What is Scalp Psoriasis?
Scalp psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the scalp. It's characterized by the overproduction of skin cells, resulting in thick, discolored patches of skin called plaques. These plaques are often dry, itchy, and can range in severity from mild to severe, sometimes forming thick, crusted sores.
Scalp psoriasis is a form of plaque psoriasis, specifically affecting the scalp. It's a long-lasting (chronic) condition where the immune system malfunctions, causing skin cells to regenerate much faster than normal. This rapid cell growth leads to the buildup of skin cells on the scalp, forming the characteristic plaques. [This information is supported by the provided text stating that scalp psoriasis is "a long-lasting (chronic) autoimmune disease (caused by your own immune system) that causes your skin cells to reproduce too quickly."][1]
Symptoms
Symptoms can vary greatly, with some individuals experiencing only mild discomfort, while others face significant irritation and discomfort. Common symptoms include:
- Itchy, dry scalp: This is often one of the first noticeable symptoms.
- Scaly patches: Thick, silvery-white scales are a hallmark of scalp psoriasis.
- Redness and inflammation: The affected areas may be red and inflamed.
- Thickened skin: In more severe cases, the skin can become significantly thickened.
- Pain and burning sensation: Some individuals experience pain or a burning sensation on their scalp.
- Spread beyond the scalp: Scalp psoriasis can sometimes spread to the forehead, neck, and behind the ears. [As noted, "Scalp psoriasis can extend beyond the scalp. It can appear on the forehead...Sometimes, it extends to the back of the neck..."][2]
Prevalence
Scalp psoriasis is quite common, affecting 45 to 56 percent of individuals with psoriasis. [This statistic is supported by the provided text indicating that "45 to 56 percent of people living with psoriasis have scalp psoriasis."][3]
Treatment
Numerous treatment options are available for scalp psoriasis, ranging from over-the-counter medicated shampoos to prescription medications. Treatment selection depends on the severity of the condition. [The provided text confirms that "There are many treatments for scalp psoriasis. Some people get relief from a medicated shampoo or other treatment that you can buy without a prescription."][4]
Differentiating Scalp Psoriasis from Seborrheic Dermatitis
Scalp psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis share some similar symptoms and treatments, including medicated shampoos. However, they are distinct conditions with different underlying causes. [This is confirmed by the reference stating that "Scalp psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp share some similar treatments, including medicated shampoos and..."][5]
[1]: What is scalp psoriasis? Scalp psoriasis (sore-eye-uh-sis) is a long-lasting (chronic) autoimmune disease (caused by your own immune system) that causes your skin cells to reproduce too quickly. It creates thick, discolored patches of skin (plaques) on your scalp and other areas around your scalp.25-Apr-2022
[2]: Scalp psoriasis can extend beyond the scalp. It can appear on the forehead as shown in the picture on this page. Sometimes, it extends to the back of the neck…
[3]: 45 to 56 percent of people living with psoriasis have scalp psoriasis.
[4]: There are many treatments for scalp psoriasis. Some people get relief from a medicated shampoo or other treatment that you can buy without a prescription.
[5]: Scalp psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp share some similar treatments, including medicated shampoos and…
