Scalp Psoriasis
Scalp psoriasis is a skin disease which is marked by red scaly patches on the scalp. The scalp is covered with raised dry patches that are red in color. In severe cases, it may spread from the scalp to other parts like neck, forehead and back. It is estimated that around 7.5 million people of America suffer from scalp psoriasis. However this disorder is not contagious. Scalp psoriasis is quite common type of skin disease which produces raised patches on the scalp.
Causes :
Exact cause that causes this disorder is not known. But it may develop when the body’s immune system is disturbed due to any other disease or condition. Due to faulty signals received from the brain, the new skin cells will start growing before the dead cells wither. The skin cells grow rapidly piling up on the old cells causing psoriasis. Some believe scalp psoriasis is hereditary and is often passed on to the next generation from the parents.
Symptoms :
There will be scaly reddish patches on the scalp. It can also occur in other body parts like knees and elbows and even on upper body. The patches will be of reddish pink color and will be in raised form like scales. In case if psoriasis occurs in nails, the nails will grow thick and become discolored. There may be stiffness and pain and intense itching when there is development of scaly patches on the skin. For some people, the symptoms are unnoticeable but for others it can be severe to the extent of changing their appearance. It will also disturb the sleep each night due to repeated itching.
The scalp becomes dry and flat with intense itching. For many it is accompanied by hair loss. It looks very much like Dandruff causing flaking of skin. Many people affected with scalp psoriasis complain of burning sensation and soreness. There may be cracks and bleeding for some people with intense psoriasis. Frequent scratching can aggravate the patches to grow thick and long.
Pictures of Scalp Psoriasis :
Images, Pics, Pictures and Photos of Scalp Psoriasis
Treatment :
You can get over the counter medicines for treating scalp psoriasis. Topical lotions like shampoo, gels, oils and ointments may also be used for curing this disorder. You can try medicated shampoos and scale softeners for getting some relief. Normally these medicines contain salicylic acid and coal tar. In case of severe psoriasis, your doctor may recommend using anthralin, antimicrobial ointments, topical steroid drugs and vitamin D products. Make sure that you are using these drugs as prescribed by your doctor and apply it fairly on the scalp. Remember that it may take some time for the dry patches to disappear completely. So you need to use the treatment until the symptoms subside.
Steroid injection is given for treating mild form of psoriasis that has affected few areas of the scalp.
In rare cases, phototherapy and laser therapy is administered for clearing lesions and patches. Nowadays you can also get Ultra-Violet comb for treating psoriasis.
Scalp psoriasis is a skin disease which is marked by red scaly patches on the scalp. The scalp is covered with raised dry patches that are red in color. In severe cases, it may spread from the scalp to other parts like neck, forehead and back. It is estimated that around 7.5 million people of America suffer from scalp psoriasis. However this disorder is not contagious. Scalp psoriasis is quite common type of skin disease which produces raised patches on the scalp.
Causes :
Exact cause that causes this disorder is not known. But it may develop when the body’s immune system is disturbed due to any other disease or condition. Due to faulty signals received from the brain, the new skin cells will start growing before the dead cells wither. The skin cells grow rapidly piling up on the old cells causing psoriasis. Some believe scalp psoriasis is hereditary and is often passed on to the next generation from the parents.
Symptoms :
There will be scaly reddish patches on the scalp. It can also occur in other body parts like knees and elbows and even on upper body. The patches will be of reddish pink color and will be in raised form like scales. In case if psoriasis occurs in nails, the nails will grow thick and become discolored. There may be stiffness and pain and intense itching when there is development of scaly patches on the skin. For some people, the symptoms are unnoticeable but for others it can be severe to the extent of changing their appearance. It will also disturb the sleep each night due to repeated itching.
The scalp becomes dry and flat with intense itching. For many it is accompanied by hair loss. It looks very much like Dandruff causing flaking of skin. Many people affected with scalp psoriasis complain of burning sensation and soreness. There may be cracks and bleeding for some people with intense psoriasis. Frequent scratching can aggravate the patches to grow thick and long.
Pictures of Scalp Psoriasis :
Images, Pics, Pictures and Photos of Scalp Psoriasis
Treatment :
You can get over the counter medicines for treating scalp psoriasis. Topical lotions like shampoo, gels, oils and ointments may also be used for curing this disorder. You can try medicated shampoos and scale softeners for getting some relief. Normally these medicines contain salicylic acid and coal tar. In case of severe psoriasis, your doctor may recommend using anthralin, antimicrobial ointments, topical steroid drugs and vitamin D products. Make sure that you are using these drugs as prescribed by your doctor and apply it fairly on the scalp. Remember that it may take some time for the dry patches to disappear completely. So you need to use the treatment until the symptoms subside.
Steroid injection is given for treating mild form of psoriasis that has affected few areas of the scalp.
In rare cases, phototherapy and laser therapy is administered for clearing lesions and patches. Nowadays you can also get Ultra-Violet comb for treating psoriasis.
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