Scalp psoriasis

[Glitterb]

Can anyone suggest a shampoo or cream that actually works for scalp psoriasis?

I feel like I have tried everything and nothing is touching it anymore, it is driving me mad as it is so sore , itchy and flakey! It doesn't help that my psoriasis is caused mainly by stress so it isn't flared up by allergies etc as such.

I have tried body shop ginger shampoo, body shop tea tree, polytar, tgel, baby shampoo, scalp scrub, nizoral, H&S itchy scalp, H&S 7 day scalp tonic and medicated shampoo from the doctors which burnt my skin. I don't want to spend another £15 + on something that doesn't work! I have a steroid cream which I use behind my ears etc but I just cant get it to my scalp as my hair is so thick and it is so waxy

Any suggestions?

I get eczema on my scalp and get a steroid liquid prescribed for that (the bottle has a nozzle so you just part your hair every inch and work along it.) If the steroid cream works behind your ears that should work fine.

Philip Kingsley itchy scalp shampoo is fine - it won’t fix the problem quickly (you’ll need the steroid wash for that) but it shouldn’t annoy your skin like cheaper H and S type shampoos can do.

But the main thing is get the prescription off your doc.

@partyatthepalace thank you, do you happen to know the name of the steroid liquid you have?

My most recent was called Betnovate scalp application (if you Google it it comes up - white box), think it’s made by GSK.

But there are a few of them - different strengths and they might have different names depending on the drug co.

Your doc will know which. You will probably have to send a photo of your scalp if you can’t go in.

I used to suffer badly with scalp psoriasis and the best thing I found for it (which was suggested by a dermatologist) was olive oil massages into your scalp, shower cap on and leave overnight, not very nice but worked for me. I still occasionally get small plaques on my scalp and if it’s not too bad I use capasal shampoo which seems to clear it up. Hope you get some relief soon.

I have psoriasis and get it badly on my scalp. I’m currently using OGX apple cider vinegar system and it seems to be keeping it at bay. It’s a shampoo, conditioner and a scalp rinse, which you use after shampooing and before conditioning. I put it all over my scalp and leave it on for a few minutes whilst I exfoliate the rest of me and rinse off before conditioning. I can definitely notice the difference!

Do you use dry shampoo a lot?
Since about this time last year I haven't been using my Batiste at all and my itching has stopped.
Before covid I had the most sore, itchy head - I'd tried everything!
I've since read about how it really congests the scalp and is quite bad for hair health.

I've tried all those shampoos you mention with not much success. The thing that seems to be most effective is using some kind of emollient - could be olive oil, Epaderm, Moo Goo, though I prefer coconut oil - massage it in at night (towel on pillow) and wash off in morning. You will need to do maybe for a week every night, but It does seem to work.
I think the other treatments/shampoos work better at keeping it at bay, only once you've removed the scales. It is a bit of a faff, and I can't always be bothered to do it, but its the only thing that helps me.

Cocois ointment- only thing that works IMO

For an ongoing shampoo I use Kerastase scrub. It's very pricy but again, it works

@Glitterb I'm suffering scalp psoriasis at the moment and it's awful. I'm using Dermolex scalp psoriasis lotion, I have to use it religiously but it cleared my psoriasis 5years ago, only thing that worked.

Betnovate scalp solution was the only thing that worked for me too. It's a really thin liquid so you can get it right onto your scalp with the nozzle and let it run over your head rather than needing to massage it in or saturate your hair or anything. It smells strong when it's wet - like tipping neat vodka or spirits onto your head, but it dries quickly. Stings like a bugger if you have any weeping/open cracks you didn't know about though! Behind my ears was always the worst.

If you heat style your hair you need to use afterwards as it's flammable, but it doesn't go greasy or anything so once it's dry you can't tell you've used it. I used it maybe four years ago after years of failed treatments (including all of the OTC remedies you listed Op) and after the occasional top up use I've had a consistently clear scalp since - no flare ups in about three years.

@Glitterb Does it have to be a shampoo, OP? I was prescribed Betacap, twice weekly application, due to the product containing steroids, and it was effective. If I have flare ups now I just use the Cien tea tree shampoo from Lidl, for under £1, and final rinse with apple cider vinegar in a plastic cup, about £2.50 for 500ml of "De Nigris" raw apple cider vinegar (Morrisons).

Have you tried nettle soap? My dad uses that over t gel now. It really helped his. Barely even a flake anymore and his was really really bad. It hasn't made much difference to his body but his scalp is great now.

I had scalp psoriasis for years and years. I tried everything and nothing worked. I now use moo goo shampoo and that has cleared it completely.

Interesting comments and really useful suggestions, some I have never heard of! Mine is all stress related, usually I can manage it well, however after losing my Mum in April, it’s been worse than ever.

I will absolutely look at the Betnovate and the Betacap as these sound they will work the best, shampoos seems to only give me temporary relief.

Just wanted to say thank you! I stumbled across this post and suffer from scalp psoriasis horribly. Now hoping some of these are available in oz as theres a few listed I've not heard of either.

For ongoing shampoo I use earth friendly baby shampoo. It's not medicated it's just really gentle. I also found using a silicone scalp brush in the shower and giving my scalp a good massage helped too. It's stopped it flaring up 95% of the time.

I use tresemme sulphate free shampoo

I also have this. Currently I’m using Dovabet steroid cream to relieve itching but it isn’t solving the Problem at all just keeping it manageable. Need to get back to the Gp really.

Alphosyl shampoo worked for me, I've had psoriasis for 25 yrs this helped massively

Thank you for all the suggestions!

I ended up getting some Betnovate scalp solution and it has been brilliant! It stinks, but it has worked!