Scalp Psoriasis: What Helps and What Makes It Worse

You notice it first on the collar of a dark sweater: a fine snowfall that no amount of brushing seems to clear. Then a friend asks whether you have tried “one of those dandruff shampoos,” and you have, three of them, and the flakes keep coming. Somewhere along the hairline, a raised, pinkish patch has started to itch at night.

That gap between what looks like dandruff and what is actually happening under the hair is where a lot of people lose months. The scalp hides plaques from view, hair makes creams hard to apply, and the itch invites scratching that keeps the cycle turning. It is one of the most common places for psoriasis to appear, and one of the more frustrating to treat well.

The good news is that the evidence on what helps, and what quietly makes things worse, is clearer than the shampoo aisle suggests.

Why does psoriasis on the scalp behave differently from psoriasis elsewhere?

Psoriasis is an immune-driven condition in which skin cells are produced far faster than normal. Healthy skin replaces itself over roughly three to four weeks; in a psoriasis plaque, that turnover can compress into as little as three to seven days, according to the NHS. Cells pile up before they mature, forming the thick, silvery scale that defines the condition.

On an elbow, that scale sits in the open. On the scalp, it is tucked under hair, warmed by the head, and rubbed by pillows, hats, and fingernails. Sebum from the many oil glands on the scalp mixes with scale and can create a dense, adherent crust that ordinary washing barely touches. Creams that work on the body slide off or mat the hair, which is why scalp-specific formulations exist in the first place.

Location also matters for how visible it feels. Plaques often extend just past the hairline onto the forehead, behind the ears, or down the nape, where they are easy for other people to see and easy for you to worry about. Mayo Clinic notes that psoriasis frequently affects the scalp alongside other sites, and Cleveland Clinic estimates that at least half of people with psoriasis have scalp involvement at some point (Cleveland Clinic).

Understanding this anatomy explains much of what follows. Treatments have to reach the skin through hair, soften scale before medicine can act, and calm inflammation without stripping the scalp’s barrier. Every practical tip in this article comes back to one of those three jobs.

Is it scalp psoriasis or dandruff? How to tell the difference

Both shed flakes. That is roughly where the similarity ends.

Dandruff, and its more inflamed cousin seborrheic dermatitis, produces flakes that are typically small, oily, and yellowish-white, sitting on skin that may be a little pink but is rarely thick or raised. Scalp psoriasis tends to produce plaques you can feel with a fingertip: distinct, elevated patches with a dry, silvery scale that can be quite thick. The edges are often sharply defined rather than fading gradually into normal skin (Mayo Clinic).

A few other clues tilt the balance toward psoriasis:

• Patches that extend beyond the hairline onto the forehead, neck, or around the ears.
• Similar plaques on the elbows, knees, lower back, or in skin folds.
• Nail changes such as pitting, thickening, or lifting from the nail bed.
• A family history of psoriasis, which the NHS lists among the strongest risk factors.
• Pinpoint bleeding when a scale is lifted off, because the blood vessels beneath sit unusually close to the surface.

The two can coexist, which is part of why self-diagnosis fails so often. When seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis overlap, clinicians sometimes use the informal term “sebopsoriasis,” and the approach borrows from both conditions.

Why does the distinction matter? Because the standard anti-dandruff routine, however diligent, is not designed to reach the inflammation that drives psoriasis. People can spend a long time treating the wrong thing. A dermatologist can usually make the call by examination, and occasionally a small skin sample is taken when the picture is unclear.

What triggers psoriasis of the scalp?

Nobody catches psoriasis, and nobody causes it by poor hygiene. The condition arises when an inherited tendency meets an environmental nudge, and the scalp is simply one of the places it chooses to show up (MedlinePlus).

Several triggers are well documented across mainstream sources including the NHS, Mayo Clinic, and the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases:

• Skin injury. A scratch, a tight braid, a burn from a styling tool, or a harsh chemical process can provoke a new plaque at that exact spot, a phenomenon dermatologists call the Koebner response. On the scalp, fingernails are the usual culprit.
• Infections. Streptococcal throat infections are the classic example, particularly in younger people, and other illnesses can set off a flare as the immune system ramps up.
• Stress. The link is consistent in patient reports and clinical observation, though the mechanism is still being mapped. It appears to run in both directions: flares are stressful, and stress worsens flares.
• Cold, dry weather. Low humidity dries the scalp and makes scale crack and itch; many people notice winter is harder than summer.
• Alcohol and smoking. Both are associated with more severe psoriasis and a poorer response to treatment in observational research summarized by the NHS.
• Certain medicines. Some prescription drugs used for blood pressure, mood, and malaria prevention are known to worsen psoriasis in some people. This is never a reason to stop a medicine on your own; it is a reason to mention psoriasis to whoever prescribes for you.

