Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Scalp Psoriasis?How it Relieves SymptomsTypes of ShampooChoosing a TreatmentScalp Psoriais Shampoo Product SuggestionsWhen Will You See Results?Side EffectsWhat If Shampoo Doesn’t Work?
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is Scalp Psoriasis?
How it Relieves Symptoms
Types of Shampoo
Choosing a Treatment
Scalp Psoriais Shampoo Product Suggestions
When Will You See Results?
Side Effects
What If Shampoo Doesn’t Work?
Treatment forscalp psoriasisoften involves medicated shampoos. These shampoos may contain ingredients like salicylic acid, coal tar, or clobetasol propionate. Some of these products are available over the counter; others require a prescription.
Finding the right scalp psoriasis shampoo can help you manage the condition and prevent complications.
This article discusses shampoos for scalp psoriasis, side effects, and safety.
Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory condition affecting the skin. Scalp psoriasis is a subtype that occurs on the scalp.Psoriasisaffects 1% to 2% of North Americans; 80% have it on their scalp.
Symptoms of Scalp PsoriasisScalppsoriasis symptomsinclude:Red patches on the scalpFlaking and scaling (may be silver in color)DrynessItchingBleedingBurning sensationHair loss
Symptoms of Scalp Psoriasis
Scalppsoriasis symptomsinclude:Red patches on the scalpFlaking and scaling (may be silver in color)DrynessItchingBleedingBurning sensationHair loss
Scalppsoriasis symptomsinclude:
There are manytypes of psoriasis. Scalp psoriasis is a form ofplaque psoriasisresulting in raised patches of thick skin called plaques.
Psoriasis Treatment and Management
How Shampoo Relieves Scalp Psoriasis Symptoms
Different ingredients in shampoos work to target scalp psoriasis symptoms. Some ingredients soften scales, making them easier to remove, while others help reduce itching.
Types of Scalp Psoriasis Shampoo
Both OTC and prescription scalp psoriasis shampoos are available. The right one for you depends on the severity of your condition.
There are some key ingredients to look for when choosing a psoriasis shampoo. Adermatologist(a healthcare provider specializing in skin conditions) can help you determine which is best for you.
Ingredients in a Psoriasis ShampooSome studies support the following medicinal ingredients:Salicylic acidCoal tarClobetasol propionate
Ingredients in a Psoriasis Shampoo
Some studies support the following medicinal ingredients:Salicylic acidCoal tarClobetasol propionate
Some studies support the following medicinal ingredients:
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acidtreats skin conditions, includingacneand psoriasis. It is in a class of drugs calledkeratolytic agents.It works to soften plaques so they can more easily be removed. Salicylic acid is a first-line therapy for scalp psoriasis.
Does Salicylic Acid Help Psoriasis?
Coal Tar
Coal taris derived from coal. It slows skin cell growth and reducesinflammation, itching, and scaling.For some people, tar can irritate and dry the skin, so you should test it out on a small patch before using it on your entire head.
Coal tar also causesphotosensitivity(increased sensitivity to UV radiation). This usually lasts for as long as the medication is active, up to 24 hours. Be extra careful in the sun when using this medication.
How to Find a Good Psoriasis Soap
Clobetasol Propionate
Clobetasolpropionateis a prescription topical medication that treats the itching, redness, scaling, and pain associated with scalp psoriasis.It is in a class of drugs calledcorticosteroids. Corticosteroids are the most prescribed treatment for psoriasis.
Long-term use of these medications is not advised.Be sure to work with a healthcare provider to determine how long and how often you should be using them.
Does Natural Shampoo for Scalp Psoriasis Work?
Instead of medications, some shampoos contain natural ingredients to combat psoriasis. These may include:
These natural ingredients may relieve symptoms for some people, especially if the psoriasis is mild. However, these are often not effective enough to be used alone. More frequently, they are used alongside standard medical care.
How to Use Essential Oils for Psoriasis
How to Choose a Treatment for Scalp Psoriasis
Choosing the appropriate treatment depends on how severe your psoriasis is and other factors related to your overall health and lifestyle. A healthcare provider will help you determine which treatment is best.
Because scalp psoriasis can be stubborn, seek medical guidance. This can reduce the time it takes to find effective treatment. A healthcare provider can help you understand what treatments might work best for you and what products have the best track record for treating similar cases. They can also ensure that you have an appropriate diagnosis.
