Scalp psoriasis is the same as other types of psoriasis, except that it appears on the scalp. You can recognize it yourself, but you should see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. In addition, you also need to distinguish scalp psoriasis from other conditions, such as dandruff.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Looking for Symptoms
Step 1. See if there are any red tiles
Psoriasis is usually a red patch with silvery or white scales on it. Look for the first signs of psoriasis on the scalp, which may cover the entire scalp or just some.
Maybe your hair is falling out (temporarily)
Step 2. Watch for itching
Another symptom of psoriasis is itching so if you frequently scratch red patches on your head, it could be psoriasis. However, don't assume it's not psoriasis if it's not itchy. Not everyone feels itchy due to psoriasis.
Step 3. Watch for pain
Psoriasis often makes the scalp sore or sore, sometimes feeling hot. The pain is constant although it gets worse when the scalp is pressed or when you brush your hair with your fingers.
Step 4. Look for debris and blood
Since psoriasis causes scales, there are bound to be flakes that fall onto the hair strands. Also, the red patch may bleed, especially if scratched and the scales come off.
Bleeding can also be caused by dryness of the scalp
Step 5. Look for red patches on other parts of the body
If you have psoriasis on your head, it's likely that it's also on other parts of your body, though not always. Look for similar patches in other areas, and see if any of them cross the hairline as that could be psoriasis.
Step 6. Identify the trigger
Stress, cold, and dry air can trigger psoriasis. Write down common triggers and note when psoriasis starts to appear on your skin to find out what triggers it. So, you can avoid these triggers whenever possible, or at least prepare a remedy.
Method 2 of 3: See a Doctor
Step 1. Visit a doctor
A GP can diagnose scalp psoriasis, but may send you to a dermatologist if they're not sure if it's psoriasis or another condition. To be sure, you need a solid diagnosis in order to decide on treatment.
Step 2. Have a physical examination
The primary way doctors use to diagnose scalp psoriasis is through a physical exam. The doctor will ask for your medical history, then look at the condition of the scalp to determine if it really is psoriasis.
Step 3. Know when a biopsy is necessary
Occasionally, doctors have to perform a skin biopsy. However, this method is rarely used to diagnose scalp psoriasis. Usually, a biopsy is done if there is any doubt about the patient's condition. In this case, the doctor will take a small sample of the skin from the head, then send it to a lab for testing to determine the diagnosis.
The doctor will use a local anesthetic to prevent pain when the biopsy is done
Step 4. Follow the treatment plan
Your doctor will recommend a treatment plan for you. First, you are advised to use a shampoo specifically for psoriasis, usually a tar shampoo or a shampoo that contains salicylic acid. You may also need to use a cream or other external treatment, either steroid or non-steroidal.
- Make sure this shampoo is only used on the scalp, not the entire hair.
- Your doctor may inject steroids into the psoriasis lesions to slow the reaction.
- Other treatments include ultraviolet light, oral retinoids (a synthetic form of vitamin A), and antimicrobial drugs (if a yeast infection is present).
Method 3 of 3: Differentiating Psoriasis from Dandruff
Step 1. Recognize the yellowish color of dandruff
Dandruff, medically called seborrheic dermatitis, is usually yellowish white in color. Therefore, try examining the patches on the scalp. If the color is more of a silvery white, then it is likely psoriasis. If it's yellowish, it's probably dandruff.
Step 2. See if the plot is dry or oily
Psoriasis is usually dry and scaly. So check if the patches on your head are oily. If it's oily, it means dandruff. You can tell just by looking at whether it's oily or dry.
Step 3. Notice where it ends
Dandruff is usually only on the scalp, not across the hairline. Therefore, if you see a patch that crosses the hairline, it's likely psoriasis. If only in the head, the chances remain two, psoriasis or dandruff.
Step 4. Check to see if it might be ringworm
Sometimes, people mistake ringworm for psoriasis or dandruff. Ringworm causes bald patches on the head, feels itchy and scaly, and may look like dandruff or psoriasis. However, ringworm is a fungal infection that requires treatment with antifungal medications.
