Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease which is characterized by raised, red, scaly patches or lesions covered with dead skin.  Psoriasis can affect many areas of the body, even the genitals and joints.  A common form of psoriasis which affects over 50% of patients is scalp psoriasis.

Scalp psoriasis can either cover the entire scalp with fine scaling or thick crusted plaques.  Areas of the scalp that become affected will develop rapidly.  Itching of the scalp is a symptom, as is a feeling of tightness and soreness.  Hair loss is another symptom very common to scalp psoriasis.

The difference in psoriasis of the scalp and dandruff is that the scales from psoriasis are dry, not greasy like they are with dandruff.  Scalp psoriasis will most often be much more annoying or painful that dandruff if it is very severe.  Though scalp psoriasis is not dangerous to ones overall health, it can be very difficult to treat.

Certain shampoo treatments can control the scalp psoriasis from spreading.  Regular washing of the scalp along with sunlight exposure can also reduce spreading.

Some other treatments prescribed by doctors are coal tar, dithranol, salicylic acid, cortico-steroids and Vitamin D.

It is important to apply any treatment properly.  Medication should be rubbed into the exposed area of scalp after parting the hair into sections.  Comb and brush hair often to help remove scaling.  Shampoo with a coal tar base and use a cortisone lotion to rub into the scalp.  To avoid resistance to treatment, there should be a break given to any treatment being utilized.

Psoriasis of the scalp is distinguished from seborrheic dermatitis, or dandruff, because the scales of psoriasis are dry, not greasy. Scalp psoriasis basically looks like a really bad case of dandruff, but can be very annoying or painful depending on the level of severity.

Topical medications like Revitol Dermasis, a psoriasis cream that contains FDA approved ingredients to help those who suffer from psoriasis,  are effective against scalp psoriasis.

Regular treatment will help scalp psoriasis to eventually subside over time.  Any medical regimen for psoriasis should be supervised by a dermatologist.