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What Is Scalp Psoriasis

Scalp psoriasis is psoriasis that appears in small patches on the scalp or along the hairline from the forehead to the back of the neck. Scalp psoriasis can also appear around the ears. Psoriasis refers to a skin disorder that is characterised by itchy, red skin with silvery or powdery dry scales.

Scalp psoriasis of the scalp is often confused with seborrhea dermatitis or dandruff. More specific symptoms of scalp psoriasis may include red and raised scalp lesions, dry and silvery or powdery scales, scales and red lesions around the ears, and an itchy scalp. Symptoms can range from mild, with only light scaling to severe, with thick and crusted scales covering the entire scalp. At its most severe, psoriasis can be disfiguring for its sufferer.

Although psoriasis can appear at any age, it most often appears when the sufferer is between the ages of 15 and 35 years of age. Psoriasis is not contagious or life threatening, but it can be uncomfortable and make the sufferer feel self conscious about their appearance.

In scalp psoriasis, new skin cells on the head are produced about eight times faster than normal which causes cells to build up on the skin’s surface. This causes thick patches or plaques to form causing red sores covered with flaky, silvery-white dead skin cells.

Other than the scalp, psoriasis can also strike at the elbows, knees, back, face, palms, and soles of the feet. Psoriasis may also affect the fingernails and toenails, causing pitting, discoloration, or tissue buildup around the nails.

Patients of scalp psoriasis often feel depressed because it is hard to hide their condition from others, since the symptoms appear on the scalp. Unfortunately, they are often the targets of stares and looks of horror. As such, patients of scalp psoriasis typically need lots of support due to the mental state that they are in.

The type of psoriasis that most commonly appears on the scalp is psoriasis seborrhea. This is the same strain that causes cradle cap in babies and minor dandruff in teenagers and adults. Psoriasis symptoms of this kind include an intense itching of the scalp.

Can scalp psoriasis be treated? Well, apparently so. With the help of the dermatologist, symptoms can be controlled somewhat. However, they can reappear again due to triggers such as environmental changes, diet, or stress.