What is scalp psoriasis and how to treat it with the top 5 effective measures?

One of the skin disorders that results in painful scale formation and skin inflammation is Psoriasis. Scalp psoriasis is one of several forms of psoriasis and there are other types depending on the affected area. Almost 2 to 3 percent population suffer from scalp-type psoriasis which is quite difficult to handle.

One of the main symptoms of scalp psoriasis is itching and is embarrassing to scratch the scalp. Their are many methods to reduce itching and this comes with a few drawbacks. So here are some all-natural skin remedies you can use to relieve the aggravated symptoms that you are going to learn through this article.

What is Scalp Psoriasis?

As the name explains itself, Scalp psoriasis is one type of psoriasis effecting the scalp area. Firstly, Psoriasis is a skin condition where the skin cells start to divide quickly and begin to build up on your skin. So what happens in scalp psoriasis is that the patches of dead skin cells start to collect on the scalp.

These patches appear as reddish-grey color and might change color according to the skin type. This covers the whole scalp and can also spread to the forehead, neck and sometimes the area of ears also. Psoriasis is non-contagious and it is caused due to the immune system.

They result in clinical features like intense itching, hair loss, severe dandruff, crusted sores, and burning sensation. Those crusted sores sometimes become really thick resulting in the patient to become really irritated.

What are the Effective ways to Manage it?

If spoken medically, there is no cure for scalp psoriasis but it can be controlled through medications and home remedies. Here are some all-natural remedies that can assist you in lowering your chance of making the symptoms worse.

Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera is one of the greatest gifts by nature and is filled with a lot of medicinal properties. It is packed with a soothing property that helps in treating itching or irritation. It is also filled with anti-bacterial proper and is one of the great supplements for people with scalp psoriasis or any type of psoriasis.

One of the studies proven in the year 2010 that aloe vera gel helps in improving the symptoms of psoriasis.

How to apply it?

Take one fresh leaf of Aloe vera and cut it open carefully. Just be sure to clean it thoroughly, and watch out for the thorns. After removing the gel with a spoon, combine it with the coconut oil. Directly apply the mixture to your scalp and leave it there for an hour. For improved outcomes, repeat the process twice a week and wash it off with gentle shampoo.

Apple Cider Vinegar

We know Apple Cider Vinegar as the dressing for your salad but it is also filled with antiseptic properties. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, Apple Cider Vinegar is helpful in soothing itching and helps in reducing pain as well.

Sometimes, in scalp psoriasis, it is seen there is bleeding and the formation of wounds as well. Here Apple Cider Vinegar is very useful and even effective in reducing the burning sensation.

How to apply it?

Take three spoons of apple cider vinegar and add one spoon of water, to dilute it. Apply it directly to your scalp and let it sit there for 10 minutes. Always Remember to use it after shampooing your hair.

Turmeric

Turmeric is filled with several health benefits which include both hairs as well as skin health. It has Curcuma longa compound in it which has anti-inflammatory property in it. There are many studies which show that turmeric helps in reducing inflammation of any kind present in the body. Along with that, it is also helpful in reducing free radicals and accelerating the process of healing. It has been seen that turmeric helps in reducing scalp psoriasis and its symptoms as well.

Know more uses of turmeric that can help.

How to apply it?

Take one fresh ground turmeric or its powder. Boil the turmeric in 3 cups of water and simmer it down for 8 minutes. Then mix one spoon of honey to it and apply the combined mixture to your scalp. 20 minutes after applying the paste to your scalp, rinse it off with lukewarm water.

Coconut Oil

We all are familiar with Coconut oil and its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial as well as antibacterial properties. This makes it one of the great choices for treating any type of psoriasis as it helps in reducing dryness and infection related to it.

How to apply it?

You just need to take one spoonful of coconut oil and mix a few drops of tea tree oil into it. Then massage it gently to your affected part. After leaving it on all night, use some gentle shampoo to remove it.

Shea Butter

Shea butter is packed with triglycerides which is very effective in moisturising the skin and scalp as well. The application of shea butter will help in shedding dead skin easily and then helping them to heal. It is also rich in Vitamin A as well as E and helps in providing the skin with needed nutrition.

How to apply it?

Take some shea butter and melt it in a double boiler, so that it's easy to apply on the scalp. Apply the shea butter on the scalp and massage it for two to three minutes so that your scalp can absorb it. Leave it overnight and then wash it off with a mild shampoo.

What diet should be avoided by Scalp Psoriasis patients?

If you have scalp psoriasis or psoriasis in general then there are chances that a few food items can trigger the aggravation. Here are some eatables that you must avoid in order to stop the scalp psoriasis from flaring up.

Avoid taking Alcohol

The consumption of alcohol can cause severe damage to the liver and reduces metabolism. This in turn causes inflammation and is specially noted in the intestine, while many studies have shown that intestinal swelling is related to psoriasis.

Dairy Products

It has been seen that dairy products are high in fat content and could cause inflammation. Milk cow has a protein known as casein which causes trouble in digestion. It seen that when people cut out dairy products from their diet, they have a lot of improvement in their skin.

Foods high in carbohydrates

Food items like white bread, pasta, pastries etc are high in carbohydrates. They can spike up blood sugar levels which increases glycation and results in inflammation. So, such eating habits should be avoided in such cases.

Foods item have high Sugar

Sugary things like candy, fruit juices or sodas must be avoided as they can cause the fat cells to store more energy and unturn cause the fat tissues to inflame. This causes the cytokines to increase which is a type of inflammatory protein. High Cytokines result in causing chronic inflammation.

Food consisting of Gluten

There have been studies conducted that celiac disease is directly linked to the skin disease. It is seen that in people with celiac disease, that gluten can easily trigger their immune system causing the body to attack the small intestine. So, it is important to avoid gluten in the diet in order to reduce psoriasis from flaring up.

Take Aways

Scalp psoriasis is a chronic skin disease which causes your skin cells to divide rapidly. There are no cures for such skin conditions and there are many treatments available but not of them are guaranteed. There are ways that can help you to manage scalp psoriasis from flaring up but it becomes important to know the triggering factors.

The above-mentioned home remedies can help as they effectively soothe the skin and reduces the flaring up.

FAQs

Q. Is scalp proriasis contagious?

Ans. No, it is not contagious psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder and it can not be contracted through any kind of touch.

Q. Should you scratch the dead skin out?

Ans. No, it's commonly noted that people with psoriasis have a habit to scratch the psoriatic skin with nails. But it can increase the trauma on the skin and increase the disease, especially if you have scalp psoriasis. Then, each time that you scratch the scalp the chances of becoming bald increase.