Psoriasis Scalp is characterized by flaking of the scalp and patches of psoriasis on the scalp. It is triggered by mental stress and can be associated with hair loss.
Psoriasis is a common, genetically determined disorder of the skin and scalp. It consists of well-defined red plaques covered with a typical silvery scaling. The course of psoriasis is erratic, changeable and chronic, with alternating relapses (worsening) and remissions (decline).
Most often, people confuse it with seborrheic dermatitis because of similar signs and symptoms, such as red, scaly skin.
The scales of psoriasis are thicker and somewhat drier in appearance than are the scales of seborrheic dermatitis. In addition, psoriasis usually affects more than one area of the body. If you have scalp psoriasis, you may also have mild psoriasis on your elbows, knees, hands or feet or may notice subtle nail changes, such as pitting.
Psoriasis is caused by your body ‘overproducing’ new skin cells. The condition affects both sexes, at any age, although it is somewhat uncommon in the first 2-3 years of life.
Certain circumstances, situations, events or states are known to ignite the initial attack and consequent recurrences - e.g., acute or chronic bacterial infections, stress and chronic alcoholism.
The precise cause of psoriasis is not known, although there are a host of factors that may possibly contribute to its development or progress.
While genetic factors may play a key role, studies suggests that about one-third of individuals who develop psoriasis may have one or more relatives with the disorder.
Some researchers blame psoriasis on a ‘flawed’ immune system, primarily because an increased number of white blood cells (WBC), ‘soldiers of health,’ are in attendance between abnormal layers of skin.
Other probable causes of psoriasis are:
Scalp involvement may lead to hair loss and also reduction in hair density, or thickness. There is often extensive hair loss when psoriasis affects the entire scalp.
There are three types of hair loss (alopecia) in psoriasis:
The diagnosis of psoriasis is based primarily on its presentation, or appearance - the thick, red flaky patches, which are distinctive of the disorder. This isn’t, however, as simple as the ‘scales’ sound, because even experienced doctors and clinicians find it difficult, at times, to diagnose psoriasis with certainty, because it can ‘mimic’ other skin disorders.
To confirm diagnosis, a skin biopsy or culture of skin patches is sent to the laboratory.
There are many treatment options that can help scalp psoriasis and often a combination approach using a number of different treatments may be required until the Scalp Psoriasis symptoms have settled. It is important to continue the scalp psoriasis treatment even if hair stops falling out. Because, any illness which is affecting our body should be treated from its root so that it don’t reappear.
The conventional treatment for scalp psoriasis consists of anti-dandruff shampoos, immune-suppressant shampoos and skin softeners. However, the results are temporary in most cases. Such treatments can also cause damage to the scalp, with high chances of recurrence.
Homeopathy gives long-lasting results. It reduces scaling and recurrence. Homeopathic medicines help to effectively cope with stress, enhance social relations and attain emotional stability.
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