12 Home Remedies For Managing Scalp Psoriasis Effectively

It is often mistakenly thought that psoriasis only affects the skin on your arms, legs, or back. On the contrary, psoriasis can appear on any part of the body, including the scalp. And, like other common skin conditions, home remedies for scalp psoriasis can be effective in helping you treat the problem if you know how to apply them correctly.

If you have scalp psoriasis, keep reading to learn more about this issue and how you can treat it with natural solutions. But first, we will start with a brief overview of this skin condition before moving on to the most effective treatments for it. Scalp psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that needs continuous care. Knowing its causes and symptoms can help individuals pursue effective home remedies or medical options. Scroll down to know more!

What Is Scalp Psoriasis?

Scalp psoriasis is common skin disorder that affects many people. Individuals with this condition develop reddish and scaly patches on their scalp. There can be a single patch present or multiple patches can also develop. This condition can also easily spread from the scalp to other areas such as back of the neck, forehead or even behind the ears (1).

A study conducted among 4,016 adults with psoriasis found that scalp (43%) was the most hard-to-treat area, followed by (29.9%), nails (24.5%), soles (15.6%), genitals (14.1%), and palms (13.7%).

Quick Tip

Avoid washing and combing your hair vigorously as it can lead to hair breakage and hair loss.

What Causes Scalp Psoriasis?

The exact cause of scalp psoriasis, or any other type of psoriasis, is still not clear. But it is believed to be a result of an abnormality in the immune system. This abnormality may cause the cells in our skin to grow rapidly but these aren’t shed at the same rate. As a result, patches form on the surface of the scalp. A genetic predisposition may be responsible for this. Another factor that can cause psoriasis to flare-up is stress (1, 2).

Scalp Psoriasis – Signs And Symptoms

• Patches or bumps on the scalp (usually pink/red)
• Silvery-white scales
• Scalp dryness
• Flaky skin that resembles dandruff
• Inflammation or burning sensation
• Bleeding (from scratching the scales) (3, 4)

Scalp Psoriasis Vs. Dermatitis

Scalp psoriasis and dermatitis are common skin conditions with distinct characteristics. Scalp psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the rapid growth of skin cells, leading to red, scaly patches on the scalp. It often extends beyond the hairline (into the ears, neck, and forehead) and can cause itching and discomfort (5). Dermatitis, on the other hand, refers to inflammation of the skin and has various types, including seborrheic dermatitis, which specifically affects the scalp. Seborrheic dermatitis often results from disturbances in the scalps microbiota or barrier function, the Malassezia fungus, or excess unsaturated fatty acids on the scalp’s surface. It causes redness, itching, and flaking (6). While both conditions may exhibit similar symptoms, scalp psoriasis is chronic and linked to the immune system, whereas seborrheic dermatitis is often triggered by external factors.

There are plenty of shampoos, conditioners, creams, and ointments available in the market to treat this condition. Medical professionals usually prescribe corticosteroids or suggest phototherapy to treat psoriasis. However, if you want to try something organic before visiting a clinic, there are a few natural remedies that you can use to soothe and manage the condition.

Quick Tip

Using a scale softener like salicylic acid helps soften, lift, and clear away the psoriasis patches.

Home Remedies For Scalp Psoriasis

1. Apple Cider Vinegar
2. Aloe Vera
3. Coconut Oil
4. Epsom Salt
5. Glycerin
6. Garlic
7. Ginger
8. Henna
9. Listerine
10. Shea Butter
11. Witch Hazel
12. Yogurt
13. Baking Soda
14. Coal Tar
15. Dead Sea Salt

Top Scalp Psoriasis Home Remedies

1. Apple Cider Vinegar For Scalp Psoriasis

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup water
• Q-tip

What You Have To Do

1. Dilute the ACV with water.
2. Apply this on the scalp using a Q-tip.
3. Leave it on for 20 minutes and then rinse it off thoroughly.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this twice a week.

Why This Works

Apple cider vinegar is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

This can help reduce the soreness and irritation of the affected skin. Its antiseptic properties can also help to prevent any infections from developing on the scalp (7, 8) Additionally, it is also a natural and effective home remedy for scalp pain.

2. Aloe Vera For Scalp Psoriasis

You Will Need

• 1/4 cup aloe vera gel
• 6-8 drop lavender oil

What You Have To Do

1. Preferably, extract fresh gel from an aloe leaf and blend this along with the lavender oil.
2. Apply some of this on the scalp and let it sit for 20-25 minutes.
3. Rinse it off with a mild shampoo.

You can also use aloe vera gel by itself to treat scalp psoriasis.

How Often You Should Do This

Apply this twice a week on the affected skin.

Why This Works

The soothing properties of aloe vera give relief from the itchiness and irritation. Its anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants help to reduce the swelling and treat the skin condition faster (9). It also serves as an excellent home remedy for an itchy scalp, providing natural relief and promoting healing.

