Any chronic condition is a possible sign of a larger medical problem, no matter how big or how small that condition is. The same can be said for a chronically itchy scalp – if you are always feeling the urge to scratch, it could be a sign of a greater, underlying problem. One possible cause is psoriasis.
At Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center of Orlando, we specialize in examining, diagnosing, and treating a wide variety of hair, nails and skin disorders, psoriasis included. Even if your itchy scalp is not caused by psoriasis, we can discuss ways of alleviating your irritation. However, if your itchy scalp is indicative of psoriasis, it is important that you begin managing that psoriasis as soon as possible.
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune disease of the skin. While there is currently no cure for psoriasis, techniques for managing and controlling its symptoms have been widely studied and proven to be effective. These could include prescription medication, in-office treatments, or a combination of the two depending on the severity of the case.
Out of the 7.5 million people that have psoriasis in the United States, about half suffer from it on their scalp. Because it can be mild and relatively unintrusive, scalp psoriasis can go unnoticed. It is important to be aware of the symptoms of psoriasis, so that mild cases can be caught early on, and severe cases can be controlled and managed.
What are Some Common Symptoms I Should Watch Out For?
Scalp psoriasis varies in its intensity from person to person – it can be mild and relatively unnoticeable, or it can be debilitating and difficult to deal with on a day-to-day basis. While symptoms of mild psoriasis include minor scaling on the scalp, moderate to severe symptoms include:
- Severe scalp dryness
- Dandruff-like flaking
- Burning or soreness
- Silvery, white scales
- Red, bumpy patches
All of these symptoms can combine to make your scalp itchy and uncomfortable to deal with. If left untreated, sustained and vigorous itching triggered by psoriasis can lead to temporary hair loss, infection, and stress. Seeking out treatment for your psoriasis prevents the development of these unnecessary challenges. If you have already reached this point, treatment can help alleviate this physical discomfort associated with psoriasis, allowing time for your hair to grow back and your skin to heal.
At Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center, we want to help our patients lead comfortable lives that are not affected by the pain and discomfort of skin conditions. If you think you may have a case of scalp psoriasis, or would just like to seek out treatment for an itchy scalp, contact us today.