50% of individuals affected by psoriasis suffer from lesions on the scalp. This condition makes the hair washing process particularly delicate. Indeed, overly aggressive washing can exacerbate psoriasis. In this article, we explain which shampoo to choose in case of psoriasis to gently cleanse your hair.
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Scalp Psoriasis: Which Shampoo Should You Choose?
Summary
- Psoriasis: A condition affecting the scalp
- What should be done in response to psoriasis lesions on the scalp?
- Guide to choosing your shampoo in case of psoriasis on the scalp
- Sources
Published October 11, 2023,
updated on August 2, 2024,
by
Sandrine, Scientific Editor
—
6 min read
Psoriasis: A condition affecting the scalp.
Affecting 2% of the global population, psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin and joints. It is considered an autoimmune disease, as it results from an immune system malfunction. Indeed, for unknown reasons, immune cells secrete inflammatory molecules into the skin. These molecules stimulate the proliferation of keratinocytes, which accumulate on the skin's surface: this is hyperkeratosis. This disease occurs in individuals with a genetic predisposition and under the influence of certain contributing factors.
On the skin, psoriasis is characterized by the emergence of well-defined red, itchy patches accompanied by a thickening of the skin. These patches are covered with white scales. They appear in areas of friction (knees, elbows...) but other areas are also affected, particularly the scalp.
Scalp psoriasis can appear in a localized manner or in conjunction with other lesions (on the body, face, or even the nails). Very often, the scalp is the first site of onset for psoriasis and it is estimated that 80% of people suffering from psoriasis will develop scalp psoriasis.
Generally, psoriasis plaques on the scalp are distributed in a asymmetrical manner. These are non-alopecic erythematous plaques with rounded edges covered with dry scales. They are observed on the border of the forehead, behind the neck and behind the ears like a sort of band around the head. According to studies, up to 70% of patients also complain of itching.
Multifactorial Disease, psoriasis is a condition that frequently affects the scalp. The lesions being highly visible, they can be a source of stigmatizationand of rejection. Moreover, the itching can significantly impair the quality of life of those affected by disrupting social interactions or sleep. Scratching worsens the psoriasis lesions. So, a question arises: what can be done about this problem?
What should be done in response to psoriasis lesions on the scalp?
If red lesions appear on your scalp, the first thing to do is consult a dermatologist. Indeed, there are many scalp diseases. Therefore, consulting a dermatologist is necessary, as they will provide you with an accurate diagnosis.
If your dermatologist confirms that you are suffering from scalp psoriasis, they will prescribe a treatment tailored to your case. There are local treatments available (such as dermocorticoids, dermocorticoids combined with a keratolytic agent, vitamin D analogues, etc.) as well as systemic treatments for very severe cases.
Note : for scalp psoriasis, local medicinal treatments are in the form of lotions, gel or shampoo, thus suitable for hairy areas.
In conjunction with the medicinal treatment prescribed by the dermatologist, it is essential to meticulously select your shampoo.
Guide to choosing your shampoo in case of psoriasis on the scalp.
In the case of scalp psoriasis, the use of a suitable shampoo is of utmost importance.
Firstly, the shampoo used should be gentle. For this, it should not contain any harsh surfactants (such as sodium laureth sulfate). Moreover, it should have a pH close to that of the skin (which is 5.5) or a neutral pH in order to best respect the skin's protective barrier.
When dealing with scalp psoriasis, it's tempting to wash your hair every day to soothe the itching. However, frequent washing irritates the scalp and exacerbates the psoriasis. That's why it's crucial touse a gentle shampoo suitable for frequent use is paramount.
In the formulation of shampoos, certain active ingredients are very beneficial for improving the symptoms of psoriasis:
Keratolytic agents.
At the site of psoriasis lesions, numerous scales or immature dead cells are observed that cannot naturally be eliminated. Keratolytic agents (lactic acid or the salicylic acid) therefore allow for the effective removal of these dead cells.
The soothing agents.
Psoriasis often goes hand in hand with itching. These can be particularly bothersome in daily life. Moreover, scratching exacerbates psoriasis lesions ( 5 minutes of scratching accelerates skin renewal and is enough to reactivate psoriasis for 2 weeks!). Soothing active ingredients such as bisabolol or calendula can help calm and soothe itching sensations.
The nourishing and hydrating active ingredients
Nourishing and hydrating active ingredients such as ceramides, the squalane or aloe vera help to reduce the scales covering psoriasis plaques.
Sources
STREIT V. & al. Scalp psoriasis Journal of German Society of Dermatology (2011)
WANG T.S., TSAI T.F. Managing Scalp Psoriasis: An Evidence-Based Review (2016)
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