Scalp psoriasis is a skin complaint characterized by red inflammed lesions on the scalp covered with silvery white scales. Scalp psoriasis is a fairly common skin complaint. The exact reason behind scalp psoriasis is yet not cleared. However, it is considered to be a disorder of autoimmune origin. Homeopathic medicines for scalp psoriasis don’t suppress the complaint and follow a curative approach.

In scalp psoriasis, due to a misdirected immune response, the cells of skin start to grow at a very quick pace (in day’s time instead of a few weeks). The body remains unable to shed these excessive cells which tend to pile up on the skin surface forming thick scaly patches. A person having a family history of psoriasis is at risk to get it too. Injury to scalp, smoking, and stress are a few factors that raise the risk of scalp psoriasis. These similar factors are also linked to worsening of scalp psoriasis.

Homeopathic Medicines for Scalp Psoriasis

Scalp psoriasis can be treated wonderfully with homeopathy. They are mild, safe remedies that treat scalp psoriasis gently with zero side effects. They moderate the immune system of the body thus preventing quick multiplication of the skin cells and bringing excellent recoveries in case of scalp psoriasis. With their use, the redness, inflammation, and scales on the scalp get reduced markedly. The psoriatic patches tend to heal and its further spread is well controlled. Itching, burning on the scalp and associated hair fall also gets managed with them in a magnificent way. Homeopathy for scalp psoriasis are selected individually for every case of scalp psoriasis as per constitution of person to yield best results. Arsenic  Album, Arsenic Iodatum, Graphites, Sepia, Natrum Mur, Sulphur, and Petroleum are the top remedies to treat the condition.

1. Arsenic Album – Top Grade Medicine for Scalp Psoriasis

Arsenic Album tops the list of therapeutics indicated for scalp psoriasis treatment. A person requiring Arsenic Album have dry eruptions on the scalp covered with scales. The scales are abundant that fall off continually from the scalp. The lesions may extend from the scalp to forehead, neck and the ears in most cases. The scalp is also rough and dry. Intolerable itching and burning also appear on the scalp. After scratching the scalp becomes painful and sometimes bleeding appears from the psoriatic patches. The scalp is also sensitive. A characteristic feature is worsening of the complaint from cold and relief by warmth in general. An associated hair loss may also be present with the above signs and symptoms.

2. Arsenic Iodatum – For Scalp Psoriasis with Large Scales

Arsenic Iodatum is next beneficial medicine in the list for treating scalp psoriasis. Arsenic Iodatum is most suited to the cases of scalp psoriasis where exfoliation of large scales is present. The rawness of the scalp surface beneath the scales appears following its exfoliation. A marked inflammation of the scalp along with the above features is also well noted.  Arsenic Iodatum will help to reduce the excessive scaliness of scalp and the associated inflammation of scalp psoriasis in a very effective manner.

3. Graphites – For Scalp Psoriasis with Marked Dryness and Roughness

Graphites is used in scalp psoriasis cases in which there is marked dryness and roughness of the scalp. Thick-crusted plaques on the scalp are present. There is extreme scaliness of the scalp. A marked burning on the top of the head attends most cases. Itching on the scalp also appears. The psoriatic spots are also sore and very painful to touch. The hair may be matted together and tends to fall out.

4. Sepia – For Shiny White Adhesive Scales

Sepia is next well-indicated medicine for scalp psoriasis with shiny white adhesive scales on the scalp. There are red, large oval spots on the scalp that are covered with shining white adhesive scales. The lesions are dry and tend to extend behind the ears in some cases. There is itching on the scalp and the scalp is also painful to touch. A sour-smelling sweat may also be present with the above features.

5. Natrum Mur – For Managing Hair Fall in Scalp Psoriasis

Use of Natrum Mur is considered for treating cases of scalp psoriasis where hair fall attends. The psoriatic lesions appearing on the scalp tend to extend to the nape of the neck and behind the ears. The scalp is covered with white scales. The scalp is also very raw, sore and red. Itching appears in the psoriatic patches. Natrum Mur will help to heal the psoriatic patches as well as manage associated hair fall.

