Scratching The Scalp: A Psoriasis Quiz
When scalp psoriasis plaques begin to build up and flake off the skin, they leave behind dandruff-like “evidence” of the condition on clothes and surroundings. It can certainly take a physical and mental toll.
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Many of those living with psoriasis feel like scalp flaking adds to the stigma they already experience, in part because it calls more attention to the disease from others.
Let's test your knowledge on some of the myths and facts about scalp psoriasis.
The difference between scalp psoriasis and dandruff
What causes the skin to flake in dandruff versus psoriasis is very different. Psoriasis flakes are the result of your overactive immune system speeding up the rate at which your skin cells grow, causing skin cell buildup — or plaques — that then may flake off.1
Garden-variety dandruff, on the other hand, can occur for a number of reasons, including skin that is too dry or oily, a fungal infection, or sensitivity to hair care products.
Treating psoriasis flakes with dandruff-oriented products alone may not work. You need medications that address the root cause of psoriasis with the appropriate topical, biologic, or systemic treatments.
The impact of scalp psoriasis
Living with psoriasis on the scalp can affect everyday life and our own PlaquePsoriasis.com contributors truly understand. Vickie shares her own management tips for scalp psoriasis and Gemma provides insight into her own scalp psoriasis triggers.
More than just quality of life - living with visible symptoms of scalp psoriasis can take a toll on our mental health. Clair shares how she came to terms with her new symptom of plaques on her scalp and Jack tells his own experience of going to a hair salon.
The results are in!
Whether you're an expert in scalp psoriasis or not, when your scalp will not stop itching, it is time to take a closer look underneath your hair. Treatment varies from patient to patient.
A flaking scalp is just of the most frustrating symptoms of psoriasis. If you're not sure whether you actually have scalp psoriasis, consult your doctor as soon as you can for an accurate diagnosis and to develop a psoriasis treatment strategy that works for you.
Want to test your psoriasis knowledge further? Check out our other quiz articles!
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