Psoriasis scalp

Having an itchy, flaky scalp is a common problem for many people. However, before you can figure out how to treat the condition, you must identify the cause. Two conditions that can lead to an itchy scalp are psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis: • Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease. It can cause skin cells to grow so quickly that they accumulate on the surface of the skin. Patches of rough, scaly skin can appear anywhere on the body, including the scalp. • Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition that can cause rough, scaly skin on the scalp and face. The common name for seborrheic dermatitis is dandruff. In babies, it’s called cradle cap. Seborrheic dermatitis may look different in individuals with skin of color. It tends to be red and scaly on those with light or fair skin tones. On medium and dark skin tones this condition may appear as curved or petal-like lesions along the hairline. It can also cause hypopigmentation or lightening of the skin. In babies, seborrheic dermatitis may be crusty. Babies may also have seborrheic dermatitis around the eyes and nose. If the skin is scratched, there’s some risk of bleeding or infection if the thick scale is picked or removed from the scalp. Psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp share some common symptoms. They both result in: • scaly patches of skin • flakes that may attach to the hair shaft • itching How can you tell the difference? One clue is the scales. Psoriasis on the scalp on lighter skin tones often appears...

Welcome! Diseases & conditions • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Featured Natalie tried many acne products without success. Find out how a board-certified dermatologist helped Natalie see clear skin before her wedding. JAK inhibitors are helping patients with alopecia areata, eczema/atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and vitiligo. Here’s what you need to know. Everyday care • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Featured Everyone's at risk for skin cancer. These dermatologists' tips tell you how to protect your skin. Find out what may be causing the itch and what can bring relief. Darker Skin Tones • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Featured Find out why dark spots appear and what can fade them. If you have what feels like razor bumps or acne on the back of your neck or scalp, you may have acne keloidalis nuchae. Find out what can help. Cosmetic treatments • • • • • • • Featured You can expect permanent results in all but one area. Do you know which one? If you want to diminish a noticeable scar, know these 10 things before having laser treatment. It can smooth out deep wrinkles and lines, but the results aren’t permanent. Here’s how long botox tends to last. Public health programs • • • • • • • • • • • Featured Use these professionally produced online infographics, posters, and videos to help others find and prevent skin cancer. Free to everyone, these materials teach young people about common skin conditions,...

Previous 1 of 6 Plaque psoriasis Plaque psoriasis, the most common form of psoriasis, causes dry, raised skin patches (plaques) covered with gray or silver scales. It may look different depending on your skin color, ranging from pink on white skin to brown or gray on brown or Black skin. You may have just a few plaques or many. After the plaques clear up, the affected skin might temporarily be lighter (hypopigmentation) or darker (hyperpigmentation) than usual. Your psoriasis may improve with certain lifestyle measures, such as: • Taking daily baths • Applying nonprescription cortisone cream and heavy, ointment-based moisturizer • Learning to identify and avoiding personal triggers of psoriasis, such as stress • Avoiding smoking Moderate or severe cases may require light therapy, prescription steroid creams, coal tar products applied to the skin, oral or injected medications (systemic treatment), or a combination of these. • AskMayoExpert. Psoriasis. Mayo Clinic; 2021. • Dinulos JGH. Psoriasis and other papulosquamous diseases. In: Habif's Clinical Dermatology. 7th ed. Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed March 5, 2020. • Kelly AP, et al., eds. Psoriasis. In: Taylor and Kelly's Dermatology for Skin of Color. 2nd ed. McGraw Hill; 2016. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Accessed Sept. 13, 2021. • Bolognia JL, et al., eds. Psoriasis. In: Dermatology. 4th ed. Elsevier; 2018. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed March 5, 2020. • Feldman SR, et al. Psoriasi...

Overview Plaque psoriasis causes thick, scaly plaques that may itch or hurt. What is plaque psoriasis? Plaque psoriasis (psoriasis vulgaris) is a long-lasting (chronic) autoimmune disease that causes your cells to reproduce very quickly. It’s a type of • Elbows. • Back. • Knees. • Severe cases of plaque psoriasis may affect your entire body, including your: • • Feet. • • • Legs. Who does plaque psoriasis affect? Plaque psoriasis can affect anyone. But you may be more likely to have plaque psoriasis if you: • Are white. • Drink alcohol. • Experience • Have a relative with psoriasis. • Have • Smoke or use tobacco products. • Take your medications infrequently. How common is plaque psoriasis? Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis. It affects about 6.7 million adults. About 80% to 90% of people with psoriasis have plaque psoriasis. How does plaque psoriasis affect my body? Plaque psoriasis causes thick, rough, scaly, discolored plaques to develop on your skin. The plaques can be itchy or painful — they may feel like a burn or a sting. Symptoms and Causes What are the symptoms of plaque psoriasis? Symptoms of plaque psoriasis include: • Raised, discolored (red, brown, gray or purple) plaques with a white or silvery surface. • Cracks (fissures). • Bleeding. • Itchiness. • Irritation or pain. What causes plaque psoriasis? Plaque psoriasis is an Typically, new skin cells grow every 28 to 30 days. But if you have plaque psoriasis, new cells grow and move to your ski...