Hair Treatment For Scalp Psoriasis: Effective Solutions

By | June 19, 2025

Hair Treatment For Scalp Psoriasis: Effective Solutions – As the term suggests, scalp psoriasis is psoriasis of the scalp. It is also common and occurs on the scalp in about half of people with psoriasis. Children can also develop psoriasis of the scalp. Treatment will be almost the same as for adults. Scalp psoriasis deserves a special mention because it can be more difficult to treat and usually requires a specially designed treatment.

Psoriasis forms on the scalp like any other part of the body, but the hairs trap the skin scales, so it doesn’t rub off, like on the elbows. This can cause plaques to build up faster, making thicker plaques more difficult to treat. This difficulty is compounded by hair, which acts as a physical barrier preventing easy application of creams and ointments to damaged skin. Scalp psoriasis is known to go away on its own in rare cases, but it can also remain on the scalp for a long time.

Hair Treatment For Scalp Psoriasis: Effective Solutions

Scalp psoriasis causes redness and flaking, which can also include the hairline, forehead, behind the ears, and back of the neck. It ranges from very mild to very severe, thick dandruff that covers the entire scalp. In some cases, the hair may fall out during the period of hair loss, but the hair usually grows back. Psoriasis can itch, constrict the scalp, and sometimes hurt, especially if the skin is cracked.

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There are many treatments that can help with scalp psoriasis, so a combination approach using different treatments may often be necessary until symptoms resolve. It is important to remember to continue treating the scalp even if the hair falls out. Hair usually comes back once the inflammation and dandruff subsides.

Healing may take time and it may be easier for you to get someone to help you. It’s important to choose one that fits your lifestyle; Perform intensive procedures on weekends, for example, when you have more time. There is no cure for psoriasis, but its signs and symptoms can be well controlled.

It may take at least eight weeks to properly control the plaque. Be sure to try to treat daily while your psoriasis is active.

However, if you are not improving after 4 weeks of continuous treatment, you should return to your doctor or nurse for further assessment.

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Once your scalp psoriasis is under control, it’s important to maintain improvement. This can usually be done by regularly using a tar shampoo or occasionally moisturizing the scalp with an oil or emollient. Some people find that daily scalp treatments are beneficial in keeping the scales from returning, but this will be a personal choice based on your situation. If you can’t get your scalp psoriasis under control, ask your GP for a referral to a specialist.

In 2012 the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published guidelines for the treatment of scalp psoriasis. It is recommended to start with the following treatment process. These guidelines are based on the available scientific evidence and may not always work for everyone We have provided additional information about available treatments and their uses.

Here is a list of topical treatments recommended by NICE that may be useful for scalp psoriasis:

Topical steroids come in a variety of forms, and some are specifically formulated as scalp products. These are usually lotions, gels, foams, sprays or shampoos, which are easy to use on hair-covered areas, cosmetically acceptable and easy to wash off. When there are many plaques and painful sensations, you may be advised to avoid topical treatments with a high alcohol content, as this often causes dryness and irritation; A gel or lotion-based product may be more appropriate.

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Corticosteroids come in different strengths, from mild to very strong. Strong steroids are usually prescribed to treat the scalp, but they are not suitable around the face or ears. They should not be used continuously for long periods of time. Ideally, they are used for a few weeks to control psoriasis and then gradually tapered off with a maintenance treatment of coal tar shampoos and/or emollients. Sometimes a corticosteroid becomes less effective after repeated use, so you may need to try a different drug or treatment for a while.

When using strong steroids on the scalp, try to avoid getting the product on the face or behind the ears, as the skin in these areas is much thinner and more prone to damage. It is important to wash your hands after using these procedures to avoid accidentally spreading the treatment to other areas. Read more about topical steroids.

Depending on the brand, vitamin D analogs are ointments, gels, foams, or lotions. They are usually applied once or twice a day and left in contact with the scalp (meaning they don’t need to be rinsed off). They don’t smell or stain clothes, and they’re pretty easy to use, although not all are made specifically for the scalp. They can be used to control and maintain scalp psoriasis. One manufacturer combines the treatment with a strong steroid, so it should be avoided around the face and behind the ears. Steroid-free products are also safe to use on the forehead, but can sometimes cause irritation. It is wise to test a small patch before applying to the entire scalp. In all cases, avoid contact with eyes.  See more information about vitamin D analogs.

Tar shampoos, gels, ointments, and creams are commonly used to treat scalp psoriasis and can be used on the hairline, forehead, and around the ears. They can be combined with other medications, such as salicylic acid or coconut oil, to remove plaque. The resin is effective, but it can stain clothes and jewelry and has a strong odor, so some people don’t like to use it. Exact directions for use will depend on the product make, but tar products are usually massaged into the scalp, left on for a period of time (perhaps 1-2 hours), and then washed off. Clothing and bedding can be protected from staining by wearing a shower cap during contact. Make sure the nurse, doctor or pharmacist has received detailed instructions on how to use the product safely and effectively. Read more about tar products.

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A local chemist offers several coal tar and medicated shampoos for scalp psoriasis. Ask your pharmacist for further advice. Remember that medicated shampoos are meant to treat the scalp, not wash the hair, so using a regular shampoo and conditioner after a scalp treatment will reduce unpleasant odors and keep your hair shiny and manageable. When using tar shampoo, you should massage the shampoo into your scalp and leave it on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing it off. Tar shampoo alone is not recommended for severe scalp psoriasis (ie thick flakes and redness).

Sometimes emollient ointments or oils can be helpful in softening the thick, sticky plaques of psoriasis plaques. Other “active” treatments, such as steroids or resins, will work better if you remove the plaque first, because they allow the treatment to penetrate better. There are several products marketed specifically for this purpose, but formulations such as olive oil, coconut oil, or soft emulsion ointment can be used, or your pharmacist may recommend another emollient or lotion.

Oil (olive or coconut) can be dripped onto the scalp and massaged into sections, being careful not to get too much into the hair. The scalp can then be wrapped in a towel, shower cap or cling film and left on for 30-60 minutes. Then the scalp and hair can be washed with regular or tar shampoo. While the scalp is wet, the scales should be soft and loose so that they can be easily removed by hand. It can be more manageable if you have someone to help you. Place the plastic fine-toothed comb on the scalp and gently rotate it in a circular motion. Carefully loosen the fibers and try to comb them out of the hair. Do not remove the fibers too hard, as this can damage the skin and cause hair loss. Then you can shampoo again to wash off the dirt from your scalp and hair. Two washes may be necessary if hair is oily. Of course, you can blow dry your hair afterwards. Once this is done, active treatments such as corticosteroid lotions can be applied. Some people find that a combination of techniques works better for them, so create a regimen that works for your situation and gives you