How to Relieve a Dry, Itchy Scalp
Product Suggestions for Scalp Psoriasis Shampoo
You should always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new psoriasis treatment product.
How long treatment takes to work depends on the severity of your psoriasis. For mild scalp psoriasis, you may see immediate results from a medicated shampoo. On the other hand, a more moderate or severe case may require a few weeks before you experience relief or improvement.
Side Effects and Safety
Most of the medications in psoriasis shampoos are safe. However, as with all medicines, there are risks and potential side effects. These may include:
When to Contact a Healthcare ProviderRarely, a more severe reaction may occur, including:Severe skin reaction (e.g., skin breaking, pus, burning, pain, redness)Sudden weight gainUnusual fatigue, muscle weaknessDepression, irritabilityIf you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical care right away.
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
Rarely, a more severe reaction may occur, including:Severe skin reaction (e.g., skin breaking, pus, burning, pain, redness)Sudden weight gainUnusual fatigue, muscle weaknessDepression, irritabilityIf you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical care right away.
Rarely, a more severe reaction may occur, including:
If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical care right away.
What to Do Next If Scalp Psoriasis Shampoo Doesn’t Work
If shampoos alone do not help your scalp psoriasis, you may require additional psoriasis treatment. A dermatologist can help you determine what next steps are appropriate. Some otherpsoriasis treatment optionsinclude:
Summary
The vast majority of people with plaque psoriasis have it on their scalp. Medicated shampoos that target scalp psoriasis may help. These shampoos often contain ingredients like coal tar, salicylic acid, and clobetasol, which target flaking, itching, and inflammation.
Scalp psoriasis is notoriously stubborn, so working with a healthcare provider, like a dermatologist, can ensure you see results more quickly.
Psoriasis Treatment
9 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Blakely K, Gooderham M.Management of scalp psoriasis: current perspectives.Psoriasis (Auckl). 2016;6:33-40. doi:10.2147/PTT.S85330American Academy of Dermatology Association.Scalp psoriasis: symptoms.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Scalp psoriasis: Diagnosis and treatment.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Scalp psoriasis: Shampoos, scale softeners, and other treatments.National Library of Medicine.Salicylic acid topical.National Psoriasis Foundation.Over-the-counter topicals.National Library of Medicine.Clobetasol topical.National Psoriasis Foundation.Integrative approaches to care.National Psoriasis Foundation.Phototherapy.
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Blakely K, Gooderham M.Management of scalp psoriasis: current perspectives.Psoriasis (Auckl). 2016;6:33-40. doi:10.2147/PTT.S85330American Academy of Dermatology Association.Scalp psoriasis: symptoms.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Scalp psoriasis: Diagnosis and treatment.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Scalp psoriasis: Shampoos, scale softeners, and other treatments.National Library of Medicine.Salicylic acid topical.National Psoriasis Foundation.Over-the-counter topicals.National Library of Medicine.Clobetasol topical.National Psoriasis Foundation.Integrative approaches to care.National Psoriasis Foundation.Phototherapy.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Blakely K, Gooderham M.Management of scalp psoriasis: current perspectives.Psoriasis (Auckl). 2016;6:33-40. doi:10.2147/PTT.S85330American Academy of Dermatology Association.Scalp psoriasis: symptoms.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Scalp psoriasis: Diagnosis and treatment.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Scalp psoriasis: Shampoos, scale softeners, and other treatments.National Library of Medicine.Salicylic acid topical.National Psoriasis Foundation.Over-the-counter topicals.National Library of Medicine.Clobetasol topical.National Psoriasis Foundation.Integrative approaches to care.National Psoriasis Foundation.Phototherapy.
Blakely K, Gooderham M.Management of scalp psoriasis: current perspectives.Psoriasis (Auckl). 2016;6:33-40. doi:10.2147/PTT.S85330
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Scalp psoriasis: symptoms.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Scalp psoriasis: Diagnosis and treatment.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Scalp psoriasis: Shampoos, scale softeners, and other treatments.
National Library of Medicine.Salicylic acid topical.
National Psoriasis Foundation.Over-the-counter topicals.
National Library of Medicine.Clobetasol topical.
National Psoriasis Foundation.Integrative approaches to care.
National Psoriasis Foundation.Phototherapy.
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