Psoriasis often also causes flakes on the scalp. This can be treated with special hair lotions for psoriasis. However, if there is a thick layer of flakes, they must first be removed, otherwise the active ingredients in the lotions cannot reach the scalp properly.
For successful treatment of scalp psoriasis, the flakes must first be loosened.SOAK-OFF FLAKESThe flakes come off best after soaking them overnight with a special ointment. Products containing oil are used for this, but they are also washable. An ointment containing Vaseline, for example, is less suitable for hairy scalps because it is not easily washed out. The following products are suitable for loosening flakes on hairy scalps:
- Axungia
- Cetiol V 25% in Cetomacrogol Ointment 75%
- Cetiol V 25% in Lanette Ointment 75%.
These products are prescribed by prescription and prepared and dispensed by pharmacies. The combination of 25% Cetiol V and 75% Cetomacrogol Ointment is easy to apply and wash out. The combination with Lanette Ointment is used when ingredients such as 5% salicylic acid (softens the scabs) or triamcinolone (inhibits inflammation) need to be added.INSTRUCTIONS FOR USEApply the ointment all over your scalp, massage it in thoroughly, and let it soak in overnight. To protect your bedding, wear a bath or shower cap, or place an old pillowcase or large towel over your pillow. The next morning, gently comb out the flakes with a fine-toothed comb. Try not to damage your scalp.WASHING THE HAIRTo wash out the ointment, it can be helpful to use an inexpensive everyday shampoo, as you'll need a bit more than usual. Apply a generous amount of shampoo to oily hair (where the ointment residue still remains), rub it in thoroughly, and then rinse it out in the shower. You can then wash your hair again with a special psoriasis shampoo, such as Denorex shampoo. This shampoo also removes oil and flakes and contains ingredients such as tar and menthol, which combat itching.THE TREATMENT OF THE SCALPAfter washing your hair with shampoo and rinsing out any ointment residue and flakes, you can treat your scalp with a special psoriasis lotion.
The lotions prescribed for scalp psoriasis usually contain corticosteroids as the active ingredient, which combat itching, redness, and flaking. There are also lotions with other anti-inflammatory agents, such as calcipotriol or tar. These lotions are best applied while your hair is still wet. Use approximately the same amount as you would use for shampoo (1-1.5 ml is usually enough) and massage it in thoroughly, distributing it over your entire scalp. Do not rinse afterward. The lotions are only effective if all flakes have been removed. All lotions can also make your hair greasy again, so keep this in mind (for example, apply them in the evening so you don't have to go out with greasy hair).OVERVIEW OF PRODUCTS FOR THE HAIRY HEADCorticosteroids for hairy scalp:Topicorte lotion (active ingredient: desoxymethasone)
Betnelan or Diprosone scalp lotion (active ingredient: betamethasone)
Dermovate scalp lotion (active ingredient: clobetasol-17-propionate)Products with calcipotriol for the hairy head:Calcipotriol/betamethasone gel (active ingredients: calcipotriol + betamethasone)
Enstilar foam (active ingredients: calcipotriol + betamethasone)Products containing tar for the hairy head:Denorex shampoo (active ingredients: coal tar and levomenthol)
LCD 20% lotion paraffin capitis (active ingredient: liquor carbonis detergent)Do not scratch your headPsoriasis can be itchy, but try not to scratch the scales and scabs on your scalp. Skin damage from scratching can worsen your psoriasis.HOW OFTEN SHOULD I APPLY THE TREATMENT?If there are a lot of flakes, we recommend treating the psoriasis daily. If you treat your scalp with overnight moisturizer for several days in a row, wash it out in the morning, and then treat it with tar shampoo and a treatment lotion, most of the flakes will disappear. From that point on, you can continue treatment with just the treatment lotion (for example, Topicorte lotion or calcipotriol/betamethasone gel). If new flakes reappear, start applying the moisturizer overnight again.
The frequency of this depends on the severity of your psoriasis. Some patients only need to use Topicorte or calcipotriol/betamethasone alone 2-3 times a week, while others need to do this every day and also apply the moisturizer 2-4 times a week at night to keep it under control.
For stubborn or extensive patches, you may be referred for light therapy, treatment at a day treatment center, or systemic therapy (with tablets).SUMMARY1. Loosen the flakes overnight with a special ointment.
2. Rinse with regular shampoo and wash with Denorex shampoo
. 3. Massage in lotion while the hair is still wet.
4. Repeat every day if necessary. |
