Scalp Psoriasis

What is scalp psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease of the skin estimated to affect about 2.2% of the adult population. Psoriasis is influenced by the genes that are inherited from parents. The genes affected seem to be involved with control of the immune system. Psoriasis appears as red scaling papules the combine into plaques that are classically present on the elbows and knees but can affect any part of the skin. The scalp is also characteristically affected in many patients with psoriasis. Like psoriasis anywhere, scalp plaques produce excess scale and can itch. Severe disease can cause a loss of scalp hair, which usually will return if the disease can be controlled.

What is the cause of scalp psoriasis?

The belief that "emotional stress" is a cause of psoriasis is difficult to support experimentally. There is no question, however, that psoriasis of the scalp is an extremely stressful experience.

What are topical treatments and home remedies for scalp psoriasis?

The most important consideration in treating scalp psoriasis is getting an effective medication into the skin. Both the hair and any scale covering the disease is an impediment to treatment. Removal of the scale in a nontraumatic fashion is very important. This can be accomplished by washing the hair with a shampoo frequently. Using tar, selenium, or salicylic acid-containing shampoos can be helpful. This may have to be done at least twice a day initially if the scale is sufficiently thick. Gently rubbing the scale with the fingertips and not the nails is important.

It should be appreciated that scaling is not due to dryness but to the excessive production of the horny layer of the skin. Occasionally it may be necessary cover the scalp overnight with mineral oil. To avoid an unpleasant mess, it is necessary to cover the scalp with a shower cap or swim cap. With moderate or severe scalp disease, the addition of a topical steroid is often required. The strength of the steroid would depend on the severity of the condition. The type of vehicle (lotion, solution, or foam) depends on physician and patient preference. It is important to remember that the medication must get past the hair in order to reach the scalp skin. Occasionally other medications may be of benefit, such as topical calcipotriene (Dovonex, Sorilux) in a lotion or foam form.   
http://www.medicinenet.com/scalp_psoriasis/page3.htm

 

Daily Tips for Easing Psoriasis

By Anne L. Fritz

Psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune condition marked by white, silvery, or red patches of flaking skin, can be itchy, painful, and difficult to manage. Everything from the temperature of your shower to the fit of your clothing can trigger a reaction, so it’s important to take care to prevent and treat your outbreaks, also known as flares. Read on for advice from dermatologist Jessica Wu, MD, Everyday Health's skin and beauty expert.
Showers and Baths for People With Psoriasis
Showering and bathing can improve psoriasis lesions by softening and hydrating the thick, scaly patches, says Dr. Wu, but staying in the water too long can dry out your skin and lead to more itching and flaking. She advises limiting showers and baths to ten minutes and using lukewarm water, because hot water increases blood flow to the skin, which can make psoriasis plaques more red and irritated. It is also important to use a non-irritating soap. Dr Wu recommends using a body wash instead of bar soap, which can be drying. She recommends Aveeno Active Naturals Daily Moisturizing Body Wash, which contains oatmeal proteins and lipids to help soothe and hydrate scaly skin.
Moisturizer for People With Psoriasis
Applying moisturizer after a shower or bath helps lock in hydration and minimizes the flaking of psoriatic scales. Dr. Wu advises patients to pat dry after a shower — rubbing can irritate skin — and use a moisturizer with rich emollients, such as glycerin and shea butter. Dr. Wu suggests trying Olay Body Quench Mousse in the morning, because it absorbs quickly, and the heavier Olay Body Quench Body Lotion in the evening.
Clothing for People With Psoriasis
Since psoriasis is often itchy, it's best for those with the condition to avoid clothes made with wool and synthetic fibers, which can trap heat and further irritate skin that's already inflamed, says Dr. Wu. Wear looser-fitting, soft clothing made of lightweight natural fibers such as cotton, linen, and bamboo, which wick away sweat and won't rub against irritated skin. If you're experiencing lots of flaking, stick to lighter colors, which help to hide the flakes. Some people with psoriasis are sensitive to bleach and/or fabric softener, so it's best for them to avoid these products or run clothes and sheets through an extra rinse cycle.
Diet, Exercise and Stress Management for Psoriasis
A high BMI (25 or higher) is associated with an increased incidence of psoriatic outbreaks, so this is another important reason to eat nutritiously, exercise, and maintain a healthy body weight, says Wu. As for specific foods that may ease or aggravate psoriasis, the jury is still out. People may report that omega-3 fatty acids seem to improve their psoriasis, but the evidence so far is inconclusive. Wu suggests keeping a food journal to look for possible links between specific foods and changes in the condition of your skin. One item proven to aggravate psoriasis: alcohol. Those with psoriasis should consider cutting it out entirely during an outbreak.
Stress plays a major role in the occurrence of psoriatic outbreaks, so it's especially important for those with psoriasis to keep it in check. The exact reason is unknown, but stress hormones may stimulate an already overactive immune system and can increase itching, says Dr. Wu. Meditation, yoga, and acupuncture are all effective stress relievers. Although the scientific evidence of the effect of these practices on psoriasis is mixed, some patients have reported that they are helpful.
Smoking, too, aggravates psoriasis, which is yet another reason to quit.
Sun Exposure for People With Psoriasis
Sunlight can be an effective treatment for psoriasis, says Dr. Wu, because it contains ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, which have been shown to suppress inflammation in the skin. It is best to receive phototherapy treatments in the safety of a doctor's office. These treatments are time-consuming, however, which makes them impractical for many people. As a substitute, it's okay to get some natural sunlight, but limit your sun exposure to no more than five to ten minutes at a time, two to three times a week, cautions Wu. It's extremely important to avoid getting sunburned, as a sunburn can worsen existing plaques and trigger new outbreaks. Those with psoriasis should always discuss sun exposure and phototherapy treatments with their doctor first; certain medications can actually increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun.
http://www.everydayhealth.com/psoriasis/managing/tips/daily-tips-for-easing-psoriasis.aspx

