How many people have scalp psoriasis

This is because light can slow skin cell growth and scaling. Phototherapy can be combined with other topical or systemic agents to enhance efficacy.

Systemic treatments impact the entire immune system. These drug options are available in oral and injectable drugs. These include:. Biologic drugs, or biologics , are drugs that target specific parts of the immune system. Biologics at this time are given by injection or intravenous IV infusion. Having psoriasis increases your risk of psoriatic arthritis.

Approximately 30 to 33 percent of people with psoriasis will develop psoriatic arthritis. While medication can reduce or clear psoriasis, anything that irritates your skin can cause psoriasis to flare — even when you use medication. Because the condition is chronic, psoriasis can significantly impact your quality of life.

The World Health Organization notes that 48 percent of people reported that their disability due to psoriasis had a modest impact on activities of daily living. Frequent bouts of psoriasis can cause people to withdraw from social situations or work. This may lead to feelings of depression. If you have psoriasis, see your doctor as often as recommended.

They can help you find a treatment plan that works for you. Because of the risk of complications, your doctor should do regular exams and screenings to check for related conditions. Jen Thomas is a journalist and media strategist based in San Francisco. Jen is also a competitive Ultimate Frisbee player, a decent rock climber, a lapsed runner, and an aspiring aerial performer. Psoriasis is a common inflammatory skin condition that affects millions of people of every skin color.

On white skin, psoriasis appears as red or pink…. There are certain food triggers for psoriasis that may lead to flare-ups. It's smart to avoid these foods and incorporate others into your diet…. How does psoriasis impact your overall health?

Can it get worse with age? Could it even be fatal? Get the answers to these pressing psoriasis…. Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease, but how exactly does that underlying inflammation affect the rest of your body? Here's what to know. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Psoriasis: Facts, Statistics, and You. Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph. Share on Pinterest Design by Ruth Basagoitia.

Share on Pinterest. Types of psoriasis. Causes and risk factors. Tests and diagnosis. Talk with your doctor. What to Know About Meditation for Psoriasis. Read this next. Scalp psoriasis can be difficult to treat. It may take time to find a treatment that works well because everyone responds differently to treatments. The good news is that there are many treatment options available.

Treatments are often combined and rotated due to concerns about side effects or because treatments have stopped working after repeated use. Over-the-counter OTC products may help manage symptoms if you have mild scalp psoriasis. The two active ingredients that you should look for in OTC products are salicylic acid and tar either coal or wood tar. These products have been created or are intended to be non-irritating and safe for people with psoriasis.

Topical treatments include medicated shampoos, topical steroids and tars as well as prescription topicals. Because the hair is in the way, treating the scalp with a topical treatment is not always easy. Talk with your dermatologist about how you normally care for your scalp including how frequently you wash your hair.

These conversations are important in making the right treatment decision for you. Phototherapy uses ultraviolet UV light to slow skin cell growth. Handheld phototherapy units with built-in combs are available to help UV rays reach the scalp.

Oral treatments and biologics are often prescribed if you have psoriasis on areas beyond the scalp or if your scalp psoriasis has not responded well to other treatments. Overview How psoriasis develops Open pop-up dialog box Close.

How psoriasis develops In psoriasis, the life cycle of your skin cells greatly accelerates, leading to a buildup of dead cells on the surface of the epidermis. Plaque psoriasis Open pop-up dialog box Close. Plaque psoriasis Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis. Guttate psoriasis Open pop-up dialog box Close. Guttate psoriasis Guttate psoriasis, more common in children and adults younger than 30, appears as small, water-drop-shaped lesions on the trunk, arms, legs and scalp.

Scalp psoriasis Open pop-up dialog box Close. Scalp psoriasis Psoriasis causes red patches of skin covered with silvery scales and a thick crust on the scalp most often extending just past the hairline that may bleed when removed.

Inverse psoriasis Open pop-up dialog box Close. Inverse psoriasis Inverse psoriasis causes smooth patches of red, inflamed skin. Nail psoriasis Open pop-up dialog box Close. Nail psoriasis Psoriasis can affect fingernails and toenails, causing pitting, abnormal nail growth and discoloration. Pustular psoriasis Open pop-up dialog box Close. Pustular psoriasis Pustular psoriasis generally develops quickly, with pus-filled blisters appearing just hours after your skin becomes red and tender.

Erythrodermic psoriasis Open pop-up dialog box Close. Erythrodermic psoriasis The least common type of psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis can cover your entire body with a red, peeling rash that can itch or burn intensely. Rachel Miest says there are other nail changes you should not ignore that may indicate … Rachel Miest, M. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. More Information Psoriasis care at Mayo Clinic What are the risks of vaccinations for people living with psoriasis?

Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references AskMayoExpert. Mayo Clinic; Dinulos JGH. Psoriasis and other papulosquamous diseases. In: Habif's Clinical Dermatology. Elsevier; Accessed March 5, Psoriasis clinical guideline. American Academy of Dermatology. Natural Medicines. Accessed March 6, Bolognia JL, et al. In: Dermatology. Saunders Elsevier; Richard EG.

Accessed March 16, Feldman SR, et al.