What is Scalp Psoriasis.
Psoriasis that occurs on the scalp is called scalp psoriasis. It can spread beyond the hairline on the face in the front, behind the ears and on the neck.
About half the people with psoriasis also have scalp psoriasis. This psoriasis can be mild or severe. Mild psoriasis of the scalp presents with fine scales which look like dandruff, while in severe psoriasis of the scalp there are thick and adherent crusted scales which cover the entire scalp.
Scalp Psoriasis and Seborrheic Dermatitis.
Diagnosis of scalp psoriasis has to be differentiated from that of seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp. The following table lays down the various characteristics of both these conditions.
Scalp Psoriasis |
Seborrheic Dermatitis |
| Red skin patches | Red greasy skin |
| Thick and dry silvery white scales that may be attached to the hair | Yellowish or white scales that may be attached to the hair |
| Scales are in patches or a thick crust that cause bleeding when removed | Scales are in patches or a thick crust that can easily be removed |
| Patches may spread beyond the hairline | Patches usually stay within the hairline |
| Itching is present with soreness | Severe itching |
Causes of Scalp Psoriasis.
Scalp Psoriasis is characterized by skin cells of the scalp multiplying ten times faster than normal. As explained in epidermis of the skin, the cells move from the lower layer of the epidermis (where they are formed) to the upper layer of the epidermis. The uppermost layer of the epidermis consists of dead skin cells. This migration of skin cells normally takes 4 to 6 weeks. In psoriasis, this period is reduced to only 2 weeks.
As a result of this fast multiplication and fast migration of the skin cells, there is accumulation of dead cells on the outermost surface of the skin. This excessive volume of dead skin cells on the outermost layer of the epidermis causes the silver or whitish flakes of psoriasis on the scalp.
Certain factors are present which can trigger an onset or a recurrence. They are stress, smoking, alcohol, severe sunburn, cold and dry weather, injury to the scalp and certain medicines. What causes psoriasis and psoriasis risk factors give a more detailed explanation.
Symptoms of Scalp Psoriasis.
Psoriasis of the scalp can present as a single patch, multiple patches or it can be present on the entire scalp. The skin of the scalp becomes red, scaly and it itches. The following tell you how scalp psoriasis may look like. Not all the symptoms may be present in all the cases.
- Red raised patches of skin covered with silvery white scales.
- Depending on the severity, scalp psoriasis may not be noticeable or the lesions may be inflamed and swollen.
- The scalp is dry.
- There is itching and soreness.
- The white scales look like dandruff and slough off on the shoulders giving an impression of a severe dandruff condition.
- Burning sensation may be present.
- Scalp psoriasis may be accompanied by psoriasis on the elbows, knees, hands and feet. Nail involvement may also be seen.
- Hair loss is not an effect of scalp psoriasis but it is the excessive scratching or removal of the scales that causes hair loss. There may be some amount of thinning of hair in severe form of scalp psoriasis but the hair grows back after the flare-up has subsided.
- Psoriasis of the scalp has periods of remissions alternating with flaring up of the condition.
Pictures of Scalp Psoriasis.
Impact of Scalp Psoriasis.
The most distressing thing for person of scalp psoriasis is the falling of the silvery white scales on to the clothes. This can give an impression to others of severe dandruff. Though dandruff is not an infection and is nothing but dead skin cells of the scalp, people do look upon it with disdain.
The problem is that there is no cure for scalp psoriasis and such a person has to perpetually face this problem except when there is remission. Wearing of dark colored clothes highlights this problem even more.
This causes emotional distress and anxiety to the person with scalp psoriasis.
Diagnosis of Scalp Psoriasis.
Accompanying psoriasis of the skin can help diagnose this condition. Symptoms and differential diagnosis are explained above and the dermatologist will look for these signs and symptoms. At times skin biopsy may be performed for confirmation.
Treatment of Scalp Psoriasis –>
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