Skip to content

Tresses Under Threat: Psoriasis Scalp vs Dandruff

Tresses Under Threat: Psoriasis Scalp vs Dandruff

Scalp psoriasis and Dandruff are two of the most irritating scalp problems that you could experience. While both of them are treatable, the process takes a lot of time and patience and each of them is markedly different. Let’s find out more.

What is the Difference Between Psoriasis Scalp vs Dandruff?

A lot of people seem to have the following query ‘are dandruff and psoriasis the same thing?’ Another common misconception seems to be ‘dandruff vs dry scalp vs psoriasis’ confusion. Dandruff is essentially a reaction to oily or dry skin and is usually easily treatable with an OTC shampoo. Psoriasis scalp is thought to be an immune disorder. It is a condition in which skin cells buildup in excess amounts leading to scaliness, itchiness and dryness. The affected experience immense discomfort and require elaborate treatment. Severe cases of scalp psoriasis can lead to telogen effluvium.

What Are the Causes of Dandruff?

The skin cells on our scalp are in a process of constant regeneration and old skin is constantly flaked out and replaced with new skin. When this process of flaking is expedited and more white flakes are visible, people are said to be suffering from dandruff problems.

Dandruff is not directly connected to your hair or its hygiene, but it has more to do with the condition of your scalp skin. Dandruff can happen because of a variety of causes including:

  • Oily skin
  • Dry skin
  • If you do not shampoo regularly and excess skin cells develop
  • The Malassezia fungus that feeds on scalp oil
  • Contact dermatitis, wherein the person has an unfavourable reaction to certain hair products.
  • It could also be the result of hormonal issues.
  • Could be due to pitta dosha

Dandruff related problems give you an itchy scalp as a result of the accumulation of skin flakes which could worsen in cold and dry weather. Severe stress leads to more dandruff issues and could cause extensive hair loss. Dandruff can cause irritation, itchiness, flakiness, dryness and inflammation and can get aggravated by stress and weather.

What Are the Causes of Psoriasis Scalp?

Scalp psoriasis is an anomaly of the immune system that causes skin cells to regenerate at abnormally fast rates. This results in red patches and scaling. It is believed that both environmental and genetic factors are responsible for scalp psoriasis. It has been found that if you have at least one member of your family suffering from scalp psoriasis then you have a greater possibility of developing the same condition.

People susceptible to scalp psoriasis may not show any symptoms for years until it is triggered by an external agency. The most common reasons for scalp psoriasis include:

  • Throat or skin infections
  • High-stress levels can weaken your immune system and the possibility of developing psoriasis
  • Cold, dry conditions
  • A skin injury brought about by cut, bite or sunburn
  • Excess alcohol consumption
  • Smoking
  • Certain strong medicines for conditions such as malaria and high blood pressure
  • Withdrawal symptoms after stoppage of corticosteroids.

Treatments for Psoriasis Scalp

Though there is no cure for scalp psoriasis it is possible to get it under control with the help of several treatment processes. The treatment will depend on

  • The severity of the problem
  • How your body has responded before (if this is a relapse)
  • The presence of psoriasis in other parts of your body
  • The density of your hair.

The medicines are generally administered directly onto the scalp whether orally or with the help of injections. Phototherapy or light treatment techniques have also become very popular nowadays. If the medication does not prove to be effective the doctor may suggest a combination. The first step is to remove the scales which will make it convenient for the other medicines to work their magic.

  • Several OTC products contain salicylic acid, zinc pyrithione, selenium sulphide and lactic acid which are extremely effective in loosening the scales.
  • You can then further loosen the scales with a brush
  • Shampoo to remove the scales with a product containing any of the above-mentioned ingredients
  • After removal of the scales apply the creams in those places while they are still damp to hold in the moisture.

Apart from this, there are several products that doctors would recommend on how to treat scalp psoriasis.

  • Corticosteroids: They are available in various forms such as lotions, gels, sprays and shampoos and are used for treating inflammation in bigger patches. The effect of corticosteroids diminishes if used for a long period.
  • Coal tar products: They are very useful in reducing itchiness, inflammation and scaling. They also help in decreasing the speed of growth. You can apply a coal tar shampoo on your scalp and rinse it off after 10 minutes.
  • Steroid injections: Intralesional steroid injections are administered to reduce inflammation and are injected directly into the affected area.
  • Light therapy: In the process, the infected skin is exposed to natural or artificial light. It could involve exposure to sunlight daily as well as UVB broadband light from a controlled source.
  • Creams: Creams such as anthralin, calcipotriene (vitamin D) and Tazarotene (vitamin A) could also be suggested.

