Psoriasis can affect anyone, and it causes red, scaly patches that are quite itchy. This common skin disease usually affects the knees, elbows, lower back, trunk, and scalp. Such a issue occurs when the skin cells grow about 10 times quicker than the normal rate and form bumps. White, scaly patches appear and cover these bumps. When such patching occurs in the scalp, it is referred to as scalp psoriasis.

Causes of scalp psoriasis
Scalp psoriasis can extend to the forehead, behind the neck, and inside the ears. Doctors have yet to find a cure for scalp psoriasis. Doctors agree that it is an autoimmune condition where our immune system causes our skin cells to grow quickly, causing patches and bumps. Scalp psoriasis is a heredity condition, and one is more likely to get it if a family member had it earlier.

Symptoms of scalp psoriasis
The symptoms of scalp psoriasis are typically mild to serious. A bout of cold, stress, or dry air can lead to a flare-up of symptoms. Typical symptoms of psoriasis are

Dandruff-like scales
One may mistake scalp psoriasis as dandruff. The flakes that begin to appear have a silvery sheen and cause the scalp to become dry.

Reddish patches
While some patches in the scalp are hardly noticeable, some patches are red, thick, and swollen and are easily noticeable.

Dry scalp
The scalp may become dry. This dryness can cause the scalp to crack and bleed.

Bleeding
Many scratch the patches as they can be extremely itchy, which leads to bleeding. If such an issue worsens, the patches thicken too.

Itching
Itching is a typical symptom of psoriasis. The itching could be mild, moderate, or severe and can disrupt a person’s daily routine and sleep pattern.

Temporary hair loss
Such an issue is caused by excessive scratching. Fortunately, this loss is reversible condition as the hair can grow back after treatment.

Treatment of scalp psoriasis
A doctor or a dermatologist can diagnose scalp psoriasis through a physical exam. They may remove a tiny bit of the skin and check it in a lab to rule out any other disease in rare cases. Scalp psoriasis can reduce the quality of life and make a person feel self-conscious. Treatment can help to improve symptoms and prevent recurrence of flare-ups. The following are the standard treatments for scalp psoriasis:

Topical treatments
Doctors are likely to describe topical treatments that one can directly apply to the scalp. It could be creams, medicated shampoos, gels, oils, lotions, or soaps. While many are available as over-the-counter products, strong products may require a prescription. The FDA has approved Salicylic acid and coal tar to treat psoriasis. Most of the topical treatments may contain these two ingredients along with other approved compounds. Other treatment options include

Steroid injections
Doctors may directly inject steroids onto the patches for quicker recovery if there are multiple patches.

Light treatments
If there is no improvement after topical treatments, doctors may consider phototherapy using high-intensity light directly only on the affected areas.

Prescriptions
Doctors prescribe oral or injectable options for moderate to severe scalp psoriasis.

Home remedies for scalp psoriasis
Spending 5 to 10 minutes out under the morning sun might help improve one’s psoriasis. Increasing turmeric and capsaicin intake in meals will help control symptoms. One can also take them as supplements, but they must talk to a doctor about the right dosage.

Once can directly apply a few drops of pure or diluted apple cider vinegar on the patchy region using a piece of cotton for immediate relief from itching. Another great remedy is the addition of some Epsom salts, ground oats, or two cups of baking soda to a bath and soaking for 10 to 15 minutes. One must apply moisturizer to the patches immediately after the bath.

Massaging the scalp with organic aloe vera cream, coconut oil, peppermint oil, or tea tree oil for about 10 minutes, and washing it with shampoo after an hour will do wonders for the scalp. Always mix essential oils with a carrier oil like almond oil or coconut oil before applying it to the scalp.