Is It Possible to Cure Scalp Psoriasis Completely?

The scalp faces many painful skin conditions. These conditions cause things like redness, itching, and flaking. One common and uncomfortable problem is scalp psoriasis. It can occur anywhere on the body, but if you have it on your scalp, you need to recognize the symptoms.

Unfortunately, it isn’t possible to get rid of scalp psoriasis for good. It’s a common condition, but it remains common for a reason: There is no cure, sadly. While you can’t catch the condition from another person, many people develop it on their own.

No, scalp psoriasis isn’t contagious in any way. This makes it more shocking when you consider how many people have to deal with it. That’s all you can do with this particular condition; manage the symptoms and find sources of relief.

While there is no complete cure for scalp psoriasis, most people who have the condition live perfectly normal lives. Once you have this skin issue, learning how to cope is the key to living comfortably.

How Do I Get Rid of Scalp Psoriasis Permanently?

This guide will focus on how to cope with scalp psoriasis. It can be confused with other skin conditions, so knowing the symptoms is essential. Once you’ve officially been diagnosed with this problem, you can start taking the right steps to keep it under control.

Most people don’t live with the effects of psoriasis 24/7. Instead, it flares up from time to time. We’ll also touch on what you can do to lessen the frequency of these flare-ups. You can even make a few lifestyle changes that could make them less severe.

Don’t get frustrated just because scalp psoriasis isn’t curable. It doesn’t mean it will take over your life or cause any debilitation. Once you know how to manage it correctly, it probably won’t bother you as much as you might think.

How to Tell if You Have Scalp Psoriasis

People suffer from dry scalp, dandruff, eczema, and other skin conditions on their head all the time. So, how can you tell if what you might be dealing with is psoriasis? There are a few vital signs and symptoms to keep in mind.

Here’s what to look for if you’re concerned, you might have this skin problem:

• Scaly, red patches of skin on the scalp
• Red bumps
• Flaking and itching
• Burning sensation
• Hair loss

These symptoms can affect everyone differently. Some people with psoriasis of the scalp may only experience mild symptoms. Other people may have a hard time dealing with them unless a treatment is used. Even if your symptoms are mild, they can be embarrassing. This is a condition that can cause you to scratch at your scalp all the time. It also creates flaking, which most people associate with dandruff.

Managing scalp psoriasis is necessary to be comfortable, get rid of pain and irritation, and to prevent further damage. If you’re continually scratching at your head, you could be putting yourself at risk. Accidentally scratching open your skin could cause it to bleed. If that happens, your risk of infection goes up.

So, how can you manage scalp psoriasis? Let’s look at a few different ways.

What Causes Psoriasis of the Scalp?

There is still no definitive answer about what causes scalp psoriasis. Scientists know that it isn’t passed from person to person. There also seems to be some connection to the immune system. But, there isn’t one solid answer to why some people get it, and others don’t.

Even though we don’t know precisely what causes scalp psoriasis, there are some suggestions when it comes to what triggers flare-ups in most people.

Some of the common triggers include:

• Stress
• Injury to the area
• Certain medications
• Infections
• Allergies
• Diet

These triggers can affect everyone differently. The reason for your scalp psoriasis flare-up may not lead someone else’s to do anything. After a while, people with psoriasis learn their triggers pretty well. You’ll soon be able to lower how frequently these triggers can occur. It’s not always the case. But, it’s a great way to try to prevent a flare-up as much as possible.

Treatment Options

Treatments for scalp psoriasis are management solutions. They can’t get rid of the condition completely. But, they can make it easier to live with. These treatment options work by reducing the severity of the symptoms.

For example, many treatment solutions contain anti-inflammatory ingredients. They are designed to reduce swelling and redness. More importantly, they will help to reduce itching. Different treatments work in different ways, depending on the topical solution you choose.

The treatment you choose will likely be based on how severe your psoriasis is. You might be able to use home remedies and manage the condition without problems. Other people may need to see a dermatologist to treat it effectively.

