Treatment FAQ

what is the best treatment for psoriasis on the scalp

by Shakira O'Reilly Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Corticosteroids: This is the #1-prescribed treatment for scalp psoriasis in children and adults. Corticosteroids work quickly to reduce redness, swelling, itch, and scale. This makes it more effective than any other treatment that you apply to the scalp. When used as directed, this medicine is safe.

What is the fastest way to cure psoriasis on the scalp?

Over-the-counter (OTC) products may help manage symptoms if you have mild scalp psoriasis. The two active ingredients that you should look for in OTC products are salicylic acid and tar (either coal or wood tar). Salicylic acid works to soften plaques and scales and remove scales from the skin.

How do you get rid of psoriasis on your scalp yourself?

How to treat scalp psoriasis at homeAloe vera. Aloe vera is a plant known for its skin-healing properties. ... Baking soda. Baking soda is a quick and easy treatment for an itchy scalp. ... Capsaicin. ... Coconut or avocado oil. ... Garlic. ... Mahonia aquifolium (Oregon grape)Oatmeal bath. ... Omega-3 fatty acids.More items...

How can I permanently treat psoriasis on my scalp?

There is no cure, but many treatments can help symptoms, control flare-ups, and prevent it from coming back. People who follow their treatment plan rarely have to endure severe scalp psoriasis for long.

What is the cause of psoriasis in the head?

Your sinuses are air-filled spaces inside your forehead, cheekbones, and behind the bridge of your nose. When they get inflamed -- usually because of an allergic reaction or an infection -- they swell, make more mucus, and the channels that drain them can get blocked.

What clears psoriasis fast?

Salicylic acid. Salicylic acid shampoos and scalp solutions reduce the scaling of scalp psoriasis. They are available in nonprescription or prescription strengths. This type of product may be used alone or with other topical therapy, as it prepares the scalp to absorb the medication more easily.

What does apple cider vinegar do to scalp psoriasis?

Because of its antiseptic properties, apple cider vinegar may help soothe the itching or irritation from psoriasis, especially on the scalp, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. Those who support its use suggest applying the vinegar directly to the scalp several times a week.

What deficiency causes scalp psoriasis?

Scientific studies have reported a possible link between vitamin D deficiency and psoriasis, including scalp psoriasis. People with psoriasis have lower levels of vitamin B12, which often occurs concurrently with lower vitamin D3 levels in the blood. Vitamin D deficiency is critical in psoriasis.

Should I cut my hair if I have psoriasis?

In addition to using your treatments, “You really want to avoid inducing any sort of trauma to the scalp,” says Garshick. That can include avoiding tight hairstyles (like tight ponytails), as well as hot hair dryers and harsh brushing. When you do go in, tell your hairstylist to be gentle with your scalp, as well.

Which hair oil is best for scalp psoriasis?

Coconut oil for psoriasis It's widely regarded as a gentle ingredient. Because of this, it's often recommended as a treatment for scalp psoriasis. The oil moisturizes the skin and scales. When used alone, coconut oil doesn't typically cause any side effects.

Should you wash your hair everyday with scalp psoriasis?

Washing Your Hair Wash your hair each time you shower or bathe. Try an over-the-counter shampoo for people with psoriasis. Look for one with tar, ketoconazole, or salicylic acid. Dandruff shampoo may also help.

Does scalp psoriasis cause hair loss?

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, 45% to 56% of people with psoriasis have scalp psoriasis. It may occur in patches or cover the entire scalp. You may experience scalp psoriasis hair loss but it is usually temporary and hair regrows once psoriasis clears.

What does psoriasis look like on scalp?

Scalp psoriasis causes inflamed patches of skin covered with gray or silver scales or thick heavily crusted patches (plaques). You may notice flakes of dead skin in your hair or on your shoulders, especially after scratching your scalp. The scaly patches, which may bleed when removed, may extend beyond your hairline.

What is the best treatment for scalp psoriasis?

