Earlier than I noticed Dr. Samolitis, I had type of self-diagnosed my scalp psoriasis. My flaky scalp seemed just like the scalp psoriasis photos I had seen on Google and wasn’t responding to typical dandruff remedies. However, I assumed, it is also a nasty case of seborrheic dermatitis, one other scalp situation with related scaly patches.
After I see Dr. Samolitis, she notes that it would not actually matter which one it’s as a result of the remedy is usually the identical. She will ship me for a biopsy to search out out for positive, however chopping into the scalp is de facto solely warranted in excessive circumstances.
“Basic scalp psoriasis is normally very well-demarcated,” Dr. Samolitis explains, which means that it has very clear edges. “It is normally thicker and scaly [compared to seborrheic dermatitis].” These with seborrheic dermatitis typically see smaller flakes throughout their scalp, with a focus alongside the hairline, in addition to in areas just like the brows or a beard. “Scalp psoriasis is commonly not itchy, whereas seborrheic dermatitis is typically itchy,” provides Karan Lal, DO, MS, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in Scottsdale, Arizona, with whom I spoke to get one other take.
Dr. Samolitis says my situation looks like a light type of scalp psoriasis, however we will additionally name it “sebopsoriasis,” a time period dermatologists use when it might be both situation. “If you happen to had it in your elbows, knees, and palms, and nail pitting and arthritis, that is a basic case of psoriasis.” If it is simply on the scalp, it might go both means. Once more, the precise analysis is not primarily necessary. “After we assess scalp scaliness, we normally achieve this by assessing response to remedy,” says Dr. Lal.
After I be taught this, I present Dr. Samolitis the crimson patches in each of my armpits. Shock! I had seen my main care physician about it and she or he thought it was presumably an overabundance of yeast after beginning a brand new exercise. Given the mix of my scalp and armpits, Dr. Samolitis explains, it is extra possible inverse psoriasis, which some psoriasis sufferers get in areas the place pores and skin rubs collectively, such because the groin and armpits. The patches are in each of my armpits, in related areas. Dr. Samolitis provides, “Symmetry is one other characteristic of psoriasis.” And let me inform you, these crimson patches itch.
How Scalp Psoriasis Is Handled
The remedy for any scalp situation could be a little bit of trial and error. These with seborrheic dermatitis ought to attempt an antifungal dandruff shampoo, akin to Selsun Blue or Nizoral (the lively substances in every are selenium sulfide and ketoconazole, respectively), which treats the fungus and yeast that is inflicting irritation. However I had tried each merchandise with no actual success, which made me suppose I used to be coping with psoriasis, an immune system downside that causes pores and skin cells to develop too quick. There is no one cause for this situation; it is possible genetics and environmental elements (akin to smoking, consuming alcohol, and taking sure drugs) play a component.