subject: The Best Scalp Psoriasis Treatments [print this page] Nothing can be more annoying than having psoriasis of the scalp. It makes the scalp itch, it flakes skin off the scalp and it is unsightly, especially if it involves the entire scalp and part of the face. It is also difficult to find treatments for the scalp that are not greasy, like most creams, lotions and ointments.
Fortunately, manufacturers have created psoriasis medications that are in a shampoo form. All you need to do is shampoo with these shampoos every day and leave them on for 10-15 minutes, depending upon the treatment. You can then rinse them off, use a nice hair conditioner and be on your way. Remember that the scalp is one of the most sensitive areas on the body so harsh chemicals such as perms, hair dyes and straighteners often make scalp psoriasis much worse.
While medicated shampoos are the best for psoriasis, you need to know which things should go in a good shampoo or conditioner to prevent relapses and soothe the lesions of psoriasis when you are having a flare-up. You should also not scratch at your scalp when using these properties as the irritation can make the psoriasis worse. Try shampoos containing aloe, lanolin, oatmeal, cocoa butter and shea coco butter. These soothe the skin and prevent further outbreaks or worsening of the psoriasis you already have.
There are many coal tar preparations that are basically shampoos for scalp psoriasis. These are available over the counter and have as a major downside the bad smell they create and the fact that they can stain clothing, including your bath towel. Put the coal tar shampoo on the scalp for about ten minutes and then rinse it off completely so that you wont have any residual smell. Again, you can follow it up with a nice smelling conditioner to cover up the bad smell of the coal tar.
Coal tar shampoos cost in the range of $8-$12 per four to six ounce bottle and can be found at the pharmacy or on the Internet. Names of some of these shampoos include Neutrogena T gel shampoo, Polytar shampoo, Tegrin shampoo and Denorex shampoo. There is no limit as to how long you use these shampoos as long as they keep working. When the psoriasis is gone, you can try stopping the coal tar shampoo and going on regular moisturizing shampoos to see what happens.
Another type of shampoo for psoriasis contains corticosteroids. These are generally best gotten by prescription in order to get a strength strong enough to make any different. Corticosteroids will block portions of the immune system so that new skin is not built up on the scalp. It comes as a scalp shampoo and as a scalp liquid which is poured onto the head, kept on for fifteen minutes and then rinsed off, using a moisturizing shampoo or conditioner after that. It is recommended to use a corticosteroid shampoo that contains salicylic acid in it because the salicylic acid gets off the scales and allows for greater penetration of the corticosteroids.
Clobetasol propionate is a strong corticosteroid that goes into the making of Clobex shampoo. You cant use this shampoo on a regular basis for long periods of time because it is a strong corticosteroid that can enter the bloodstream from the scalp and affect the adrenal glands. A four week course of treatment is all that is recommended.
They make a vitamin A analogue (retinoid) shampoo called Tazorac shampoo. It slows down and regulates the way skin cells grow and can be used as a regular shampoo for as long as is needed. One downside is that it cannot be used in women who are or might become pregnant.
by: Pamella Neely
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