Treatment for psoriasis on the scalp typically involves a combination of topical and systemic therapies.
Topical treatments include:
- Shampoos containing salicylic acid, coal tar, or sulfur, which can help to reduce scaling and itching.
- Topical corticosteroids, which can help to reduce inflammation and redness.
- Topical retinoids, which can help to slow down the growth of skin cells.
- Calcipotriene, a topical vitamin D analogue, which can help to slow down the growth of skin cells.
Systemic treatments include:
- Oral medications such as methotrexate, acitretin, and cyclosporine, which can be effective for severe or difficult-to-treat scalp psoriasis.
- Biologics, such as adalimumab, etanercept, and ustekinumab, which target specific parts of the immune system that are involved in the development of psoriasis.
It's important to work with a healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist, to determine the best treatment option for you. They may recommend trying different treatments or combinations of treatments to find the most effective one for your individual case. Some patients may require a combination of treatments, such as topical therapy and light therapy (phototherapy) or topical therapy and systemic therapy.
It's also important to note that scalp psoriasis can be exacerbated by certain hair-care practices such as harsh shampooing, hair styling products, and hot oil treatments. Therefore, avoiding these practices and using gentle hair care products can help to reduce the symptoms of scalp psoriasis.
Source: Vivacare
Last updated : 1/27/2023