There are conditions and diseases humans can suffer or be prone to due to the lack of a robust immune system and, on the other hand there are conditions that are caused by an overreaction of our immune systems. Psoriasis belongs to this latter group. A condition where our immune system just doesn’t know when to quit.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes skin cells to hyper proliferate. It is an over reaction of the immune system that causes inflammation that leads to the over production of skin cells. Psoriasis can affect any part of the body including the scalp. Skin cells accumulate on the skin, piling up, causing thick scaly patches and plaques. These scales often flake off causing dandruff. Generally new skin cells grow approximately every 30 days but if you have scalp psoriasis new skin cells can grow and move to the skin surface as early as three to four days creating the build up that causes the plaques.
Psoriasis of the scalp is often exacerbated by genetics, hormonal and environmental factors. Scalp psoriasis is generally diagnosed through a trichoscopic evaluation. In some cases, a skin biopsy may be required to confirm the diagnosis. Seborrheic dermatitis and fungal infections can also coexist with scalp psoriasis.
Scalp psoriasis presents with well defined, red, purple or grey thickened patches or plaques of the scalp with overlying silvery white scales. These scaly patches can be painful, sometimes cracking and bleeding. They can be extremely itchy, affecting one’s sleep and interfering with one’s ability to relax thereby causing stress. Psoriasis of the scalp can be localized, for example at the hairline or back of the head but in some cases, it may involve the entire scalp. Severe cases scalp psoriasis can present with temporary localized hair loss. In chronic cases of scalp psoriasis, scarring alopecia can develop, putting the patient at risk for permanent loss of the hair follicles.
Flare ups in scalp psoriasis can differ from person to person and there are many triggers that exacerbate the problem such as certain prescription medications, dry skin, certain foods and environmental factors. Currently there is no cure for scalp psoriasis, but it can be managed, and remissions are possible.
A few things you can do at home to boost your treatment regime is to use a non-foaming facial cleanser such as CeraVe which can help by cleansing and moisturizing the areas of skin close to the hairline, avoiding soap residue deposits in this area. You may also consider adopting an anti-inflammatory diet which may help limit your psoriasis flare ups. Incorporating foods such as leafy greens, spinach and kale, oily fish such as mackerel salmon and lake trout, cooking oils such as olive oil, ghee, coconut and avocado oil, whole foods have shown to help in minimizing flare ups.
Food and drinks that have been implicated in flare ups and you may want to avoid are dairy products such as cows milk, seed oils such as canola, soybean, sunflower, corn oil, safflower and sesame oils, grains that contain gluten such as wheat and nightshade vegetables such as peppers, potatoes and tomatoes. Taking a little time for oneself every day to deal with the stresses of everyday life has also shown to be helpful in reducing flare ups.
It’s important to seek treatment for scalp psoriasis as soon as possible to prevent infections, scarring and hair loss and improve the quality of your life.
Every individual’s immune system is unique to themselves. A treatment regime that works for a particular individual may not work best for someone else. Treatments in some cases require frequent adjustments until what works for that individual’s immune system is achieved, sending the psoriasis into remission. With the advancement in pharmaceuticals and a greater understanding of the immune system, treating scalp psoriasis effectively is achievable.
A combination of different modalities can be very effective in treating scalp psoriasis. There are medicated creams, lotions, gels and shampoos in addition to supplements, oral medications, phototherapy, medicated patches and injectable medications that effectively calm the immune system. Scalp psoriasis is notoriously unpredictable, and most people will have some flare ups throughout their lives, but it can be well managed. With a good treatment regime, it can also go into remission for years so there is every reason to stay positive, with patience you’ll see results.