Keeping a plain diary for a couple of months, noting flares alongside sleep, illness, weather, and new products, is more useful than any generic list. Your triggers are yours.

What shampoo is best for scalp psoriasis?

There is no single best shampoo, and anyone who tells you otherwise is selling one. What the evidence supports is matching the type of medicated shampoo to the job it needs to do, then giving it enough time and enough contact with the scalp to work.

Over-the-counter and pharmacy shampoos for psoriasis fall into a few broad families, each described in guidance from the NHS and Cleveland Clinic:

Shampoo type	What it does	Best suited to	Things to know
Tar-based	Slows the overproduction of skin cells and eases itch and inflammation	Mild to moderate plaques with itch	Distinct smell; can tint light or gray hair; may increase sun sensitivity of the scalp
Keratolytic (scale-softening)	Loosens the bonds between dead cells so thick scale lifts away	Heavy, adherent scale that blocks other treatments	Prepares the scalp for medicine; does not treat inflammation on its own
Antifungal / anti-yeast	Reduces the scalp yeast that drives seborrheic dermatitis	Overlap cases where dandruff and psoriasis coexist	Limited effect on true psoriasis plaques by itself
Prescription steroid or medicated shampoo	Delivers anti-inflammatory medicine in a wash-off form	Moderate scalp psoriasis under clinical supervision	Prescribed and monitored by a clinician; not for indefinite daily use

Two habits make any of these work better. First, massage the shampoo into the scalp skin, not just the hair, and leave it on for the time stated on the label before rinsing; a quick lather and rinse gives active ingredients almost no chance to act. Second, be patient. The NHS notes that most topical psoriasis treatments take weeks rather than days to show improvement, so judging a shampoo after three washes is unfair to the shampoo (NHS).

Many people rotate: a scale-softening wash when crust builds up, a tar or medicated shampoo the rest of the week, and a mild fragrance-free shampoo in between so the scalp is not stripped.

Should I wash my hair every day if I have scalp psoriasis?

This is the question people ask most, and the honest answer is that frequency matters less than what the washing does to your scalp.

Daily washing is not harmful in itself. For some people with oily scalps and heavy scale, a daily gentle wash keeps sebum and dead cells from compacting into crust, and it clears flakes before they land on clothing. For others, especially those with dry or textured hair, daily shampooing strips protective oils, leaves the scalp tight and itchy, and provokes more scratching. Neither pattern is wrong. The scalp is telling you which camp you are in.

What the evidence does support, drawing on NHS and Cleveland Clinic guidance, is a set of principles rather than a schedule:

• Use lukewarm water. Hot water feels good on an itchy scalp for about ten seconds and then dries it further.
• Medicated shampoos generally do not need to be used at every wash. Many labels suggest a set number of times per week, with a plain gentle shampoo on other days.
• Rinse thoroughly. Residue from conditioners and styling products can sit on plaques and trap heat and moisture.
• Pat rather than rub when drying, and keep hair dryers on a cool or warm setting rather than hot.

People with tightly coiled or chemically treated hair often wash less frequently for good reason, and scalp psoriasis does not have to change that. A useful workaround is applying a leave-on scalp treatment to the parting lines between washes, which delivers medicine to the skin without disturbing the hair.

If a routine leaves your scalp calmer, less flaky, and less itchy over a few weeks, that routine is right for you, whatever the number of washes happens to be.

How do you remove thick scale without hurting your scalp?

Thick scale is the wall between medicine and skin. Until it softens, even a well-chosen prescription solution mostly sits on top of dead cells. Removing it is a legitimate part of treatment, but the method matters enormously, because a scraped, bleeding scalp is an injured scalp, and injury is a trigger.