Psoriasis Help Organisation

Welcome to the Psoriasis Help Organisation, otherwise known as PHO. This is a web site dedicated to helping people suffering from the Chronic Skin Disease Psoriasis. This site contains information about Treatments, Handy Tips for living with the Psoriasis and other topics. This is a privately owned site (not a charity), run and administered by psoriasis sufferers, for psoriasis sufferers. We are not medical professionals, just enthusiastic amateurs, with a goal to provide an informative and friendly environment to learn about Psoriasis and discuss topics with others in similar situations. The primary idea for this site is to provide a discussion forum. A place where fellow Psoriasis sufferers can exchange views and advice on how to live with and treat Psoriasis. There are many types of psoriasis including Guttate, Plaque, Pustular, Psoriatic Arthritis and Flexural Psoriasis which can affect most areas of the body including the Scalp, Genitals and Nails, both fingernails and toenails. We have some Pictures of Psoriasis which show most of the different types of psoriasis and locations on the body which it can appear. See the menu link on the left. We also have information on many different types of treatment, Including PUVA, UVA, UVB, Biological, Systemic, Steroid and Non-Steroid based psoriasis treatments. Many of these psoriasis treatments are discussed in greater detail in the Psoriasis Help Forum. Click on "The Forum" Link to enter the forum Please use the forum to ask questions about Psoriasis that you would like answered, express views that you have regarding Psoriasis and discuss treatments that you have used or are interested in using. We encourage you to talk about anything that you feel may be beneficial to others and to become part of the friendly community that we have created. Psoriasis can be an isolating, depressing disease and it often helps to discuss your feelings with others that really understand. You are not alone. http://www.psoriasis-help.org.uk

Psoriasis - Take It Seriously

By James Daniel Smith
Psoriasis can be defined as an inveterate, non-communicable and persistent skin problem which is illustrated by thick patches of red over the skin which is covered with white scales. It spreads to all over the body unless proper treatment is done at the right time. The disease causes patches of various colours ranging from red to white on the skin. It is a very embarrassing problem as people tend to look ugly while suffering from this disease. Various kinds of treatment help to keep the disease under control. It can affect various body parts which include the scalp, genital region and nails.
Causes of Psoriasis • Psoriasis normally occurs when the immune system of a person's body tends to overreact. • In many cases, psoriasis has been found to be hereditary as the disease has been passed from one generation to the next. • The condition can aggravate in times of stress, infection and extreme weather conditions. It becomes really difficult to bear the flare-ups. • Scientists have found smoking to be a very important cause for psoriasis to occur. • However the disease is not at all contagious.
Symptoms and diagnosis of Psoriasis • Initially, rash takes place in patches of skin and causes scaling of skin to take place. It becomes very uncomfortable to bear them. • The joints in various parts of the body become swollen. This is very painful. • The nails can be affected due to this disease and that is another very important symptom. • Usually the doctors diagnose this skin disease just by inspecting the patches on the skin. • In order to eliminate chances of a fungal infection, a KOH test is performed on the skin. • However, there is no need to conduct any special test to diagnose this disease.
 Treatment of Psoriasis The treatments of this disease are normally performed by the patient himself at his home. The doctors instruct the patient to take certain care. The patients just need to follow those instructions. • The main intention during the treatment is always keeping the skin moist. Various kinds of lotions and creams are prescribed to do so. • The patients are advised not to expose the skin to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. • The crusts of the patches can be gently peeled off after application of the lotions for a period of time. This helps in faster recovery from this disease. • Certain herbal skin medicines can be applied. However the patient should test which product suits him the best and use that product. • Any kind of injury to the skin or infections must be avoided at all costs. Psoriasis is thus a very serious disease and treatment must be started as soon as the disease is diagnosed. The procedures available for treating Psoriasis should be employed immediately after the appearance of embarrassing patches on the skin. You can check the details of the treatment methods on many sites in the web. For example, to go over this article and to read this post will help you learn more about the disease. http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Daniel_Smith">