Scalp psoriasis : Causes and Scalp
psoriasis treatments
Scalp Psoriasis commonly occurs on
the back of the head however multiple areas of the scalp
or the whole scalp may be affected. Scalp psoriasis is
characterized by thick silvery white scales on patches of
very red skin and can extend slightly beyond the
hairline. Scalp
psoriasis, despite being partially hidden by the
hair is often a source of social embarrassment due to
flaking of the scale and severe
'dandruff'. Scalp
psoriasis may be extremely itchy or on occasion
have no itch symptoms. It can also cause temporary
baldness on the affected areas. It is a common,
chronic, inflammatory skin disease and can be associated
with increased risk of melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma,
and basal cell carcinoma. Scalp psoriasis is treatable
but as with all scalp problems, you need to know the
cause so you can prevent the scalp condition from
returning and treat it accordingly. Psoriasis of the
scalp like all forms of this condition is not contagious;
it cannot be passed from person to person nor can one
spread it to other parts of the body.The disorder is a
chronic or recurring condition which can vary in
severity, from minor localized silvery patches on the
scalp to complete body coverage.

What
Causes Scalp
Psoriasis? Many
consider psoriasis to be primarily a disorder of
excessive growth and reproduction of skin cells. The
problem is simply seen as a fault of the epidermis and
its keratinocytes. An alternate viewpoint sees the
disease as being an immune-mediated disorder in which the
excessive reproduction of skin cells is secondary to
factors produced by the immune system. It is thought that
T cells (which normally help protect the body against
infection) become active, migrate to the dermis and
trigger the release of cytokines which cause inflammation
and the rapid production of skin cells. Recent research
indicates that psoriasis is likely a disorder of the
immune system. This system includes a type of white blood
cell, called a T cell, that normally helps protect the
body against infection and disease. Scientists now think
that, in psoriasis, an abnormal immune system causes
activity by T cells in the skin. These T cells trigger
the inflammation and excessive skin cell reproduction
seen in people with psoriasis . (Source: excerpt from
Psoriasis: NWHIC). It is interesting also to note that
further research indicates that a large
percentage of scalp
psoriasis sufferers often also suffer from liver
dysfunction or liver toxicity. The liver plays a
major role in metabolism and has a number of functions in
the body including drug detoxification. When we apply
topically or ingest certain ingredients into our system
via our mouths or skin, the liver has to deal with these
and in some people can effect the immune
system.
It's often a
surprize to people that the cause of their scaly scalp
and itching may have started in the liver and then the
skin flakes/scales as an immune response to those liver
toxins. That's why you see those awful flaking and
scaling scales.
We know
already that SLS's
and
other nasties found in common shampoos are readily
absorbed into our bodies via our pores and deposited long
term in our liver. So how does this relate to
psoriasis?
Well, there
are many theories and cases suggesting that if you detox your
liver and clear out toxins that you can eliminate psoriasis and
help out your dry
scalp problem.
I mean, think
about itA?what do you suspect happens when your liver is
so full of toxins that it can no longer deal with all the
build up from foreign substances being absorbed into the
body - then you add yet more of these toxins via your
scalp/skin?
It makes sense
that your immune defense system will do whatever it can
to get rid of them and keep them out! So is it any
surprise then that studies have found scaling and flaking
is the result of the body's immune system attempting to
shed damaged or irritated skin to expel anything it
identifies as unhealthy for its cells
.
So what can you
do? Well, a detox helps as does using the right hair
products.
There are
some fantastic highly recommended scalp
psoriasis treatments out there such as Dr. Robert E.
Connelly's book Psoriasis Can Be Cured . He instructs
his patients to follow a very strict program including diet,
supplements and regular self tests to determine improvements
in liver weakness.
Another fantastic
cleanse specifically targeting psoriasis is
called The
Ultimate Cleanse and is sold
by The
Herbalist.co.nz. Many experts will
tell you this is the best quality most
thorough cleanse
system. Malcolm Harker also stocks good cleanses and
topical creams that are very
beneficial.
Yes, these methods
are fantastic to help clean the liver so your body is not
overloaded and does not manifest psoriasis or other
conditions in order to protect itself! Cleaning out
your liver is important and is very effective in clearing
up what you already have.
However, there's
really no point in going through this process only to
prepare our liver again for the next lot of irritants,
carcinogens and formaldehydes we force into our bodies
via our open receptive pores in the shower every
day!
Even worse, the
moisture, heat and cleansers we use, also remove our
natural oil mantle thus causing further irritation
(itchiness and discomfort) to our already tender
sensitive scalps and ravaged hair
follicles!