6. Sulphur – For Scalp Psoriasis with Itching and Burning on Scalp

Sulphur is highly recommended to treat many skin ailments including scalp psoriasis. It is very useful to manage itching and burning arising in the cases of scalp psoriasis. In most cases requiring Sulphur the itching is harsh and very violent in nature. The itching gets worse in the evening and at the night time in a majority of the cases where Sulphur is indicated. Washing also worsens the itching in a few cases. Along with itching, burning in the lesions is also present in a marked degree. Scratching mostly result in extreme burning sensation on the scalp. The scalp is dry, unhealthy with red scaly blotches. Use of Sulphur is also considered in those cases of scalp psoriasis where a person has used local medication (ointments) injudiciously for a long period of time.

7. Petroleum – For Scalp Psoriasis that Worsens in Winter

Petroleum is also used widely to treat scalp psoriasis. It is of great use to manage cases of scalp psoriasis that worsens in winters. The scalp is rough, dry, and dirty and is covered with thick scaly crusty psoriatic lesions.  The scalp is raw, red and inflammed. On scratching the eruptions tend to bleed often. The eruptions are itchy and scalp is sensitive to touch. Soreness and pain follow scratching.

Signs and Symptoms of Scalp  Psoriasis

The major sign of psoriasis is red inflammed raised patches on the scalp that is covered with shiny silvery white scales. The scaling may be fine to thick depending upon the severity. The skin lesions of scalp psoriasis also tend to extend to the neck and behind or inside the ears frequently. The scalp also appears very dry. In severe cases of scalp psoriasis thick crusted plaques on the scalp forms. Bleeding on scratching the lesions may attend.  Itching, soreness and burning sensation also appear on the scalp. Hair fall is an associated complaint that may arise in a person having scalp psoriasis. The above signs and symptoms vary in intensity from case to case.

Although winters are a big relief from the scorching heat that we face in this part of the country, cold weather brings its own set of miseries. Some skin disorders tend to increase in winters. Psoriasis and eczema are two of the kind.  Many patients with Psoriasis and Eczema see a drastic increase in the cold weather. It is not necessary that all cases of psoriasis and eczema aggravate in winters, some case just behave the opposite – they aggravate in summers. Cold weather related flare ups can range from mild to severe. Also in some cases these skin disorders may appear only in winters, having summers as a totally symptom free period. Homeopathy Medicines can provide an effective treatment against these cold weather flare ups of psoriasis and eczema. Along with the symptomatic relief, homeo- medicines also ensure a gradual eradication of the disease from the body.

Psoriasis is a chronic skin problem. Psoriasis is commonly depicted by Skin lesions in the form of patches which are red at the base and are covered by silvery scales. Such shiny silvery scales are very typical of psoriasis. Itching is a common symptom of psoriasis. Cracks and cuts in the skin are also a part of psoriasis. The extent to which Psoriasis can affect an individual can range from very small patches to nearly the whole body being involved.  Nails of fingers and toes also do get affected.

Our skin is formed of tiny mature cells. They usually take about a month to mature and to show up at the surface of the skin; but in psoriasis the cells are pushed to the surface at a much faster speed. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder. This means that defense cells that protect our body from infections, start attacking the skin which leads to inflammation on the skin and also the production of immature skin cells.  These are pushed to the surface of the skin. These cells then show up as silvery scales on the skin. Psoriasis generally has a strong family inheritance and about a third of them have a close relative suffering from it.

Eczema (Dermatitis) is inflammation of the upper layers of the skin, which leads to itching, blisters, redness, swelling, and often oozing, scabbing, and scaling on the skin. Some forms of eczema like Seborrhic Dermatitis and Atopic dermatitis (commonly found in small children) tend to aggravate in when skin gets dry.

Psoriasis and the above mentioned forms of eczema, have a tendency to increase in winters. This is usually due to the fact that cold weather causes drying of the skin. Indoor heating can further deplete the skin of the moisture leading to an increase in the symptoms of psoriasis and eczema.

Homeopathy has a very effective solution for psoriasis and Eczemas that aggravates during cold weather .There are specific medicines in homeopathy that are there specially for treating winter flare-ups. One such Homeopathic medicine ‘Petroleum’ requires a special mention here for its effectiveness in treating skin problems that aggravate in winters. Not only do Homeo medicines treat the ‘winter increase’ in psoriasis but also help in stopping the recurrence of psoriasis and Eczemas, they help in treating the disorder from the body.  Please note that the above mentioned medicine should not be used without a professional help.

The author is a Chandigarh based Homeopath. Email  vikas@drhomeo.com