Managing my Scalp Psoriasis

[MossAT]

having psoriasis on my scalp was really embarrassing for me especially as i developed it during my high school years (~15y/o = this was when it started to become problematic), i wouldn't like to talk about it if someone mentioned (hardly anyone ever did out of politeness though) and kept the edges (neck and behind the ears) covered with my hair at all times. it looked like i had really bad uncontrollable dandruff and the scales on my scalp were patchy too so that didn't help with my confidence either, it really hit my self esteem.

however, 6 years on i've trialed and tested some things from the Drs & now from the supermarket and found what works for me and what triggers my scalp psoriasis. Firstly i was on Nizoral (a pink pungent shampoo), that was for a couple years till it stopped working, then another ketoconazole shampoo (no brand name - can't remember or didnt have one), this one wasn't very effective but i soon realised it was timing - my alevels and surrounding stress; aswell as the weather (winter & summer were worse) wasn't helping and the condition kept worsening. Dr changed it to Capasal Shampoo (tar based, thick & brown) this really helped control it and was what i used for the next 3-4 years until recently (approx. 6 months ago). The reason for changing recently is purely because of prescription - capasal i think is available OTC now which would be cheaper than prescription. however i went for a change after reading a few things about TGel from neutrogena. this has really worked wonders - i don't use the shampoo as regularly now (probs 1xweek) but my scalp is no longer problematic. it does come and go according to weather and stress but never as bad as it used to be. Also during my capasal days; coconut oil really help aid the control of psoriasis especially overnight and wash off in the morning. i still do this now but monthly or fortnightly. i did trial a steroid too before & during capasal - betnovate scalp application; this really worked but i wouldn't recommend long term use esp as its a steroid, it used to have a cooling but stinging sensation on the scalp with contact and after a few seconds it would then change to a warm/hot feeling - this did work but i stopped getting it. i really hope this helps anyone struggling (and i know how you feel). sorry for the long essay , but i wanted to give as much info as i could. thanks for reading

[Hidden]

Hi MossAT,

Don’t be sorry for the long essay! This is really helpful! Glad to know you’ve managed it over the years trying different things and having a sensible approach. Great post!

💕🤗

[MossAT in reply to Hidden]

Thank you! 😊💖

[Findingwhatworks26]

Thank you- this is really helpful, been struggling with mine for a while😪

[flakingscalp]

Thank you. I am new to this site. This has helped me. I have suffered now for 6 months. I have used all the stuff on prescription you have. I did buy some Neutrogena T/Sal with 3% salicylic acid but that was very drying. The T/ gel has coal tar I think ...can’t use it as I hate the strong coal rotary smell. I am using Ketoconazole shampoo & have slept with the coconut oil on my scalp at night. Maybe should try doing this every night ? I also use Betnovate off and on as well as know about the fact that his needs to be used no more than a few weeks and then I have a break. If there is anymore you can tell me about successful treatments you may have tried since this post...let me know. I am desperate as this just will not ho away..had it for 6 months. Luckily I don’t have it around my ears or neck...just the top of my head. Thanks again...

[MossAT in reply to flakingscalp]

Hey, sorry for the late reply. I really hope your current regimen works and stays working. It's been a bit of a roller coaster since original posting but I still manage to control it. Like you mentioned, maybe try the oil every night, I know it sounds greasy but I did that for a while, my scalp used to absorb the coconut oil like a sponge too so I didn't really mind the grease on non wash days for my hair because it didn't get greasy! 😂 Also if you find any of the medicated shampoos drying/brittle on the hair, (some tend to be) I would recommend a hair mask/conditioner use too. I use just a generic hair mask (often coconut hair masks, surprise surprise) but any would be fine but I make sure they're sls or perfume free as often this is what exacerbates the dry scalp, tightness and itching.

Also final note, my hair loss was so bad at one point so I used to use castor oil at night, every two days then gradually weekly and fortnightly until I stopped when I saw a difference and was happy. It is VERY THICK AND STICKY so I would deffo say this one might not be for everyone. Again apologies for the late reply, didn't check my email for notifs. Hope this helps x

[MossAT in reply to MossAT]

An example for a home made hair mask just in case you don't feel like buying more products or want to go natural - coconut oil, honey (about tbs of each) aloe Vera, (applecider vinegar 1 tsp optional).

Also you can add sugar and scrub it gently on the scalp for the flakes, leave on for about 20mims to however long you like - I usually do chores, errands etc.) do this once a week or month (when ever you feel you need the extra self care, it's important!)

Kind regards

MossAT

[flakingscalp in reply to MossAT]

Thanks so much for the tips..going to give these a try

[flakingscalp]

The above post was meant for you...let me know if you got it MossAT.