Certain categories of medication can also be used to treat specific scalp psoriasis problems:

  • Methotrexate is useful in reducing the effect of an enzyme responsible for faster skin cell growth.
  • Biologics focus on parts of the immune system overactive in psoriasis.
  • Oral retinoids are useful in controlling the pace of cell growth.
  • Cyclosporine deactivates the immune system and reduces psoriasis inflammation.

Home Remedies to Treat Dandruff and Scalp Psoriasis

It is always advisable to act on the recommendations of your health care provider but many home remedies could provide a soothing touch and also cure your dandruff and psoriasis scalp issues. Let’s find out more about how to treat scalp psoriasis naturally.

  • Aloe vera: Use fresh aloe vera gel extracted from the plant and apply it over your hair and scalp. It is very effective in reducing scaling.
  • Apple cider vinegar: Use a 1:1 solution of aloe vera with water. Dilute it further if it produces a burning sensation. Use this remedy 3 times a week for best results. Avoid using it if you have a cracked or bleeding scalp.
  • Turmeric: Turmeric is very effective in reducing the inflammation associated with psoriasis. It is also a very good antioxidant. You can also add the extra dose of turmeric to your cooking to derive its benefits. This is how to treat scalp psoriasis at home
  • Baking soda: This is a very useful solution for an itchy scalp. Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda to a glass of water. Use cotton wool to apply it over the affected regions of your scalp to get relief from itching and inflammation.
  • Coconut oil: Coconut oil is considered to be a highly potent remedy as it has a lot of healthy fats that augment scalp health. Massage some mildly heated oil onto your scalp and cover it up with a shower cap. Wash it off with a mild shampoo after 20 minutes.

It is always advisable to consult with a doctor to address your scalp psoriasis scalp and thereby avoid any complications. Depending on the severity of your condition you can supplement your efforts with some home remedies that could reduce the symptoms and lead you towards recovery. Do visit us at Traya for solutions to this and various other problems as our experts will help you by designing the perfect plan to deal with your specific issue.

Popular Articles

Dandruff Vs Dry Scalp | Dandruff | Causes Of Dandruff | Dandruff Solution | Types Of Dandruff | Home Remedies For Dandruff | Itchy Scalp | Scalp Psoriasis | Scalp Pain | Layers Of Scalp | Scalp Psoriasis Vs Dandruff | Bumps On Scalp | Dry Hair | Home Remedies For Dry And Frizzy | Summer Hair Care | Monsoon Hair Care Tips | Wet hair | How To Reduce Hair Fall | Vitamin B12 Deficiency Hair Loss | How Often To Wash Hair

 Our Products

Buy Multivitamin Tablet | Buy Hair Fall Tablets | Buy Herbal Tablets | Buy Minoxidil 5% | Buy Herbal Hair Oil | Buy Hair Fall Shampoo | Buy Anti Dandruff Shampoo | Buy Hair Root Serum | Buy Digestion Tablets | Buy Shatavari Ghrita | Buy Minoxidil 2% |

Featured Blogs

Popular Posts

Related Posts

Vitamins To Regrow Your Hair Due To Postpartum Hair Fall
Vitamins To Regrow Your Hair Due To Postpartum Hair Fall
Postpartum hair loss is the hair loss that new moms have to deal with a few months after their delivery. This happens...
Read More
Hormonal Hair Loss In Women: Causes, Treatment, Symptoms, & Prevention
Hormonal Hair Loss In Women: Causes, Treatment, Symptoms, & Prevention
Hormonal hair loss is a prevalent issue among women, causing frustration and distress as it leads to noticeable thinn...
Read More
Vitamin Deficiencies That Cause White Hair: How To Prevent Them
Vitamin Deficiencies That Cause White Hair: How To Prevent Them
No one likes white or grey hair sprouting in their early 20’s. Often when this happens, people tend to hide it off wi...
Read More
Hair Loss Due To Iron Deficiency: Symptoms, Treatment, & Growth Tips
Hair Loss Due To Iron Deficiency: Symptoms, Treatment, & Growth Tips
About 57% of the Indian women population suffers from iron deficiency, mostly women of childbearing age and girls in ...
Read More
Natural Home Remedies To Avoid Hair Fall After Pregnancy
Natural Home Remedies To Avoid Hair Fall After Pregnancy
With women, the joys of motherhood are closely followed by post-delivery issues that bring in more and more problems ...
Read More
Aloe Vera Oil For Hair: Benefits And How To Make It
Aloe Vera Oil For Hair: Benefits And How To Make It
Aloe vera is one of the most beneficial ingredients for skin and hair alike. It is full of combined goodness of miner...
Read More
Vitamins To Treat Hair Loss Due To Thyroid
Vitamins To Treat Hair Loss Due To Thyroid
Hair loss due thyroid is significantly common for many individuals. This is because the thyroid gland is responsible ...
Read More
Celebrities Who Are Affected By Postpartum Hair Loss
Celebrities Who Are Affected By Postpartum Hair Loss
What Is Postpartum Hair Loss? The excessive loss of hair in a woman a couple of months after she gives birth is refer...
Read More