The gentle approach dermatologists describe, and which the Cleveland Clinic outlines in its scalp psoriasis guidance, works in stages:

• Soften first. Apply a scale-softening product, a plain emollient, or a light oil to the plaques and leave it on for at least a few hours or overnight under a shower cap or soft towel. Warmth and time do most of the work.
• Loosen, do not dig. After softening, use a fine-toothed comb held nearly flat against the scalp, moving in small circles or short strokes. The scale should lift with little resistance. If you feel pulling or see blood, stop and soften longer.
• Wash it away. Shampoo afterward to clear the loosened debris and any oil.
• Then treat. Once the scalp is descaled, this is the moment topical medicine reaches the skin. Applying it to a freshly descaled scalp is far more effective than applying it over crust.

Fingernails, tweezers, and picking at flakes while reading are all forms of scraping, and they are the commonest reason a manageable patch turns into a raw, weeping one. Some people find keeping nails short during a flare reduces the damage they do half-consciously at night.

How often to descale depends on how quickly scale rebuilds. Once treatment is working, the need falls away; a scalp that only needs softening once a week or less is a scalp that is responding.

What prescription treatments do dermatologists use for the scalp?

When medicated shampoos and gentle descaling are not enough, clinicians turn to prescription topical treatments made specifically for hairy skin: lotions, gels, foams, and solutions that spread along parting lines and dry without leaving hair greasy. The NHS treatment pathway describes the main classes, and it is worth understanding what each is for, even though the choice always rests with the prescribing clinician (NHS).

Anti-inflammatory steroid preparations quiet the immune activity in the skin. They are the fastest-acting topical option and are usually prescribed in defined courses for flares rather than for open-ended daily use, because prolonged application to the same area can thin the skin. Scalp skin is relatively thick, which is one reason these products are used with some confidence there, but the hairline and face are treated more cautiously.

Vitamin D-based preparations slow the overproduction of skin cells and are often used for maintenance or in combination with a steroid. They work more slowly, over weeks, and can be used for longer stretches.

Combination products pair the two mechanisms in one application, which simplifies routines and may improve results in moderate disease.

Tar-based prescription products remain in use for stubborn scale and itch, especially where steroid-sparing is a priority.

Across all of these, the NHS advises expecting visible improvement over several weeks, with a review appointment to check response and adjust. If a scalp treatment is stinging, causing hair breakage, or producing no change after the agreed trial period, that is information to take back to the clinician rather than a reason to double up or abandon treatment silently.

When is scalp psoriasis treated from the inside?

Most scalp psoriasis is controlled with what goes on the scalp. Sometimes it is not, and the reasons are usually one of three: plaques cover a large area, topical treatments have been tried properly and failed, or the psoriasis on the scalp is part of more widespread disease affecting the body, nails, or joints.

In those situations, dermatologists consider treatments that act on the immune system as a whole. The NHS and Mayo Clinic describe the main routes:

• Light therapy uses controlled ultraviolet exposure in a clinical setting to slow skin cell turnover. Hair makes it hard to deliver to the scalp, so it is more often used when body plaques dominate, sometimes with specialized combs or handheld devices.
• Conventional oral treatments dampen immune overactivity throughout the body. They require regular blood monitoring and a careful discussion of side effects, pregnancy planning, and alcohol intake.
• Biologic treatments are injectable medicines that block specific immune signaling molecules involved in psoriasis. They are typically reserved for moderate to severe disease that has not responded to other options, and they too involve screening and ongoing monitoring.

Two honest points deserve stating. First, these are decisions made with a specialist after weighing the burden of the disease against the risks of treatment; they are not a shortcut for someone whose scalp psoriasis is limited and manageable. Second, psoriasis is a long-term condition. The realistic goal of any treatment, topical or systemic, is sustained control with the fewest side effects, not permanent eradication (NIH NIAMS).

If a clinician raises the possibility of systemic treatment, it is reasonable to ask what monitoring is involved, how long before you would expect to see change, and what happens if it does not suit you.

What not to use on scalp psoriasis

A surprising share of scalp psoriasis misery is self-inflicted with good intentions. These are the habits and products most consistently flagged by mainstream guidance as counterproductive.