Medicated Shampoos and Topical Treatments

One of the most effective ways to manage scalp psoriasis is to use medicated scalp treatments. The most common are medicated shampoos and other hair products. If your condition is severe, a prescription topical solution may be needed. Most of the time, though, you can find an over-the-counter treatment that works well.

There are two main types of medicated shampoos for scalp psoriasis: Coal tar shampoo and medicated shampoo.

When using these types of shampoos, it may not always be enough to massage them through your hair and rinse them away. Coal tar shampoo, for example, will work best if you leave it in your hair as a treatment for 5-10 minutes. Most shampoos designed to help with psoriasis will come with specific instructions. Following those directions carefully should give you the best results.

One of the top medicated shampoos for psoriasis is Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo. It’s a nearly-perfect combination of a coal tar shampoo and medicated shampoo. With just one use, you’re likely to see a difference in how your scalp looks and feels. The best part about this particular shampoo is that you don’t need to use it every day to see results. Use it periodically to reduce flare-ups, and you’ll get your money’s worth.

If you don’t want to use a topical shampoo, you might want to consider cream that’s meant to help with psoriasis. One of the best is Era Organics Eczema and Psoriasis Cream. This cream contains ingredients like aloe vera and coconut oil. It will work to soothe even the most painful and irritating symptoms.

How to Choose a Topical Solution

You’ll quickly find that there are many topical treatments on the market for scalp psoriasis. So, how can you know which one will work for you? Sometimes, it’s a matter of trying out a few different brands until you find one you like best. Doing your research on ingredients can also help.

A good rule of thumb, though, is to choose a topical product that won’t irritate your skin further. In most cases, this means selecting a product without any harsh or harmful chemicals.

Psoriasis of the scalp can make the skin there more sensitive. Your scalp may also seem dry. Using treatments that contain chemicals or preservatives can irritate it even more. If you have sensitive skin and don’t want to aggravate your condition, you should pay attention to the ingredients.

Choosing a treatment with all-natural ingredients is usually a safe way to go. Organic ingredients can be even better. When you use natural ingredients on the scalp, it’s less likely that you’ll experience any irritation. It’s difficult for most people to have any negative reaction to ingredients that aren’t riddled with chemicals.

Dermatologist Visits

If you have a severe case of scalp psoriasis and need extra help, you may need to visit a dermatologist. In some cases, they will prescribe topical treatments. Unlike shampoos, these medications must go directly onto your scalp, not your hair.

A dermatologist can also provide in-office treatment. This is usually done through things like steroid injections. Laser-light treatment is also becoming more popular for this type of condition.

Going to the dermatologist for treatments can become expensive, and may be invasive for some people. If you’re willing to manage your condition at home, you might find it more comfortable. Sometimes, though, going to the doctor is unavoidable if the condition has become severe.

Home Remedies

An over-the-counter solution will not cure scalp psoriasis. A home remedy can often offer the same kind of relief from symptoms. But, it won’t completely heal psoriasis either. Home remedies have become popular for people for a few reasons.

First, they are usually relatively inexpensive. Sometimes, you can use ingredients and items you may already have on hand. They are easy to apply, too. More importantly, it’s rare for a home remedy to cause any negative side effects. Most are developed from natural ingredients. When there are no strong or harsh chemicals involved, it’s less likely to have an adverse reaction.

Some of the most popular home remedies for scalp psoriasis include:

