By Dr. Peter Klapper Ph.D.
If you have recently noticed your scalp feeling itchy, painful to the touch, and looking red, you may be scratching your head to know the cause—pun intended. It's possible you're experiencing scalp psoriasis. For a personal account, read Living with Plaque Psoriasis.
Scalp psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that affects the scalp. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, leading to an accelerated growth of skin cells. This excess build up is what results in thick, silvery-white scales and red patches on the skin and scalp.
Symptoms of Scalp Psoriasis
It’s important to know that like all forms of psoriasis, scalp psoriasis is not contagious. Scalp psoriasis signs and symptoms may include the following:
- Red patches on the scalp
- Flaking or scaling of the skin
- Itching and burning sensations
- Dryness or tightness of the scalp
- In severe cases, scalp psoriasis can cause hair loss
Causes and Triggers of Scalp Psoriasis
If you have recently been experiencing scalp psoriasis signs, you may be wondering, why me? Well, the cause of scalp psoriasis is unknown, but it is believed to be combination of both the environment and genetics. The below triggers may be your cause of scalp psoriasis:
- Stress may cause the immune system to trigger an inflammatory response
- Infections such as streptococcal throat infections
- Injury or trauma to the scalp (such as scratches, cuts, or burns.)
- Smoking and excessive alcohol
- Various Medications
Learn more about common triggers in Understanding Psoriasis: Symptoms, Triggers, and Treatment. If you're comparing symptoms with other conditions, you might read How are Rosacea and Psoriasis Different?.
Treatment Options For Scalp Psoriasis
While medical treatment is essential to treating scalp psoriasis, there are also several home remedy and lifestyle changes that can help to relieve your symptoms. Those may include the following:
Home Remedy Treatments
Aloe Vera: The soothing and moisturizing properties in Aloe Vera can help alleviate the itching and inflammation associated with scalp psoriasis.
Apple Cider Vinegar: The antimicrobial properties in apple cider vinegar can help reduce scalp inflammation and itching caused by psoriasis.
Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer and can help ease symptoms.
Fish Oil Supplements: Fish oil supplements contain omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms of psoriasis.
Dead Sea Salt: Rich in minerals, dead sea salt can help exfoliate the scalp and reduce inflammation.
For more on natural remedies, consider our Top 10 Homeopathic Ingredients for Psoriasis.
Natural Treatment:
Forces of Nature Psoriasis Treatment 
Penetrating deep into the skin tissue, our psoriasis treatment rejuvenates damaged skin without steroids or side effects making this a safe choice for your body, scalp, and overall health when you suffer from psoriasis.
Lifestyle Changes:
Stress Management: Stress may cause scalp psoriasis flare-ups, so managing your stress is imperative. Incorporate techniques such a medication, yoga, deep breathing, and getting enough sleep to keep flare-ups at bay.
Maintain Your Health: What you put in your body matters. You should strive to eat a healthy diet in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids and avoid alcohol and smoking.
While scalp psoriasis can be managed with over-the-counter treatments and home remedies, it is important to seek medical help if the condition worsens.