• Fingernails and sharp combs. Scratching and scraping injure skin and can spawn new plaques where the damage occurs. It is the single most avoidable trigger.
• Very hot water and hot styling tools. Heat dries the scalp, intensifies itch, and can burn plaques that are already fragile.
• Heavily fragranced or alcohol-based products. Perfumed shampoos, dry shampoos, and many hairsprays sting inflamed skin and dry it further. The scalp does not need to smell like anything.
• Essential oils applied neat. Concentrated plant oils are common irritants and sensitizers. A story of one person’s success online is not evidence, and a reaction on an already inflamed scalp can be dramatic.
• Body creams that mat the hair. Thick ointments meant for elbows trap heat, are hard to rinse, and rarely reach the skin through hair. Scalp-specific formulations exist for a reason.
• Bleach, relaxers, and permanent color during a flare. Chemical processing can irritate or burn active plaques. Waiting for a calmer stretch is safer.
• Tight braids, extensions, and constant tension. Traction stresses the scalp and can trigger plaques along the pull lines.
• Stopping a prescribed treatment the moment things look better. Abrupt discontinuation of some anti-inflammatory treatments can allow a rebound flare. Tapering and maintenance plans are set with the prescriber.

None of this means giving up on styling or color. It means timing them for periods when the scalp is quiet, patch-testing anything new behind the ear first, and telling your stylist what you are dealing with so they can adjust products and technique.

Does scalp psoriasis cause hair loss, and does it grow back?

Seeing hair in the shower drain while your scalp is flaring is alarming, so it helps to be clear about what is happening.

Psoriasis does not destroy hair follicles the way scarring conditions do. Hair shedding during a scalp flare usually comes from three mechanical causes: scale that lifts and takes hairs with it, scratching and combing that breaks hair at the surface, and inflammation that temporarily disrupts the follicle’s normal cycle. Cleveland Clinic and the NHS both note that hair loss linked to scalp psoriasis is generally temporary, with regrowth expected once the skin calms down (Cleveland Clinic).

Regrowth is not instant. Hair grows roughly a centimeter a month, and a follicle nudged out of its growth phase may rest for a few months before restarting, so visible recovery can lag behind skin improvement by a season. The pattern is patchy rather than uniform, tracking where the worst plaques sat.

Several factors can make shedding heavier than it needs to be, and they are largely within reach:

• Aggressive descaling with nails or stiff brushes.
• Tight styles that add traction to inflamed skin.
• Heat styling over active plaques.
• Prolonged untreated inflammation.

One important caveat: if hair loss continues after the scalp has been clear for several months, comes with smooth shiny bald patches, or is accompanied by pain, scarring, or pustules, it should be assessed. Other scalp conditions can coexist with psoriasis, and a few of them do cause permanent follicle damage if not addressed. A dermatologist can distinguish them with examination and, occasionally, a small scalp biopsy.

Why does scalp psoriasis itch so badly, and how do you stop the cycle?

Itch is not a side issue in scalp psoriasis. For many people it is the main event, worse than the flakes and more disruptive than the appearance, particularly at night when there is nothing to compete with it.

The itch has several sources working together. Inflammatory chemicals released in the plaque directly stimulate nerve endings. Dry, cracking scale pulls on skin. Nerve fibers in chronically inflamed skin become sensitized, so signals that would normally register as mild feel intense. Then comes the loop: scratching gives a few seconds of relief, damages the skin, and provokes more inflammation and more itch. Mayo Clinic lists itching, burning, and soreness among the core symptoms, and treating the underlying plaque is the most reliable way to reduce them (Mayo Clinic).

While treatment takes effect, a few measures interrupt the cycle without adding injury:

• Cool compresses or a cool rinse at the end of a shower narrow blood vessels and dull the signal briefly.
• Moisturizing the scalp along parting lines reduces the dry-scale component of itch.
• Keeping the scalp descaled, gently, removes the tug of cracking crust.
• Pressing or tapping an itchy spot, rather than scratching, often quiets it without breaking skin.
• Short nails and cotton gloves at night for those who scratch in their sleep.

Stress amplifies itch through the same nervous pathways, which is one reason relaxation techniques, regular sleep, and exercise show up in guidance for psoriasis. This is not “it is all in your head.” It is that the head is where the nerves live.

If itch is severe enough to wreck sleep despite treatment, tell your clinician. Unrelieved itch is a valid reason to change the plan.

Can you still color, style, and cover your hair?

Yes, with some planning. Nothing about scalp psoriasis requires a person to give up the way they like to look, and feeling like yourself is part of managing a visible, long-term condition.

