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Magazine
February 8, 2023
Psoriasis is a chronic condition affecting millions yearly, but many treatments are available to manage symptoms effectively. One such treatment for scalp psoriasis involves selecting the right shampoo for your hair and scalp depending on your individual needs and preferences.
As always, consult your doctor before using any product to treat your psoriatic condition. In this article, we’ll discuss treating scalp psoriasis and how to use the right shampoo for various stages of mild to severe scalp psoriasis.
Fig. 2. Types of psoriasis
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that affects the skin cells (from within and outside) and nails. An estimated 125 million people worldwide live with some form of psoriasis, and it can range in severity from a minor nuisance to a significant hindrance.
For many, understanding the condition and its symptoms is the first step toward managing it. So let’s take a look at what psoriasis is and what its symptoms are.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that causes red, scaly patches on the skin and thickened nails. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly sends signals to the body’s skin cells, causing them to grow faster than usual.
It leads to an overproduction of skin cells, resulting in scaly patches on the skin’s surface or thickening of the nails. The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, but it’s thought to be genetic, environmental, or both.
There are several different types of psoriasis, including plaque psoriasis (the most common type), guttate psoriasis (characterized by small spots), inverse psoriasis (which appears in body folds such as armpits or groin area), pustular psoriasis (blisters filled with pus), and erythrodermic psoriasis (severe redness all over the body).
The most common symptom of psoriasis is red or pink skin patches covered with white scales or flakes. These patches can appear anywhere on your body but most commonly on elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back.
Other common symptoms include dryness or cracking of the skin; itching; soreness; burning sensations; painful joints; swollen toes or fingers; thickened nails; and hair loss from affected areas. In more severe cases, psoriasis can lead to eye inflammation, arthritis-like joint pain, fever, and fatigue.
The shampoo is an effective way to manage symptoms of psoriasis while still maintaining healthy hair and scalp hygiene habits.
However, it’s important to note that while using the right kind of shampoo can help relieve itching and inflammation caused by psoriasis, it is not a replacement for other treatments prescribed by a doctor or dermatologist – always consult with a medical professional before beginning any new treatments for chronic skin conditions like psoriasis.
With proper maintenance and cure, patients with psoriasis can maintain healthy skin while keeping flare-ups in check. Here are the typical steps you would find when being suggested how shampoo helps treat scalp psoriasis.
The most crucial step in treating psoriasis with shampoo is selecting the right product for your skin type. While shampoos containing ingredients like salicylic acid and coal tar are the most common solutions in the market, they won’t necessarily be effective at relieving itching and inflammation caused by psoriasis. Some people choose products that contain natural ingredients, such as Aloe Vera or Tea Tree oil, which can help soothe irritated skin. The shampoo’s effectiveness depends on how your body responds to its active ingredients.
Don’t just rely on recommendations of shampoos for scalp psoriasis that you see in advertisements. It’s always best to test out which works for you to ensure a healthy treatment plan for your scalp inflammation.
Once you’ve selected a shampoo that works best for your skin type, it’s time to apply it correctly. Start by wetting your scalp and using the shampoo directly on your scalp.
Massage the shampoo into your scalp using gentle circular motions, and make sure you cover all affected areas. Once you’ve finished massaging the shampoo into your scalp, leave it on for about five minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.
After rinsing off the shampoo, follow up with a good moisturizer to keep your scalp hydrated and protected from further irritation. Avoid heavy creams or lotions, which can clog pores and exacerbate psoriasis symptoms—instead, opt for light, oil-free moisturizers which will provide long-lasting moisture without blocking pores or causing irritation.
If possible, avoid products containing alcohol or fragrances, which may further aggravate skin sensitivities associated with scalp psoriasis symptoms.
If you are living with psoriasis, you already know how much of a struggle it is to manage your condition daily. But there are always some or other relief measures to control the flare-ups and symptoms of scalp psoriasis.
