Treat Scalp Psoriasis with the Right Shampoo

If you suffer from a dry itchy scalp or you have dandruff and flaking problems you may need a new shampoo. If you have been diagnosed with scalp psoriasis you need to treat it with the right shampoo. Many people think changing their shampoo is going to have a huge effect on their hair. They often feel they must choose between having beautiful luxurious hair versus having a dry itchy scalp or some dandruff. The truth is todays formulations for medicated shampoos designed to treat scalp psoriasis, dandruff and dry scalp problems are much different from years ago.

How Do You Know When It Is Time to Change Your Shampoo?

If you feel yourself constantly scratching your head or noticed flakes of cells on your shoulders then others are noticing this as well. If you have been diagnosed with scalp psoriasis it is important to treat the psoriasis to prevent it from getting worse. Most all-purpose shampoos are not formulated to treat these topical skin problems. If you are suffering from any of these conditions, then it is time to make a change to your shampoo.

What is the Right Shampoo To Treat Scalp Psoriasis?

The right shampoo to treat scalp psoriasis or other scalp conditions is one that is considered an over-the-counter drug shampoo. An OTC shampoo will be easy to identify because the labeling will look different from other shampoos. Instead of a fluffy beauty description, directions and a list of ingredients an OTC shampoo will have a drug facts box. The drug facts box is a specific labeling requirement that was created by the FDA for all over-the-counter drug products to make it easier for people to identify how a product works, how it should be used and what active ingredients are used. Also, in the description of the product you will often notice that it will say medicated shampoo or treatment shampoo. All OTC shampoos will use active ingredients that have been proven and tested by the FDA and are recognized for the treatment of scalp psoriasis, dandruff or dry itchy skin on the scalp.

Shampoo Active Ingredients to Treat Scalp Psoriasis

To treat scalp psoriasis, dandruff or dry itchy scalp, the right shampoo will contain either salicylic acid or coal tar. Both of these ingredients are natural exfoliators that help the scalp remove the dry dead skin cells that cause itching associated with dandruff and scalp psoriasis. So which one should you choose? The choice can be simple or it can be based on your body’s needs. Most people naturally prefer salicylic acid over coal tar mainly because of the smell. Coal tar can have a harsh smell that is often masked with a fragrance. Salicylic acid has virtually no smell and can be incorporated into a formulation that does not require a masking fragrance. Unfortunately, not all people will benefit from salicylic acid over coal tar and vice versa. So, depending on which one works best for your scalp psoriasis, dandruff or itchy scalp will often determine your choice.

What Other Ingredients You Should Look for In the Right Scalp Psoriasis Shampoo?

You may find several different shampoos at your local pharmacy all with different prices but all containing the same active ingredients. What makes them different is all the other ingredients included in the shampoo formulation. The right shampoo for scalp psoriasis, dandruff and itchy scalp should also include ingredients that help moisturize and nourish the scalp while still providing you the normal benefits of a shampoo. You should look for one that contains ingredients that contain as many vitamins, minerals and proteins that will benefit your scalp. These are often obtained by using natural food based ingredients like eggs or plant based ingredients like extracts or essential oils. By providing nourishment to your scalp through ingredients like eggs your scalp will have all the vitamins, minerals and proteins it needs to feel and look healthy again. The protein from the egg will help soothe and hydrate the scalp. In addition, you should look for conditioning ingredients like biotin or polyquaternium. These will keep your hair strong, conditioned and looking healthy. Without ingredients such as these, a medicated shampoo could be very harsh on your hair and dry it out. These types of ingredients will also help if you have color treated hair. The use of conditioning ingredients will help to prevent the stripping of color from your hair so it lasts longer.

How Much Should You Pay For The Right Shampoo?

A medicated, over-the-counter shampoo for scalp psoriasis, dandruff or scalp itch will normally cost more than regular shampoos.  A good quality shampoo will typically cost around $20 for an 8oz bottle. This may sound expensive but it will be worth it to pay more for a quality shampoo. You will definitely be able to find shampoos that cost less than $10 but it is not likely they will provide your hair and scalp with the same nourishing ingredients that can be found in quality shampoos. The right shampoo to treat scalp psoriasis, dandruff and scalp itch is the one that contains the best active ingredient for your scalp and that provides nourishing ingredients for your scalp and hair.