What Causes Psoriasis on Scalp?

Psoriasis is characterised by sharply defined, red patches of skin which soon become covered with thickened areas of dry, silvery scales.
The condition is not infectious and is due to an abnormally rapid cycle of skin-cell growth and shedding.

Psoriasis can affect any part of the body, but occurs mainly on the knees and elbows, on the scalp and sometimes on the back or chest. It may also affect the fingernails, which can become disfigured.

With psoriasis, the overall aim of treatment is to reduce the activity of the skin cells and relieve the associated inflammation. Although psoriasis may recur, it can be managed with ongoing treatment. Once a successful treatment has been established, it should be resumed at the first sign of recurrence.

First thing your husband should do is avoid soap, as this can exacerbate the condition. Bathing in solutions containing tar can be helpful in relieving symptoms and maintaining clearance. Also, try to avoid stress, as well as cuts, burns or infections on the affected area, as this can provoke a flare-up of the condition.

So here's a list of products to use to help manage psoriasis:

1) Pinetarsol – Pinetarsol products are soap-free and help to relieve itchy skin and reduce inflammation.
2) DermAid – DermAid creams contain hydrocortisone to help soothe inflamed and itchy skin.
3) EgoPsoryl TA – A soothing gel that provides relief for very itchy, non-inflamed skin and can also help to remove scales.
4) Egoderm – These emollient treatments are recommended for the treatment of dry, inflamed skin.
5) Sebitar – A scalp-cleansing treatment for persistent dandruff, seborrhoeic dermatitis and scalp psoriasis. Containing coal tar and pine tar to relieve itching, inflammation and help control excess flaking.
6) SebiRinse – A conditioner for use after a scalp cleansing treatment such as Sebitar.

Remember that when you're trying to avoid soap, to look at your shampoo and conditioner which usually contain soap. I also recommend using the Hairscience range of shampoos and conditioners.

Could i have psoriasis

Psoriasis occurs in different forms, but you will usually have thickened and red patches of skin. Your skin may feel itchy, and can sometimes feel painful or sore. If you have only very mild symptoms, you may not be aware you have it.
Some types of psoriasis can affect your scalp and cause redness and flaking. It can also affect your fingernails, which can become pitted, thickened or loosened from the nail bed.

If you have any of these symptoms, contact our doctors
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine you. He or she may also ask you about your medical history.
Your GP will probably be able to diagnose psoriasis from your symptoms and a physical examination. However, if your psoriasis is extensive or severe, if it's affecting your education or work, if it's not responding to treatment, or if your diagnosis is uncertain, your GP may refer you to a dermatologist (a doctor who specialises in identifying and treating skin conditions).
If you have generalised pustular psoriasis or erythrodermic psoriasis, you may need to be admitted to hospital for treatment
There is no cure for psoriasis. However, there are a number of treatments that can help relieve your symptoms.
Topical treatments
Your GP may prescribe you a medicated cream or ointment. The type and strength of topical treatment will depend on the type of psoriasis you have. Common types of preparations include those containing:
coal tar - these preparations can reduce inflammation and scaling, and are often used in psoriasis affecting your scalp; however, they can be smelly and messy
steroids - these preparations are often used for localised psoriasis (eg patches on your elbows or knees), but shouldn't be used if your psoriasis is quite widespread; stronger steroids can be used on your palms and soles, or your scalp

vitamin D derivatives (such as calcipotriol or tacalcitol) - these preparations can be easier to use than some of the other products, but sometimes irritate your skin .

If I Get Psoriasis, How to Do

What Are The Causes Of Psoriasis?

Experts are not sure what the exact cause of psoriasis is. We know the immune system plays a part, and we also know there is excessive growth and reproduction of skin cells.

Fault of the epidermis
One hypothesis is that psoriasis is mainly a fault of the epidermis (the upper or outer layer of skin) and its keratinocytes. The keratinocyte is the major constituent of the epidermis, making up 95% of the cells found there. Keratinocytes are cells found in the epidermis - those at the outer surface of the epidermis are dead and form a tough protective layer, while the cells below divide and replenish the supply.
An immune-mediated disorder
Another hypothesis is that the excessive reproduction of skin cells is secondary, and that the main factor is related to an immune system disorder.
Our immune system is designed to protect us from foreign bodies and pathogens (things that cause disease), such as bacteria, viruses, and toxic substances. An autoimmune reaction occurs when the immune system mistakes a normal or good substance for a pathogen, and attacks it. Sometimes our immune system may attack good tissues and cells in our bodies; this is called an autoimmune disease.
Our T-cells (T lymphocytes) normally help protect the body against infection - they are a type of white blood cell and form part of our immune system. T cells travel throughout the human body to detect and fight off foreign substances, such as bacteria or viruses. If a person has psoriasis, however, the T cells attack healthy skin cells by mistake. Experts believe these T-cells become active, migrate to the dermis (inner/deeper layer of skin) and trigger the release of cytokines, in particular tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα). TNFα is what causes the excessive production of skin cells, as well as inflammation.

Experts do not know what triggers the activation of T-cells - genetic and environmental factors are most likely, they say. The result is a cycle of skin cell production becoming faster and faster. It normally takes 28 days for skin cells to be created and then to die - this cycle is reduced to 2 to 6 days in patients with psoriasis, causing dead skin cells to accumulate on the surface of the skin, in thick scaly patches.