One such solution is a scalp psoriasis shampoo, ideally suited to your scalp health, that works and soothes the flaky scalp and itchy scalp symptoms. But first, look at the benefits of using scalp psoriasis shampoos.
One of the most important aspects of treating psoriasis is keeping your skin moisturized. However, it can be tricky because many moisturizers are too heavy, which can clog pores and worsen symptoms. Fortunately, shampoos can provide enough moisture without being too heavy. Additionally, shampoos often contain unique ingredients that help lock in moisture and keep skin hydrated for extended periods.
Bacterial or fungal infections can cause psoriasis flare-ups, so it’s essential to use products that contain antimicrobial properties. For example, many shampoos with unique ingredients have natural antiseptic and antifungal properties to help reduce inflammation and irritation caused by bacteria or fungi.
In addition to providing moisture and antimicrobial properties, shampoos can protect against scalp irritations caused by psoriasis flare-ups. Specialized shampoos often contain soothing ingredients like Aloe Vera or Oatmeal Extract that help reduce redness and itchiness while protecting the scalp from further damage. These shampoos also provide a light layer of protection between your skin and the environment, which helps prevent irritants from entering your pores and exacerbating existing symptoms.
Fig. 3. Shampoo for psoriasis.
Taking care of a sensitive scalp with chronic irritation due to psoriasis can be challenging but not impossible. Proper treatment and good hygiene habits can reduce its severity and keep symptoms under control over time.
If you’re using a shampoo specifically formulated for psoriasis or other chronic skin conditions, follow the instructions on the bottle. Generally speaking, you should leave the shampoo in contact with your scalp for 3-5 minutes before rinsing it off thoroughly.
It is known as “dwell time” and helps ensure that the active ingredients can penetrate beyond the scaly skin and dead skin cells and deep into your scalp to work their magic. Depending on your particular condition and needs, you may need to adjust this dwell time accordingly – if instructed by your doctor or dermatologist – but 3-5 minutes is usually sufficient.
When applying shampoo, it’s also important to be gentle but thorough. You don’t want to scrub too hard because this could irritate an already sensitive scalp; instead, focus on massaging in a circular motion while ensuring that all areas are covered evenly.
Be sure to rinse thoroughly after every application—if some residue remains behind, it could cause further irritation or discomfort, so make sure you rinse all residue from your scalp after each wash.
Lastly, consider whether you should opt for medicated shampoos over regular ones since these contain additional active ingredients that help fight inflammation and dryness associated with psoriasis.
Again, check with your doctor or dermatologist before making any changes in what products you use on your scalp, as they know best what will work best for you, depending on the severity of your condition.
Unfortunately, some potential side effects are associated with using shampoo to treat psoriasis. The most common ones include the following:
It’s important to note that everyone reacts differently to different products, so it’s best to experiment with a few different types of shampoo before settling on one for treatment. You should also talk to your doctor or dermatologist if you experience any side effects from using a particular kind of shampoo, as they may be able to suggest an alternative product that is better suited for your specific needs.
It isn’t easy living with psoriasis, and having to deal with its untimely flare-ups and exacerbated symptoms makes every moment challenging to bear. Topical medications can only do so much to manage their symptoms. Your best bet would be to use the right products in addition to the medicines for your ongoing treatment regimen.
Medovie has all the naturally derived and clinically tested skin care products, be it a medicated shampoo or body lotion and cream. Every product incorporates the patented 3HX™ formula that ensures your skin feels soothed and protected from the inside and out.
With official recognition from the National Psoriasis Foundation, Medovie is a renowned brand committed to supporting patients with psoriasis along their journey. Furthermore, numerous clinical studies and a decade’s worth of dedicated research have resulted in the development of products (Scalp solutions, Body solutions, Combined solutions) that show credible evidence of being natural and effective with recognizable and positive results in managing chronic skin conditions.
Avail of Medovie’s ongoing loyalty discounts every time you buy a product and feel empowered to take control of your skin health today.
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