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The Curious Bag
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According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, approximately 7.5 million people in the U.S. suffer from psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease (a condition that attacks the immune system itself) that affects your skin, causing an overproduction of skin cells.
Symptoms
With psoriasis on your scalp, you experience itchy red areas with silvery-white scales, according to MayoClinic.com. These silver-looking white patches may bleed after they are removed.
Types
It can be difficult to tell the difference between scalp psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp. Both cause scaly red skin that itches. With psoriasis, however, the scales are drier and thicker, and a person is likely to have psoriasis elsewhere on the body, according to MayoClinic.com.
Remedies
Treatments for scalp psoriasis include over-the-counter remedies in the form of shampoos or ointments that contain ketoconazole, corticosteroids or salicylic acid.
Another Option
Another treatment involves applying mineral oil to your scalp and covering it with a shower cap nightly. This treatment decreases your inflammation and loosens the scales.
Severe Psoriasis
If you have a severe case of scalp psoriasis that responds poorly to the standard treatment, your doctor may prescribe medication like methotrexate. This drug suppresses your immune system, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation.
Source:
MayoClinic.com: Scalp Psoriasis vs. Seborrheic Dermatitis: What's the Difference
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