Psoriasis on the scalp: What is it and how to recognize it?
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition caused by skin cells growing too fast and the immune system turning against them. It can be exacerbated by hereditary predisposition, meaning it is more common in people where it runs in the family. About half of people with this skin condition suffer from psoriasis on the head.
You can recognize psoriasis on the head by the red patches with the white flakes. Those flakes are like small pieces of dead skin that remain on the spots. These spots are often located above the forehead, behind the ears and on the neck, which makes it extra troublesome because these spots are visible and can bother you during daily activities.
Another characteristic is the itching that accompanies them. This itis on your scalp can be quite annoying and make you want to scratch, but that often only makes the situation worse. The psychological impact of psoriasis on the scalp should also not be underestimated. It can affect how you feel about your appearance and affect your self-confidence.
Causes of scalp psoriasis
As mentioned earlier, the development of psoriasis is influenced by hereditary predisposition, but external factors can also play a role. Thus, there are certain triggers that can trigger the condition and these are the same in all forms of psoriasis. Some common triggers are:
- Stress;
- Smoking, including second-hand smoke;
- Excessive alcohol consumption;
- Specific medications, including lithium, hypertension medications and antimalarial drugs;
- Suddenly stopping taking pills or medications containing corticosteroids;
- Infections, such as strep throat or skin infections;
- Weather conditions, especially cold and dry weather;
- Skin injuries, such as a cut, abrasion, insect bite or severe sunburn;
Treating psoriasis on scalp
Diagnosing psoriasis on the scalp requires the expertise of a doctor or dermatologist. Psoriasis on the scalp is often difficult to treat, especially in people who are quite hairy. Therefore, it is necessary to find effective solutions.
Research shows that topical treatments are the main approach for psoriasis on the scalp, with the type of treatment and active ingredient influencing effectiveness, tolerability and ease of use. For example, a combination of alpha and beta hydroxy acids is highly effective against psoriasis without causing skin irritation. Treatments can be in the form of shampoos, lotions, gels, creams and greasier ointments.
Neofollics Scalp Therapy package as an effective treatment
Within the various treatment options, the Neofollics Scalp Therapy package is an effective solution for psoriasis on the scalp. Consisting of three specially designed products, the package offers an effective approach to treat serious scalp problems effectively.
- Neofollics Scalp Peeling Serum: This advanced serum is designed to address serious scalp problems. The serum helps remove sebum build-up in the hair and dead skin cells and loosens flakes. Recommended for the treatment and relief of psoriasis and seborrheic eczema, you will notice initial results within 4 weeks of use. The serum serves as a pretreatment and is therefore the first step in treating scalp problems.
- Neofollics Exfoliating Shampoo: This caring shampoo from the Scalp Therapy Line is specifically designed to address various scalp conditions. With a high concentration of active ingredients, the Exfoliating Shampoo is clinically proven to provide relief from seborrheic eczema, dandruff, flaking and irritated scalp. This shampoo contains a scrub, which can be used to remove loosely soaked flakes from the head. This shampoo is an essential second step in treating common scalp problems.
- Neofollics Nourishing Mask: The Nourishing Mask, a conditioning mask from the Scalp Therapy Line, is specifically designed to relieve scalp problems. As a leave-in conditioner, it provides relief for psoriasis and conditions the scalp. The mask is clinically proven effective due to its high concentration of active ingredients and is completely vegan. This third and final step in the Neofollics Scalp Therapy package completes the treatment and provides a good foundation to address psoriasis on the scalp, among other issues.
Psoriasis on the scalp thus presents many challenges, both physical and mental. Although this form of psoriasis is difficult to treat, the products in the Neofollics Scalp Therapy line offer an effective solution. With targeted treatment, the symptoms of psoriasis on the scalp can be relieved and remedied.
Sources
van der Vleuten, C.J., van de Kerkhof, P.C.M. Management of Scalp Psoriasis. Drugs 61, 1593-1598 (2001). Retrieved March 5, 2024, from https://doi.org/10.2165/00003495-200161110-00006
