Unsure which is a good shampoo for scalp psoriasis? Here Green People UK explains the best way to clean and care for your hair using a natural shampoo and conditioner when you have scalp psoriasis.
How does scalp psoriasis affect the hair?
Scalp psoriasis is a form of psoriasis that affects the health of the scalp. Like dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatosis, scalp psoriasis can make the scalp incredibly itchy. Those with the condition may also develop red, scaly skin on their head and nape of their necki.
A GP or Dermatologist will be able to diagnose scalp psoriasis and because the condition can contribute to a flaky scalp and cause temporary hair lossi, they may suggest making simple changes to your hair care routine to help alleviate your symptoms.
Medicated shampoos vs everyday shampoos
Medicated scalp psoriasis shampoos are available and these often contain strong chemicals such as coal tar which help to relieve an itchy scalp.
Your consultant will be able to suggest the best treatment shampoo for your scalp psoriasis but it is worthwhile noting that NHS guidance advises that treatment shampoos are not designed to cleanse or condition the hairi.
Because of this, they suggest that patients may want to use a medicated shampoo to treat the scalp and use a gentle everyday shampoo to care for their hair.
Some haircare ingredients can aggravate delicate skin and if you choose to wash your hair with a non-medicated shampoo it is best to use a gentle, natural shampoo that is free from SLS, silicone, synthetic colourants, alcohol or perfume.
These are all known to irritate delicate skin and are not used in any Green People hair care products.
A natural shampoo suitable for scalp psoriasis: Itch Away
It is thought that the flaky scalp associated with scalp psoriasis is caused by a build-up of dead skin and our Itch Away Shampoo can help to control this.
Designed to relieve an itchy, flaky and irritated scalp, it is free from SLS and contains Bromelain.
A remarkable natural ingredient, this enzyme is extracted from Pineapple stems and has a natural ability to dissolve the protein bonds which bind the excess dead skin cells to the scalp.
Green People for Men - No. 10 Itch Away Shampoo 150ml
A soothing natural shampoo for men with a dry, itchy or flaky scalp
£17.00
FOR BEST RESULTS:
Apply our Itch Away Shampoo to wet hair and work it into a rich foam. Once the scalp has been cleansed, gently work the shampoo through the hair and leave in for 1 minute before thoroughly rinsing both the hair and scalp.
A natural conditioner suitable for scalp psoriasis: Intensive Repair
Because scalp psoriasis can contribute to temporary hair loss, those affected by the condition should avoid exposing the hair to products and treatments that can weaken or damage the hair. If you are using a medicated shampoo, you may also find that your hair is left very dry.
To support and strengthen your hair, we recommend using a natural conditioner suitable for scalp psoriasis. Designed to nourish dry, delicate hair, our Intensive Repair Conditioner boosts shine whilst also helping to prevent scalp dryness and loss of natural oils.
Intensive Repair Conditioner 200ml
Boost your hair’s shine with a natural reparative conditioner
£19.00
FOR BEST RESULTS:
You can use this conditioner as usual at every hair wash. For an extra-nourishing boost, apply generously and wrap hair in a towel. Leave for 15 minutes and then rinse thoroughly.
To minimise your risk of hair damage avoid colouring, bleaching or perming the hair and consider limiting your use of heated styling tools such as rollers or straighteners.
Try to let your hair dry naturally but if you must blow dry it, always keep the hairdryer at least 15cm away from the scalp.
Has choosing a natural shampoo and conditioner helped your scalp psoriasis? Join the conversation at @GreenPeopleUK or by commenting in the section below.
[i] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/psoriasis/symptoms/
