Papulosquamous (Psoriasis, Lichen)
Scalp Psoriasis
WHAT IS IT
Psoriasis affecting the scalp
HOW COMMON
Common in people with psoriasis
CONTAGIOUS?
No — you cannot catch it or spread it
CURABLE?
Not curable, but very manageable
What Is It?
Scalp psoriasis is psoriasis that appears on the scalp, causing thick, scaly, often itchy patches. Scale can be silvery-white and may extend just past the hairline onto the forehead, neck, or ears. It is chronic and tends to flare and settle over time.
Signs & Symptoms
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Thick, raised patches with silvery-white scale
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Itching, soreness, or a burning feeling
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Flaking that can look like heavy dandruff
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Scale reaching past the hairline onto forehead or ears
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Temporary hair shedding over heavily affected areas
Why Does It Happen?
Like other psoriasis, it is driven by an overactive immune system that speeds up skin cell turnover. It runs in families and can be triggered by stress, infection, skin injury, and certain medications. It is NOT dandruff, not caused by poor hygiene, and not contagious.
Treatment Options
Treatment lifts scale, calms inflammation, and relieves itch. Combinations are common, and consistency matters more than any single product.
MEDICATED SHAMPOOS
Coal tar or salicylic acid shampoos to lift scale and reduce itch.
TOPICAL STEROIDS
Scalp solutions, foams, or oils to calm inflammation during flares.
VITAMIN-D SCALP PRODUCTS
Often combined with steroids to slow skin cell buildup.
SYSTEMIC / BIOLOGICS
For severe or stubborn cases as part of whole-body treatment.
Tips for Managing It at Home
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Leave medicated shampoo on for the full labeled time before rinsing
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Gently soften and lift scale — avoid forceful scratching or picking
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Apply scalp treatments to the skin, not just the hair
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Be patient and consistent — improvement takes several weeks
When to Call Your Provider
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No improvement after several weeks of consistent treatment
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Noticeable hair loss or very painful, cracked scalp
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Signs of infection: oozing, crusting, swelling, or odor
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Patches spread to the face, ears, or elsewhere on the body
Sources & further reading
The information in this handout is based on general dermatology guidance from the reputable organizations below. These links are provided for patients who wish to read more from trusted sources.
American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Psoriasis: Overview. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/psoriasis/what/overview
Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA). Psoriasis. https://dermatology.ca/public-patients/diseases-conditions/skin-conditions/psoriasis/
DermNet. Scalp Psoriasis. https://dermnetnz.org/topics/scalp-psoriasis
National Psoriasis Foundation. Scalp Psoriasis. https://www.psoriasis.org/scalp/
This handout is for general education and does not replace advice from your own provider. Always follow your provider’s specific instructions.
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