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6 Scalp Psoriasis Treatment Options To Try At Home
Scalp psoriasis can leave your head feeling itchy, dry, and sore. But you don’t have to suffer! You can find relief with scalp psoriasis treatment at-home.
Let’s examine what these treatment options are so you can get back to better skin days.
Table Of Contents
- What Is Scalp Psoriasis?
- 6 Scalp Psoriasis Treatments At Home
- Tips For At-Home Scalp Psoriasis Treatments
- Know When To Seek Medical Advice
What Is Scalp Psoriasis?
Before we talk about scalp psoriasis treatments, it's essential to understand what the condition is. Scalp psoriasis is a form of a chronic skin condition known as psoriasis. Characterized by red, scaly patches of skin that can itch and flake off, psoriasis can be painful.
While there are no definitive causes of scalp psoriasis, scientists believe it’s an immune system problem. Certain things are more likely than others to trigger a flare-up of symptoms. These include:
- Family history of psoriasis or other autoimmune conditions
- Certain infections, like strep throat
- Obesity
- Stress
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Certain medications, like beta-blockers, antimalarials, and lithium
If you think you might have scalp psoriasis, it's important to see a dermatologist. They can help verify what's going on and provide an accurate diagnosis.
Symptoms Of Scalp Psoriasis
The symptoms of scalp psoriasis can vary from person to person, but common ones include the following:
- Itchy scalp
- Dry scalp
- Soreness
- Flaking and scaling
- Red patches
- Hair loss
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s time to consider at-home scalp psoriasis treatment options.
6 Scalp Psoriasis Treatments You Can Do At Home
You may be able to control your scalp psoriasis with at-home treatments. These can help reduce symptoms like itchiness, dryness, and soreness.
Read on for some of our favorites.
1) Olive Oil Massage
What You Need:
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- A large, clean towel
What To Do:
- Warm the olive oil (but be careful that it doesn’t get too hot).
- Massage the warm oil into your scalp for 10 minutes.
- Wrap your head in the towel and let the oil soak for 30 minutes.
- Shampoo your hair as usual and rinse well.
Why It Helps:
Olive oil contains fatty acids and antioxidants to help soothe your scalp. This may help reduce symptoms like itchiness, redness, and inflammation.
2) Colloidal Oatmeal Paste
What You Need:
- 1/2 cup of colloidal oatmeal
- 1 cup of water
What To Do:
- Bring the water to a boil and stir in the colloidal oatmeal.
- Let the mixture cool until it’s comfortable to touch.
- Apply the paste to your scalp and let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Rinse the paste with warm water and shampoo your hair as usual.
Why It Helps:
Oats are rich in saponins, which can help soothe your skin and reduce inflammation. This makes them an effective option for scalp psoriasis treatment at home.
3) Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
What You Need:
- 1 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup of water
- A spray bottle
Note: While you can apply straight apple cider vinegar to your hair, that could cause a burning sensation. We recommend diluting the vinegar in water before applying it to your hair.
What To Do:
- Mix the apple cider vinegar and water in the spray bottle.
- Spray the mixture onto your scalp and let it sit for five minutes.
- Rinse your hair with warm water.
Why It Helps:
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, apple cider vinegar can help reduce the itchiness associated with scalp psoriasis. In addition, since it's safe enough to use several times a week, you can make this a regular part of your scalp psoriasis at-home treatment routine.
4) Psoriasis Scalp Relief Treatment
What You Need:
What To Do:
- Apply to affected areas of your scalp.
- Repeat up to four times daily.
Why It Helps:
The Salicylic Acid in our proprietary formula helps reduce redness, scaling, and itchiness. In addition, it helps loosen and remove built-up scales on the scalp to leave your head feeling more comfortable.
5) Baking Soda Soak
What You Need:
- 1/2 cup of baking soda
- 1 cup of water
- A clean towel
What To Do:
- Mix the baking soda and water in a bowl.
- Soak a clean towel in the mixture.
- Apply the towel to your scalp and let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Rinse your hair with warm water and shampoo as usual.
Why It Helps:
Baking soda (or sodium bicarbonate) baths have long been hailed as a treatment for psoriasis. Studies show it can help reduce the itch and irritation this condition can cause.
Unfortunately, getting your scalp under the water in the bathtub isn't always feasible. So, this wrapping method is a good alternative for those with scalp psoriasis.
6) Overnight Shea Butter Spread
What You Need:
- Shea butter
- A shower cap
What To Do:
- Apply some softened shea butter to your scalp.
- Cover your head with a shower cap and let it sit overnight.
- In the morning, wash your hair as usual.
Why It Helps:
Shea butter is an excellent natural moisturizer. It helps soothe dry, irritated skin, making it ideal for treating psoriasis at home. When used overnight, your scalp has plenty of time to soak up this special ingredient.
Tips For At-Home Scalp Psoriasis Treatments
Before you try any of the treatment options above, it's important to note that everyone's experience with scalp psoriasis is different. What works for one person might not work for another.
With that in mind, here are a few general tips to remember as you treat your scalp psoriasis at home:
- Be patient: Some treatments may take a few weeks to start working. Don't give up if you don't see results right away.
- Do a patch test: If you're using a new-to-you product, it's always a good idea to do a patch test first. This will help you gauge whether or not you react to its ingredients. If you do, stop using it immediately and wash your skin to remove any leftover product.
- Go slowly. There's no need to dive in headfirst with all seven treatments at once. Instead, pick a promising one and give it a try. If it doesn't work, move on to the next.
- Don’t forget the rest of your body. Psoriasis often appears in other areas, such as the elbows and knees. So don’t get so focused on your scalp that you miss taking care of the rest of your body. If you notice psoriasis plaques elsewhere, use Psoriasis Soothing Spray or Psoriasis Calming Cream. to help.
- Lower your stress levels. There’s a proven link between stress and psoriasis. If you're able to reduce your stress levels, you'll likely notice a difference in your skin. Practicing relaxation techniques, like yoga or meditation, is a great place to start.
Know When To Seek Medical Advice
While at-home treatments for scalp psoriasis can help minimize symptoms, they don't always provide as much relief as you might need.
If your scalp psoriasis is severe or self-care treatments aren't helping, it's time to see a board-certified dermatologist. They can provide you with a comprehensive treatment plan that may include topical or systemic medications, light therapy, and biologics.
Scalp Psoriasis Treatment At Home For The Win
Scalp psoriasis can be frustrating, but there is hope. Alternative treatments, such as the seven scalp psoriasis at-home treatment options above, can help provide relief.
The Psoriasis Scalp Relief Treatment from Bodewell is an excellent place to start. The proprietary BW22 Botanical Blend formula with salicylic acid can help relieve itching.
No matter which treatment option you choose, remember that you're not alone in this battle. There are millions of people out there fighting the same fight. So don't get discouraged, and keep up the good work! Better skin days are ahead.
References
National Library Of Medicine National Psoriasis Foundation PubMed
