hair diseases

Psoriasis of the scalp

What is psoriasis of the scalp? There are different forms of psoriasis. Scalp psoriasis is a common form of psoriasis and autoimmune disease that can cause itching, burning and hair loss. The hair loss usually occurs due to inflammation or scratching from scratching the affected area.

PRP can help with hair loss in psoriasis by dampening inflammation on the scalp and stimulating the skin's healing process. The treatment can also activate the hair follicles and improve hair growth.

Medicinsk granskare
Published: 10 Nov 2025
Christian Schyllert, Doctor
Last modified: 25 Nov 2025
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Symptoms

Symptoms of psoriasis of the scalp

Psoriasis on the scalp can cause a range of ailments that affect both the skin and scalp. Symptoms range from mild to more extensive changes and can sometimes be mistaken for other scalp conditions.

What does psoriasis on the scalp look like?

  • Red, flaky rash
  • Itching and irritation
  • Plitters and swelling
  • Pain in the scalp
  • Thick, white scales on reddened skin
  • Changes that extend 1-2 cm beyond the hairline
  • Scales and scab
  • Scaly plaques that can be confused with seborrhea

What can trigger psoriasis on the scalp?

Psoriasis and the role of the immune system

While the exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, scientists believe it may be a combination of genetic and triggering factors. These can include damaged skin, certain medications, stress, infections, and allergy. Triggering factors can also lead to flare-ups or recurrent outbreaks of the disease.

Psoriasis on the scalp is due to an overactive immune reaction that causes skin cells to renew significantly faster than normal. This rapid cell division leads to the buildup of scales, redness and irritation. Although the exact cause of the development of the disease is not fully understood, it is known that both genetic factors and external influences play a big role. Many people also find that their symptoms vary over time and that certain situations or lifestyle factors can trigger relapses or worsen the condition.

Common triggers and underlying causes

  • Genetic predisposition: Heredity is a strong factor, and psoriasis often occurs in the family.
  • Stress: One of the most common triggers that can both initiate and worsen relapses.
  • Infections: Especially throat infections such as streptococcus can trigger psoriasis in some.
  • Skin lesions (Koebner phenomenon): Scratches, sunburn or irritation of the scalp can lead to new eruptions.
  • Cold or dry climates: May dry out the skin and worsen flaking and irritation.
  • Hormonal changes: For example, during puberty or pregnancy.
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Performed PRP treatments

Treatment of psoriasis on the scalp

How is psoriasis of the scalp treated? There is nothing today that can cure psoriasis. However, problems can be reduced with the right treatment. There are several treatment options for psoriasis of the scalp. Treatment is usually topical treatment with cream or ointment containing cortisone and emollient corticosteroids or vitamin D analogues can help reduce inflammation. Shampoos containing teas or salicylic acid can also be effective.

If you suffer from psoriasis on the scalp, there is treatment that can help hair loss and acts anti-inflammatory. PRP treatment has in some cases helped against psoriasis on the scalp as the body's platelets injected into the scalp heal the rash.

Questions and answers

Here you can see the most common questions related to psoriasis on the scalp.

Is it possible to lose hair from psoriasis?

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Yes, it is possible to lose hair due to psoriasis on the scalp. When psoriasis causes inflammation and intense itching, it can lead to hair loss. The chronic irritation and scraping that often accompanies psoriasis can damage the hair follicles, which in turn can lead to hair loss.

What acid is good for psoriasis of the scalp?

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Salicylic acid is an effective acid for treating psoriasis on the scalp. It helps to dissolve scaly skin and facilitate the removal of plaque. For psoriasis scalp treatment, shampoos or creams with salicylic acid may be helpful. Psoriasis treatment may also include other acids or treatments, but salicylic acid is particularly useful for reducing flaky and inflamed skin. If you have severe cases or experience psoriatic scalp hair loss, a dermatologist may advise additional treatments or combinations of treatments, including prp psoriasis.

What is the difference between psoriasis of the scalp and dandruff dermatitis?

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Scalp psoriasis and dandruff are two different skin conditions that can have similar symptoms, such as scaly and itchy skin. However, psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, while dandruff is caused by an overproduction of skin fat and a yeast fungus on the skin. Treatments may differ, so it's important to get the right diagnosis.

When is it time to seek treatment for psoriasis on the scalp?

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If you notice that your scalp psoriasis produces symptoms such as itching, flaking, or redness, getting worse or not improving with over-the-counter treatments.

A doctor can diagnose psoriasis on the scalp based on a clinical assessment to get the right treatment. This includes looking at the typical symptoms such as redness, inflammation and scaly skin. Sometimes additional tests, such as a biopsy, may be needed to confirm the diagnosis. Especially if the symptoms interfere with your everyday life, sleep or affect your self-esteem.

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