Scalp psoriasis
Psoriasis is a condition in which skin cells reproduce too quickly. Psoriasis can be found anywhere on the body. Scalp psoriasis is the term used when psoriasis is found on the scalp and causes red lesions and scales to appear. This condition can range in severity. Often in a mild case the scaling will be very fine. With a severe case the scaling can be very thick causing crusted lesions all over the scalp along with loss of hair. It is not uncommon for scalp psoriasis to extend past the hairline and down onto the back of the neck, ears and forehead areas. Usually if a person suffers from psoriasis of the scalp they will also have psoriasis on other parts of their body, although this is not always the case.
Scalp psoriasis can be treated with several methods. There are cases in which the psoriasis will fade on its own. These cases are referred to as spontaneous remission. For a case that is longer lasting, you should see your doctor for a diagnosis and figure out which treatment option is best suited for you. Not everyone responds to the same type of treatment. That is why it is important to discuss your case with your doctor.
Your doctor may prescribe topical corticosteroid medications. You can get them in gels, lotions, ointments, creams or foams. Your doctor can discuss which solution is best for you. These medications also come in a variety of strengths. Strong steroids are typically safe as long as they are not used for more than two weeks at a time. It is also important not to use any type of dressing or bandage over top of the steroid treatment. You should always follow your doctor’s instructions carefully when dealing with steroids. When using steroid medications you need to discontinue use slowly. A drastic change or sudden discontinuation in the use of steroids can cause the scalp psoriasis to worsen. Often the scalp psoriasis will become immune to the steroids, and the use of these medications will no longer work to manage the condition. It is also important to avoid using the steroids on any other part of the body than where it is prescribed for. Doing so can cause harm to the body.
One of the treatments that you can get without a prescription is tar product. You can find over-the–counter tar treatments in the form of shampoos, gels, oils, creams and soaps. It is possible to get a prescription for tar treatments if your case requires a stronger dosage. These treatments can be quite effective in eliminating scalp psoriasis but do have a strong odor and can often stain the roots of the hair. You can find tar products in two forms. There are coal tars and wood tars, although coal tar is the most common form used to treat psoriasis.
For a mild case of psoriasis consisting of only a few small lesions, your doctor may inject steroid medication directly into the scalp. These treatments are usually done sparingly since the steroid medication may be absorbed into the body.
Other topical medications that your doctor may prescribe can include Anthralin, Donovex, Tazorac, antimicrobial therapies and medicated shampoos. Also UV light treatments have shown to offer benefits in treating scalp psoriasis.
As soon as you start to notice the beginning signs of scalp psoriasis developing, you need to see your doctor. It is much easier to treat scalp psoriasis in the early stages. Once the condition becomes severe it can take weeks to get under control. Although it can be a frustrating condition, it is treatable under the right type of care.
Comments are closed
Related Information