Natural Scalp Psoriasis Treatments. Like many other conditions, natural remedies can be used in treating scalp psoriasis at home. Essential oils such as tea tree oil or peppermint oil are antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory.

How to get rid of psoriasis on scalp?

Adding a few drops in your oil mix and applying it directly on your scalp can help soothe the itchiness caused by scalp psoriasis. Not to mention, that minty feeling on your scalp feels amazing! For a bonus tip, you can also add drops of tea tree oil or peppermint oil to your shampoo or use shampoos that have these oils as their main ingredients.

What shampoos help with psoriasis?

If you’re looking for an over-the-counter fix to control your scalp psoriasis, you can always opt for shampoos containing salicylic acid ( Neutrogena, MG217 and Maple Holistics make the best-selling shampoos for scalp psoriasis). Generally, the salicylic acid in the shampoo will help slow down the growth of skin cells, reduce inflammation, and remove dead skin from psoriatic plaques. Although chemical shampoos are effective, they may contain sulfates, which can make your hair very dry. So, you’ll need to use a very moisturizing conditioner after using the salicylic acid shampoo.

Why does my scalp get plaques?

Scalp psoriasis is a disorder that happens when skin cells on the scalp grow way too quickly and pile up to form plaques. These plaques develop anywhere on the scalp and can even extend to the forehead, neck and around the ears. The actual cause of psoriasis is unknown. Some say it’s caused by a defect in the immune system, ...

Why does psoriasis grow so quickly?

The actual cause of psoriasis is unknown. Some say it’s caused by a defect in the immune system, where skin cells grow too quickly, and others say it’s a genetic condition. Scalp psoriasis can be mild and unnoticeable or severe and visible. Certain factors like stress, smoking, alcohol, weather and allergies can trigger your psoriasis ...

Can you use ACV on your scalp?

When using ACV to treat your psoriasis, don’t apply it directly on your scalp because it might burn, especially if the affected area is already an open wound.

Can scalp psoriasis be treated?

Unfortunately, scalp psoriasis has no actual cure, but there are certain natural and chemical products you can use to treat, manage and control your flare-ups. As someone who’s been living with this condition for more than 10 years, here are some tips and products I recommend. Save. Instagram / @xtrac_clear.

How to treat psoriasis?

Options include creams and ointments (topical therapy), light therapy (phototherapy), and oral or injected medication. Which treatments you use depends on how severe the psoriasis is and how responsive it has been to previous treatment.

How to cover up psoriasis?

On those days when you feel particularly self-conscious, cover the psoriasis with clothing or use cosmetic cover-up products, such as body makeup or a concealer. These products can mask redness and psoriasis plaques.

How to prevent psoriasis from getting worse?

A controlled amount of sunlight can improve psoriasis, but too much sun can trigger or worsen outbreaks and increase the risk of skin cancer. Log your time in the sun, and protect skin that isn't affected by psoriasis with sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Apply medicated cream or ointment.

How do psoriasis drugs work?

These drugs, usually administered by injection, alter the immune system in a way that disrupts the disease cycle and improves symptoms and signs of disease within weeks. Several of these drugs are approved for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis in people who haven't responded to first-line therapies.

How to treat psoriasis with fish oil?

Applying fish oil to the affected skin and covering it with a dressing for six hours a day for four weeks might improve scaling. Oregon grape. Also known as barberry, this product is applied to the skin and may reduce the severity of psoriasis. Essential oils.

What does a doctor do for psoriasis?

Your doctor might take a small sample of skin (biopsy) for examination under a microscope. This helps determine the type of psoriasis and rule out other disorders.

What is the best ointment for a sensitive face?

They are available as ointments, creams, lotions, gels, foams, sprays and shampoos. Mild corticosteroid ointments (hydrocortisone) are usually recommended for sensitive areas, such as your face or skin folds, and for treating widespread patches.

What is the best medication for psoriasis?

Prescription products for scalp psoriasis may have higher concentrations of either or both of these, as well as other FDA-approved medications, such as: Anthralin, an older prescription medication.

How many people have psoriasis on their scalp?