I would highly
recommend that if you suffer from psoriasis, that you do
a liver cleanse. A good cleanse should be done to
speed the healing process and for all the other benefits
you will gain. You will feel fantastic and it's
highly beneficial for your skin!
Tip: While
detoxing so it is important to refrain from eating pork,
dairy as well avoiding consumption of high gluten based
products. The main consideration to remember is to
look for a program that is designed to move toxins out of
your liver! Milk thistle is fantastic to help you
cleanse as well as Cranberry juice.
In addition
to a detox, you need to make the transition to natural hair
care products that don't contain harmful chemicals like SLA's.
A few of these brands are listed on our links page but many
more can be found in "Beautiful Hair & Healthy Scalp Secrets
& Remedies"
There are natural
alternatives to use to relieve & treat scalp
psoriasis. It also helps a great deal to know what
steps can be taken and what ingredients, (& some
foods) to avoid as part of a scalp psoriasis treatment to
cure and to prevent your scalp problem from
returning.
There are many remedies
for scalp
psoriasis you can
make from natural essential oils to soothe and reduce the
symtoms of scalp psosriasis,
like
Neem oil and
combinations of oils
especially.
You can drink Burdock root as a
tea. Birch or Slippery Elm are also
good taken in tablet form to
help heal the gut. Herbs known to be
particularly beneficial to take for
psoriasis:Oregon Grape, Sarsparilla, Saw
Palmetto, Echinacea.
There are
natural alternatives to use to relieve &
treat scalp
psoriasis.
It also helps a great deal to know what steps
can be taken and what
ingredients,
(& some
foods) to avoid as part of a scalp
psoriasis treatment to cure and
to prevent your scalp
problem from returning.
You can do a
great deal to eradicate scalp
psoriasis by making
conscious choices about what you buy to apply to
your skin and scalp. Psoriasis
scalp conditions need not
steal your confidence. An understanding of
what aggravates this
condition and what you can do to soothe and treat
it successfully both on
the inside and outside naturally can make a
huge difference to your
quality of life - and empower
you.
All you need
to know about scalp
conditions and more
many scalp
psoriasis treatment
remedies to help soothe, relieve and assist the healing
process in "Beautiful Hair & Healthy Scalp
Secrets & Remedies"
Topical
treatments:
Bath solutions and moisturizers help soothe
affected skin and reduce the dryness which accompanies the
build-up of skin on psoriasis plaques. Medicated creams and
ointments applied directly onto psoriasis plaques can help
reduce inflammation, remove built-up scale, reduce skin turn
over, and clear affected skin of plaques. Ointment and creams
containing coal tar, anthralin, corticosteroids, vitamin D3
analogues (for example, calcipotriol), and retinoids are
routinely used. The mechanism of action of each is probably
different but they all help to normalize skin cell production
and reduce inflammation. The disadvantages of topical agents
are that they can irritate normal skin, can be awkward to
apply, can not be used for long periods, can stain clothing or
have a strong odor and place load on the liver. As a result, it
is sometimes difficult for people to maintain the regular
application of these medications. Abrupt withdrawal of some
topical agents, particularly corticosteroids, can cause an
aggressive recurrance of the condition. This is known as a
rebound of the condition.
Types of
psoriasis:
Plaque psoriasis
scalp (psoriasis vulgaris) is the most common
form of psoriasis. It affects 80 to 90% of people with
psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis typically appears as raised
areas of inflamed skin covered with silvery white scaly
skin. These areas are called
plaques.
Flexural psoriasis
appears as smooth inflamed patches of skin. It occurs in
skin folds, particularly around the genitals, the
armpits, and under the breasts. It is aggravated by
friction and sweat, and is vulnerable to fungal
infections.
Guttate psoriasis
is characterized by numerous small oval (teardrop-shaped)
spots. These numerous spots of psoriasis appear over
large areas of the body, such as the trunk, limbs, and
scalp. Guttate psoriasis is associated with streptococcal
throat infection.
Pustular psoriasis
appears as raised bumps that are filled with
non-infectious pus (pustules). The skin under and
surrounding pustules is red and tender. Pustular
psoriasis can be localised, commonly to the hands and
feet (palmoplantar pustulosis), or generalized with
widespread patches occurring randomly on any part of the
body.
Erythrodermic
psoriasis involves the widespread inflammation and
exfoliation of the skin over most of the body surface. It
may be accompanied by severe itching, swelling and pain.
It is often the result of an exacerbation of unstable
plaque psoriasis, particularly following the abrupt
withdrawal of systemic treatment. This form of psoriasis
can be fatal, as the extreme inflammation and exfoliation
disrupt the body's ability to regulate temperature and
for the skin to perform barrier
functions.
Learn
about remedies to help soothe and clear scalp
psoriasis

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