Scalp Psoriasis
It is a chronic, but non-contagious, disease characterized by inflamed hyper proliferative lesions (or scale-capped plaques) on the surface of skull, covered with silvery-white scabs of dead skin. Scalp psoriasis covers around 50% of total psoriasis occurrences.

The Impact
The severe scaling and flaking makes it almost impossible to wear dark clothes. Apart from the continuous irritation and inflammation, the 'unsightly' manifestation of the disease causes self-discomfiture and emotional anguish.

Diagnosis
Mistaking scalp psoriasis for any other types of scalp flaking plays an important role in the advancement of the disease. Distinguishing it as scalp psoriasis is done by physical exam, in which nail-pits and any other type of psoriasis on the body is looked for. Skin-biopsy can be conducted to reach the final diagnosis.

Scalp Psoriasis Treatment

In places like Canada, especially Toronto, scalp psoriasis treatment is not a big deal. With all avant-garde medication and treatments available, scalp psoriasis can be taken care of with effective measures. There are many options available, like Ayurved, Homeopathy, Allopathy, etc. Let's review some of these measures.

Ayurved
Ayurved, although originated in ancient India, is now widely considered as the most natural medication for the health disorders. As long as the Ayurvedic scalp psoriasis treatment is concerned, it is based upon a principle that recognizes this skin ailment as the dysfunction of the immune system, and more precisely as the outcome of the defilement of the 'Vata' and 'Kafa' dosh (impurity). This vitiation of doshas affects the skin and blood tissues, influencing the water-element of the affected region on the skin.

Scalp psoriasis treatment that Ayurved suggests, involves detoxification through 'Pancha-Karma' therapies and administration of internal medication and external application. The Ayurvedic scalp psoriasis treatment is aimed at not only curing the psoriasis, but also thwarting the chances of its future occurrences.

Pancha-Karma is a cleaning and rejuvenating therapy for body, mind, and consciousness. This is used as a tool to make the patient more receptive to the curative process of the Ayurved.

With the global presence of Ayurved, it is widely accessible in Canada as well.

Homeopathy
Homeopathic scalp psoriasis treatment is based upon the theory of 'complete expatriation' rather than 'suppression'. This is achieved by restoring balance to the system. Homeopathy offers an assortment of remedies for people with different habits and problems.

• Arsenicum Album
For Whom: People, who are anxious, restless, compulsively neat, deeply chilly, and are easily exhausted. The treatment involves applying heat on the affected region.

• Calcarea Carbonica
For Whom: People, who are easily fatigued, sluggish, overweight.

• Graphites
For Whom: People with long-tern skin problem history, whose skin is too tough, cracked, sore, and leathery.

• Mercurius Solubilis
For Whom: People, who are too introvert but intense, very emotional and impulsive, with moist (greasy looking) skin that is temperature sensitive.

• Mezereum
For Whom: People, who are very serious natured, feel anxiety in their stomach, crave for fatty food and feel better in open air.

• Petroleum
For Whom: People with stressful emotional experience and extremely dry skin.

Allopathy
Allopathic scalp psoriasis treatment involves less heavy crèmes and ointments, and more liquids, foams, shampoos, and oils. Drugs like Keratolytics, Coal Tar, Corticosteroids, Dovonex, Antralin, etc. Biologics and other systematic drugs taken internally (rather than applied externally) are also useful for the scalp psoriasis treatment.

There are phototherapy devices with comb-like attachments designed for scalp treatment. Furthermore, same treatments that is used for the psoriasis elsewhere on the body can be used for the scalp psoriasis as well, with different drug formulations. This could be costly, but has proved effective amongst many people. However, as the course of the disease varies with every individual different treatments should be given to every individual.

Topical Therapy
Topical medications are available in the form of gels, foams, shampoos, lotions, and crèmes. Medicines like Anthralin, Tazarotene, and Calcepotriol can be applied once/twice daily for several weeks or months. They are usually applied for 15 minutes and are left for several hours on the scalp.