treatments are not commonly used just for scalp psoriasis. Topical medications are the most popular and sometimes steroid injections into the scalp may be recommended.
Tar products and salicylic acid are used for treating very mild scalp psoriasis and are designed for the scalp and not the hair. Unfortunately often scalp treatments are messy and smelly and will need to be used regularly for several weeks before any improvement.
It may be necessary to try different products before you find the product that suits you. If you suffer with moderate to severe scalp psoriasis this may take some time. For those who suffer with itching to the scalp shampoos containing tar or menthol are available. Shampoo treatments are improving all the time and they can often be bought over the counter at your local pharmacist.
| Topical treatments include coal tar (suitable for most patients with scalp psoriasis), dithranol, salicylic acid, steroid creams and ointments as well as vitamin D based treatments. Common treatments include anthralin, dovonex, taclonex, and tazorac. Leave-in products may be more suitable for severe cases of scalp psoriasis. Alcohol-based foam or lotion topical steroids and calcipotriol can reduce redness and itchiness. Salicylic acid and coal tar creams work much better but unfortunately are messy. Medications can be applied once or twice a day for several weeks/months; however your doctor will provide you with a treatment programme suitable for you. |  |
Apply the treatment by parting the hair in sections and apply the treatment along the areas exposed working your way around the hair. This may involve help from another person. Some treatments are washed out after a period of time whilst others are left on the hair. Of course you should always seek advice as to the correct method from either your doctor/pharmacist.
Using ultraviolet light is another treatment available. This can help remove plaques and repair the skin. Natural sunlight is another good form of ultraviolet light.
Natural treatments, a combination of herbs and essentials oils may be a treatment option for you. Regularly massaging your scalp with either jojoba oil, aloe vera, chamomile tea oil or olive oil is very soothing. The use of eucalyptus oil, lavender oil (soothing agent) or neem oil (stops itching) can also be beneficial – these oils can improve hair growth. The use of natural shampoos containing jojoba or wheat germ oil will help maintain moisture and the scalp healthy.
Keeping your hair short helps control scalp psoriasis by making the products/treatments easier to apply. However the thought of having short hair will not appeal to all. Regularly combing to remove any scaling is also beneficial.
It is essential however to exercise regularly, eat a well-balanced diet and take some relaxation: all of which are essential to treating scalp psoriasis.
Always seek advice from your doctor before embarking on a treatment regime.
Information written by the talkhealth medical panel
Last Reviewed: 1 April 2011
Next Review Date: 1 April 2013
