Post flare showering tips please!
So I’ll get days where my scalp itches uncontrollably and even if I only scratch it once or twice it will be raw and oozing, the next day it will dry into a scab. Any tips on how to keep the scabs intact or at least clean when showering the next days? I usually use a medicated shampoo and let it sit for as long as possible, but when there’s scabs I try to avoid getting the shampoo on them.
Hi
, so sorry to read about everything you're dealing with. Scalp psoriasis can be horrendous. Your description really takes me back to when I was a child and dealing with severe scalp psoriasis. When my scalp was like that, I think my parents just used the medicated shampoo on it as usual. I found that to be okay, but when they applied my scalp medication afterwards/away from bath time, it was very painful when my scalp was so raw and sore. Are you using any other treatments for your scalp at the moment, besides the shampoo?
These days, when my scalp is itchy I really try to just rub it with my fingertips instead of actually scratching it. It's totally not the same but it's less irritating to my psoriasis. I hope others will join in here and share their experiences and suggestions with you. Please let us know if you find anything that helps. Warmly, -Catherine, Community Moderator
As you wait for others to chime in on their experience, a contributor of ours wrote an article about using coconut oil. I think you may find it helpful and if possible might even consider adding it to your routine to see if it works for you. You can access the article her- https://plaquepsoriasis.com/living/coconut-oil. You also can consider using scab protection bandage to avoid anything you don't want going onto your scalp. If you do give the coconut oil a try we'd love to hear how it goes. All the best, Latoya (Team Member) 
For me Personally I find that as long as the skin is not raw I am okay to apply shampoo, I often use a menthol shampoo, in particular, when there is scabbing and itching as it helps calm the itch slightly. -
Clair, ( Team Member)
Hello
, Another thing you can do is saturate your scalp with olive oil before shampooing. Let it sit there for a while. This has worked for me in the past. I would even put a little bit on after shampooing. I hope you find some relief soon. Diane (Team Member) That’s a great idea! Olive oil is a great moisturizer that does double duty as an anti-inflammatory to calm irritated skin. I forget that you can even use it in to your bath water for a full body moisturizer! Thanks for adding this to the convo! Kindly, Latoya (Team Member)
