Self-Help for My Scalp

As with everything related to any autoimmune disease and we know specifically to our condition - what works for one person does not work for another. It is probably one of the most frustrating things. You may try something and it does nothing for you and I may try the same thing and it helps me clear my skin, or even just bring the inflammation down. I have found with scalp treatments in particular that leaving the treatment on for a while is what proves most effective for me. Wash and rinse has not worked for me, apply and allow it to set/soak or seep in and then rinse.

Hair dye

Using box dye may seem counter-intuitive at first, but this was the one home trick that has worked the best for me. I put my whole experience down in the color in my curls. I color my hair every 6 weeks or sooner if I feel the itch. I get to choose fun colors and I have learned to love it over the years. There is no one specific brand that I use, the brand gets chosen by color and slathered on with love.

Apple cider vinegar rinse

I keep a bottle in my shower with a ready-made apple cider vinegar rinse in it. It is a spray bottle for easy application. Wash hair with a gentle tea tree or baby shampoo and rinse thoroughly, spray on the magic of apple cider vinegar and allow it to set. If you have been picking at your skin, this will burn a bit. Added bonus is that it really is a great hair conditioner too.

Medicated shampoo

A product well known and widely used, it is often used to treat psoriasis on the scalp. There are so many different types, from coal tar shampoo to shampoo infused with steroids and other medication to help treat the skin. There are also ranges that are infused with things like tea tree and rosemary essential oil which makes it particularly good for your hair too.

Coconut oil

A little while ago there was a meme that said “One of those days when you just need to marinate your entire life in coconut oil.” This has always given me the giggles. Coconut oil is so good for so many different things. It is moisturizing and helps to lift the excess dead skin off in the evening. This is one of the things that I rub into my scalp and I put on a shower cap and leave it there. Then it is time for feet up! I watch a movie or read my book. It would seem that the longer it is on my scalp the more effective it is for me. Maximum time on for me is about 3 hours.

No picking

This is one place that picking causes a problem for me. The pain levels are quite ridiculous when you dig at the skin and I tend to pick up an infection pretty soon. Once you have an infection it is a nightmare to control.

As with everything do a patch test first to make sure that it does not annoy your skin any further. Consult your doctor before making changes. Also please remember that you if try something new and you have an adverse reaction. Contact your doctor immediately, the last thing you would want it to aggravate your skin any further.