Scalp condition

It all started fifteen years ago when my husband's grandparents were in a nursing home. His grandmother complained of an itchy scalp. Then the parents started having the same problem and both were diagnosed with psorasis. Then my husband's scalp also started itching in addition to his legs and arms. He has been seeing a dermatologist for treament of psorasis for several years. About a year after his problems started my scalp also started itching and I was diagnosed with psorasis. I am the only non-relative of the group. As long as I treat the scalp condition it stays under control but as soon as I stop it comes back. It is only on the back half of my head. I'm having a hard time believing this is just a random case of psoriasis in five people all related in some way. I guess it could be hereditary but I'm only related by marriage. Should I just accept the diagnosis of psoriasis...it is very uncomfortable when I am not treating it.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that tends to run in families. Scalp psoriasis may occur in isolation or with any other form of psoriasis. The back of the head is a common site but multiple discrete areas of the scalp or the whole scalp may be affected. Scalp psoriasis is characterised by thick silvery white scale on patches of very red skin. Other differentials include seborrheic dermatitis, sebopsoriasis, or Pityriasis amiantacea.  Continue with the medications to prevent recurrences of symptoms. Have this evaluated further.   A second opinion may be obtained. Psoriasis is not contagious , you can not catch it from another person or give it to someone by touching them. Unless, of course, you also have a personal or family history of this condition.

Take care and keep us posted.