September can feel like a fresh start for children, but for parents it often comes with a long list of new pressures. From buying uniforms and preparing packed lunches to navigating the school run and helping children settle into a new routine, the return to school can be a stressful time for the whole family.
Separate research suggests that almost three in five parents (60%) have worries about their children returning to school after the summer holidays. Meanwhile, research commissioned by Polytar found that almost one in two people (49%) notice negative changes to their hair and scalp during periods of high stress.
For people who already live with an inflammatory scalp condition such as psoriasis, stressful periods may be particularly difficult. Itching, flaking and flare-ups can add another layer of discomfort at an already demanding time of year.
Why can back-to-school season feel so stressful?
The return to school brings a sudden change of pace after the summer holidays. Parents may be managing new timetables, childcare arrangements, school costs and busy mornings, often alongside work and other responsibilities.
The pressure may be particularly noticeable for women. Polytar’s research found that almost nine in 10 women surveyed (88%) say they feel stressed, compared with eight in 10 men (80%).
Separate research has highlighted the impact of the “mental load”: the ongoing work of anticipating, organising and remembering the practical and emotional tasks that keep family life moving.
That pressure does not always stay in the mind. Stress can show up physically too, and for some people that includes changes to their scalp and hair.
Can stress affect your scalp?
Stress does not cause every scalp problem, but it is widely recognised as a potential trigger for inflammatory conditions. During sustained periods of stress, changes in the nervous and immune systems may increase inflammation and make an existing condition more likely to flare.
Trichologist Ruth Collis explains: “Stress is one of the most well-recognised triggers for psoriasis flare-ups because of the close relationship between the nervous system and the immune system. Periods of sustained psychological stress can dysregulate inflammatory pathways, signalling the immune system to become more reactive and increasing the likelihood of a flare.”
Polytar’s research found that more than a third of men (34%) experience persistent itchiness while stressed, while 30% experience increased flaking. More broadly, almost half of people notice some form of negative change to their hair or scalp during high-stress periods.
What is the stress–scalp cycle?
A scalp flare-up can be uncomfortable and visible, which may become a source of stress in itself. This can create a frustrating cycle: stress contributes to worsening symptoms, and the symptoms then add to a person’s emotional strain.
Ruth continues: “What makes this particularly challenging is that psoriasis itself can also be a source of emotional distress, creating a cycle where stress worsens symptoms and symptoms heighten stress. This is why I encourage patients to think about psoriasis management more holistically, supporting not only the scalp and skin barrier but also prioritising nervous system regulation, sleep quality and overall wellbeing to help maintain longer-term control of the condition.”
What is it like to manage psoriasis as a parent?
For parents living with psoriasis, changes in family life can have a noticeable effect. Ellena George, a 37-year-old content creator and mum of three from Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, notices that her psoriasis can worsen when life becomes overwhelming, including during the back-to-school rush.
Ellena says: “When life feels overwhelming, my skin often reflects that. It’s frustrating, because psoriasis isn’t just physical; it responds to what’s going on mentally and emotionally too.”
Ross Berridge, 37, from Norfolk, has also noticed a link between parenting stress and his psoriasis. Following the birth of his son, changes to his lifestyle and sleep were accompanied by more frequent flare-ups.
Ross said: “Stress causes the most aggressive flare-ups. Almost on cue, if my stress levels rise above the ‘day-to-day’, then flare-ups follow.”
How can you manage a stress-related scalp flare-up?
There is no single routine that will remove every source of stress or prevent every flare-up. However, understanding your own triggers and maintaining a consistent approach can make your scalp condition feel more manageable.
- Notice your patterns. Pay attention to whether symptoms tend to worsen around disrupted sleep, busy work periods or changes to the family routine.
- Keep your scalp-care routine consistent. Avoid abandoning the routine that normally helps as soon as life becomes busy.
- Support your wider wellbeing. Protecting sleep where possible, taking breaks and finding realistic ways to regulate stress may support a more holistic approach to symptom management.
- Seek advice if symptoms persist. Speak to a pharmacist, GP or another appropriate healthcare professional if symptoms are severe, worsening or not improving with treatment.
Reflecting on how he manages his condition during stressful periods, Ross added: “I would say that with determination, perseverance and positivity, you will learn not to let psoriasis control you.
“Psoriasis is often a vicious cycle, where the impact on your mental health can make it worse. Learning to accept it is the first step. Finding out what triggers it is the second. The third is building a routine that mitigates the triggers and provides a proactive and reactive safety net.”
Supporting a scalp prone to psoriasis, dandruff or flaking
Ross added: “Polytar is also a key part of my routine. It isn’t a magic pill, but it’s the backbone of my scalp maintenance that I can’t be without.”
Polytar is the original coal tar shampoo. Formulated with a 4% Coal Tar Solution, it is clinically proven to help treat psoriasis and other scalp conditions including seborrhoeic dermatitis, eczema, dandruff, flaking and itching. Its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and exfoliating properties help soothe irritation, slow excessive skin-cell growth and remove scale build-up.
If the back-to-school period tends to bring more stress into your household, recognising the possible connection between your wellbeing and your scalp is a useful first step. A consistent treatment routine, alongside realistic support for sleep and stress, can help you manage symptoms while family life finds its new rhythm.
Methodology
The scalp and stress findings are taken from the Polytar Stress on the Scalp Report 2026, based on a survey of 2,000 nationally representative UK adults. Additional statistics relating to parents’ back-to-school worries and the mental load are drawn from external research.
