Several studies indicate that patients with mild scalp psoriasis should consider looking for over-the-counter solutions that have coal, wood tar and salicylic acid as active ingredients which would help manage their condition.
If you opt for topical solutions, this could present a challenge for women who like to use certain hair products along their edges and if you are prone to wear wigs and weaves. If you have a flare-up, these hairstyles would possibly get in the way of your treatment options if the directions require you to wash your hair several times a week.
Yes, ladies, it’s not the norm for most black women to wash their hair multiple times in a week but topical treatments, medicated shampoos, topical steroids, and prescription topicals could dampen your latest hair trend. Just think of it like this, would you rather have a healthy scalp or flakes and inflammation?
Phototherapy is also another treatment option in which ultraviolet light is used to slow excessive skin cell growth. This can come as a handheld device built into a comb that you can use to glide through your hair.
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If you have tried one option and it did not work, consider using a combination of treatments to see which one your body would respond to better. In some cases, oral treatments in addition to adjusting to your method of hair and body products could do the trick. There are many products that have earned the NPF Seal of Recognition as safe products for those living with psoriatic disease. Here are a few from the list in which The National Psoriasis Foundation suggests:
- CeraVe Psoriasis Skin Therapy Moisturizing Cream
- Curél® Hydra Therapy Itch Defense
- Gold Bond: Multi-Symptom Psoriasis Relief Cream
- TriDerma Psoriasis Control Cream
- Abundant Natural Health Ocean Soothe Lotion
- Atoderm Cream
- Bodewell’s Super Cream
I also found that using pure shea butter also helps alleviate some of the inflammation and itching which is usually accompanied by psoriasis, but the only drawback from this product is it’s slightly greasy and could stain your clothes and it increases your body temperature making you a little hot after it’s been applied to the skin. Greasiness, humidity and sweltering summers are not a great combination, especially if you live in the South.
Overall, if you find yourself scratching, itching or picking at your scalp, or perhaps see inflammation on your skin, be sure to check in with your doctor to make sure you’re not misdiagnosing yourself with dandruff when you actually have psoriasis.
