Scalp Psoriasis

Topical treatments are simply ointments or other agents applied directly to the affected skin. This type of treatment is usually the first step in treating mild to moderate cases. Scientists believe that Psoriasis occurs because of incorrect messages from the immune system, causing cells to grow and age much more rapidly than normal. This leads to the cells dying much more quickly than they are supposed to, leading to the dead skin and itching known as Psoriasis. Examples of topical treatments can be either over-the-counter or prescription.

Over-the-counter topicals

Salicylic Acid

Also commonly referred to as “sal acid”, salicylic acid is used to remove scales and is usually combined with other treatments such as tar, Anthralin, or topical steroids to improve the overall effectiveness of the treatment. There are over-the-counter and prescription forms available.

Tar

Coal tar is used to help slow down the growth and aging of the cells. It helps reduce inflammation, itching, and scaling. It is available in topical and shampoo form, and is usually used with a variety of other treatments such as salicylic acid or phototreatment.

Other topicals

There are a variety of other topicals used to treat the symptoms of Psoriasis, but typically not the cause. Topicals can in bath solution, nonprescription medication, or moisturizer form and can be used to moisturize, remove scaling, or relieve itching.

Prescription topicals

There are a variety of prescription topicals, and rather than go into them I would rather folks let me know what’s worked for them or what has not.