Scalp Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common skin condition, affecting approximately 2% of people in The UK. It usually develops in patches and presents as red, flaky areas of skin, which are covered with silvery scales.

Psoriasis can develop at any age, however, it most often occurs in adults under the age of 35. One area of the body that is commonly affected by psoriasis is the scalp. Scalp psoriasis is generally a chronic condition that involves periods of little to no symptoms, followed by periods where symptoms flare up. The severity of scalp psoriasis will vary from person to person, with some sufferers experiencing only minor irritation. However, for others, the condition can be more severe, which can have a major impact on their quality of life.

Psoriasis is caused by the body producing excess amounts of skin cells. These cells are normally renewed every 3-4 weeks, but in psoriasis, this process happens significantly quicker (3-7 days). This build-up of skin cells results in the red, crusty patches associated with psoriasis. Why this process is expedited isn’t fully understood, though it is believed to be related to a problem with the immune system. For sufferers of psoriasis, the immune system is thought to mistakenly attack healthy skin cells, causing the faster than normal turnaround in cell renewal.

Psoriasis isn’t contagious, which means it cannot be spread from person to person. The condition can be hereditary, though the exact role genetics play in psoriasis is still unclear. Psoriasis symptoms can be exacerbated by certain triggers, such as skin trauma, throat infections and certain medicines.

Eczema of the scalp

Eczema is a condition that causes inflammation of the skin. For most sufferers it is a chronic condition, however, for some, it can improve over time. Eczema can affect any part of the body, though a commonly affected area is the scalp. Sufferers of scalp eczema will usually experience periods where symptoms are mild to non-existent, followed by periods where symptoms flare-up.

Specifically, scalp eczema will cause the scalp to feel itchy and inflamed, as well as causing dry skin to form. The most common form of scalp eczema is Seborrheic Dermatitis, which has the associated symptom of dandruff.

The exact causes of scalp eczema are still unclear, although a variety of triggers have been identified. These include:

• Irritants, such as soaps and detergents.
• Environmental factors, such as cold or dry weather.
• Allergens, such as dust mites, pet fur, pollen and moulds.
• Food allergies, such as nuts, dairy or wheat.
• Certain fabrics, such as wool or synthetic materials.
• Hormonal changes, such a woman’s monthly period.
• Very dry skin
• Heavy sweating.
• Greasy hair or skin.
• Other skin conditions, such as psoriasis, rosacea or acne.

Scalp eczema could also be caused by an overproduction of sebum, which is an oily substance secreted by the sebaceous glands in the scalp. This overproduction can encourage a natural skin fungus, called Malassezia to multiply. This overgrowth can cause the scalp to become irritated, which can lead to eczema of the scalp.

Dandruff

Dandruff is a common skin condition that affects the scalp. The condition causes dry white/grey flakes of dead skin to appear on the scalp and in the hair. The condition occurs because the body’s process of skin cell renewal is accelerated. This acceleration causes excessive amounts of dead skin cells to accumulate, which causes dandruff.

It is not always clear why dandruff happens, however, possible causes include:

• Seborrheic dermatitis.
• Overusing hair products.
• Emotional stress.
• Washing hair either too frequently or not frequently enough.

Dandruff is a common condition, which often occurs after puberty and usually, continues until middle age. It has been reported that the condition is more common in men than women. Dandruff is believed to affect all ethnic groups equally.

Scalp Psoriasis

Symptoms of scalp psoriasis can range from mild to severe. Milder symptoms may only present as a fine, slight scaling on the skin of the scalp. Moderate to severe symptoms may include:

• Dry scalp.
• Red, bumpy, scaly patches.
• White/silvery scales.
• Burning, itching or soreness.
• Hair loss*.

* Psoriasis itself doesn’t cause hair loss. However, the associated harsh treatments, scratching and picking can, unfortunately, result in a temporary loss of hair.

Eczema of the scalp

Eczema of the scalp is usually characterised by patches of skin that can be either:

• Flaky.
• Extremely itchy.
• Red and scaly.
• Greasy or waxy.
• Weeping lesions.
• Blistering.
• Causing a change in skin colour after healing.
• Causing a discharge from the ear, should the condition have spread from the scalp into the ear canal.

Other skin/scalp conditions may produce symptoms similar to scalp eczema. These conditions include; psoriasis, allergic contact dermatitis and atopic eczema.

Dandruff

Dandruff will present as white/grey flakes of dead skin, appearing in the scalp and (or) hair. These flakes are often noticed if they fall from the scalp onto the shoulders. Associated symptoms of dandruff also include a dry, itchy scalp. The magnitude of these symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Sadly, conditions like Psoriasis, eczema and dandruff tend to be lifelong conditions that cannot be prevented outright. However, these conditions can be successfully managed through following the advice from your doctor. There are various self-help techniques that will help both control and minimise further flare-ups. These techniques are listed below:

• Avoid cold, dry weather – the climate can have a significant effect on psoriasis and eczema. For many, the cold, dry weather can exacerbate their symptoms. Warmer weather tends to make it better, though this is not always the case.
• Use a humidifier – using a humidifier when the weather is dry will help keep the skin moist.
• Avoid using medicines that are known to cause flare-ups – certain medications can cause psoriasis symptoms to worsen. These medicines include; Lithium, Propranolol and Quinidine.
• Avoid trauma to the scalp – cuts, scrapes and bumps to the scalp can trigger a flare-up, potentially leading to an infection.
• Get the right amount of sun – the ultraviolet rays in sunlight will slow down skin cell growth, so moderate sun exposure can be beneficial. Keep your exposure brief (about 20 minutes at a time), as sunburn will exacerbate dry scalp conditions.
• Avoid stress – although still unproven, many dry scalp sufferers link flare-ups with feelings of stress or anxiety.
• Use a mild shampoo every day – regular shampooing will help avoid a build-up of skin cells and hair products. If this isn’t enough to control the symptoms, try switching to an over-the-counter dandruff shampoo. It is important not to shampoo too oft en as this can make dry scalp conditions worse. It is recommended not to wash your hair more often than once a day.
• Limit the number of haircare products you use – exposure to excessive amounts of ingredients and chemicals can contribute to scalp irritation, which can cause more itching and flaking.
   
• Eat a healthy diet – there are some indications that B-vitamins and Zinc may help with dry scalp conditions, so a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals can help relieve symptoms.