3. Coconut Oil For Scalp Psoriasis

You Will Need

2-3 teaspoons virgin coconut oil

What You Have To Do

1. Lightly heat the oil to melt it.
2. Apply this on the scalp and massage gently.
3. Leave this on overnight.

For faster results, add a few drops of an essential oil to coconut oil before applying it. Best essential oils that benefit scalp psoriasis patients are lavender oil, tea tree oil, neem oil, and peppermint oil. Additionally, you can use tea tree oil for psoriasis, as it soothes the scalp and reduces irritation.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this twice a week.

Why This Works

Coconut oil is one of the best home remedies for scalp psoriasis which gives outstanding results.

This will give your skin relief from the symptoms and lock the oil’s nutrients in your skin, preventing the dry patches from spreading or recurring (10). For those wondering how to get rid of dry scalp, coconut oil offers a soothing, moisturizing solution that can significantly improve scalp health.

If you do not have coconut oil handy, there are many alternate oils that can be used for scalp psoriasis. These include castor oil, argan oil, jojoba oil, mustard oil, hemp oil, and vitamin E oil.

4. Epsom Salt For Scalp Psoriasis

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon Epsom salt
• Shampoo

What You Have To Do

Mix the salt with your regular shampoo and rinse your hair and scalp as usual.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this every time you wash your hair.

Why This Works

Epsom salt can do wonders for the treatment of scalp psoriasis

. It helps soothe itching and infiltrates scales and plaques to give you relief. The dry skin will also be exfoliated by the salt (11).

5. Glycerin For Scalp Psoriasis

You Will Need

Glycerin

What You Have To Do

1. Apply glycerin on the patches on the scalp and leave it on as an overnight treatment.
2. Rinse your hair as usual in the morning.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this once or twice a week depending on the severity of your patches.

Why This Works

Glycerin is a great humectant and emollient (12). It locks in moisture and treats the dryness and flakiness.

6. Ginger For Scalp Psoriasis

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon dried ginger herb
• 1 cup hot water
• 1/2 teaspoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

What You Have To Do

1. Steep the herb in hot water for a few minutes.
2. Strain the tea and add honey and lemon juice for flavor.
3. Sip on this tea while it is still warm.

How Often You Should Do This

Drink 1-2 cups of ginger tea every day.

Why This Works

Ginger detoxifies the blood and has anti-inflammatory effects on scalp psoriasis. It also contains antimicrobial compounds that will prevent infections (13).

7. Shea Butter For Scalp Psoriasis

You Will Need

Shea butter

What You Have To Do

1. Using a double boiler, melt some shea butter.
2. Apply this on the scalp and massage for a minute or two so that it gets easily absorbed into the scalp.
3. Keep this on overnight and wash your hair with shampoo in the morning.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this once or twice a week.

Why This Works

Shea butter is full of rich triglycerides (fats) that deeply condition and moisturize the scalp. Dead, flaky skin will be easily shed and the skin will be left supple and hydrated. This butter extracted from the nuts of the shea tree is also rich in vitamin A and vitamin E. It can be used for the treatment of scalp psoriasis and also general psoriasis patches on the rest of the body (14, 15).

8. Witch Hazel For Scalp Psoriasis

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons witch hazel extract
• 4 tablespoons water

What You Have To Do

1. Wash your hair with shampoo.
2. Dilute the witch hazel with water. On the wet scalp, apply this and massage for a minute or two.
3. Rinse it off after a few minutes.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once a week.

Why This Works

Witch hazel has anti-inflammatory and astringent properties that are key properties to treat skin conditions like psoriasis (16). Symptoms like itching sensation, flaky skin, and irritation can be reduced to a great extent.

9. Yogurt For Scalp Psoriasis

You Will Need

1/2 cup plain yogurt

What You Have To Do

1. Apply the yogurt on the scalp and let it sit for half an hour.
2. Wash the yogurt off with a mild shampoo.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this once a week.

Why This Works

Yogurt helps to reduce itching by moisturizing the skin. It also exfoliates the dry and dead skin cells from the psoriasis bumps (17).

10. Baking Soda For Scalp Psoriasis

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 1 cup water

What You Have To Do

1. Add the baking soda to the water and mix well.
2. Apply this on the scalp and hair, and let it sit for a minute.
3. Rinse it off thoroughly.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once a week.

Why This Works

The antifungal properties of this powder that is commonly used for baking cakes can help reduce the intensity of the psoriasis patches. It can reduce the inflammation at the affected sites as well (18, 19).

11. Coal Tar For Scalp Psoriasis

You Will Need

Coal tar shampoo OR coal tar gel

What You Have To Do

Use this product as directed by the manufacturer.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this as often as recommended on the product packaging.

Why This Works

The tar can help slow down the excessive skin cell production that is seen with psoriasis. The scaly texture of the skin will slowly return to normal. It can also give relief from itching and reduce the swelling (20).

