Do you have psoriasis on your scalp?
You are not alone ! Psoriasis affects 3 million people in France.
And I had it for more than 7 years...
Red patches, itching, large dandruff, it was horrible...
Not only does dandruff settle on clothes, but it itches all the time!
Fortunately, I was lucky enough to come across a dermatologist who gave me his effective grandmother's remedies.
These natural treatments limit irritation and reduce attacks and for me they made psoriasis disappear!
Here are 17 remedies to treat and relieve scalp psoriasis . Watch:
This type of psoriasis is recognized by white scabs that appear on the scalp.
Often these plaques are accompanied by more or less intense itching.
On the other hand, these plaques can also become painful, crack and bleed.
Scalp psoriasis most commonly occurs on the back of the neck.
Then, it spreads around the ears and on the top of the skull.
Scalp psoriasis is a chronic disease.
So it tends to come and go over time.
We know that psoriasis outbreaks are generally triggered or aggravated by the following factors:
- stress and nervous fatigue,
- heavy alcohol consumption,
- tobacco,
- a bacterial infection or
- taking certain medications.
Now let's see together the best remedies for this skin disease:
Aloe vera is a plant renowned for its powerful restorative properties skin.
In simple terms, this means that it is an effective natural treatment to soothe the itching of psoriasis.
In addition, aloe vera helps reduce inflammation, red patches and scaling of psoriasis.
- Experts recommend using a cream based on aloe vera, which you can easily find in pharmacies.
- Maybe you have aloe vera at home? Know that it is very easy to extract the gel from its leaves. We explain how to do it in this tutorial.
- Apply aloe vera cream or gel directly to psoriasis patches, up to 3 times a day.
- Be aware that this treatment takes about 1 month to take effect and give positive results.
To discover: 40 Uses of Aloe Vera That Will Blow Your Mind!
What if I told you that you already have a natural cure for psoriasis, right at home?
It's close at hand, in your kitchen cupboard.
Apple cider vinegar is effective in relieving itching due to psoriasis of the scalp.
- Use only organic, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar, like this one.
- Know that you can also make your own cider vinegar… from your leftover apples! For the easy tutorial, it's here.
- It is recommended to dilute the apple cider vinegar with water, in equal parts.
- Apply apple cider vinegar directly to affected areas of your scalp several times a week.
- To avoid irritation, rinse your skin well with clean water after each application.
- But be careful, avoid this remedy if you have deep lesions or cracked skin.
- And as with aloe vera, it takes about 1 month before this treatment gives results.
To discover: 11 Incredible Uses of Apple Cider Vinegar.
Surely you know the incredible uses of baking soda for cleaning.
But know that its effectiveness does not stop there!
Indeed, this white powder also works wonders for skin care.
Bicarbonate is a quick and easy treatment to relieve itching and reduce inflammation scalp psoriasis.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda in a small glass of water.
- Use a piece of cotton to apply this mixture to the affected areas of the scalp. No cotton? Use a washcloth.
- You can also simply pour bicarbonated water directly on the skull. It is a more practical method for those who have abundant hair.
To discover: 17 Bicarbonate Remedies As Effective As Some Medicines.
If you don't know, capsaicin is the organic compound that gives peppers their pungent taste .
Capsaicin (in cream form) has been found to be particularly effective against psoriasis by German researchers.
In particular, it reduces the pain, red patches, inflammation and flaking caused by this disease. (Source 1)
However, this study is the only one to date to link capsaicin to psoriasis.
Thus, the researchers emphasize that more studies are needed to unlock all the secrets of capsaicin.
- Get capsaicin cream, which you can easily find in pharmacies.
- Apply capsaicin to the affected area of the scalp or the back of the neck.
- Be careful, because capsaicin-based products can slightly sting the skin!
- Therefore, avoid this treatment if you have deep lesions or cracked skin.
- Likewise, remember to wash your hand thoroughly after handling a capsaicin-based product.
And above all, avoid touching your eyes, mouth, private parts and other sensitive areas.
To discover: 8 Health Benefits of Chilli Nobody Knows About.
Do you have coconut oil at home? Or maybe avocado oil?
That's good...
These two vegetable oils are literally packed with good fats with powerful regenerative benefits for your skin.
With this simple, natural remedy, you can reduce (or even eliminate) the flaking associated with scalp psoriasis.
- Get some organic coconut oil or avocado oil.
- Gently massage your scalp with a few drops of one of these oils.
- If you wish, you can heat the oil slightly before each application.
- Cover your head with a shower cap, like this one.
- Leave on for 20 minutes.
- Take off the shower cap and wash your hair as usual.
To discover: 50 Coconut Oil Uses You Should Know.
You are probably wondering...
But what makes garlic on a list of psoriasis remedies?
It turns out that garlic is renowned for its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
In addition, it improves the general condition of the skin and prevents skin infections.
Despite its strong smell, it is an effective and safe remedy. to reduce the symptoms of scalp psoriasis.
- Use this trick to press your mashed garlic.
