Psoriasis on the scalp

[Guest Posts]

Hi, what do you recommend for psoriasis of the scalp? I have tried many things but nothing works.

[Dr Anton Alexandroff]

Thank you for your question. I am so sorry to hear about your problem. There are a few treatments available.

1) over the counter - coal tar shampoos (T gel, Capasal and so on). May work for mild psoriasis. Has a tar smell (you can use nice smelling hair conditioners after).

more effective treatments:
2) steroid scalp application - e.g. Betnovate scalp application or betamouse.
3) vitamin D scalp applications - Dovonex scalp application.

more effective:
1) Dovobet gel and foam (vitamin D and steroid). Foam is more effective but greasier.

more effective treatments:
4) Etrivex shampoo - my favourite. This is a super potent short contact steroid. You rub it into the dry scalp, leave it for 15 min then wash it off. One has to use it intermittently.

more effective treatments:
a number of oral or injection medications including methotrexate, fumaric acid, Otezla/apremilast, biologics injections such as Cosentyx.

I hope this is helpful.
With Best Wishes,

Dr Anton Alexandroff FRCP(UK) PhD CCT(Derm) FRSM FAAD
Consultant Dermatologist and Honorary Senior Lecturer
The British Skin Foundation Spokesperson
London, Cambridge, Leicester and Bedford

http://www.alexandroff.org.uk
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