Natural Scalp Psoriasis Treatment

Scalp psoriasis is something which affects more than 50% of those who have psoriasis. It varies from what seems to be dandruff flakes to red scaly lesions which can run down the hairline, to the forehead, ears, or even down the face. Usually, these scaly layers of dead skin cells result in a lot of itchiness and a feeling of tightness on the scalp.

The scalp is an area of the body that many psoriasis patients find to be the hardest to control.

Treatment for scalp psoriasis is difficult because the hair becomes an obstacle for applying creams and medicines. Medicated shampoos with active ingredients usually help somehow. There are many natural psoriasis treatment methods.

Scalp Psoriasis commonly occurs on the back of the head however multiple areas of the scalp or the whole scalp may be affected. Scalp psoriasis is characterized by thick silvery white scales on patches of very red skin and can extend slightly beyond the hairline. Scalp psoriasis, despite being partially hidden by the hair is often a source of social embarrassment due to flaking of the scale and severe ‘dandruff’. Scalp psoriasis may be extremely itchy or on occasion have no itch symptoms. It can also cause temporary baldness on the affected areas.

The raised silvery white plaques of scaling skin that cover your scalp along with dry patches of red skin irritation around the hairline can be unbearable and even maddening to live with. Dealing with an itchy scalp and its embarrassing dandruff or flaky white skin can really drive a people to drastic methods to stop the itch.

What causes scalp psoriasis?

Scalp psoriasis is very much linked to diet, in spite of what most conventional doctors might say. It’s the lack of health and balance of the GI tract that allows foods to become a villian for those suffering from the effects of scalp psoriasis.

As I have stated in a previous article, intestinal Candida overgrowth has been proven to be one of the main causes of psoriasis. 

Anti-fungals were shown to cure 7 out of 9 patients with psoriasis of the palms. Another study  looked at patients with scalp psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp. Yeasts were found in half of the tongue cultures and in 1/8th of the scalp scales. Nearly three quarters of the patients had massive yeast colonization in their stool specimens!. Further proof that Candida is one of the scalp psoriasis causes.

Successful treatment of scalp psoriasis begins with re-establishment of beneficial bacterial levels of the gut, restoration of proper chemistry and the temporary elimination of dairy and gluten containing foods.. Additionally, a food allergy test will fine tune your diet by identifying the foods your immune system is having trouble with.

Avoid deep fried foods

Many scalp psoriasis patients can readily testify that one of the most irritating of foods for their condition are deep fried and oily foods.

Fats seem to show up particularly as psoriasis on the scalp. (Test it yourself with French fries and donuts!)

Quit eating charcoal grilled or fried foods. You most probably know that fried foods were bad for you anyways – it’s common knowledge.  But, you have no idea how much of a difference it could make to your scalp and your overall psoriasis condition. In addition,the grease and oil from these foods have trans fats which can aggravate psoriasis symptoms.

Topical solution products that are well-known for soothing scalp psoriasis

1. Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is an active ingredient used in several topical scalp psoriasis ointments. It can help to loosen the scales and relieve itching.

2% Salicylic acid psoriasis ointments are also reported to be very effective for the scalp psoriasis treatment. One application of a Salicylic acid ointment on the scalp has helped some people to get rid of the "psoriatic helmet" on their heads.

A highly recommended Salicylic acid scalp psoriasis treatment product is Dermarest Psoriasis Medicated Scalp treatment.

For many people who suffer from the effects of scalp psoriasis, this product has been an almost absolute miracle.

For many people this is the only product which works on their scalp. Many people have suffered for years with scalp psoriasis, and after using this product for two months have finally found relief.

Directions for use of this product: Apply to affected areas one to four times daily or as directed by a doctor. Twist open the flow-control cap and apply directly to the scalp.

2. White Willow Bark extract

A  natural alternative to salicylic acid is White Willow Bark extract. This plant extract is a natural source of beta hydroxyl acids that provides antimicrobial and exfoliating cell renewing activity to reduce and eliminate itching. White Willow Bark  contains salicin which is a glucoside that is converted to salicylic acid in the body.

3. Olive oil

Olive oil is helpful in treating scalp psoriasis. Warmed olive oil applied to the scalp will help the scales to become plump, soft, and easier to remove. The olive oil will help loosen the dead skin flakes so the will rinse away. The moisturizing properties will also help reduce the amount of dead skin on your scalp. This will help create a healthier scalp and leave your hair soft and shiny.

Warm a little olive oil and gently massage it into the scale to help soften and remove it. Then shampoo as usual and rinse thoroughly. Once the scales are removed, the psoriasis patches are easier and more effectively treated with natural psoriasis medications or natural scalp psoriasis shampoos.

Tip: Rub some lukewarm olive or coconut oil into your scalp, then wrap a towel around your head and let it soak overnight or at least for 30 minutes. Then rinse out your scalp with a natural shampoo. The natural oils will help to loosen the scales on the scalp.

4. Apple cider vinegar

The Psoriasis Foundation reports that vinegar has been successfully used in the treatment of scalp psoriasis. It has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that target infection and inflammation of psoriasis lesions.

In a 1-quart container, pour 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar and fill up the rest of the way with warm water. Pour apple cider vinegar over the scalp until it becomes saturated. Saturating the scalp with apple cider vinegar helps to re-establish the balance of the PH) Wrap a towel around your head for 30 minutes to one hour.

After, rinse and wash hair with a non- sodium laurel sulfate shampoo. Massage scalp with aloe-Vera or jojoba oil.

5. Buttermilk

Buttermilk, applied directly to the scalp, has traditionally been used as a soothing treatment of scalp psoriasis.

6. Sunshine

Sunshine may help to clear scalp psoriasis. In many people it improves dramatically during sunny holidays. It is a fact that many people notice a marked improvement in their lesions during the summer months when they spend more time outdoors. The reason for this seems to be that sunlight induces the skin pores to produce vitamin D, and vitamin D is known to be beneficial for psoriasis.

Tip: To prevent sunburn, which can actually aggravate your condition, avoid exposure to the sun between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm, especially during the summer months. 

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