Latest Blogs

Vitamins To Regrow Your Hair Due To Postpartum Hair Fall by Zahra Lokhandwala, Hair Coach
Hormonal Hair Loss In Women: Causes, Treatment, Symptoms, & Prevention by Zahra Lokhandwala, Hair Coach
Vitamin Deficiencies That Cause White Hair: How To Prevent Them by Zahra Lokhandwala, Hair Coach
Hair Loss Due To Iron Deficiency: Symptoms, Treatment, & Growth Tips by Zahra Lokhandwala, Hair Coach
Natural Home Remedies To Avoid Hair Fall After Pregnancy by Zahra Lokhandwala, Hair Coach
Aloe Vera Oil For Hair: Benefits And How To Make It by Zahra Lokhandwala, Hair Coach
Vitamins To Treat Hair Loss Due To Thyroid by Zahra Lokhandwala, Hair Coach
Celebrities Who Are Affected By Postpartum Hair Loss by Zahra Lokhandwala, Hair Coach
Menopause Hair Loss: Causes, Treatment & Tips To Regrow Hair by Zahra Lokhandwala, Hair Coach
Uses & Benefits Of Vitamin C for Hair by Zahra Lokhandwala, Hair Coach
Tea Tree Oil For Hair Growth by Zahra Lokhandwala, Hair Coach
How To Get Rid Of Dandruff with Coconut Oil by Zahra Lokhandwala, Hair Coach
The Most Effective Scalp Oils For Every Hair Type by Zahra Lokhandwala, Hair Coach
What Is Folic Acid? How It Promotes Hair Growth by Zahra Lokhandwala, Hair Coach
Men's Top Hair Care Products by Zahra Lokhandwala, Hair Coach
How To Use Shatavari For Hair: Benefits And Side Effects by Zahra Lokhandwala, Hair Coach
Amla Powder For Hair: Benefits And Side Effects by Zahra Lokhandwala, Hair Coach
The Absolute Best Hair Care Products For Women by Zahra Lokhandwala, Hair Coach
9 Nourishing Essential Oils For Hair Health & Strength by Zahra Lokhandwala, Hair Coach
Do Biotin Tablets Help In Healthy Hair Growth? by Zahra Lokhandwala, Hair Coach
How To Use Menthol For Hair by Zahra Lokhandwala, Hair Coach
How To Use Goat Milk For Hair Growth by Zahra Lokhandwala, Hair Coach
The Best Hair Care Products To Strengthen Your Hair by Zahra Lokhandwala, Hair Coach
Different Ways To Treat Hair Problems With Amla Powder by Zahra Lokhandwala, Hair Coach
Parabens In Shampoo: Are They Bad For Hair? by Zahra Lokhandwala, Hair Coach
15 Proven Ingredients To Help Your Natural Hair: A Detailed Guide by Zahra Lokhandwala, Hair Coach
Minoxidil For Women's Hair Loss & Its Side Effects by Zahra Lokhandwala, Hair Coach
Zinc For Hair Loss, Can It Regrow Hair? by Zahra Lokhandwala, Hair Coach
Does Biotin Shampoo Really Work For Hair Loss Prevention? by Zahra Lokhandwala, Hair Coach
6 Amazing Benefits Of Ginger For Hair by Zahra Lokhandwala, Hair Coach
Benefits Of Applying Ayurvedic Hair Oil by Zahra Lokhandwala, Hair Coach
Benefits Of Herbal Hair Oil For Hair Care by Zahra Lokhandwala, Hair Coach
Improve Hair Growth With Minoxidil: Benefits & How to Use by Zahra Lokhandwala, Hair Coach
Black Seed Oil: How To Make And Use It For Hair by Zahra Lokhandwala, Hair Coach
How To Do Hair Spa At Home & Its Benefits For Your Hair by Zahra Lokhandwala, Hair Coach
How to Use Ashwagandha For Hair by Zahra Lokhandwala, Hair Coach
Bhringraj Oil For Hair: Benefits, Effects & More by Zahra Lokhandwala, Hair Coach
10 Most Harmful Chemicals Found In Your Shampoo by Zahra Lokhandwala, Hair Coach
Highly Effective Ways To Use Bhringraj For Hair by Zahra Lokhandwala, Hair Coach
How To Use Ghee For Hair : Benefits & Side Effects by Zahra Lokhandwala, Hair Coach
Best Hair Growth Treatment by Zahra Lokhandwala, Hair Coach

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

Recommended Products