It sounds to me that you have scalp psoriasis. This can happen when your immune system is low. As you mention that you have been going through a hard time over the past year this could act as a trigger.

Scalp psoriasis is an auto immune condition. It happens when your immune system sends the wrong signals and your skin cells grow at a much quicker rate. Usually it’s a condition that runs in your family and I’m sure if you ask in your family you will find another family member that suffers with it.

As you describe, scalp psoriasis looks like scaly patches of dry skin . These patches can be raised and the scales usually have a silvery white appearance. As you have experienced when you brush or comb your hair, it’s easy to catch the scales with your comb and this can cause bleeding.

You need to be extra gentle when you’re combing or brushing your hair. The scales can also appear like bad dandruff as they flake off but unlike dandruff that’s more oily and greasy, psoriasis is more sheeny and dry looking.

Another symptom is the intense itching. This is the one of the most difficult side effects of the condition. It can feel like it’s non-stop and it’s hard not to want to scratch it. The problem is that if you do scratch it you will cause bleeding and this can cause infection. If you see any of the areas swollen then this will be an indicator of an infection.

Scratching can also lead to hair loss as the hair gets caught in the scales and can break away with the scales. It’s important to keep your hair and scalp well moisturised to stop that dry itchy sensation. I would recommend that you have a chat with your doctor about your condition and how it’s affecting you. It would be worth making an appointment with a Certified Trichologist to get an accurate diagnosis and start looking at treatment options.

Here are some tips on dealing with the condition.

 

Keep Your Scalp Cool

Keeping you scalp cool will help with the itch. Whatever lotion or ointment you apply on your scalp keep it in the fridge before you use it. This will make them more soothing and calming on your scalp and should give you some well-deserved relief from the itch. Cold compress packs can also help with the itching and burning sensation that scalp psoriasis can cause.

 

Soften The Scales

When you’re treating psoriasis the best way is to soften the scaling. By doing this, you will have less hair breakage and keep your scalp less dry. It’s good to do this regularly as it will stop the scales form cracking and bleeding. Try a keratolytic which is a scale softening product. Look for these active ingredients in your ointments or lotions such as salicylic acid, urea or phenol.

 

Have A Chat About Your Condition

You mention that your condition is making you feel terrible and that you’re already on anti-depressants. It would be good to talk to your GP about your concern over your condition. It will help you to talk about how you feel and they can give you some tools to help to cope with what you’re going through at the moment.

They can also prescribe stronger medication which may offer you more help and relief from the condition. Usually corticosteroids are the most prescribed medication for psoriasis. A Certified Trichologist will be able to offer you laser light therapy (phototherapy) which works for a lot of people suffering with scalp psoriasis.

 

Keep It Silky

Sleeping on a silk pillowcase will help with keeping your scalp cool at night time. This will help reduce the itching. I recommend sleeping on silk to all my patients as it’s the best way to keep your hair in great condition and has so many benefits.

It will keep your hair from matting as cotton pillowcases cause friction on your hair. They are also hypoallergenic and great for your skin too.

 

Join A Support Group

Talking with other people who are going through a similar journey as you will give you a great amount of help and support. You can find lots of support groups for psoriasis online and on Facebook.

Joining some of these groups are a great way of increasing your self-confidence and can reduce you feeling like you’re alone on this journey. It’s great way to get advice from other people going through the same experience as you.

 

Try To De-Stress

Stress is one of the main triggers for flaring up a psoriasis attack. Try to spend some time every morning and evening relaxing and getting some time to yourself to do something that makes you happy. This could be taking a walk listening to music, having a relaxing bath or reading a book. It’s important to try and limit the amount of stress in your life.

An online Yoga or Pilates class is great for your mind and body and will keep you de-stressed and relaxed.

"Remember with Hair Health Essentials Better Hair days Are Ahead"

Clare Devereux Hair Care Scaly Stress