1. Apple cider vinegar – This has many benefits for your skin and hair. When it comes to scalp psoriasis, it works as an anti-inflammatory agent. If you’re experiencing a lot of irritation on your scalp from the condition, apple cider vinegar can soothe it. It is also an antiseptic. If you’re worried about another type of infection forming on your scalp, this treatment can help to prevent it. It’s an excellent solution for people who tend to scratch at their scalp a lot.
2. Aloe vera – Whether you use a topical agent with aloe vera, or use the gel from the plant, you should find relief from this treatment solution. Aloe vera is a natural way to soothe the symptoms of scalp psoriasis. It will reduce swelling, redness, and itching. It also contains antioxidants that can help to heal your skin and get you through a psoriasis flare-up quickly.
3. Coconut oil – This may be the most popular home solution for scalp psoriasis. There’s a good reason for that, too! By merely massaging melted coconut oil into your scalp, you can find relief and see significant results. Coconut oil will soothe an inflamed scalp and help to lock in natural nutrients. It makes it difficult for the scaly patches of scalp psoriasis to spread or grow.
4. Baking Soda – Just one tablespoon of baking soda in a cup of water can be an effective treatment for scalp psoriasis. You just apply the solution to your scalp and hair, let sit for a few minutes, and rinse it away. The baking soda works as an antifungal agent to prevent further types of infection. It will also help to reduce redness, inflammation, and itching.

As you can see, these simple ingredients don’t cost a fortune. They aren’t hard to find or use. Still, they can be helpful in dealing with scalp psoriasis. Some people swear by them, assuring others that they are even more effective than over-the-counter treatments.

The best part about these solutions is that you can give them a try quickly, and you don’t have to worry about harmful side effects. Unless you have an allergy to one of these ingredients, it’s unlikely your body will react negatively. If you are currently suffering from a flare-up, don’t feel like you have to wait or make a trip to the store to find relief. Try one of these solutions you may already have in your home.

Can I Prevent Scalp Psoriasis?

Unfortunately, scalp psoriasis isn’t completely preventable. Because we’re not aware of the cause, there isn’t one specific prevention method that works. This can be frustrating, but it doesn’t mean you’ll never have an idea of how to lower your risk. If you suffer from the condition, there are things you can do to reduce your chance of flare-ups.

First, it’s important to understand your triggers. Some people experience a flare-up during times of extreme stress. Others get triggered by cold weather. The more you know about what affects your psoriasis, the easier it will be to manage it. Other things you can do to help lower your risk of a flare-up include:

• Relieve your anxiety – Getting rid of stress altogether is probably unrealistic for most people. But, finding things that can lower your stress levels may also decrease your chances of experiencing a flare-up. Find things that calm you down and allow you to decompress, such as exercise or meditation.
• Stay healthy – Taking control of your health is a huge positive solution for reducing the severity of psoriasis flare-ups. Eating a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables, exercising, and maintaining a healthy weight can help to keep your immune system strong. It will be better suited for fighting off conditions like psoriasis.
• Limit alcohol intake – No definitive conclusion says alcohol causes flare-ups. But, the two do seem to be connected somehow. If drinking worsens your symptoms, try to avoid it as much as possible. This is usually a more common problem in men but can affect women, too.
• Stay moisturized – If the air is dry, invest in a humidifier. Keeping the skin of your scalp naturally moist is essential. If you’re prone to flare-ups, the rest of your skin will enjoy one of these machines, too.

If you’ve experienced a psoriasis flare-up before, no one knows your triggers better than you. These are general rules to keep in mind that might help you reduce how severe your next bout with this condition may be. Again, it’s not impossible to prevent it completely. But, just like treating the condition, management is vital in reducing how often it happens, too.

Will I Ever Get Rid of Scalp Psoriasis?

If you’re one of the many people with scalp psoriasis, it’s likely you’ll never be able to get rid of it fully. Unless a new cure comes into play based on research, there is currently no way to treat it completely. That means that the symptoms that go along with psoriasis can continue to plague people who have the condition. Itchy, scaly patches will probably always occur during a flare-up.

The good news is that there are many ways to manage scalp psoriasis. If you’re unsure of what scalp condition you might have, a dermatologist can diagnose it for you. Once you know you’re dealing with psoriasis, you can use any of the treatments listed here to treat the symptoms. The sooner you’re able to manage the symptoms, the less irritating the condition will feel.

Don’t get discouraged by the fact that scalp psoriasis can’t be cured completely. It’s one of the most common skin conditions. But, most people who have it can manage it regularly, so it doesn’t take away from any aspect of their lives. If you’ve been suffering from the symptoms, starting a treatment can make a lasting difference.