Keeping Itching and Flaking at Bay: The Best Shampoos for Scalp Psoriasis

Do you find yourself constantly fighting an itchy, flakey scalp? Do you suffer from thick, swollen red patches that are more than your typical case of dandruff? What you are battling is likely a form of psoriasis referred to as scalp psoriasis.

You are not alone.

125 million people worldwide suffer with psoriasis. At least half of those people are affected on the scalp or surrounding areas. Scalp psoriasis can also spread to around your ears, down your neck and even on your forehead.

So, the big question. What can you do about it that actually works?

There is no cure, but there are affordable and accessible treatment options. The simplest, often most easily accessible, being in your hands and in your shower.

A simple shampoo swap can put you on the fast track to relief. Shampoo is so more than just clean hair and nice smells, you know.

Keep reading for a comprehensive list of what makes for the very best and the absolute worst over-the-counter shampoo options for treatment.

Scalp Psoriasis: The Basics

Before you can effectively treat your disease, it is best to gain a basic understanding of what is happening inside your body that is causing your symptoms. Only then can you seek a product that contains ingredients known to combat the root cause, not just symptoms.

Scalp psoriasis is an autoimmune disease. To put it simply, your immune system sends incorrect signals to your brain and your skin cells produce too quickly for your body to keep up. When skin cells produce rapidly, they build up and create those scaly, flakey, painful patches known as psoriasis.

One thing is constant regardless of your chosen plan of attack, be it prescription, over-the-counter, or a combination of the two. Focus on treating your skin and the underlying condition, but it is also imperative that you keep your skin and scalp moisturized.

Now that you understand what scalp psoriasis is, you can arm yourself with the knowledge of how to vet product ingredients. Knowledge of ingredients gives you the power to be an informed consumer and shorten your successful treatment timeline.

No Nonsense Ingredients

You want to have key ingredients to ensure proper healing, but you also want to avoid ingredients that are not only not needed for effectiveness but are also known to cause harm.

Although these ingredients are controversial topics whether they are safe or not and everyone's body is different, it is best to avoid them when possible.

Harmful ingredients include, but are not limited to:

• Sulfates — drying; potentially problematic in certain environments (e.g., with heat or other chemicals).
• Parabens — chemical preservatives with ongoing safety debates.
• Phthalates — endocrine disruptors; often hidden under “fragrance.”
• Phenoxyethanol — antibacterial/stabilizer; may irritate skin and affect the nervous system.
• Formaldehyde — used in some cosmetics; classified as a human carcinogen.
• Certain alcohols — can be overly drying and irritating.
• PEGs — may be drying and can enhance absorption of undesirable substances.

There is much more to learn about these known, FDA-recognized common allergens and what they do to our bodies. You can see from their documented effects why they are considered counter-productive when seeking relief from scalp psoriasis. Now onto what you should look for.

A Formula for Success

Keep in mind that the goal is to treat the root of the problem, not only the symptoms or even the hair itself. When combined, salicylic acid and coal or wood tar are a match made in heaven for controlling scalp psoriasis.

• Salicylic acid helps break down and lift plaques/scales—the crucial first step.
• Coal or wood tar helps slow skin cell growth and reduce inflammation, leading to fewer plaques and less itch.

Hydrocortisone is not always, but often, added in shampoos for comfort. Similar to a cortisone cream for an allergic reaction, hydrocortisone can help alleviate itch and provide comfort while your scalp calms.

So where do you find a safe and effective shampoo?

Enter, our PsoriaCare Therapeutic Shampoo. Our formula includes all of the best, supportive ingredients and none of the ones you want to avoid.

It is made in the USA in an FDA-registered, cGMP-certified facility. The best part is, it's gentle enough for everyday use and continues to work for hours after application.

We also offer a therapeutic bundle that includes our PsoriaCare Therapeutic shampoo, conditioner, and scalp treatment for optimal, faster results. To view and purchase our entire collection of products, visit our shop!

On the Road to Repair

We know it is easy to become frustrated, but remember that you are not alone. The support and knowledge available is endless and ever-evolving. With the right resources and products, flare-ups can be fewer and farther between.

For more surprising and simple ways you can combat your scalp psoriasis by supporting your body from the inside out—while continuing your hair regimen—check out our blog!

As always, be sure to consult your general practitioner or dermatologist before starting or stopping your current treatment plan. This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.