What shampoo relieves scalp psoriasis itching?

[JustMyName]

I use betacap, but try to limit how often so as not to get rebound problems. My head is so itchy though. Is there a shampoo that really helps? I've tried Body shop ginger shampoo, polytar, t-gel, one prescribed by my gp that is red ... nothing helps. Gp reluctant to prescribe anything else, so it needs to be something I can buy in Boots etc.

Thanks.

[MunsteadWood]

I had a period of quite bad scalp psoriasis a few years back due to a bad reaction to some medication, and remember this well - sympathies. I used to use the t gel coal tar shampoo which I see you've tried, but also used coconut oil - warm gently in your hands and massage into scalp. Used to make me look like I'd washed my hair with the contents of a fish and chip shop but it did help with the itching - I think I sometimes even used to wrap a towel around my hair and leave it overnight (and obv washed it off with shampoo before going out the next day...)

[JustMyName]

Thanks. I've tried coconut oil a while ago, but I don't think it helped much and I can't wash my hair every day due to mobility problems.

[PenOrPencil]

Moogoo shampoo and conditioner sorted my super itchy scalp out in no time. They also do a scalp balm, but I never tried it because of the success with just the shampoo and conditioner.
Big plus: even my hairdresser was impressed with my lovely soft, glossy hair!

[RoomR0613]

A relative uses herbal essences 'hello hydration' shampoo with good effect.

Be careful not to confuse it with herbal essences 'Moroccan My Shine' shampoo which looks and smells almost identical but has the opposite effect.

[JohnVirgo]

Do you take an anti histamine?

My GP gives me fexofenadine to relieve the itching and that gives my head a break so the shampoo can work. I have tried all sorts of shampoos for it and none of them work long term, I can't use t gel etc as the smell triggers a migraine. Coconut is a good call but the oil is messy and takes some time and extra washing. I am trying palmers coconut butter shampoo just now.

[chaineater]

The Clinical solutions Scalp Relief one is superb

[GoldPaperStars]

I used to use the E45 shampoo with good effect. It’s a horrible thing to deal with - you have my sympathy!

[WatchOutLurkerAbout]

Argan oil. As pure as you can get use it at least once a week.

Get a good scalp massager with wide nodules.

Brush your hair as often as you can with a decent brush to stimulate blood to the scalp to heal it.

Figure out your optimum washing amount. For me I can only wash my hair every 3/4 days or else my scalp flares up. Any longer it gets irritated. More frequent it gets irritated.

Use as few products as possible - I don't use any besides shampoo conditioner and the argan oil.

And this shampoo bar -

uk.lush.com/products/shampoo/soak-and-float

I've had it my whole life, it flares up when I'm stressed, tired or ill. It's horrible I really sympathise!

[tenlittlecygnets]

I used a gentle Kerastase one - will look it up and update. But nothing worked until UV light therapy...

[PenguinsOnParade]

As a child the only things that worked for me were all prescription things. Shampoos, creams to leave on overnight then wash out with the shampoo in the morning and various creams and things for my skin. They all stunk so much but were at least effective. (I was still jealous of everyone with nice strawberry or banana smelling hair though!)

My psoriasis has died down a bit now I'm older but still flares up in the winter. I can't wash my hair too often (as mentioned above every few days, too often or too little and it makes it worse) and I'm currently managing ok with T-Gel on the very worst days and Philip Kingsley flaky/itchy scalp in between. My hair is really dry and flyaway so the T-Gel is too harsh on it a lot of the time and I only use it if absolutely necessary.

I tried that Lush one and had some sort of allergic reaction to it and my entire scalp ended up super flaky and itchy all over so I have no idea what it was but I haven't reacted to anything else thankfully.

[ineedsleepineedsleep]

I use Phillip Kingsley's Itchy Flaky Scalp shampoo - not cheap but worth every penny & a bottle lasts ages

[StandardLampski]

Vosene

[Caramel78]

Garnier banana hair food mask for dry hair helped me

[serialtester]

For me it's not the itching so much but the overwhelming urge to pick at the areas of psoriasis on my scalp! Any tips?

[Sugarskulllover]

I also suffer with this. It started with a small patch and now it's all over my scalp. The itching drives me insane but it's the flakes that drive me insane! I have no idea what to try so anything to recommend would be amazing!
Sorry for jumping on your post OP you have my sympathies! It's just so annoying 😕

[JustMyName]

Thanks everyone, lots of suggestions, so I'll way through them!

I tend to wash it once or twice a week. It's super curly and dry, so I can't brush it at all or it just frizzes. I actually don't touch it at all once washed and combed until I next wash it. Apart from when I apply Betacap.

[JustMyName]

WatchOut which Argan oil would you recommend?

[GreenTulips]

There’s an Argon oil one on amazon in a brown tube - only about £2 been great on DDs curls

You could also try AloeVera shampoos in health shops it has a calming effect

[MCBerberLoop]

I don’t use shampoo at all anymore as the sls was the culprit. I use As I Am co-wash, from Sally’s or amazon.

I started with it as I also have dry hair, side effect scalp psoriasis cleared up completely. Every time I try and (occasionally) use a shampoo regularly or a cheap silicone-free conditioner, plaques reappear within days.

[MrsPelligrinoPetrichor]

Vosene the original one with Head and Shoulders conditioner ,smooth and silky with argan oil. I have tried everything

To stop a flare up I use Selsun shampoo as a one off every month or so.

[JustMyName]

I've tried going sls free and also washing with conditioner, but it made no difference to my psoriasis.

I've tried Head and Shoulders shampoo, but not conditioner.

I've read before the itching can be down to fungal problems, not just psoriasis? Has anyone heard that? Is that what Selsun treats? (Rings faint bell)

[MrsPelligrinoPetrichor]

Yes that's what Selsun treats. Head and shoulders conditioner must have argan oil, there's loads these days.

[MrsPelligrinoPetrichor]

Also co washing and no sls made no difference for me either.

[JustMyName]

Oh Selsun is very expensive. I've found Nizoral online, looks similar?

[FindaPenny]

Cradle cap shampoo was helpful for me, I think it's called Dentinox.