What is scalp psoriasis?
Psoriasis of the scalp is a common form of psoriasis. The condition can occur in combination with other forms of psoriasis, but it also regularly happens that psoriasis occurs only on the scalp.
What does scalp psoriasis look like?
Characteristic of this form are red, scaly patches on the scalp. The border with the healthy skin is often sharp, and this is a clear difference from another common cause of scaling on the scalp: seborrhoeic eczema. With eczema there is fine scaling that sits fairly loosely on the skin and is usually spread over the whole scalp; with psoriasis the scales are larger and are attached to the skin. Scalp psoriasis often itches, whereas psoriasis elsewhere on the body usually does not.
How does it develop?
Psoriasis is a condition for which there is a predisposition. At a certain moment in life the condition appears. There are various factors that can trigger psoriasis; see the general page on psoriasis for these.
How is it treated?
The treatment of scalp psoriasis differs from that of psoriasis elsewhere on the skin. Because of the hair, ointments and creams are not suitable. Treatment is often started with corticosteroid-containing emulsions or lotions. A scale-dissolving substance such as salicylic acid is often added to the emulsion. Removing the scaling is very important in any case, because the active ingredients of emulsions or lotions do not work if they remain lying on the scales: they must be able to penetrate down to the skin. Your doctor will therefore pay extra attention to removing this scaling when the scalp is heavily scaly. A corticosteroid-containing shampoo is also available for scalp psoriasis. These products are only available at the pharmacy on a doctor’s prescription.
When to see a doctor
See your GP or a dermatologist if scaly, itchy patches on the scalp do not improve with medicated shampoos, if they spread, or if you are unsure whether it is psoriasis or another cause of scaling. A doctor can prescribe effective scalp-specific treatments and confirm the diagnosis.