Scalp psoriasis is a common skin condition that manifests as red, raised and scaly patches of skin covered with silvery-white scales. These patches are known as “plaques”. While psoriasis can affect various parts of the body, including the elbows, knees, and lower back, scalp psoriasis specifically targets the scalp and surrounding hairline.
There is currently no known way to cure scalp psoriasis completely. However, you can minimise flare-ups by managing triggers and maintaining good scalp health with Polytar Scalp Shampoo and other medically recommended products.
If you’re currently suffering from scalp psoriasis or want to learn more about the condition, this blog will guide you through the main symptoms and causes, as well as how to treat it.
What causes scalp psoriasis?
Scalp psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that develops when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells. In normal skin, cells take about 28-30 days to mature and shed from the surface. In psoriasis, this process accelerates dramatically to just 3-7 days, causing cells to pile up on the skin's surface before they can properly mature and shed naturally.
This rapid cell turnover creates the characteristic thick, scaly patches associated with scalp psoriasis. The overactivity of the immune system also causes inflammation, which often leads to redness and irritation. Specifically, T-cells (a type of white blood cell) become overactive and trigger inflammatory responses that affect skin cell production.
The main causes/triggers of scalp psoriasis include:
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Genetics: Scalp psoriasis can run in families. However, it’s not always passed down to children
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Bacterial infections, including strep throat
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Stress
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Certain medications, including beta-blockers, lithium and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
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Skin injuries caused by cuts, scrapes, bug bites and extreme sunburn
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Cold, dry weather and sudden weather changes
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Hormonal changes: Scalp psoriasis can intensify during puberty, the menopause and the postpartum period
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Harsh chemicals and soaps
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Obesity
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Smoking
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Heavy or frequent alcohol consumption
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An overactive immune system
Not everyone with scalp psoriasis will experience every symptom, and the severity can vary significantly from person to person.
Who does scalp psoriasis affect?
Scalp psoriasis can affect anyone and any age group, but adults under 35 years old are most at risk. It’s estimated that approximately 2% of people are affected by psoriasis worldwide, with up to 80% of those cases involving the scalp.
As we’ve already touched upon, scalp psoriasis is more likely to occur (or get worse) if you:
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Drink alcohol frequently
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Suffer from stress or depression
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Are obese
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Smoke or use tobacco products
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Have other autoimmune diseases
Therefore, maintaining a positive and healthy lifestyle may help reduce the frequency of scalp psoriasis flare-ups.
What are the main symptoms of scalp psoriasis?
Scalp psoriasis presents in different ways, and as we’ve also mentioned, not everyone will have the same symptoms. For example, some people experience itchiness, irritation and intense flaking, while others experience no discomfort at all.
Plaques aren’t limited to the scalp, either – they can also extend beyond the hairline to the forehead, neck or behind the ears. Unlike dandruff, which tends to be loose and flaky, psoriasis scales are thicker, adhere to the scalp and have a slivery-white appearance.
The main symptoms of scalp psoriasis include:
Red patches
Red patches are one of the most visible signs of scalp psoriasis. They can vary dramatically in appearance, ranging from small, hardly noticeable spots to thick, inflamed patches that cover large areas of the scalp.
Dry scalp
Scalp psoriasis causes a dry scalp that extends beyond everyday dryness. In the most extreme cases, the scalp can become so dry that it cracks and bleeds, making the scalp more susceptible to secondary infections.
Burning sensation
Many people with scalp psoriasis experience an intense burning sensation that can make the head feel extremely sore and uncomfortable. This burning feeling is often described as feeling like the scalp is constantly "on fire", which can be particularly distressing.
Persistent itchiness
Itchiness associated with scalp psoriasis can range from mild irritation to an intense, relentless sensation that itching can’t relieve. Unfortunately, the natural response to scratch the affected area can worsen the condition and make the scalp feel more painful.
Temporary hair loss
According to the NHS, persistent scratching of the scalp or forceful removal of scales can lead to hair loss. However, hair loss from scalp psoriasis is usually temporary. Regrowth typically occurs once the underlying inflammation is managed.
How to treat scalp psoriasis
Scalp psoriasis is a chronic condition, which means it comes and goes in cycles of flare-ups and remission. While there's no definitive cure, effective scalp psoriasis treatments (like a medicated shampoo for psoriasis) can help relieve an itchy scalp and reduce inflammation.
Seek professional advice
Before starting any treatment for scalp psoriasis, it's important to get advice from a healthcare professional. A dermatologist can confirm whether you have scalp psoriasis or another scalp condition like eczema or seborrheic dermatitis, which requires a different form of treatment. They can also assess the severity of your condition and recommend the most appropriate course of action, which may include medication, topical treatments or UV light therapy.
Use Polytar medicated scalp shampoo
If you have scalp psoriasis, a medicated scalp shampoo can help ease symptoms associated with the condition. Coal tar is one of several topical treatments used to manage scalp psoriasis. Other commonly recommended options include corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues (like calcipotriol) and salicylic acid.
Polytar Scalp Shampoo is a thick, medicated shampoo that contains a 4% coal tar solution – an active ingredient with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-itch properties. A licensed UK medicine since 1960, the soothing, therapeutic formula helps treat scalp psoriasis, dandruff and eczema, offering more than just temporary relief with every application.
How to use Polytar Scalp Shampoo
For maximum effectiveness, cleanse your scalp using Polytar Shampoo once or twice a week. Use enough of the product to create a rich lather and gently massage the scalp and affected area. Leave it on for 3-5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. You can then do a second application.
You should start to see an improvement within 4 weeks of using Polytar 4% Coal Tar Shampoo. If symptoms persist or get worse, consult your GP or a dermatology expert for further care advice.
Living with scalp psoriasis can be challenging, but understanding the causes, managing your triggers and using the right treatments can make a significant difference to your comfort and wellbeing.
