What to do to relieve Psoriasis on the scalp?

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease characterised by red, scaly patches on the skin. It is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system produces skin cells too quickly. There is no cure for psoriasis, but the symptoms can be managed with specific hair care products. Read more about it in our blog!

What is psoriasis?

Let's start with: "What is psoriasis?". In psoriasis, skin renewal occurs too quickly, creating a thick layer of dead skin cells. These can't keep up with the skin renewal process, causing them to grow too slowly. As a result, the skin begins to flake and become inflamed, making it red and thick.

Psoriasis causes red patches and white scales on the skin. These patches mainly appear on the elbows, shins, knees, and scalp. The patches can be itchy or even painful. Psoriasis is hereditary and is a chronic condition, meaning it can't be cured. However, there may be periods when psoriasis significantly reduces. You might notice improvement, for example, through treatments like specific creams.

Psoriasis on the scalp

Psoriasis on the scalp, also known as psoriasis capitis, occurs on the skin near the hairline, neck, and temples. The scales characteristic of psoriasis may be absent in psoriasis capitis when the hair is oily. This can make it difficult to distinguish from eczema on the scalp. Symptoms may include:

Red or purplish spots
Silvery scales (resembling severe dandruff)
Itching
Dry, tight-feeling skin
Pain or tenderness
Bleeding from scratching
Thickened skin
Spread to hairline, neck, or ears
Temporary hair loss (due to scratching or inflammation)

If you have these symptoms, consulting a dermatologist is advisable.

What can I do for psoriasis on the scalp?

We recommend seeing your doctor if you suspect you have scalp psoriasis. Treating the scalp with a rich cream or ointment can help the scales detach from the skin more easily. Additionally, it's good to avoid stress and not scratch, as scratching can cause skin damage.

Use tailored hair care that can help alleviate symptoms, including flaking, itching, and redness. Here are some products we recommend:

Grahams Natural: Grahams Natural shampoo and conditioner are specifically developed for people with sensitive, dry, and irritated scalps, such as those with psoriasis. The products are carefully formulated with natural ingredients, free of harsh chemicals, to soothe the scalp and reduce itching.
Ducray Kertyol P.S.O. shampoo: This shampoo contains keratoregulatory ingredients that help reduce the buildup of scales, while soothing ingredients like bisabolol ease irritation. Regular use visibly improves scalp condition, making it feel more comfortable and less irritated.
Vichy Dercos: This product line includes dermatologically tested ingredients such as selenium disulfide and salicylic acid, known for their effectiveness against scaling and redness. These ingredients help remove dead skin cells while strengthening the skin barrier, providing relief and promoting a healthier, calmer scalp.
Eucerin DermoCapillaire: This shampoo contains ingredients like urea and lactate, which help restore the skin's moisture balance and loosen dry scales. The formulas are designed to be gentle on the scalp, even with frequent use. These ingredients support the skin's natural recovery and actively reduce symptoms like flaking and redness.