Caution

Tar may not suit everybody. It is known to irritate and redden the skin. Conduct a small patch test to ensure your skin is not sensitive/allergic to it before using it for your problem. It is also advised not to step out in the Sun before 20-24 hours after using this remedy as tar makes your skin prone to sunburns.

12. Dead Sea Salt For Scalp Psoriasis

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon Dead Sea salt
• 2 cups water

What You Have To Do

1. Mix the sea salt in water and pour this over the scalp and hair.
2. Let this salt water sit on your scalp for a few minutes.
3. Then, wash it off with plain water.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once a week.

Why This Works

This salt is famous for its beneficial effects for a variety of skin disorders. It is calming and soothing for the itchy and irritated scales of scalp psoriasis (21).

Infographic: 5 Home Remedies For Scalp Psoriasis

Scalp psoriasis is a common skin condition that causes itchy, white scales on the scalp. If you are looking for organic and simple solutions to keep this condition under control, you have come to the right place. We have rounded up 5 simple remedies you can try in the comfort of your home. Click on the infographic below to know more.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Here are some frequently asked questions about scalp psoriasis answered for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes scalp psoriasis flare-ups?

Scalp psoriasis may be triggered by stress, hormonal changes, certain medications, infections, cold weather, and skin injuries. Managing these triggers may help reduce flare-ups and control symptoms.

Can diet impact scalp psoriasis?

Yes, a healthy diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods may help manage scalp psoriasis.

How can I prevent scalp psoriasis flare-ups?

To avoid flare-ups, manage stress, maintain a healthy diet, avoid common triggers like cold weather, skin injuries, and certain medications, and follow a consistent skincare routine.

Is Psoriasis Contagious To Others?

Psoriasis is a skin condition that is characterized by the presence of scaly and itchy patches on the skin. It is not contagious! You cannot contract the disease by touching an affected person.

What Foods To Eat And What Foods To Avoid For Scalp Psoriasis?

Some recommended food items include –
• Omega-3 fatty acids sources like fish (salmon, mackerel, tuna), olive oil, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, avocados, and flaxseeds. Fish oil supplements can also be taken for scalp psoriasis treatment.
• Vegetables like carrots, spinach, kale, broccoli, squash, and sweet potatoes
• Fruits such as mangoes, blueberries, strawberries, figs, and oranges
• Probiotics like yogurt, kefir, pickles, kimchi, miso, and sourdough bread
• Eggs as they rich in vitamin D
• White meat, low fat dairy, soy-based products, and legumes
• Avoid these food items that are known to be pro-inflammatory –
• Red meat
• Processed food
• Fried and fatty food
• Dairy products
• Food high in sugar
• Nightshade vegetables like potatoes, bell peppers, and tomatoes
• Gluten-containing items like wheat, barley, and rye
Apart from making these diet changes, drink plenty of water every day. Have at least 8 glasses, if not more. This will help in treating scalp psoriasis as your skin stays hydrated from within at all times.
Besides following these diet recommendations, indulge in activities that help you in stress management, as increased stress is also associated with psoriasis flare-ups. Also, treat yourself to regular oatmeal baths to soothe your skin.
Now that you know how to treat scalp psoriasis at home, you can do away with the strong medications that are generally prescribed by dermatologists to treat the condition. Natural remedies help not only in preventing the symptoms of scalp psoriasis but also benefit every aspect of your health as they do not have any side effects.

What deficiency causes scalp psoriasis?

Vitamin D deficiency can lead to scalp psoriasis (22). Ensure adequate intake of vitamin D analogues through oral supplements, eggs, and exposure to sunlight.

Is coffee good for psoriasis?

Possibly not. Coffee was found to trigger psoriasis flare-ups in some, and those with psoriasis may want to avoid caffeine (23). However, the precise connection between caffeine intake and psoriasis still needs to be studied extensively.

Does turmeric clear up psoriasis?

Possibly. Curcumin, a key ingredient in turmeric, has anti-inflammatory properties that help treat many inflammatory conditions (24). In one study, individuals with plaque psoriasis reported fewer lesions and better quality of life following the use of a topical treatment containing curcumin extract (25).

Does psoriasis worsen with age?

No. While psoriasis may worsen based on several environmental circumstances, it does not aggravate with age.

Illustration: Home Remedies For Managing Scalp Psoriasis Effectively

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Learn how to treat scalp psoriasis with simple, natural remedies. Get tips on how to reduce inflammation and soothe your scalp. Check out the video given below!

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Dr. Aanand GeriaMD

 

Dr. Aanand Geria is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Geria Dermatology in Rutherford, New Jersey. With 12 years of experience, he is an expert in ethnic skin, minimally invasive cosmetic injectables, body contouring, and lasers.

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Kushneet KukrejaHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Kushneet holds a postgraduate degree in biotechnology from Kingston University, London, and is an ISSA Certified Specialist in Fitness & Nutrition with 2 years of experience. Her scientific background, coupled with her passion for writing, propelled her towards content writing.

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Ramona SinhaEditor

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

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Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends.

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