Scalp psoriasis is a common skin disorder that causes patches of thick, red, or silvery plaque to form on the scalp. It can also cause severe itching and burning. The condition affects an estimated 2-3% of the world’s population, or around 125 million people, including an estimate of 1 to 2 million Filipinos. While there is no cure for scalp psoriasis, it can be treated with a variety of methods.
In this blog, we talk about scalp psoriasis and the essential information surrounding it, so you can better manage the condition.
What is Scalp Psoriasis?
In the Philippines, scalp psoriasis, or “soryasis” as it is referred to in general, is a relatively common skin disorder. Scalp psoriasis, on the one hand, is a chronic condition that causes the overproduction of skin cells. The extra skin cells form thick, scaly patches on the scalp, which can be very itchy and painful. It bears noting that scalp psoriasis is not contagious.
Causes of Scalp Psoriasis
The root causes of scalp psoriasis have yet to be discovered, but it is believed to be related to a problem with the immune system. In people with scalp psoriasis, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells as if they were harmful invaders. This causes the skin cells to grow too quickly, leading to the formation of thick, scaly patches.
For Pinoys, scalp psoriasis is often triggered by certain factors, such as:
- Stress
- Climate changes
- Skin injuries
- Infections
- Hormonal changes
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
Types of Psoriasis
There are several types of psoriasis, each with its own set of symptoms. The most common types are:
Plaque Psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of scalp psoriasis. It is characterized by the formation of thick, scaly patches on the scalp. These patches can be very itchy and painful.
Erythrodermic Psoriasis
Erythrodermic psoriasis is a rare and severe form of scalp psoriasis that covers a large area of the skin. It is characterized by red, inflamed skin that sheds in large flakes. This type of psoriasis can be very painful and can lead to serious health complications.
Pustular Psoriasis
Pustular psoriasis is a rare form of scalp psoriasis that causes the formation of small, pus-filled blisters on the scalp. Pustular psoriasis can be very painful and can lead to serious health complications.
In fact, a 2020 survey by Psoriasis Philippines (PsorPhil) shows that, among the respondents, the most common types of “soryasis” include:
- Plaque psoriasis
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Guttate psoriasis
Scalp Psoriasis Symptoms
The most common symptom of scalp psoriasis is the formation of thick, scaly patches on the scalp. Other symptoms may include:
- Itching: Scalp psoriasis can cause severe itching. The itchiness can be so severe that it can interfere with sleep.
- Burning: Scalp psoriasis can cause a burning sensation on the scalp.
- Hair loss: Scalp psoriasis can lead to hair loss. In severe cases, the hair may fall out in clumps.
- Inflammation: Scalp psoriasis can cause inflammation of the skin. The inflammation can be so severe that it can lead to serious health complications.
Given these symptoms, and when left unchecked by a doctor, Filipinos can mistake scalp psoriasis for dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, or even head lice. A visit to the dermatologist is essential to get an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.
Diagnosis of Scalp Psoriasis
Scalp psoriasis is usually diagnosed based on a physical examination of the scalp. Your doctor may also ask about your medical history and any symptoms you are experiencing. In some cases, your doctor may order a skin biopsy to rule out other conditions.
In the Philippines, the most common way to diagnose scalp psoriasis is through a skin biopsy. A skin biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of skin is removed and examined under a microscope.
Scalp Psoriasis Treatments
There is no permanent cure for psoriasis and its different forms, but it can be treated with a variety of methods to subdue the symptoms. The most common treatments are:
- Topical treatments: Topical treatments are applied to the skin. They include creams, ointments, and shampoos. Topical treatments like corticosteroids can help to reduce the symptoms of scalp psoriasis.
- Systemic treatments: Systemic treatments are taken by mouth or injected into the body. They include drugs that affect the entire body, such as methotrexate and cyclosporine. Systemic treatments can help to reduce the symptoms of scalp psoriasis.
- Light therapy: Light therapy, also called phototherapy, involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet (UV) light. Light therapy can help to reduce the symptoms of scalp psoriasis.
- Herbal therapy: Herbal therapy is a type of treatment that uses plants or plant extracts to treat medical conditions. It can help to reduce the symptoms of scalp psoriasis.
Moringa-O2 is Your Partner in Taking Care of Your Hair, Scalp, and Skin
If you’re suffering from scalp psoriasis, don’t despair! There are treatment options available that can help to reduce the symptoms of this condition. As a readily available herbal remedy to psoriasis, Moringa-O2 offers a variety of hair, scalp, and skin care products that can be used to treat this condition.
The herbal therapy oil, which is formulated to help Filipinos address their hair, scalp, and skin concerns, making use of its antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties to nourish and protect your hair, scalp, and skin.
And if you want to get rid of all the flaking, why not try and switch up your commercial shampoo for a gentle and cooling herbal alternative? The 2-in-1 herbal anti-dandruff is a good shampoo and conditioner for dry scalp, as it provides you with a soothing remedy for your irritated, itchy, and flaking scalp.
Meanwhile, the hypoallergenic lotion provides your skin with herbal actives for UVA/UVB protection. And for Filipinos dealing with psoriasis, this lotion can help to soothe and moisturize your skin as well. It’s the perfect partner for your after-bath routine.
And finally, the herbal moisturizing soap is formulated to cleanse your skin without stripping it off of its natural oils. This soap can help to keep your skin hydrated and healthy-looking through the combination of multi-vitamins from moringa, olive, and sunflower oils, providing you with multiple antioxidant properties for your bath time routine.
If you’re looking for an herbal treatment option for scalp psoriasis, look no further than Moringa-O2. Our herbal products can help to reduce the symptoms of the condition and keep your hair, scalp, and skin healthy and looking great!
That said, it never hurts to always see a doctor. If symptoms persist, consult your dermatologist.
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