What Is Psoriasis - And What Types Are There?

It is normally known that Psoriasis is a complicated disease with no single cause. There are a number of factors that can cause the disease from genetics, to the environment triggering a breakdown of the immune system. There can be a number of factors from:-

Stress

climate

infection

skin injury

smoking

Medications

These conditions can create the immune system to breakdown resulting in one of many types of Psoriasis.

Scalp Psoriasis

The most common form is Scalp Psoriasis occurring in about 50 percent of all patients and it can be one of the most difficult areas to treat. The scales on the scalp can be silvery-white and thick, sticking together tightly to form dense very itchy crusts. Be careful by picking at the scales and scratching the scalp as this can worsen the psoriasis.

Scalp psoriasis can be localized, creating only a few small areas or can affect the entire scalp. The lesions sometimes appear behind the ears and along the hairline, plus they can spread beyond the hairline. If the ear canal is affected with enough scales, hearing may suffer. Hair loss is uncommon as psoriasis does not affect the hair root, although in bad cases hair loss can happen. Any hair loss usually regrows once the psoriasis is under control.

Small areas of scalp psoriasis that remain hidden by the hair and might not be seen by an one looking; there are forms can be really itchy and highly visible. Silvery-white scales (resembling dandruff) flake onto shoulders , although embarrassing these can create stress for the patient. Successful treatment is vital to control any continued stress and physical discomfort.

Treatment of Scalp Psoriasis is complex, and many therapies that will help. Occasionally success can be found by trial and error, and it is important to be patient when treating and waiting for results.