WHAT IS SCALP PSORIASIS?

When the symptoms of psoriasis are found on the scalp, it is called scalp psoriasis. Symptoms may affect the whole scalp or only small patches, it may spread to the ears, hairline, and neck.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder, it is a very common skin condition and this condition is characterized by raised, red, and scaly patches and also the formation of plagues in the skin.

Psoriasis can spread to any part of the body but is mainly found on 

• Elbows
• Knees
• Back
• Scalp
• Abdomen 

 Scalp psoriasis is common in those people who suffering from chronic plaque psoriasis, scalp psoriasis affects 50% of chronic plaque psoriasis.

WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS OF SCALP PSORIASIS?

There are some factors that make a person more prone to developing scalp psoriasis 

• Genetic -if having a history of psoriasis in the family those people are more prone to developing scalp psoriasis.
• Some nutritional -some nutritionist says those who are obese with inflammatory factors are likely prone, and a person who is sensitive to gluten diet.
• Injury -any injury to the scalp such as burn, any cut, or bruise may increase the risk of psoriasis
• Stress - may also play a role in the occurrence of psoriasis because it affects the immune system
• Weak immune system- if any person gets repeated infection due to compromised immune system are prone to psoriatic arthritis.
• Smoking - the risk of psoriasis is increased if you smoke it also worsen the condition of psoriasis.
• Infection - an infection also triggers psoriasis but mainly throat infection from streptococcus, HIV people are also prone.
• Medications - certain medications such as indomethacin, used to treat arthritis, and quinidine, a heart medication.

WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF SCALP PSORIASIS?

• Hair loss - due to heavy scaling and excessive scratching lead to noticeable hair loss.
• Cancer -persons with psoriasis have 15% chances of developing lung cancer,12 % of  skin cancer 
• Cardiovascular diseases -persons with severe psoriasis having chances of stroke and heart attack 
• Eyes disease -some conditions are more likely to develop in psoriatic persons such as conjunctivitis, uveitis, and blepharitis.
• Kidney problems-kidney problems are common in chronic psoriatic  patients 
• liver problems - persons with psoriasis are more prone to developing nonalcoholic fatty liver 

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SCALP PSORIASIS?

• Mild scalp psoriasis appears as fine scaling but severe scalp psoriasis covered the scalp with thick, crusted plague and also spread in a large portion of the scalp 
• Dryness - due to dryness of the scalp skin becomes cracks and sometimes may bleed.
• Formation of silvery-white -scales in the scalp 
• Dandruff like flaking - dandruff of scalp psoriasis look like dandruff but there is a difference between scalp psoriasis and dandruff, scalp psoriasis causes a silvery sheen and dry scale on the scalp 
• Itching, burning, or discomfort in the scalp.
• Reddish patches which are raised, noticeable, thick, and inflamed  
• Bleeding from scratching or removing the plaques
• Temporary hair loss
• These symptoms are mostly found in the scalp but also may extend to the neck, ears, forehead, other parts of the face.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES FOR SCALP PSORIASIS?

Researchers say the exact cause is unknown but as it is an autoimmune disorder it means it occurs when something goes wrong with the immune system, it occurs when the immune system sends the wrong signal to skin cells to multiply quickly.

Normally the process of formation of new cells in the scalp takes time about a week but in the case of scalp psoriasis the cells started to form within the days, but the shedding process of the dead cells is normal, as a result, it leads to difficulty in shedding off excess cells because the rate of shedding of the excess cell is slow from the formation of new cells and finally skin cells build up on the surface of the scalp, they form scaly patches.

There  are some triggering factors that play an important role in occuring of scalp psoriasis these include 

• Skin injuries such as burns  bruise or any cut 
• Smoking weakened the immune system 
• Infections including Skin infection and strep throat , HIV infection make prone for the scalp psoriasis
• Some medication such as beta-blockers . antimalarial drugs, and iodides
• Mental Stress - it also week the immune system 
• Cold and dry weather - it causes skin dry and worsens the condition
•  Sleep - lack of sleep also week immunity.
• Lack of vitamin D
• Addiction of alcohol 

HOW TO GET A DIAGNOSIS OF SCALP PSORIASIS?

• Diagnosis is made by physical examination and medical history- in physical examination when doctors examine the scalp , findings are scaly , red -bumpy patches, scales of silvery-white color, dandruff-like flaking.
• Skin biopsy -a small piece of skin is collected and examined under a microscope to rule out other conditions

HOW TO TREAT SCALP PSORIASIS?

Conventional treatments are available such as medicated shampoos , coal tar products, salicylic acid used in prescribed shampoos and soaps , intralesional steroids , or maybe some medications are given orally 

But in homeopathy psoriasis is well treated and also permanently, it is gentle, safe, and permanent.

MANAGEMENT OF SCALP PSORIASIS

• There is a difference between normal dandruff and scalp psoriasis dandruff , so must be carefully removed 
• Combing and brushing - scalp psoriasis affect the daily activities such as combing and brushing so always comb gently 
• Clean comb before and after each use to prevent infection.
• Never peel off or pick the scales because it can aggravate your skin 
• Keep fingernails clean and short to prevent infection 
• Take more fluids and prevent dehydration of the skin.
• Limit consumption of smoking and alcohol
• Use wet towels, cold packs , or cold water on itchy spots 

HOMEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT OF SCALP PSORIASIS

But all these treatments are temporary and ultimately suppress the condition but homeopathy can cure the disease from the roots and also remove the symptoms in a gentle manner. That’s why homeopathy treatment is permanent and safe.

Some homeopathy medicines are carcinosin, kali arsenicum, graphite, mezereum, kali sulphuricum, arsenic album, sulphur , apis mellifica, calendula.

But homeopathy medicine is based on proper case taking so never take medicine without consultation with registered homeopathic practitioner

WHAT ARE THE Dos and Don’ts FOR SCALP PSORIASIS?

Do’s

• Use medicated and soft shampoos
• Use any herbal conditioner because it prevents your scalp from further dryness
• Wash hair on alternates days 
• Maintain hygiene of the nails and body 
• Maintain a healthy diet and weight 
• Drink lots of water and keep hydrated 
• Keep combs and hats personally don't share 

Don’ts 

• Avoid shampoos that cause dryness on scalp use medicated amd soft shampoos
• Avoid using of hair dryer because it make scalp dry 
• Avoid regular washing of hair 
• Avoid sharing of the cap, hair bands, combs, etc 
• Avoid picking of scalp.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol 
• Avoid diet which contain fat