Hair color is the biggest worry. Permanent dyes, bleach, and relaxers contain chemicals that can irritate or burn inflamed skin, so the sensible sequence is to get plaques as calm as possible first and then color during a quiet stretch. A patch test behind the ear a couple of days beforehand catches most bad reactions. Semi-permanent and deposit-only colors are gentler on the scalp, and a skilled stylist can apply color to lengths while keeping it off the skin. Tar-based shampoos can tint light or gray hair, which is worth knowing before a color appointment.

Styling tools are about heat and tension. Cool or warm settings on dryers, minimal direct heat over plaques, and looser styles during flares all help. Protective styles for textured hair remain perfectly compatible with scalp psoriasis as long as they are not pulled tight and the scalp underneath can still be treated and cleansed.

Head coverings, whether for faith, warmth, or style, are fine. Breathable natural fabrics, washed regularly, are kinder than synthetic ones that trap sweat. Scarves worn loosely at the hairline avoid friction on the very edge where plaques often sit.

Dry shampoo deserves its own caution. It is convenient, but most formulas are alcohol-based, fragranced, and designed to sit on the scalp absorbing oil, which is a poor combination for inflamed, dry skin. During flares, it is one of the easiest things to drop.

Talking openly with a hairdresser or barber pays off. Many have clients with psoriasis and will adjust water temperature, products, and technique without fuss.

What everyday habits actually make a measurable difference?

Lifestyle advice for psoriasis often collapses into vague wellness talk. The evidence base is narrower than the advice, so it is worth being specific about what mainstream guidance actually supports.

Smoking and alcohol. The NHS notes that both are linked to more severe psoriasis and can make treatments less effective, and heavy drinking limits which systemic medicines can safely be used. Reducing either is one of the few lifestyle changes with a plausible effect on the disease itself rather than just on comfort (NHS).

Body weight. Psoriasis is more common and often more severe in people carrying extra weight, and inflammatory signaling from fat tissue is thought to be part of the reason. Where weight loss is achievable and wanted, it tends to support treatment response. This is a matter of biology, not blame, and it is a conversation to have with a clinician rather than a reason for anyone to feel judged.

Stress and sleep. Both influence flares and itch. Anything that reliably lowers stress for you, from exercise to time outdoors to structured relaxation, is worth protecting, and poor sleep worsens itch perception.

Sunlight. Moderate sun exposure improves psoriasis for many people, which is the basis of clinical light therapy. On the scalp, hair limits the effect, and tar-based products increase sun sensitivity, so this is not a strategy to pursue aggressively at home.

Diet. Despite enormous online enthusiasm, no specific diet has strong evidence for clearing psoriasis. A generally balanced pattern that supports heart health is sensible because psoriasis is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, but no food needs to be feared and no supplement has been shown to replace treatment.

The through-line is that habits which lower whole-body inflammation help at the margins, and the treatments described earlier do the heavy lifting.

When should you see a doctor about scalp psoriasis?

Mild scalp psoriasis with a diagnosis already in hand can often be managed with pharmacy products and the habits described here. Several situations call for a clinician, and a few call for one promptly.

Book an appointment if:

• You have never had the diagnosis confirmed and flaking or plaques have persisted beyond a few weeks of anti-dandruff treatment.
• Plaques are spreading, thickening, or moving onto the face, neck, or ears.
• Over-the-counter shampoos and gentle descaling have been used consistently for several weeks with no improvement.
• Itch or soreness is disturbing sleep or daily life.
• Hair loss is noticeable, patchy, or continuing after the skin has calmed.
• You notice joint pain, stiffness in the morning, swollen fingers or toes, or nail changes. Psoriatic arthritis affects a meaningful minority of people with psoriasis, and the NHS and Cleveland Clinic both stress that early assessment protects joints.
• You are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding and need to know which treatments are appropriate.

Seek care urgently, the same day, if the scalp becomes hot, very painful, swollen, or oozes pus or yellow crust, which can signal a bacterial infection in broken skin; if you develop fever with a sudden, widespread flare; or if pustules appear across large areas of skin. These are uncommon but need prompt assessment (NHS).

A useful way to prepare for any appointment is to bring a short list of what you have tried, for how long, and what happened, plus photographs of the scalp at its worst. Flares have a habit of settling the day before a consultation. Photos keep the record honest and help the clinician judge severity and progress over time.

Frequently asked questions

What triggers psoriasis of the scalp?

