Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting a significant portion of the population worldwide, with prevalence rates ranging from 0.5% to 12% in adults and up to 1.5% in children. Characterised by well-demarcated, erythematous, raised plaques covered with white or silver scales, psoriasis can greatly impact one's quality of life due to its visible and often stigmatising nature. In this article, I will simplify the process by providing you with practical tips to tailor your own home care routine. While this guidance is not a substitute for professional medical advice, it aims to help you manage your scalp health more effectively.
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis results from a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and immunological factors, leading to a disorder of skin hyper proliferation. This condition is marked by a decreased epidermal turnover time, causing immature keratinocytes to reach the surface and shed as scales. The disease manifests as persistent inflammation with a red background, lacking a protective lipid barrier, making the skin vulnerable to infections.
The most common form of psoriasis is chronic plaque psoriasis (psoriasis vulgaris), which presents as sharply demarcated, round or oval erythematous plaques with silver-white scales. These are typically found on the scalp, extensor surfaces of the arms and legs, and the trunk.
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition with several different types, including guttate psoriasis, generalised pustular psoriasis, pustular psoriasis, psoriatic erythroderma, inverse/flexural psoriasis, and nail psoriasis, among others. Each type presents unique challenges and requires specific treatments. This article focuses on scalp psoriasis, while other types, particularly severe forms, should be addressed with your GP or dermatologist.
Scalp Psoriasis: An Overview
Scalp psoriasis is characterized by red, raised plaques covered with silvery scales. These plaques can extend beyond the hairline to the forehead, neck, and around the ears. The condition can be itchy and uncomfortable, impacting the quality of life.
Treatment Options
Psoriasis is a condition that can significantly affect your daily life, and in some cases, requires individualized treatment based on the severity of the disease. Fortunately, there are various treatment options available:
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Topical Treatments: Medicated shampoos, creams, and ointments that contain ingredients like corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues, and salicylic acid.
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Oral Medications: Pills that reduce inflammation and slow down skin cell turnover.
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Phototherapy: Exposure to ultraviolet light under medical supervision.
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Photo Chemotherapy: Combines light therapy with light-sensitizing medications.
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Conventional Systemic Treatments: Medications that work throughout the body.
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Biological Treatments: Target specific parts of the immune system.
Lifestyle and Dietary Adjustments
Tailored diets, supplements, and the avoidance of alcohol and stress can significantly improve the skin condition of psoriasis patients, thereby enhancing their quality of life. Here are some practical tips:
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Diet: Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil can also help reduce inflammation.
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Supplements: Consider supplements like vitamin D, fish oil, and turmeric, but consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.
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Stress Management: Engage in activities that reduce stress, such as yoga, meditation, or exercise.
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Alcohol Avoidance: Limiting or avoiding alcohol can prevent flare-ups.
Managing scalp psoriasis involves a combination of medical treatments and lifestyle adjustments. For severe cases or other types of psoriasis, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider for an individualised treatment plan. With the right approach, it's possible to control symptoms and improve the quality of life for those affected by psoriasis.
Recognising Psoriasis: Key Signs
1. Auspitz Sign - The appearance of pinpoint bleeding at the base of a plaque after scales are removed, often seen with scratching or improper treatments.
2. Koebner Phenomenon - The development of new skin lesions at sites of skin trauma, common in chronic plaque psoriasis.
These signs underscore the importance of treating psoriasis-affected skin with utmost gentleness. Unfortunately, psoriasis is often mistaken for dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, and these conditions can indeed coexist, each exacerbating the other if not properly managed.
Home Care for Psoriasis
Effective home care for psoriasis involves a gentle yet thorough approach to manage symptoms and maintain scalp health. Here’s a comprehensive routine to follow:
1. Scalp Peeling
Begin with a gentle but effective scalp peel to soften scales and remove excess dead skin while soothing underlying inflammation. Use an enzymatic or mild chemical peel.
Dermo Capillary Mask – Apply to dry scalp, parting hair as if for colouring, but focus on the scalp. Leave for 20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. For stubborn scales, enhance the treatment by mixing 3 spoons of the mask with 2 teaspoons of Natural Polyplant Treatment lotion.
2. Shampooing
Double Wash - Essential for all scalp types and conditions. First, wash with Nutri Fiber Moisturising Shampoo to clean the scalp and hair. Rinse and then wash again, leaving the second lather on for 5 minutes to allow active ingredients to work.
For severe psoriasis, alternate with Dandruff and Scalp Care Shampoo every second wash. This shampoo aids in desquamation and controls the microbiome, protecting the scalp from inflammation.
3. Conditioning
Apply Triple Active Conditioner on hair. On scalp patches - you can use few minutes before wash, leave a small amount on for about 3 minutes before washing off.
After shampooing, rinse the conditioner off after a few seconds – enough to close the hair shaft and for the conditioner to take effect.
4. Moisturising and Soothing
After washing, apply Keratin DNA+ Lotion to wet scalp and hair for soothing and moisturising benefits. Alternately if you suffer from thinning hair or hair loss you can use DNA + Pollen treatment
Always dry your hair after applying the lotion.
Essential Products for Psoriasis Home Care
- Basic Care - Scalp peel, shampoo, Keratin lotion
- Advanced Care Scalp mask, Moisturising shampoo, keratin lotion, Dandruff shampoo, conditioner
Conclusion
Managing psoriasis requires a gentle, consistent routine that addresses both the symptoms and the underlying inflammation. By following the recommended home care regimen and using the right products, you can effectively manage psoriasis and maintain healthy scalp and skin. Remember, these tips are not a substitute for professional medical advice but are intended to help you navigate your scalp care at home.
Explore our range of psoriasis-friendly products to find the perfect match for your scalp care needs.
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