Do you ever notice your scalp being intensely itchy? If so, know that you’re not alone. Research shows that as many as 25% of people report an itchy scalp.
This is a common problem that causes discomfort and irritation. This symptom may also indicate an underlying condition, such as scalp psoriasis. Although there is no cure for psoriasis, treatments are available to reduce the severity of your symptoms. Our goal at SumLabs is to help minimize the frequency and severity of your itchy head psoriasis flare-ups. This will require both proactive measures and topical symptom management.
Here’s what you need to know.
Why Is My Head Itchy?
An itchy head can be tough to diagnose. However, staying mindful of your symptoms can help you better understand the potential cause. When you know the cause, you can then better address the associated symptoms.
Although the most common cause of an itchy scalp is seborrheic dermatitis, other common culprits include:
- Dandruff
- Lice
- Poor hair care practices, such as not properly rinsing shampoo
- Hives
- Atopic dermatitis, the form of eczema that affects the scalp
- Scalp psoriasis
What Is Scalp Psoriasis?
Determining the cause of your itchy scalp can be challenging, but for those with psoriasis on their body, itchy head psoriasis is often to blame. In fact, approximately 50% of people who suffer from plaque psoriasis on their bodies, also develop symptoms on their scalp. That means that approximately 3.75 million Americans experience symptoms on their scalp. Some estimates are even higher, reporting that of those affected with psoriasis, up to 80% will have symptoms on their scalp.
This common skin condition causes reddish, scaly patches to form on your scalp. Each case differs in terms of severity. You can either experience a single patch, several patchy areas, or your entire scalp may be affected. Depending on how severe your symptoms are, intense itching and irritation can affect your sleep and quality of life.
Psoriasis is a chronic condition and can develop at any age. It is often described as a physically and psychologically debilitating disease. Over time, scalp psoriasis patients recognize the impact their condition has on quality of life.
How Do I Know If I Have Scalp Psoriasis?
Symptoms of scalp psoriasis vary. You may experience only mild scaling. However, you may also have more moderate-to-severe symptoms, including:
- Red, bump patches
- Flaking/dandruff
- Dry scalp
- Burning sensation
- Itching
Scalp psoriasis doesn’t cause hair loss. However, scratching often, picking, harsh treatments, and stress can lead to temporary hair loss.
What Causes Scalp Psoriasis?
Much like other types of psoriasis, researchers aren’t exactly sure what causes it. Many health experts believe issues with your immune system may play a role. That is why psoriasis is often referred to as an autoimmune disease within the medical community.
Something may potentially go wrong with your immune system, causing skin cells to grow too quickly. These cells develop into patches, as newly produced skin cells force out existing cells.
It’s important to note that you cannot catch itchy head psoriasis from someone else — or give it to others. However, this condition may have a genetic component, as you are more likely to get scalp psoriasis if someone in your family has it. Approximately one-third of those diagnosed with psoriasis have a relative with this condition.
- If one of your parents has psoriasis, you have a 10% chance of experiencing symptoms
- If both parents have psoriasis, your risk goes up to 50%
Most people living with psoriasis experience outbreaks that flare up and subside. Some of the factors that may increase your risk of an outbreak or flare-up include:
- Stress
- Cold, dry weather
- Withdrawal of corticosteroids
- Certain medications, including beta-blockers
- HIV
How Is Scalp Psoriasis Treated?
As discussed, there isn’t a cure for scalp psoriasis. However, there are several ways you can better manage your symptoms.
The best treatment for your itchy head psoriasis will depend on various factors, including:
- How severe your symptoms are
- How your symptoms responded to treatments in the past
- Whether you have psoriasis on other areas of your body
- Whether you suffer from other skin conditions
- How much hair you have
The most common treatments for those living with mild scalp psoriasis will be topical medications such as shampoos and creams. For those with severe psoriasis, medications that treat your whole body may be required.
For scalp psoriasis, it’s imperative that you use a shampoo that helps to relieve scaling and itchiness. The idea is to invest in a shampoo that is specifically designed for skin conditions, such as psoriasis.
Summer Laboratories Can Help
At Summer Laboratories, we specialize in skincare solutions for your entire family. We are experts in quality skincare, offering products that soothe everything from psoriasis to acne, dry skin to eczema.
If you are suffering from scalp psoriasis, we recommend two core products.
Keralyt®5 Shampoo
This unique, non-prescription shampoo is designed to help exfoliate your scalp. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may want to combine this shampoo with concentrated Keralyt®5 Gel.
Learn more about Keralyt®5 Shampoo.
Tarsum® Relief Shampoo
This is the only psoriasis shampoo designed to be applied full-strength before you bathe. This formulation also helps treat seborrheic dermatitis and severe dandruff. Being the only therapeutic shampoo that can be applied before bathing, Tarsum® allows you to maximize treatment time. Using the shampoo’s special applicator tip, you can more easily treat your scalp, instead of your hair.
Learn more about Tarsum® Relief Shampoo.
Browse our collection of skincare products to target another skin condition.
Sources
https://www.healthline.com/health/psoriasis/is-psoriasis-hereditary#genetics
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5683126/
https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/itchy-skin/itch-relief/relieve-scalp-itch