Treatments For Scalp Psoriasis
January 28, 2010
Psoriasis can occur on any part of your skin. Nearly 50 percent psoriasis patients have psoriasis on the scalp. Scalp psoriasis is often mistaken for seborrheic dermatitis. The main difference between the two scalp conditions is that while seborrheic dermatitis is greasy, psoriasis is dry and powdery. In scalp psoriasis the skin cells of the scalp grow at an abnormal fast pace.
The rapid turnover of the cells, produce a large volume of dead cells that collect on the scalp as scaly layers. This is a chronic condition. Scalp psoriasis could extend beyond the scalp to the forehead, back of the ears and on the back of the necks. It causes itching and irritation.
Scalp psoriasis remedies
Shampoos and medications
The treatment of psoriasis depends on the severity of the condition. Specially formulated shampoos containing coal tar and salicylic acid are effective for treating mild scalp psoriasis. Occasionally, steroid medications are injected in the scalp area affected by psoriasis. Moderate or severe scalp psoriasis would need topical medications. Sometimes scalp psoriasis could cause yeast infection, which would cause inflammation of the lymph nodes at the back of the neck.
Yeast infections should be treated by medicines as prescribed by your doctor. To reduce itching, you can use menthol-based shampoos. Sometimes doctors prescribe antihistamines or oral steroids for treating itchy scalp.
Sunlight
Exposing your scalp to sunlight could help to cure scalp psoriasis. The ultraviolet B rays of the sun could slow down the abnormal growth rate of the skin cells. You can part your hair and expose the scalp to an artificial source of ultraviolet B light. UV combs are available to help heal scalp psoriasis.
Aloe vera
To treat scalp psoriasis, you can apply aloe vera gel on your scalp. Aloe vera gel helps to reduce the irritation. You can add few drops of jojoba or garlic oil in the aloe vera gel.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E could reduce the discomfort and heal the scalp psoriasis. You should apply 200 to 800 IU of vitamin E on your scalp everyday to treat this condition.
Seawater
Rinsing your scalp with seawater or Dead Sea salt could heal scalp psoriasis.


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