What does scalp psoriasis look like

Because the hair is in the way, treating the scalp with a topical treatment is not always easy. Talk with your dermatologist about how you normally care for your scalp including how frequently you wash your hair. These conversations are important in making the right treatment decision for you.

Phototherapy uses ultraviolet UV light to slow skin cell growth. Handheld phototherapy units with built-in combs are available to help UV rays reach the scalp. Oral treatments and biologics are often prescribed if you have psoriasis on areas beyond the scalp or if your scalp psoriasis has not responded well to other treatments. You have options when it comes to treatment. Learn more about scalp psoriasis, treatment options and get lifestyle tips.

Merola, J. Prevalence of psoriasis phenotypes among men and women in the USA. On the scalp, the psoriasis may be thin or thick. Very thick patches can lead to hair loss. Whether thick or thin, the patches can extend beyond the scalp to the forehead, neck, or ears. This can develop with any type of psoriasis. Signs include yellow-brown spots on the nails, pitted nails, crumbling nails, and nails separating from fingers or toes.

Guttate psoriasis tends to cause lots of small, scaly spots. Found where skin touches skin, such as the armpit left or groin area right , this type causes shiny, smooth patches instead of scaly ones. This psoriasis is often bright red and the skin may be sore.

On their hands and feet, people develop painful pus-filled blisters and thick, scaly skin that cracks easily. Rare and very serious, this type of psoriasis requires emergency medical care. It begins with dry, red, and tender skin.

Within hours, widespread pus-filled blisters appear. This type of psoriasis causes large areas of skin to look burnt. Anyone who has skin that looks burnt should see a doctor immediately because this type of psoriasis can be life threatening. Show references Menter A, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: Section 1.

Overview of psoriasis and guidelines of care for the treatment of psoriasis with biologics. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Menter A, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Section 3. Guidelines of care for the management and treatment of psoriasis with topical therapies. Feldman SR. Treatment of psoriasis in adults. Accessed Feb. Guidelines of care for the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: Section 5.

Guidelines of care for the treatment of psoriasis with phototherapy and photochemotherapy. Bolognia JL, et al. Call Itchy, flaky scalp? It could be dandruff — or scalp psoriasis , a form of plaque psoriasis, caused by an overactive immune system that makes skin cells grow too quickly. Much like plaque psoriasis elsewhere on the body, psoriasis on the scalp typically appears in the form of reddened plaques covered with silvery scales, though the scales are often thickened and even itchier.

About half of people with psoriasis will have psoriasis on their scalp at some point. Still, because scalp psoriasis can look like other scalp conditions — and sometimes exist at the same time — it can be hard to diagnose. Psoriasis on the scalp can look and feel a lot like seborrheic dermatitis , which causes dandruff.