About half of the estimated 7.5 million Americans with psoriasis - which can affect any skin surface - have it on their scalp. Sometimes the scalp is the only place they have it, but that’s uncommon. Scalp psoriasis can be mild and almost unnoticeable.

What is the condition that makes your scalp red?

Scalp Psoriasis. Scalp psoriasis is a common skin disorder that makes raised, reddish, often scaly patches. It can pop up as a single patch or several, and can even affect your entire scalp. It can also spread to your forehead, the back of your neck, or behind and inside your ears.

How long does it take for psoriasis to heal?

Follow the directions exactly until your skin heals, which can take 8 weeks or more. Once your psoriasis has cleared, you can help keep it from coming back by shampooing regularly or twice-weekly with a product that has coal tar or other medications. Office Treatments.

Do biologics work for psoriasis?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 11 biologics may work: There is no cure, but many treatments can help symptoms, control flare-ups, and prevent it from coming back. People who follow their treatment plan rarely have to endure severe scalp psoriasis for long.

Can you inject steroids into psoriasis?

If you have mild scalp psoriasis on a few areas, your doctor or dermatologist may consider injecting steroids directly into those areas . If your symptoms don’t respond to topical treatments, phototherapy with a laser or non-laser light source may help.

Is there a cure for scalp psoriasis?

secukinumab ( Cosentyx) tildrakizumab -asmn (Ilumya) ustekinumab ( Stelara) Living With Scalp Psoriasis. There is no cure, but many treatments can help symptoms, control flare-ups, and prevent it from coming back. People who follow their treatment plan rarely have to endure severe scalp psoriasis for long .

What Is The Best Psoriasis Treatment?

Welling Homeopathy Psoriasis Formula is the best treatment for Psoriasis and its complications. The Homeopathy treatment can cure Psoriasis permanently with custom-made Homeopathy medicines for Psoriasis from Welling Homeopathy Clinics.

How Do Symptoms of Psoriasis Start?

Symptoms of Psoriasis can start at any age, but they often develop during the teenage years or early adulthood. The symptoms may come and go, or they may be present all the time. Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that may cause the following symptoms:

What Causes of Psoriasis?

The cause of psoriasis is not known, but there are a number of theories that have been suggested to explain the condition. One theory suggests that an immune system malfunction triggers psoriasis — the body’s defence system (the immune system) attacks healthy skin cells, causing them to multiply quickly and pile up on the surface of the skin.

How is Psoriasis Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of psoriasis is usually based on a physical examination of the skin, although in some cases, a skin biopsy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. If the condition of psoriasis is obvious, diagnosis can be made simply by asking about skin lesions and family history of psoriasis.

What Are The Complications of Psoriasis?

Psoriasis can be a very frustrating condition because it is hard to treat. In some cases, psoriasis can become so severe that it causes physical and emotional distress. Additionally, people with psoriasis are at an increased risk for other autoimmune conditions and heart disease, diabetes and depression.

How is Psoriasis Treated?

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for psoriasis. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and may include topical medications, oral medications, light therapy or a combination of treatments.

How To Prevent and Treat Your Stress To Cure Psoriasis?

There are many ways to prevent and treat stress. Some people may find that different methods work for them, but these are some general tips that can help:

What is scalp psoriasis?

Since you’re reading this article, chances are you already know what scalp psoriasis is, but here’s a quick overview just in case.

How we chose the best shampoos for scalp psoriasis

To create this list, we looked mainly for products that contain salicylic acid and coal tar to target scalp psoriasis. These are two ingredients recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD).

Tips for treating scalp psoriasis

In addition to finding a specially formulated shampoo, here are a few other things you can do to keep scalp psoriasis symptoms in check:

How to choose a shampoo for scalp psoriasis

Still unsure how to pick the right shampoo for your hair and scalp? Here’s what to consider:

Safety and side effects

Keep in mind that these products won’t cure scalp psoriasis, but they may help manage flare-ups.

