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Psoriasis Scalp Care

Psoriasis may cause thick scales that pile up and adhere to the scalp.  This makes it hard for topical medicines to reach the scalp skin.  The thick scales are hard to remove.  Scalp psoriasis may respond to treatment much more slowly than psoriasis in other areas.  Therefore, it may need special treatment.  This is a useful three-step plan for daily scalp treatment.

 

  1. At bedtime, massage Baker's Phenol and Saline®, or T-sa1® into the scalp.  This helps to soften and remove the scales.  Your pharmacist may also mix 3% salicylic acid in mineral oil.  Speak with your doctor about what would be the best to use, or if you should use something like Derma-Smoothe-FS®  to help with the inflammation. 

 

  1. In the morning, shampoo with a commercial shampoo or Baker's P & S® shampoo.  Follow with a conditioner. Your doctor may prescribe a medicated shampoo.

 

  1. While the hair is still wet, massage the prescription solution thoroughly into the scalp skin.

 

After all of the scale is gone, this treatment can be done three times a week.  If you need to wash your hair in between treatment days, you may use a commercial shampoo then a conditioner.  Do not attempt to remove scales by too much brushing, scrubbing, or combing.  This may result in enough skin injury to bring out more psoriasis.

 

 

 

 

Source: Weston WL, Lane AT, Morelli JG: Color textbook of Pediatric dermatology, ed 3, St Louis, 2002, Mosby.

 

 

UW Dermatology Department

1 S. Park St 7th Floor

Madison, WI 53715

Clinic: 608 287-2450

American Family Children’s Hospital

Pediatric Dermatology Specialty Clinic

1675 Highland Ave.

Madison, WI  53792

Clinic: 608 263-6420


The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 06/18/2009

Copyright © 05/01/2009 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #6476

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