- For this remedy, you also need aloe vera gel (or cream).
- Mix the garlic and aloe vera, in equal parts.
- Apply this mixture to the affected area of the scalp.
- Leave on for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with cool water.
- If necessary, repeat this treatment daily.
To discover: 13 Amazing Uses of Garlic You Didn't Know About.
Also called Berberis aquifolium orMahonia aquifolium , this shrub is originally native to the northwestern United States.
But it has long been naturalized in Europe.
So what's the point of hollyleaf mahonia?
If we are interested in this plant, it is because it contains organic compounds with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects .
Extracts from the bark of its root are used for the treatment of scalp psoriasis.
To take advantage of this, get a cream with a 10% concentration of Mahonia aquifolium .
To discover: 63 Essential Medicinal Plants For Healing.
Oats are particularly effective in relieving irritated skin.
Dispersed in water, oatmeal powder produces a soothing, milky-looking bath.
This natural treatment is recommended by dermatologists.
Indeed, taking an oatmeal bath protects and relieves the skin from itching and irritation due to psoriasis.
- Prepare a hot bath and pour 80 g of oatmeal bath powder into it.
- Stay in this bath for 15 min.
- For this to work, be sure to soak the scalp thoroughly.
- Indeed, the area affected by psoriasis must be fully submerged for the duration of the bath.
To discover: Oats:9 Incredible Benefits Everyone Should Know.
Omega-3 fatty acids are known for their anti-inflammatory properties .
It is found in particular in fatty fish (tuna, salmon, mackerel, sardines, anchovies).
But also in vegetable oils and nuts (walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, pistachios, cashews).
But maybe eating sardines and hazelnuts every day isn't really your thing?
So know that there is a very easy and effective way to increase your omega-3 intake.
It is enough simply to take it in the form of food supplements, based on fish oil or linseed oil.
To date, there are no studies on the benefits of omega-3s on scalp psoriasis.
But… those who use it all say that this remedy is very effective.
And, rest assured, it's safe for your skin.
- Take up to 3 g of omega-3 fatty acids per day.
To discover: 12 Health Benefits Of Flaxseed That No One Knows About.
Bath salts are renowned for their anti-stress benefits.
And it doesn't stop there!
Sea salt baths are known to soothe and reduce symptoms scalp psoriasis.
And it also works with magnesium sulfate, also called Epsom salt.
- Run a hot bath and pour sea salt or Epsom salt in it.
- Soak your body in this bath, including the affected areas of the head and scalp.
- Stay in this bath for 15 minutes.
- After bathing, apply moisturizer to affected areas of head and scalp.
To discover: 13 Amazing Uses for Epsom Salt Around the Home...Including For Your Hair!
In pharmacies, you will find many non-medicated shampoos , over-the-counter.
These shampoos based on natural products are specially designed for the treatment of scalp psoriasis.
The most effective are those containing:
- witch hazel,
- coal tar (2 to 10%) or
- salicylic acid (a natural aromatic compound with anti-inflammatory effects).
It's not complicated:just follow the instructions on the shampoo bottle!
This is because the uses vary for different types of shampoo for scalp psoriasis.
Tea tree essential oil has been used for centuries for its restorative and anti-inflammatory properties on the skin.
Also known by its English name of tea-tree oil, it helps protect the skin from infections.
But it also helps to reduce inflammation and the red patches associated with scalp psoriasis.
On the other hand, it is strongly recommended to consult your doctor before using an essential oil on the skin.
Indeed, some people are allergic to it, and tea tree oil can also cause hormonal disruptions.
To discover: Tea Tree Essential Oil:14 Must-Know Uses.
- To soothe itching due to psoriasis, add a few drops of tea tree oil to your usual shampoo.
Note: mixing tea tree oil in your shampoo is considered a mild remedy.
This means that this treatment is effective only on very mild forms of scalp psoriasis.
You surely know turmeric in the kitchen to enhance the flavors of your exotic dishes...
But did you know that this spice is also used for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties ?
Do you suffer from scalp psoriasis and want to use turmeric to reduce your symptoms?
There are two ways to enjoy the benefits of this spice:
- Every day, take a turmeric supplement, like this one.
The other method is easier (and delicious):
- Just incorporate more turmeric into your regular recipes.
- You can use fresh or powdered turmeric.
- The recommended dose is 1.5 to 3 g of turmeric per day.
To discover: The 3 Therapeutic Virtues of Turmeric on Your Health.
The best source of vitamin D? It's the sun!
Indeed, exposure to the sun fills 80 to 90% of your vitamin D needs.
Most importantly, daily exposure to the sun helps reduce the symptoms of scalp psoriasis.
- Before going out, put on sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
- Sunbathe every day for 10-15 minutes.
- To protect your skin, sunbathe in the morning, when UV rays are less intense.
To discover: Vitamin D:The 14 Foods That Contain The Most To Avoid Deficiencies.
If you don't already know, witch hazel is a common shrub in Europe and North America.
It is one of the most effective natural remedies against skin diseases .