The bottom line

There are a variety of products that can help you manage scalp psoriasis flare-ups. Any products that contain salicylic acid and coal tar are great options.

What is the best treatment for itchiness and flakes?

The following ingredients can help reduce itchiness and flakes, as well as gently soften and remove thick scale. Hydrocortisone is a mild corticosteroid that can decrease itching and inflammation. Coal tar decreases skin cell growth and helps the scalp shed dead skin cells.

What is the best way to remove scale from skin?

Salicylic acid is a “keratolytic,” or peeling agent, that helps soften and remove thick scale. (Urea and lactic acid work similarly.) Once scale is removed, other medications will be able to penetrate the skin more easily, potentially increasing effectiveness.

Can you use medicated shampoo on hair?

Medicated shampoos are meant to treat the scalp, not the hair. Separate sections of hair and gently apply medicated products only to roots. You can follow medicated shampoos with a moisturizing conditioner. The best way to know if an OTC product is safe and effective: Ask your dermatologist. Recent Advance Articles.

Is shampoo good for psoriasis?

June 04, 2019. Over-the-counter (OTC) shampoos are good for treating mild scalp psoriasis symptoms or removing scales so prescription scalp topicals can penetrate. With help from Meghan Feely, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New Jersey and New York City, who serves as a clinical instructor at Mount Sinai Hospital’s department ...

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Overview

  • Psoriasis is a common skin condition that speeds up the life cycle of skin cells. It causes cells to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin. The extra skin cells form scales and red patches that are itchy and sometimes painful.Psoriasis is a chronic disease that often comes and goes. The main goal of treatment is to stop the skin cells from growing so quickly.There is no cure for psor…
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  • Guttate [GUH-tate] psoriasis is a form of psoriasis that appears as small, dot-like lesions. Guttate psoriasis often starts in childhood or young adulthood, and can be triggered by a strep infection. This is the second-most common type of psoriasis, after plaque psoriasis. About 10 percent of people who get psoriasis develop guttate psoriasis.
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Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes red, scaly skin patches. It can occur anywhere on the body, but its often found around the knees and elbows. You can get psoriasis at any age, but the average age of adults who get it is 1535 years old. Its rare for children under the age of 10 to get this condition. Psoriasis is not cont…
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Your hands and feet may be the hardest-working parts of your body: They are in almost constant motion and continuously interact with the world. So if they are affected by psoriasis, your quality of life may be more severely impaired than if psoriasis struck elsewhere on your body. Lesions, scaling, and blisters in the delic…
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Treatment

  • Individuals having an erythrodermic psoriasis flare should see a doctor immediately. This form of psoriasis can be life-threatening.
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  • Treatment: Treatment may include antibiotics, rehydration, and topical creams. If these dont work, your doctor may prescribe an oral steroid to relieve symptoms. Sudden withdrawal of oral steroids can cause reoccurrence of von Zumbusch psoriasis. Youll have to slowly wean yourself off this medication with a doctors supervision. Talk to your doctor about the risks of oral steroids to full…
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  • Over-the-counter topical steroids like 1% hydrocortisone cream may help to reduce inflammation and itching. Although unproven by large controlled clinical trials, a tonsillectomy (procedure to remove the tonsils) for patients with chronic guttate psoriasis that is the result of streptococcal infections in the tonsils may be helpful.
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  • While there's no cure for either condition, they can be treated. Topical medications to reduce inflammation, like corticosteroids and retinoids, are some of the first lines of defense for both conditions, according to the Mayo Clinic. Doctors may also prescribe drugs to suppress your immune system if necessary. Phototherapy, where a special machine emits ultraviolet light ont…
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Signs And Symptoms

