Psoriasis Scalp Treatment – Medicated Shampoos to Prescription Medications

Posted on February 5th, 2010

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition in which patches of skin remain red and irritated, eventually becoming flaky and sometimes bleeding. About half of the individuals who suffer from psoriasis experience breakouts on the scalp and require some form of effective psoriasis scalp treatment. Although there is no one main cause for psoriasis to develop, stress, poor diet, changes in the weather and family history can help to trigger an outbreak.

Symptoms of scalp psoriasis include the development of plaques of red, scaly skin, not only directly on the scalp but sometimes extending onto the face and around the back of the ears and the neckline.

Those who suffer scalp psoriasis often find it impossible to wear dark clothing as their skin flakes off in dandruff-like scales, a great cause of embarrassment. In addition, scalp psoriasis can be painful when combing or brushing the hair and usually causes itching and discomfort. Many people with scalp psoriasis are also afraid of losing their hair, but despite the discomfort scalp psoriasis causes, hair loss is normally not an aftermath.

Psoriasis Scalp Treatment Ranges from Medicated Shampoos to Prescription Medications

When dealing with psoriasis scalp treatment, it is important to avoid rubbing or scraping the skin as this will only aggravate the inflammation. The first best psoriasis scalp treatment is the use of specially formulated medicated shampoos containing either coal tar or ketaconazole. It is important to use a formula created for psoriasis occuring on the scalp rather than a general product for psoriasis occuring elsewhere on the body. For very thick patches of inflamed skin, applying a solution of coconut oil mixed with 10% salicylic acid or 20% urea cream, then covering in plastic overnight to allow the scales to soften, followed by the specially formulated shampoo, proves effective.

Exposing the scalp to natural sunlight or UV light is recognized as an effective natural psoriasis scalp treatment. Antihistimines obtained over the counter from the drugstore can also help reduce the inflammation.

For very severe cases of scalp psoriasis, an appointment with a dermatologist is essential in order to obtain scalp psoriasis treatment including prescription foams, oils and shampoos, along with systemic drugs that are taken internally to remedy the outbreak rather than topically applied over the infected areas of scalp.

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Plaque Psoriasis Treatment

Posted on February 5th, 2010

Psoriasis is an inflammatory disorder. The most common form of psoriasis is plaque psoriasis, which is characterized by red, thick and scaly skin. The condition is not contagious and treatment is usually effective in clearing plaques.

Topical treatments for Plaque Psoriasis

• Coal tar – this thick oil, has proven effective in reducing scales, itching and inflammation. Coal tar is probably the oldest known treatment for psoriasis.
• Vitamin D analogues – these are also effective in clearing plaque psoriasis. Common forms of these include calcipotriol, calcitriol and tacalcitrol. These creams are known to slow down the production of skin cells, as a result of the vitamin D in them.

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• Dithranol- this treatment is generally used under hospital supervision on a short-term basis. While very effective in keeping psoriasis under control, dithranol is known to stain everything, even the skin. To reduce the risk of staining, it is normally applied to the skin for a few minutes and then washed.

Plaque Psoriasis Treatment – Phototherapy

• Sunlight – moderate exposure to sunlight on a daily basis can improve symptoms. Caution should be taken when utilizing this method, as over exposure to the sun may cause the condition to worsen.
• Psoralean plus ultraviolet A – this treatment is generally used in severe cases of psoriasis, and is not recommended for long-term use. To make the skin more sensitive to light, the patient is required to take a psoralean tablet. The skin is then deeply penetrated by exposure to Ultraviolet A light.
• UVB phototherapy – this treatment uses Ultraviolet B light, and is done under the supervision of a dermatologist in a hospital. It is effective in treating plaque psoriasis that has not responded to topical treatments. Treatments may last up to 30 sessions.

Plaque Psoriasis Treatment Medication

• Acitretin – this oral medication is used in the treatment of severe psoriasis. The drug is another effective method in reducing the production of skin cells.
• Methotrexate – this medicine is useful in treating extensive plaque psoriasis. Methotrexate reduces the production of skin cells and suppresses inflammation.
• Ciclosporin – this medicine suppresses the immune system and has proven effective in treating all types of psoriasis.

Plaque Psoriasis Treatment options are numerous and the severity of the psoriasis determines what option is best.

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