Psoriasis of the Scalp

[LJ84]

I have severe psoriasis of the scalp now for 3 years.  Every time i go to the derm, they give me a cream and a solution to apply to my scalp.  This only dries my scalp and mikes it even more itchy which then causes sores on my scalp.  How do people get psoriasis; is there a cause?  Also, is there a more invasive treatment?  I need a little break from this, it drives me crazy morning noon and night!!

[anne0charles]

Hi I am also having a problem with scalp psoriasis,

It has become really bad lately on my scalp.  The rest of my body is getting better, since I started going to a tanning salon, but my scalp and inside my ears seems to be getting the worst of it.  My hair been falling out quite a lot lately, and I am blaming my shampoo for the reason.

I am looking for a new retail shampoo, that won't bother my psoriasis. I use to like Pantene classic clean, but they change there formal.  Then there was Dove Sheer Moisture, but that got discontinued.

I only occasionally use T/Gel by Neutergena, partly because I heard all those nasty rumours about how it cause brain cancer, but also because it smells bad.  Even when I use it I usually wash my hair with a retail shampoo afterwards to clean the stink out.  But I also noticed that my hair falls out in big piles (not really clumps)  I don't really know if it the T/gel, or if it just removes the plaque that was holding the hair in place.

I know the hair will grow back if it just because of plaque, but it been falling out a lot more lately, and starting to feel very thin.  I am hoping that someone here could suggust a new retail shampoo this, or if tell me something else that will stop my hair from falling out every time it is touched or brushed would be nice too.

[Dr_Smita_S]

Hi
The exact cause of psoriasis is still unknown. A combination of factors, including genetic and environmental factors is involved. The immune system is thought to play a major role. T cells are a type of white blood cell that usually protects the body against infection. In psoriasis, the T cells wrongly attack body’s skin cells instead of bacteria and viruses. This altered immune response leads to swelling and rapid overproduction of skin cells.  This leads to swelling and fast turnover of skin cells.
Treatment should be under supervision of a specialist. It involves topical treatments, light therapy and oral medications. Topical psoriasis treatments include topical corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues, anthralin, topical retinoids and coal tar. Phototherapy involves sunlight or the use of artificial ultraviolet A (UVA) or ultraviolet B (UVB) light either alone or in combination with medications. Oral treatment like retinoids, Methotrexate and azathioprine are used in severe psoriasis which doesn’t respond to other therapies.
Hope it helps. Take care