What is scalp psoriasis?
Scalp psoriasis is a very common skin disorder which produces reddish, swollen and often scaly patches. It can appear in multiple patches or a single patch on the scalp and may affect entire scalp, forehead, behind the ears and even the back of the neck.
It can be mild or severe and long lasting leading to development of a thick coated lesion that has an effect on appearance. Interference with sleep, loss of hair and skin infections may be experienced as a result of severe itching.
This skin disorder exact cause is not known, although it is believed to result from abnormal growth of skin cells building up patches. It is not contagious but it is believed to be hereditary.
Symptoms of scalp psoriasis
Mild scalp psoriasis symptoms may comprise slight and very fine scaling but with moderate and severe conditions it may be some reddish plaques, dry scalp, hair loss, soreness and a burning sensation, dandruff-like flakes, scales that look silvery-white.
During the winter season scalp psoriasis symptoms often flare-up, since there is dry air, very cold temperatures and less exposure to sunlight.
What are the causes of this condition?
The disorder begins in the immune system when a certain type of white blood cells called T cell is put on and this leads to swelling of skin cells. Infections, stress, certain drugs, and climatic changes also make the condition to get worse.
Treatment
Although scalp psoriasis has no permanent cure, treatments to help relieve symptoms are available and the one most effective line of treating scalp psoriasis is application of topical treatment to the scalp which involves use of medicated cream, oils, and ointments with high concentration of salicylic acid, and coal tar. Also seek the prescription of a doctor as over the counter treatment is not always effective.
It can be mild or severe and long lasting leading to development of a thick coated lesion that has an effect on appearance. Interference with sleep, loss of hair and skin infections may be experienced as a result of severe itching.
This skin disorder exact cause is not known, although it is believed to result from abnormal growth of skin cells building up patches. It is not contagious but it is believed to be hereditary.
Symptoms of scalp psoriasis
Mild scalp psoriasis symptoms may comprise slight and very fine scaling but with moderate and severe conditions it may be some reddish plaques, dry scalp, hair loss, soreness and a burning sensation, dandruff-like flakes, scales that look silvery-white.
During the winter season scalp psoriasis symptoms often flare-up, since there is dry air, very cold temperatures and less exposure to sunlight.
What are the causes of this condition?
The disorder begins in the immune system when a certain type of white blood cells called T cell is put on and this leads to swelling of skin cells. Infections, stress, certain drugs, and climatic changes also make the condition to get worse.
Treatment
Although scalp psoriasis has no permanent cure, treatments to help relieve symptoms are available and the one most effective line of treating scalp psoriasis is application of topical treatment to the scalp which involves use of medicated cream, oils, and ointments with high concentration of salicylic acid, and coal tar. Also seek the prescription of a doctor as over the counter treatment is not always effective.