Get a witch hazel treatment like this one, available over-the-counter at pharmacies or herbalists.
- After your usual shampoo, massage the treatment with witch hazel directly on the scalp.
- Continue massaging the affected area until the witch hazel is completely absorbed into the skin.
- Then, rinse your scalp and style your hair as usual.
To discover: 17 Benefits of HAMAMELIS WATER That Nobody Knows
I know, it's very hard to resist the temptation to scratch when you feel itchy.
But be careful, it's a vicious circle!
Indeed, be aware that 10 minutes of scratching lengthen the duration of the scales by 2 to 3 weeks.
This is what doctors call the Koebner phenomenon .
A new plaque of psoriasis forms every time the skin is traumatized…including when you scratch it!
So avoid scratching yourself at all costs.
The plaques can then bleed, become infected, or the hair can be pulled out...
Unfortunately, there is no miracle trick...
So, it's up to everyone to find their little parade.
For example, some people recommend spraying the skull with cold water.
Others recommend using a mild shampoo when the itching is too strong.
If scratching becomes a tic, there's a little grandmother's trick that can help you...
Instead of scratching the itch, you have to scratch something else !
For example:your pants, a piece of fabric or any other object you have on hand.
If you have psoriasis, the goal is always to limit scalp irritation.
It is for this reason that it is recommended to style your hair with a brush with soft bristles and round ends.
When brushing your hair, do it as gently possible, without putting too much pressure on the skull.
To discover: 2 Easy Tips For Cleaning A GREASY Hairbrush.
Want to tie up your hair?
So beware of ponytails, buns or braids that are too tight.
Hairstyles that are too tight and attached pull on the scalp and can cause a attack of psoriasis .
Similarly, avoid using a hair dryer as much as possible.
Indeed, the heat released by the device can further irritate the scalp.
If you can't get over it, then at least use your hair dryer on cool mode.
Also try to limit the use of curling irons, rollers, coloring, perms...
All of these treatments tend to irritate the scalp — especially if you're already suffering from an attack of psoriasis.
Finally, avoid anything that “suffocates” the scalp.
So forget about headbands, beanies and hats on your head, especially if it's hot.
To discover: How To Choose The Best Haircut For Your Face.
When psoriasis affects the face, it is difficult to "hide" it.
If you are concerned about hiding the plates psoriasis, here are our tips to help you.
- Psoriasis in the neck:
Put your hair in a ponytail, pulled down (but without pulling too much on the scalp!). Volumize the ponytail to hide the plaques.
- Psoriasis behind the ears:
Wear your hair long or medium length, then add volume at the hairline.
- Psoriasis on the forehead or hairline:
Wear a fringe on the forehead or on the side so as to hide the plates.
To treat scalp psoriasis, doctors usually recommend prescription treatments, including:
- local treatment (in the form of lotions),
- phototherapy (under the supervision of a dermatologist) and
- general treatment (in the form of medication).
But know that you can also combine these medical treatments with the natural remedies that we have just seen together.
But beware:use them ONLY for mild cases of scalp psoriasis.
They will help you relieve the pain and itching of this disease.
Psoriasis appears when the immune system does not work normally.
And this, whether it is psoriasis of the scalp or on another part of the body.
Skin cells grow too quickly, in days rather than weeks.
As a result, these cells accumulate on the surface of the skin and form the plaques of psoriasis .
Know that psoriasis is often due to hereditary causes.
Indeed, 40% of people who suffer from it have at least one member of their family affected by this disease. (Source 2)
People who are HIV positive, stressed, overweight or smokers are also more likely to suffer from this disease.
Certain factors are also known to trigger or worsen scalp psoriasis flare-ups, including:
- bacterial infections of the skin,
- certain infectious agents, in particular those of strep throat,
- damage to the skin, including cuts, scrapes, insect bites and severe sunburn,
- stress and nervous fatigue,
- tobacco,
- heavy alcohol consumption,
- Vitamin D deficiencies and
- taking certain medications, including lithium, blood pressure medication, antimalarials and iodides.
Some people think that psoriasis is a contagious disease.
It's FALSE:Psoriasis is not contagious .
A person with this disease cannot transmit it.
Neither by touch, nor by clothing, nor by physical contact!
Scalp psoriasis can be confused with seborrheic dermatitis.
Both are common skin diseases that affect the scalp.
Both diseases also have similar symptoms , including scaling and redness of the skin.
For those who don't know, scales are strips of skin that detach from the epidermis.
Scalp psoriasis is characterized by the appearance of thick reddish plaques, which peel off as white scales.
These plaques often extend beyond the scalp and onto the face, with itching and sometimes pain.
In the case of dermatitis, the skin is reddish and covered with white or yellow scales.
Dermatitis is also accompanied by dandruff and itching.
Nevertheless, the diseases have very different causes, and only your doctor can tell them apart.
It is therefore very important that the diagnosis is made by your doctor.
Note that the medical treatment of psoriasis is often more aggressive than that of dermatitis.
