Scalp psoriasis is widespread these days and occurs when your immune system causes your skin cells to propagate too fast. Scalp psoriasis is one of the most common types of psoriasis and no doubt you might have tried various scalp psoriasis shampoo. But if you are still not happy with the results of your shampoo, chances are, you have chosen the wrong one. Finding the right shampoo for psoriasis scalp that can reduce the redness and scaling and provide relief from scalp psoriasis can be a challenge.

Below is the ultimate guide to choosing the right shampoo to fight psoriasis. This guide will let you know which type of shampoo will work best for your scalp psoriasis.

There are three types of scalp psoriasis shampoo available in the market for use.

Tar-Based Shampoos

Salicylic Acid Shampoos

Keratolytic Shampoos

On the basis of physical conditions and severance of the psoriasis scalp, one should carefully choose their shampoo.

Tar-Based Shampoos:

Tar-based shampoos are by far the most common method to treat scalp psoriasis. The tar works to hinder the growth of skin cells and also relieves the irritation and scaling. It helps in providing inflammation relief and reduces scaling and dryness. It also softens the scales and crust caused by your scalp psoriasis. Always check the concentration of tar in the shampoo as more the tar, stronger will be the effect.

This shampoo shows a better result if applied and left for 8-10 minutes. Also, it is prescribed, not to use a conditioner post this shampoo.

However, one should not use tar-based shampoos, if you are already using some medicines for scalp psoriasis or if you have some cuts on your scalp. Also, for women, if you are pregnant or considering on starting a family, avoid the use of this shampoo.

Salicylic Acid Shampoos:

This shampoo psoriasis scalp helps in removing the extra skin and flakes caused by scalp psoriasis. It creates more flaking in the short term but proves to show long-term results on your scalp psoriasis symptoms.

This shampoo works best when applied to the dry scalp and left for 4-5 minutes. You can use a conditioner with this shampoo to rinse your hair.

However, one should not go for this shampoo psoriasis scalp if you have diabetes, kidney or liver problems, Reye syndrome, skin irritation or infection. Other conditions in which one should avoid salicylic acid shampoos are same as that of tar-based shampoos such as pregnancy, taking other medications or having cuts.

Keratolytic Shampoos:

The function of keratolytic shampoos is almost the same as that of salicylic acid shampoos, i.e., forcing the shedding of cells. However, keratolytic shampoos are used only in severe cases of psoriasis. They are highly concentrated and are prescribed to be used only on the head. Direct use of keratolytic shampoos is not at all recommended, and one should consult a doctor before using this shampoo.

Psoriasis becomes challenging to treat as hair becomes the primary barrier to this condition. However, choosing the right shampoo can provide you relief. Be it a tar-based shampoo, or salicylic acid one or the most concentrated keratolytic shampoo. By the details mentioned above about each type of shampoo, one can easily find the right one best suited to their condition. Remember to read the instructions mentioned on the shampoo tube clearly and thoroughly, before the application of any of the above shampoos. Also do consult a doctor, if no suitable results are found on the psoriasis scalp, or if you see scaling and red patches even after several uses.