  • Psoriasis signs and symptoms are different for everyone. Common signs and symptoms include: 1. Red patches of skin covered with thick, silvery scales 2. Small scaling spots (commonly seen in children) 3. Dry, cracked skin that may bleed 4. Itching, burning or soreness 5. Thickened, pitted or ridged nails 6. Swollen and stiff jointsPsoriasis patches can range from a few spots of dandruff …
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  • Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of the disease and appears as raised, red patches covered with a silvery white buildup of dead skin cells. These patches or plaques most often show up on the scalp, knees, elbows and lower back. They are often itchy and painful, and they can crack and bleed.
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  • Pustular psoriasis can happen in conjunction with other forms of psoriasis, such as plaque psoriasis. It can break out in single areas, such as the hands and feet, or all over your body. But it is rarely seen on the face. It usually begins with an area of skin becoming tender and red. Within a few hours, the telltale large blisters of noninfectious pus form. Eventually, these blisters turn bro…
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Guttate psoriasis is a type of psoriasis that appears as small, salmon-pink bumps on the skin. The word guttate is derived from the Latin word gutta, meaning drop. Usually there are fine scales atop the small round to oval lesion.
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Causes

  • The cause of psoriasis isn't fully understood, but it's thought to be related to an immune system problem with T cells and other white blood cells, called neutrophils, in your body.T cells normally travel through the body to defend against foreign substances, such as viruses or bacteria.But if you have psoriasis, the T cells attack healthy skin cells by mistake, as if to heal a wound or to fig…
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  • Pustular psoriasis can be triggered by a variety of factors, including: Certain drugs may also cause pustular psoriasis. These drugs include internal medications, systemic steroids, and topical medications. It can also be caused by rapid withdrawal from strong topical steroids or systemic medications.
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  • The sudden appearance of an outbreak may be the first psoriasis outbreak for some people. Alternatively, a person who has had plaque psoriasis for a long time may suddenly have an episode of guttate psoriasis. The plaque variety of psoriasis can also be chronic and can be triggered by infections other than those from streptococcal bacteria. For example, the chickenp…
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  • Psoriasis typically strikes when someone is between the ages of 15 and 35, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, but it can affect anyone at any age. What we do know is that psoriasis is immune-mediated, meaning there is some imbalance in the immune system, which leads to inflamed skin, dermatologist and National Psoriasis Foundation medical board membe…
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Prevention

  • If you develop a rash that doesn't go away with an over-the-counter medication, you should consider contacting your doctor.
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  • Generalized pustular psoriasis also requires measures to prevent dehydration and infection. It's important to take steps to avoid triggers. These steps include:
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  • If it is summertime or the patient is in a part of the country where there is plenty of sunlight, careful graded increases in sun exposure may be quite helpful in diminishing the eruption. One must take special care to avoid a sunburn because this can occasionally result in an exacerbation of the eruption. Guttate psoriasis may not be preventable. However, complications or further flar…
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  • With psoriasis, that means taking precautions to prevent outbreaks, such as using heavy moisturizers and leading an overall healthy lifestyle, and, if psoriasis does cause your skin to breakout into dry, red patches, treating it quickly. In this article, we'll discuss 28 home remedies -- some consisting of simple ingredients found in your kitchen -- to help treat psoriasis discomfort…
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Diagnosis

  • To diagnose pustular psoriasis, your doctor may perform a complete blood count to check for signs of abnormalities with your white blood cells and signs of elevated inflammation. Your blood work may show reduced lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, if you have pustular psoriasis. Sometimes, doctors will remove and examine a sample of the pustule to diagnose the condition…
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  • The diagnosis of psoriasis is clinical, and the type of psoriasis present affects the physical examination findings.Types of psoriasisCommon types of psoriasis include the following: 1. Chronic stationary psoriasis (psoriasis vulgaris): Most common type of psoriasis; involves the scalp, extensor surfaces, genitals, umbilicus, and lumbosacral and retroauricular regions 2. Plaq…
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  • Psoriasis is often diagnosed or at least suspected on the basis of its appearance and distribution. However, psoriasis may resemble eczema or other skin diseases and further tests may be required. It may be necessary to remove a small piece of skin (a biopsy) and have it examined by a pathologist to confirm the diagnosis. If there are joint symptoms, X-rays and other laboratory t…
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  • 1. Bowen's disease. 2. Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (consider where a rash is not responding to optimal treatment or if there is colour variation between plaques). 3. Drug eruptions. 4. Lichen planus. 5. Discoid lupus erythematosus. 6. Dermatitis. 7. Pityriasis rosea. 8. Seborrhoeic dermatitis. 9. Tinea corporis. 10. Syphilis. 11. Superficial basal cell carcinoma.
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Management

