Are you Ignoring your Scalp Psoriasis for Simple Dandruff

How to Ignoring your Scalp Psoriasis for Simple Dandruff

Winters were in full swing this time and along with fabulous weather it brings with it some dandruff. Thanks to the dry, cold air the probability of having dandruff increases in winters. Dandruff is a condition of skin which mainly affects your scalp, cells of scalp quickly build up on the skin surface. It may include flaking and mild itchiness, severe conditions like seborrhea may also include red, greasy, itchy and inflamed skin.

It usually affects the areas which are rich in oil producing glands like – chest, face and scalp. In babies it is known as cradle cap. The exact cause is unclear but it is believed to be depend ant of genetic and environmental factors. There are certain health conditions which may trigger these skin conditions like – stress, hormonal imbalance, chronic illness like HIV, AIDS which can compromise immune illness, certain harsh soaps and hair products, harsh detergents, alcohol, smoking, dry weather and microorganism on the skin. Studies have also found strong association between psoriasis and health conditions like insulin resistance, arthritis, high cholesterol, obesity, depression and stress.

Dandruff worsens in winter season. Psoriasis and dandruff share many similarities like red and scaly skin on scalp. Some people may have both of them at the same time and they are often confused because they share many similarities. But there are many differences between signs and symptoms of scalp psoriasis and dandruff. Seeking appropriate help becomes easy with proper diagnosis, by exploring the signs and symptoms you can take proper help from your doctor.

Scalp psoriasis

• Skin is usually red in color and is covered with flakes accompanied with silvery scales
• Scaly patches of psoriasis are slightly raised
• Patches may extend beyond hairline and at time may also appear on other parts of the body
• Itching and soreness is always present

Dandruff

• Crusty white Skin flakes may be attached to the hair shaft, these flakes are usually white in color
• Skin is usually swollen and covered with greasy white or yellowish scales
• Itching or burning sensation may be present

There treatment is usually same consisting of medicated shampoos and antifungal solutions but, scalp psoriasis is more persistent and difficult to treat. Additional treatments like phototherapy are required for permanent treatment.

Home care for scalp psoriasis

It is important to follow home remedies as a complementary measure, they should not replace doctor’s advice. Always consult your doctor before adopting any home treatment.

Keep stress under control

Focus on what is right in life, remind yourself about the good things in life. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and always appreciate life. Take care of yourself, sleep and exercise regularly. Practice healthy eating habits.

Apple cider vinegar

The average pH of the scalp is 5.5 and that of hair shaft is 3.6, marinating this level is vital for hair health. Apple cider vinegar has a pH of 2.8 to 3, this helps in maintaining the pH of scalp. Apple cider vinegar is anti fungal, it may help in reducing itching associated with psoriasis. You can always dilute it with water. Rinse your scalp twice a week with diluted apple cider vinegar. You should avoid apple cider vinegar in case you have cracked or bleeding lesions in skin of scalp.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil have anti inflammatory properties, it also works as antiseptic and helps in alleviating inflammation. It is often recommended as a complementary and alternative medicine, it also reduces redness and itching. It is volatile essential oil, and is derived from a plant known as Melaleuca alternifolia which is native to Australia. It is often used as active ingredients in various topical formulations to treat skin infections. Tea tree oil is composed of terpene hydrocarbons like monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, which are volatile and aromatic. Researches have shown that a range of microorganisms, bacteria, yeast and fungi are susceptible to tea tree oil.

Apply small amount of tea tree oil on the affected area with the help of cotton. Keep it overnight and rinse in the morning with medicated shampoo. You can repeat this two to three times a week.

Avoid washing your hair with very hot water, because hot water damages your hair strands by increasing their porosity. Overly porous hairs are more vulnerable to chemicals and climate. Heat increases dryness and make them more brittle and prone to breakage. So love cold water for hair washing because it increases blood circulation and helps in delivering nutrients and minerals to your scalp.