If you’re experiencing symptoms like itching, flaking, redness, irritation or dryness, you could be dealing with scalp psoriasis. If so, you’re not alone – around 2% of people live with psoriasis, with the scalp impacted in up to 80% of cases.
Scalp psoriasis is more than a skin condition; it can affect your confidence, comfort and overall quality of life. So it’s no surprise that one of the most commonly asked questions is: Will my scalp psoriasis ever go away?
In this article, we’ll explore what medical experts say about the nature of scalp psoriasis, whether permanent remission is possible and what treatments, including medicated shampoos like Polytar Scalp Shampoo, can help bring lasting relief.
What is scalp psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes the skin to develop red, flaky and sometimes crusty patches topped with silvery-white scales. These areas are often inflamed and irritated, and in severe cases, the skin can crack and become painful. While psoriasis can appear anywhere on the body, it tends to show up most often on the elbows, knees, lower back and scalp. It can even appear around the eyes, although that is less common. When the condition affects the scalp or surrounding areas, it’s known as scalp psoriasis.
Psoriasis occurs because skin cells multiply too quickly. Normally, skin cells grow deep within the skin and slowly rise to the surface over the course of about a month, where they shed naturally. In psoriasis, this cycle of shedding speeds up dramatically – sometimes taking as little as 3 to 7 days – causing new cells to build up faster than the body can shed the old ones. This leads to the visible plaques and scaling most commonly associated with the condition.
Psoriasis can develop at any age, but it most commonly begins before the age of 35. Both men and women across a wide range of backgrounds are affected.
Can you get rid of scalp psoriasis?
Unfortunately, there’s currently no known cure for scalp psoriasis. However, it can go into remission. This is when symptoms disappear or significantly improve for an extended period of time. Some people go months or years without a flare-up, while others with the condition experience more frequent cycles of flare-ups and remission. This can be triggered by things like stress, certain medications, changes in weather, obesity, depression and tobacco products.
Dr. Maureen Murase, a board-certified dermatologist, confirms this. She says, “Once you have psoriasis, we don’t have cures. We just have treatments. Although sometimes psoriasis can go into remission.”
Similarly, dermatology experts Dr Ebtisam Elghblawi, Dr Amy Stanway and Dr Ian Coulson agree in their article on DermNet that “Scalp psoriasis tends to be a chronic problem. However, regular scalp care, maintenance treatment, lifestyle factors, and avoiding triggers or exacerbating factors can help prevent or reduce the severity of flares.”
While scalp psoriasis won’t go away, the future of the condition is promising. According to The National Psoriasis Foundation, treatments for scalp psoriasis are more effective than ever before, and research into new treatments as well as a cure is ongoing.
What helps improve scalp psoriasis?
Thankfully, skin conditions affecting the scalp are more treatable than you might think. While we’ve established there’s no cure, several proven treatments can ease flaking, redness and itching, and get long-lasting results. Here are five commonly used ingredients in scalp psoriasis medicines:
Corticosteroids
Topical corticosteroids, which are steroid creams and ointments, are often the first-line treatment for scalp psoriasis and are considered among the most effective topical therapies available. Stronger formulas are usually prescribed for flare-ups, while milder ones may be used long-term under medical guidance.
Coal tar
Coal tar has been used to treat psoriasis for over 100 years and is usually found in creams, lotions and medicated shampoo. If your scalp itches or feels particularly sore, shampoos containing coal tar, such as Polytar, help relieve discomfort associated with the condition.
Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid is a keratolytic – in other words, a peeling agent. It causes the outer layer of skin to shed and also helps soften and lift psoriasis plaques. It has anti-inflammatory properties, too, which helps relieve itchiness.
Anthralin
Anthralin is a topical cream used as a long-term treatment for psoriasis. It works by slowing the growth of skin cells and reducing inflammation. It's typically used for short contact treatments and is then rinsed off to avoid skin irritation or staining. While less commonly used today, it can still be effective for stubborn, thick plaques on the scalp.
Vitamin D3 analogues
Vitamin D3 analogues, like calcipotriol, help regulate skin cell production and reduce scaling. These synthetic compounds mimic the action of natural vitamin D in the body and work by regulating skin cell production and reducing inflammation. Vitamin D3 analogues are a particularly good treatment because they can be used without many of the side effects associated with long-term corticosteroid use.
Treat scalp psoriasis with Polytar Scalp Shampoo
For those with scalp psoriasis or other scalp conditions, taking good care of your skin is essential. Polytar Scalp Shampoo is a licensed UK medicine that can help treat and manage symptoms of scalp irritation and swelling without making hair feel dry or brittle. Its coal tar content helps slow skin cell turnover, which helps promote a healthier scalp that’s less prone to flare-ups and further infection.
Our soothing, therapeutic formula contains a 4% coal tar solution – an active ingredient with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-itch properties. With each application, it reduces and controls flaking, slows excessive skin cell growth and breaks down excess keratin to reduce thickened, scaly skin, bringing long-lasting relief. It can also treat symptoms associated with dermatitis and dandruff.
Simply turn Polytar into a rich lather and work it into the scalp, paying particular attention to the affected areas. Leave on the scalp for 3-5 minutes. Rinse and repeat, allowing the product to have the maximum cleansing effect.
While scalp psoriasis won’t go away, the good news is that it can be effectively managed with the right treatment and care. Understanding your options and seeking a treatment that suits your condition offers relief and keeps flare-ups under control. If you feel you need expert information or advice about your symptoms, speak to a GP or dermatologist before starting treatment.
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