Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease characterized by an overactive immune system, which can result in substantial cell proliferation. Scalp psoriasis can affect the whole scalp or develop in spots. Areas afflicted with this skin condition are characterized by reddish and elevated patches. This can spread to the hairline, ears, and neck. This article focuses on the signs, causes, treatment, natural remedies, and foods to eat and avoid for scalp psoriasis.

Signs
If your scalp psoriasis is minor, the only signs you’ll notice are itchy, tiny, scaly spots on the skin. You may experience symptoms such as flakiness and discoloration in the affected areas. Other symptoms include intense itching, a burning feeling or pain, as well as partial hair loss in the impacted regions. Scalp psoriasis, also known as seborrheic dermatitis, can resemble dandruff. As a result, physicians frequently misidentify scalp psoriasis, which can result in a larger deposit of skin cells.

Causes
Psoriasis can affect any part of the body. These include areas such as beneath the breasts, on the crotch, under the armpits, between hands, fingernails, feet, and joints. It most commonly develops in the elbows, knees, back, and scalp. Psoriasis is more common in adults, although it may also appear in children. According to a study, those with inflammatory issues, such as gluten intolerance, nutrition deficiencies, and an inactive lifestyle, are at higher risk. While it generally takes weeks for new cells to develop on the scalp, people with psoriasis will experience the process faster. Cells develop within days, making it harder for the body to eliminate scaly patches. The exact reason for scalp psoriasis is unknown.

Treatment
Psoriasis on the scalp has no specific treatment. Furthermore, hair on the head makes it even more challenging to treat. Doctors prescribe options with certain ingredients like salicylic acid. According to research, treatments incorporating even 5-10% of salicylic acid can help minimize scaling and allow other solutions to permeate the skin more thoroughly. It may, however, thin the hair and cause it to break. Using aloe vera and aloe vera-containing products effectively minimizes discoloration and scaling. Because they reduce inflammation and irritation, steroidal creams and ointments have always been the most frequently utilized treatment method. However, long-term use of these products may weaken the skin and even alter its color. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), people should use these products for no more than four weeks. Persons under the age of 18 should not use them. A doctor may also give topical vitamin A derivatives, which limit the proliferation of skin cells, in addition to the above-mentioned creams and ointments.

Natural remedies
Individuals may also try to use natural remedies to manage our symptoms. Tea tree oil has been known to be very effective due to its anti-bacterial characteristics. Consuming turmeric as part of your meals or as a supplement can also go a long way in helping you decrease psoriasis symptoms and activity. It has also been noted that having a bath with sea salts helps in relieving itchiness and reducing dead skin.

Food to eat and avoid
Heavy drinking causes your liver to work extra hard, which could cause long-term inflammation. Spirits can also harm the healthy bacteria in your stomach, leading to inflammation in the colon and intestines. Another thing to be mindful of is full-fat dairy and dairy products as they can cause inflammation. You should also avoid highly processed foods, such as refined carbs, processed snacks, fast food, cheese, etc. Anything that can lead to long-lasting gastrointestinal discomfort can exacerbate psoriasis inflammation. If you have psoriasis, you could include items like fish and lean protein in your meals. Other items that are safe for you to consume are plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh, veggies, fruits, lentils, nuts, and seeds.