What to know about the disease: its causes, complications, and the latest breakthrough treatments of Scalp Psoriasis
A highly specialized and typically delicately balanced weapon against pathogens that can cause illness and disease is the human immune system. However, occasionally it becomes a little confused and starts attacking the body’s own cells rather than externally injected viruses and bacteria. An autoimmune disease may develop as a result of this immune system disturbance, and there are many different ways that autoimmune diseases can make you feel less than great.
Psoriasis is one of the more noticeable and unpleasant ways that autoimmune diseases can show up. Unattractive, extremely itchy, and occasionally painful patches of dry, red, raised, and irritated skin accumulate in psoriasis, sometimes taking on a silvery appearance. Although these plaques can develop anywhere on the body, the scalp is a common site.
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What is scalp psoriasis?
Scalp psoriasis is exactly what its name implies: it affects the scalp. Skin on the scalp and ears becomes thick, red, and flaky due to an autoimmune disorder called scalp psoriasis, according to dermatologist Dr. Vanessa Johnson of Viera, Florida’s Health First Medical Group. Some people may only experience it on the scalp, but in others, it spreads to the forehead and neck.
“On the back of the scalp and in the area surrounding the hairline, it usually manifests as extremely flaky, itchy skin.” According to Johnson, it can result in hair loss, bleeding, a burning feeling, itching, and silvery scales on the scalp. “These symptoms can cause extreme discomfort, difficulty sleeping, and a decrease in quality of life for some patients who have them.” Scalp psoriasis is “caused by elevated levels of particular chemicals in the skin, called cytokines,” Johnson says. These proteins generated by the immune system “cause new skin cells to form in days rather than weeks.” This buildup of excess skin can be painful and embarrassing for some people.
Differences between scalp psoriasis and dandruff
Scalp skin that becomes dry, itchy, and flaky is called dandruff. Also referred to as seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff results “from an irritation of the scalp that causes generalized fine flaking and itching,” Johnson says. Although its exact cause is unknown, it may be related to an overreaction of the immune system to a certain kind of fungus that’s commonly found on the scalp. Dry winter air and using harsh shampoos, hair dyes, styling gels, and other personal products that dry out the skin of the scalp may exacerbate symptoms. Dandruff is a common, harmless condition that may cause embarrassment for sufferers but can often be cleared up by switching to an antidandruff shampoo or using other over-the-counter treatments. On the other hand, clearing up a case of scalp psoriasis will likely require the assistance of a doctor and possibly prescription medications.
How common is scalp psoriasis?
According to Johnson, “very common in patients with psoriasis” is scalp psoriasis. The most common kind of psoriasis, plaque-type psoriasis, is thought to cause psoriasis in the scalp in at least 50% of cases, according to research. About 2% of Americans suffer from psoriasis in one way or another. According to Pride, psoriasis can occasionally only affect the scalp, “or it may be the first location where psoriasis develops.” According to the Mayo Clinic, children typically develop psoriasis on their scalps initially.
Risk factors
According to Johnson, “scalp psoriasis is more common in people with other forms of psoriasis.” According to her, having a family history of psoriasis raises your risk of developing scalp psoriasis. Although anyone can get scalp psoriasis at any age, women do appear to be slightly more susceptible to the illness. There appears to be a difference in the incidence rates of different ethnic groups. According to Johnson, “a U.S. study revealed that 1.6 percent of Hispanics, nearly 2 percent of African Americans, and 3.6 percent of whites had psoriasis.”
Diagnosis
A doctor can typically diagnose a case of scalp psoriasis by taking a thorough medical history and conducting a physical exam. In some cases, a skin biopsy, in which a small sample of affected skin is removed and sent to a lab for additional testing, may be conducted to confirm a psoriasis diagnosis.
Treatment
Today, there is a much wider range of treatment options available to people dealing with psoriasis than there used to be. This is thanks to breakthroughs in our understanding of how psoriasis develops and which agents can help calm an overactive immune system. “Depending upon the severity, treatment can include a topical foam or solution, oral medications, or even an injectable medication for patients with severe scalp psoriasis,” Johnson says.
For some people, an itchy scalp can be comfortably cooled by a shampoo that contains menthol. Tar shampoos—yes, literally, coal tar that’s used in roofing and roadway construction—may also be effective in relieving itching. “The time-honored approach is to use tar,” Pride says. “It’s been around for many, many decades, and it works well. It’s quite safe, but as the name implies, it’s pretty messy and there’s not much cosmetic appeal. It stains, is dirty, and smells,” like pavement or a hot roof on a summer day.
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Disclaimer: The opinions and suggestions expressed in this article are solely those of the individual analysts. These are not the opinions of HNN. For more, please consult with your doctor
