Dandruff vs. Scalp Psoriasis (Differences)

… Continued …

Psoriasis on the scalp can be mild, even sometime it can be unnoticeable. However, it also can get worse and there is a chance for the problem to become chronic or long lasting.

In general, the exact cause of psoriasis is not fully understood yet – either for scalp psoriasis. However, there are some theories.

Many experts believe that the wrong respond of the body immune system may play a key role. But it may not work alone. Other factors may include genetic trait and some external factors such as stress.

In people with psoriasis, the mechanism of new skin cells production goes faster than normal. The new skin cells also move to the outermost layer of the skin quickly.

As a result, this affects the mechanism for the replacement of old cells by new cells, causing scaly patches on the surface of the scalp.

There are some conditions that can have an effect in increasing your risk of having scalp psoriasis, these include:

1. If you have a family history of the same problem.
2. Stress, particularly uncontrolled high stress because it can affect your body immune system.
3. Obesity – it may be still unclear whether or not obesity has an effect, but many people with psoriasis experience obesity. Moreover, obesity also can make the problem get worse.
4. Smoking.
5. Bacterial /viral infections, such as chronic strep throat (more common in children & young adults) and HIV.

Typically, some home remedies are powerful enough to treat and improve dandruff (particularly if the problem is not caused by other health conditions) – these include:

1. Having good hair care! For instance, if you are an individual with oily scalp, you may need to wash /shampoo your hair more often (such as once in 1-2 days).
2. Reanalyze hair products that you use – there may be an ingredient (such as paraphenylenediamine) that may trigger the problem.
3. Eliminate the use of unnecessary styling products! These may include hair waxes, styling gels, or hair sprays.
4. Get adequate essential nutrients to help improve the health of your scalp. These include zinc and B vitamins.
5. Get adequate exposure to sunlight! But be careful, over exposure to ultraviolet can be counterproductive!

If your dandruff doesn’t improve, see a doctor for more advice. If it is followed with other unusual symptoms, it may be linked to a certain health condition.

But for scalp psoriasis, home remedies are usually only used for complementary option along with the prescription treatments. These include:

1. Avoid drinking alcohol, because sometime it can reduce the effectiveness of the prescription medicines.
2. Avoid the triggers to prevent the flare-up from recurring or to help the problem improve faster. These triggers can vary.
3. Getting a controlled exposure to sunlight!

For other natural options to cope with psoriasis, visit this section!