Scalp psoriasis and dandruff are extremely common scalp conditions, with more than half of the general population having experienced one or both of them. They are characterized by excessive flaking of the scalp and can be caused by a variety of factors. The main difference between the two conditions is that dandruff is usually not red and scaly, whereas scalp psoriasis typically is.
Scalp psoriasis
This condition can occur at any age and has no specific causes, but it can be made worse by stress, weather conditions, skin injury (even something small such as a bug bite), or reaction to certain medications. Psoriasis tends to run in families, and people who have it may also have psoriasis on other areas of the body.
Treatment for scalp psoriasis includes over-the-counter medicated shampoos that contain tar or salicylic acid; prescription topical treatments such as corticosteroid lotions or shampoos; or phototherapy if home remedies don’t work. For severe cases, oral medication may be prescribed.
Scalp psoriasis is a common skin disorder that makes raised, reddish, often scaly patches. It can pop up as a single patch or several, and can even affect your entire scalp. It can also spread to your forehead, the back of your neck, or behind your ears. Scalp psoriasis symptoms may include only slight, fine scaling. Moderate to severe scalp psoriasis symptoms may include dandruff-like flaking, dry scalp, and hair loss.
Scalp Psoriasis Treatment:
Over-the-counter dandruff shampoos containing coal tar or salicylic acid can help treat mild scalp psoriasis by slowing the growth of affected skin cells and loosening scales so they come off easily. Prescriptions from your doctor include corticosteroids and salicylic acid which help reduce swelling and redness and loosen plaque so it’s easier to remove. A dermatologist can also prescribe stronger medications if needed.
Treatment for scalp psoriasis also includes over-the-counter products like coconut oil to reduce itching and inflammation and help control the problem. A chemical peel can be effective in treating stubborn forms of psoriasis affecting the scalp that do not respond to other treatments. The chemicals are
Chemical peels are a popular treatment for acne, acne scars, and aging skin. They can be done in a dermatologist’s office or at home with an over-the-counter product. While they can be somewhat effective at treating the conditions listed above, they do not necessarily improve the quality of your hair.
What are Chemical Peels?
Chemical peels are used to remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. They are typically made of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). AHAs include glycolic acid and lactic acid. BHAs include salicylic acid and pyruvic acid.
“Chemical peels” that are purchased over the counter typically contain one of these AHAs or BHAs.
How Do Chemical Peels Work?
The AHA or BHA in a chemical peel removes dead skin cells from the surface of your skin by dissolving them away. As a result, new skin cells are revealed underneath. These new skin cells may appear brighter and smoother than your old ones.
Chemical peel treatments involve the application of a chemical solution to the skin. This solution causes the dead skin on the surface to peel off, revealing healthy and glowing new skin underneath.
As chemical peels are usually performed on the face, they can be used to treat common facial cosmetic concerns such as dull skin, fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, age spots and uneven pigmentation. The treatment can also be used on other parts of the body such as the chest and hands, where it can treat sun damage and age spots.
There are varying strengths of chemical peel available depending on your desired results. A superficial peel is best suited for minor imperfections, while a deep peel is able to address significant issues such as deep wrinkles and acne scars.
What is a Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel is a skin-resurfacing procedure in which a chemical solution is applied to the skin to remove the top layers. The skin that grows back after a chemical peel is smoother and younger looking.
Chemical peels are used to treat wrinkles, skin discoloration and scars — typically on the face. A chemical peel can be done alone or in combination with other cosmetic procedures.
There are three basic types of chemical peels:
Superficial or lunchtime peel: Alpha-hydroxy acid or another mild acid is used to penetrate only the outer layer of skin to gently exfoliate it. The treatment is used to improve the appearance of mild skin discoloration and rough skin as well as to refresh the face, neck, chest or hands.
Medium peel: Glycolic or trichloroacetic acid is applied to penetrate the out and middle layers of skin to remove damaged skin cells. The treatment is used to improve age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, freckles and moderate skin discoloration. It also can be used to smooth rough skin and treat some precancerous skin growths, i.e., actinic keratoses.
A chemical peel is a skin-resurfacing procedure in which a chemical solution is applied to the skin to remove the top layers. The skin that grows back after a chemical peel is smoother and younger looking. Chemical peels are used to treat wrinkles, skin discoloration and scars — typically on the face. A chemical peel can be done alone or in combination with other cosmetic procedures.
Good candidates for chemical peels include:
*Light chemical peels may be repeated at one- to four-week intervals until you get the desired result. Deeper chemical peels are usually done only once.
Chemical peels are most commonly used on the face: neck, chest and hands.
Chemical peels are a highly effective way to treat facial acne, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles and many other skin conditions. They can dramatically improve the appearance of your skin in only a few minutes.
Chemical peels are most effective for people who have the time to go through the entire process. There are many different types of chemical peels available today and each one works differently. Some chemical peels will work quickly while others will take a long time to show results.
If you are looking for immediate results then you may want to look into microdermabrasion or laser resurfacing treatments instead of using chemical peels. If you need more time between treatments, then this might be right choice for you.