There are many treatment options for scalp psoriasis. The psoriasis treatment ladder consists of trying low-toxicity treatments first, followed by higher-toxicity treatments only if the initial treatments don't work. Treatments low on the treatment ladder are mostly used for mild psoriasis, and stronger therapies up the ladder may become necessary as psoriasis becomes more severe.

Coal Tar Treatment for Scalp Psoriasis

Coal tar has been used in treating psoriasis for years, and can also be an effective treatment for scalp psoriasis. Coal tar products such as shampoos, soaps, creams, gels and ointments are known to be effective in treating psoriasis. Coal tar is available in varying concentrations, from 1% to 10%.

Shampoos with 1-2% coal tar are often the first scalp psoriasis treatment recommended. A number of coal tar shampoos can be bought over the counter without a prescription. If low-concentration coal tar shampoo doesn't work, higher-concentration options, such as soaps, creams, gels, and ointments may be used.

One of the disadvantages of treatments for scalp psoriasis containing coal tar are: irritation, strong smell, possibility of staining, so regardless of the type of coal tar treatment used, make sure to take measures to avoid staining anything (pillowcases, clothes, etc.).

Coal tar has been show to be carcinogenic (cancer-causing) in animals, and in Europe in particular, its potential to be a human carcinogen is of great concern. Unfortunately, there is still no definitive study that has tracked a large number of psoriasis patients over a long period of time, with one group using coal tar and the other not. Until this study is done, the question appears unresolved, although a follow-up of a couple hundred coal tar users after 25 years found no larger-than-expected cancer rate.

Medication for Scalp Psoriasis

If all else fails, oral medications can be prescribed, which can be used in conjunction with topical treatments or used alone, depending on what your doctor feels you need. All medications have a certain time frame with which they are supposed to work. If the medication being used does not successfully treat the problem in the time stated it, is a good bet that continuing the treatment for a longer time period will garner little in the way of results, so don't be afraid to ask your doctor to switch medications if you're not seeing results.

Systemic (oral) medications may be used, but the benefits of treatment must be weighed against the potential side effects. The side effects of systemic medications are typically greater than those of topical scalp psoriasis treatments, so consider this when choosing a treatment with your doctor.

Conclusion

Your scalp psoriasis treatment regiment should be decided by you and your doctor. Treatment principles for scalp psoriasis are the same as for psoriasis in general. It may be necessary to try several different treatments, whether over-the-counter or prescription, before the desired results are obtained. Repeatedly switching scalp psoriasis treatment methods every other day will only result in undermining the treatment, cure and prevention.

Again, while scalp psoriasis is generally treatment with over the counter medicine, if the over-the-counter treatment does not provoke the needed response to send the psoriasis into remission, it may be wise to consult with a doctor and give a prescription medicine a try.

When first starting the treatment you may not notice much change, but continue with the treatment at least as long as recommended by the drug manufacturer. It is important to remember that psoriasis affects everyone differently. Therefore, a treatment that works for one may not work for someone else. If all else fails, oral medications can be prescribed, which can be used in conjunction with topical treatments or used alone, depending on what your doctor feels you need.

If you suffer from scalp psoriasis, you may also suffer from other types of psoriasis, such as pustular psoriasis.  Pustular psoriasis is a potentially fatal disease, so it's worth learning more about it.