Scalp Psoriasis – Why You Should Be Concerned

Whether you are suffering from scalp psoriasis or of the other forms of psoriasis, you can be certain that your prognosis is good. Most people respond well to treatment and the disease is usually kept under control. Many have gone into remission for years at a time.

Scalp psoriasis is a non-lethal skin condition. The chronic inflammatory disease can affect the entire body but is most commonly on the scalp, elbows and knees. There is no cure for psoriasis and it is not a contagious condition. Psoriasis can be passed on in the genes and it is easily treated with medication.

Psoriasis affects people all over the world. Any person from any ethnic background or race can have psoriasis. The cause of the disease is unknown yet is known that the condition can be very mild and almost imperceptible or very severe, covering the entire body. The condition causes skin cells to reproduce quickly causing a thickening of the skin, rash, redness and bumps. The skin can become scaly, dry and flaky from the excess of skin cells. Like many incurable conditions psoriasis can go into remission or it can become worst. Typically the condition presents in childhood or early adulthood and is treated with topical medications or analgesics. Persons who suffer from the severe forms of psoriasis can have difficulty with social interactions and embarrassment.

The exact cause of psoriasis remains a mystery. Like many other diseases it is believed that psoriasis is caused by mutations in the genes and/or environmental factors. Some believe that psoriasis may be an autoimmune response however the trigger to these responses remains unknown. When a person is afflicted with scalp psoriasis then that could be an indication of an autoimmune deficiency or disease.

The rashes caused by scalp psoriasis can vary in appearance. Psoriasis can appear as patches of red skin, scaly skin, dry patches or pimply bumps that may ooze with pus. The way psoriasis manifests varies according to person. Joint pain can be associated with scalp psoriasis as well as the other forms. Any joint can be affected however the most common areas are the ankles, hands and knees. Psoriasis can also appear under the nail bed which causes the nails to fall off.

The treatment for psoriasis is determined according to the individual. For mild forms of the condition generally topical creams, lotions and sprays are prescribed. If necessary steroid injections may be prescribed. For moderate to severe forms of the disease pills, lights or injections are prescribed for full body treatment. For the severe forms such as the psoriatic arthritis then system medications are necessary to treat the disease. Many physicians will rotate various forms of therapy in order to minimize unwanted side effects and to decrease chances of resistant outbreaks.

Improving scalp psoriasis conditions also increases social interactions as many are embarrassed by the rash created by psoriasis. There are even support groups available to help persons deal with the emotional ramifications of living with the conditions surrounding psoriasis and its various forms.