  • PharmacotherapyMedications used in the management of psoriasis include the following: 1. Topical corticosteroids (eg, triamcinolone acetonide 0.025-0.1% cream, betamethasone 0.025-0.1% cream 2. Ophthalmic corticosteroids (eg, prednisolone acetate 1% ophthalmic, dexamethasone ophthalmic) 3. Intramuscular corticosteroids (eg, triamcinolone): Requires cauti…
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  • There is plenty of evidence that extensive psoriasis can have a very significant negative effect on a patient's self-image and emotions. This is especially true in social situations, although all aspects of life can be disturbed. Inverse psoriasis, which affects the genital skin, and scalp psoriasis can be particularly troubling. Psoriasis affecting the hands may make it impossible to i…
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  • Management options for the treatment of psoriasis include: 1. First-line therapy which includes traditional topical therapies - eg, corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues, dithranol and tar preparations. 2. Second-line therapy which includes phototherapy, broad-band or narrow-band ultraviolet B light, with or without supervised application of complex topical therapies such as di…
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  • Once the diagnosis of psoriasis is made, patient education about the disease should begin. Points that should be emphasized about the disease initially include its noncontagious nature and the possibility of controlling but not curing it. Patients should also be assured that psoriasis is quite common. Exacerbating factors should be discussed, including stress, infection, trauma, xerosis …
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Prognosis

  • Von Zumbusch psoriasis (acute generalized pustular psoriasis) begins with painful areas of red skin. Pustules form within hours and dry up in a day or two. Von Zumbusch can recur in cycles, returning every few days or weeks. Von Zumbusch is rare in children, but when it does occur the outcome is better than when it appears in adults. In children, the condition often improves witho…
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  • The trigger to the condition is often a streptococcal (bacterial) sore throat followed within two to three weeks by the skin eruption. Guttate psoriasis may resolve entirely or may evolve into typical chronic plaque psoriasis. The disease may recur if the person is a strep carrier (always carries streptococcal bacteria in his respiratory system).
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  • Psoriasis can be associated with a destructive arthritis called psoriatic arthritis. Damage can be serious enough to permanently damage the affected joints. Prevention of joint damage in such cases is very important.
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Psoriasis is the most prevalent autoimmune disease in the US with over 7.5 million affected by this chronic skin condition. Further estimates by the American Academy of Dermatology place almost half of that number specifically suffering from psoriasis of the scalp. (source) Although there is no known cure for psoriasi…
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Complications

  • If you have psoriasis, you're at greater risk of developing certain diseases. These include: 1. Psoriatic arthritis. This complication of psoriasis can cause joint damage and a loss of function in some joints, which can be debilitating. 2. Eye conditions. Certain eye disorders — such as conjunctivitis, blepharitis and uveitis — are more common in people with psoriasis. 3. Obesity. P…
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  • Chronic plaque psoriasis is often associated with significant psychosocial difficulties. The quality of life may be severely affected by pruritus, dry and peeling skin, fissuring and the adverse effects of therapy.Self-consciousness and embarrassment about appearance may lead to significant anxiety and depression.Aggressive use of topical steroids may induce progression to pustular a…
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Types

  • There are many different brands of shampoos recommended for use in the relief of psoriasis but they mainly fall into three categories, coal tar, medicated and herbal or essential oil based.
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  • Different forms of light therapy vary according to the type of light exposure and whether its combined with medication. Ultraviolet B (UVB) can be delivered as broadband UVB (BB-UVB) or narrowband UVB (NB-UVB). BB-UVB therapy was developed first, but NB-UVB is now more commonly used for its effectiveness and fewer side effects. A benefit of narrowband UVB is tha…
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