Scalp psoriasis in teenager

[Joco34]

My DS14 has scalp psoriasis which is causing a lot of distress. He has large dry, scalp patches that are incredibly itchy. In turn they then turn red raw, sore and bleeding when scratched.
The GP has has recommended to use TGel scalp shampoo and has prescribed Betnovate Scalp Application but they don't appear to be working.
Any suggestions please, both prescribed and iver the counter. Thank you.

Perhaps he needs an antifungal and antibiotic steroid type scalp application for when it gets bad.
Like hydrocortisone with fusidic acid/clotrimazole
Or ketoconazole shampoo
When my skin psoriasis/eczema is bad I also do a weak bleach bath to soak. Perhaps he could try this with just his scalp? I do a cap of Milton in warm water
Really helps me when I flare up and it goes sore

I'm also wondering if you could Coconut oil or jojoba oil his scalp and then leave it for a few hours and perhaps comb out the larger bits, a bit like cradle cap. Then wash with medicated shampoo

One of my dds finds Betnovate good but it is very greasy and she don’t use it every day which she should to clear it.
I saw Flexitol 10% urea recommended on Mumsnet before. I’m going to get it for her.
Boots do an over the counter Psoriasis cream.

The only thing that ever worked for me was medication - initially methotrexate but eventually biologics. None of the cream/ointment treatments made any difference at all I’m sorry to say. Is he under the care of a dermatologist?

Dermatologist.

i had this as a teen and it needed meds

I use diprosalic scalp application....it's an older med but it works. If I have a flare up I use coal tar shampoo, again old school & don't think it's available on prescription any more but can be bought on amazon. As a regular shampoo I'm now using H&S new range which has a version for skin conditions & it seems to be pretty good.
At 14 I assume only recently diagnosed, has he ever been referred to dermatology? If not I'd be asking for that also

You need the coal tar TGel which has unfortunately been discontinued. The salicylic acid one is useless. I would give Polytar a try as a replacement.

TBH though if Betnovate isn't helping you probably need to go back to GP. Betnovate usually sorts mine out, although it can take about a month of regular use to get on top of it.

I second the polytar shampoo, it’s available on Amazon and works a treat. I also get prescribed betacap. It’s non greasy and works well.

You can often get the coal tar tgel in home bargains still, worth a look as it does really help