What Is Scalp Psoriasis?

By jolene

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Psoriasis is a chronic, complex, and inflammatory disease that involves increased proliferation of keratinocytes in the skin with an increase in the skin cell turnover rate. Psoriasis is thought to be caused by immunological, genetic, and environmental factors. Psoriasis is most commonly observed on the skin of the knees, elbows, glans penis, lower back, scalp, and between the buttocks. About 30% of patients also have joints that are affected.

It is a noncontagious, chronic, and multisystem condition. Psoriasis may wax and wane depending on environmental and systemic factors such as infection and stressful life events. It can negatively affect the quality of life along with a higher risk of depression in patients with psoriasis. Psoriasis can be divided into plaque-type psoriasis, discoid psoriasis, and more.

1. Scalp Psoriasis

Scalp psoriasis is just psoriasis that affects the scalp. It can cause the scalp to appear scaly, reddish, and have raised patches. It can only be a single patch or affect the entire scalp. In some cases, it may affect the back of the neck, behind the ears, and forehead. Just like any other case of psoriasis, it is noncontagious and the cause of it is unclear. The risk of scalp psoriasis increases in those with positive family history. It is estimated that about 50% of 7.5 million Americans with psoriasis have it on their scalp. While some cases are mild and can be unnoticeable, there are also those with severe scalp psoriasis resulting in thick crusted sores. It can also cause itching, leading to sleep deprivation, hair loss, and skin infections.