Scalp psoriasis flares are most often triggered by skin injury such as scratching or tight hairstyles, infections including strep throat, stress, cold dry weather, alcohol, smoking, and certain prescription medicines. The underlying cause is an inherited immune tendency; triggers simply set off flares in someone already predisposed. Keeping a short diary of flares alongside illness, weather, stress, and new products usually reveals your personal pattern more reliably than any general list.

What shampoo is best for scalp psoriasis?

No single shampoo is best; the right choice depends on the job. Tar-based shampoos ease itch and slow cell overproduction, keratolytic shampoos loosen thick scale so other treatments can reach the skin, and prescription medicated shampoos deliver anti-inflammatory medicine under supervision. Whatever the type, massage it into the scalp, leave it on for the labeled time, and allow several weeks before judging whether it is working.

Should I wash my hair every day if I have scalp psoriasis?

You can, but you do not have to. Daily gentle washing suits some people with oily scalps and heavy scale, while others find it dries the scalp and worsens itch. Use lukewarm water, reserve medicated shampoos for the number of weekly uses on the label, and use a mild fragrance-free shampoo in between. If your scalp feels calmer and less flaky over a few weeks, your washing frequency is right.

What should you not use on scalp psoriasis?

Avoid fingernails and sharp combs for removing scale, very hot water and hot styling tools, heavily fragranced or alcohol-based products including most dry shampoos, undiluted essential oils, thick body ointments that mat hair, and bleach or chemical relaxers during an active flare. Tight braids and extensions add traction that can trigger plaques. Stopping a prescribed treatment abruptly without guidance can also provoke a rebound flare.

How can I tell scalp psoriasis from dandruff?

Scalp psoriasis usually produces raised, well-defined plaques with dry, silvery scale that you can feel as thickened skin, often extending past the hairline onto the forehead or behind the ears. Dandruff produces smaller, oilier, yellowish flakes on skin that is flat and at most slightly pink. Plaques elsewhere on the body, nail pitting, or a family history all point toward psoriasis. The two can coexist, so a clinician’s examination is the surest way to know.

Does scalp psoriasis cause permanent hair loss?

Usually not. Hair shed during a flare comes from scale lifting hairs away, scratching that breaks them, and inflammation that temporarily disrupts the follicle cycle. Psoriasis does not scar follicles, so hair generally regrows once the scalp calms, though recovery can take a few months. Ongoing loss after the skin has cleared, or smooth shiny bald patches, should be assessed because other scalp conditions can cause lasting damage.

How long does scalp psoriasis take to clear with treatment?

Most topical treatments take several weeks to produce visible improvement, and the NHS advises a review after an agreed trial period rather than judging results in days. Anti-inflammatory steroid preparations tend to act faster than vitamin D-based ones, which are often used longer for maintenance. Psoriasis is a long-term condition, so the realistic aim is sustained control with periods of clear or near-clear skin rather than permanent disappearance.

Can I dye my hair if I have scalp psoriasis?

Yes, ideally when the scalp is calm rather than mid-flare, since permanent dyes, bleach, and relaxers can irritate or burn inflamed skin. Patch-test behind the ear a couple of days beforehand, consider gentler semi-permanent options, and ask your stylist to keep product off the scalp where possible. Tar-based shampoos can tint light or gray hair, which is worth mentioning before a color appointment.

Is scalp psoriasis contagious or caused by poor hygiene?

No on both counts. Psoriasis is an immune-driven condition with a strong genetic component; it cannot be passed to another person by touch, shared combs, or pillows, and it is not caused by how often someone washes. Flaking is the result of skin cells being produced far faster than normal, not of dirt. Understanding this matters because it removes the shame that often stops people from seeking effective treatment.

When should I see a doctor about scalp psoriasis?

See a clinician if flaking or plaques persist beyond a few weeks of anti-dandruff treatment, if plaques spread or thicken, if pharmacy shampoos have not helped after consistent use, if itch disrupts sleep, or if you notice hair loss, nail changes, or joint pain and stiffness. Seek same-day care if the scalp becomes hot, swollen, very painful, or oozes pus, or if a widespread flare comes with fever.

References

• NHS – Psoriasis: Treatment
• NHS – Psoriasis: Overview, causes and symptoms
• MedlinePlus – Psoriasis
• NIH NIAMS – Psoriasis

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a qualified doctor about your individual situation.