Scalp Psoriasis starts as simple dandruff in hair. It is the commonest type of psoriasis. Almost 45 to 55 % of people suffering from psoriasis have scalp psoriasis.
Dandruff is the first symptom of scalp psoriasis. Patients apply a lot of over-the-counter shampoos for their dandruff but it recurs on the second or third day of shampooing.
As the problem of dandruff does not resolve by any anti-dandruff shampoo patient sees a dermatologist, who after examining scalp can find out solitary plaques of psoriasis with crusting & flaking.
The dermatologist prescribes some medicated topical applications & creams & medicinal shampoos or some oral medicines depending on the severity of psoriasis, they give temporary relief to the patient.
Dandruff goes away for some time but it recurs with greater intensity after stopping the medicines & external application. sometimes even though the patient is on regular treatment the dandruff increases.
Gradually the scales cover the whole scalp & lesions extend beyond the hairline, on the forehead, back of the neck, around ears & then it becomes embarrassing for the patients. At this stage diagnosis of psoriasis is often confirmed
What Causes Scalp Psoriasis
The patient comes to know that it is not a local disorder of skin but it’s a systemic disease due to fault in the immune system & it’s a lifelong disorder without a permanent cure.
Frequent visits to the dermatologists are needed. At this point patient becomes anxious. The stress further increases psoriasis, which again increases anxiety in patients. This is a vicious cycle.
Scalp Psoriasis and Hair Loss
Some patients present with severe itching which is very much distressing, which causes the skin to break, bleed & make it susceptible to further infections.
Severe itching & disfiguring nature of this type of psoriasis due to its high visibility causes much distress, embarrassment, lack of confidence, low self-esteem in patients suffering from scalp psoriasis.
Patients of scalp psoriasis also suffer from hair loss which is temporary.
Scalp Psoriasis Treatment
The conventional method of treatment is with external applications, Used as creams or shampoos. But they give temporary relief of dandruff, after few days dandruff & plaques recur & scales go on spreading. This frequent recurrence & spread of lesions cause emotional anxiety & frustration in patients suffering from scalp psoriasis.
Long-standing use of topical steroids may cause atrophy of the skin, permanent thinning of the skin, frequent skin infections, defective wound healing, acne etc.
Even though steroids are used as a topical application, 10% systemic absorption of steroids is usually present hence long-standing use of topical steroids can lead to systemic side effects of steroids.
Scalp Psoriasis Treatment at Psoriatreat Research center
At Psoriatreat we give oral Homoeopathic medicines to treat scalp psoriasis. The treatment is aimed at the root cause of the disease i.e., balancing the faulty immune responses.
Gradually the scaling & dandruff formation reduces. Lesions reduce in their size & gradually disappear. After complete disappearance even though it recurs the intensity of subsequent recurrences becomes lesser & lesser.
The disappearance of unsightly plaques can surely improve patient’s self-esteem which develops a positive outlook towards life. The adaptation to stress mentally & physically has been increased with homoeopathic medicines.
As homoeopathy treats the root cause of the disease without any side effects many patients prefer homoeopathy over the messy external applications which give temporary relief & huge side effects.
