Gin’s scalp is soaked: You could solve the worlds energy crisis by harvesting the oil in my hair. I washed/conditioned it yesterday morning at 6:00 am. By noon, it was an oil slick. I try to fully dry it so I can add some dry shampoo to combat the problem. I’ve tried clarifying shampoos. I can’t “not” condition my roots as I have psoriasis and dandruff which is only combated by Aveda’s scalp shampoo and conditioner. I use their scalp spray as well. I’ve tried Kiehls scalp toner which is completely useless. Any suggestions? what should I be looking for in a product?

The Right Brain responds:

If psoriasis is somehow part of your oily scalp problem, you might have some success treating it with a new product called Psorent. We’ve blogged before (in our usual tongue in cheek style) about how America’s next top model could help cure your psoriasis. But your question pstarted us thinking that psoriasis is pcertainly a pserious psituation.  Ok, all kidding aside, we thought it would be worthwhile reviewing the basics of psoriasis (info courtesy of Psorent.com).

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic condition – it never goes away and can’t be cured. It is an immune-mediated, genetic disease manifesting in the skin and/or the joints. There are several types of psoriasis. In plaque psoriasis, the most common type, patches of skin called “lesions” become inflamed and covered by silvery white scales. The severity of psoriasis can vary from person to person; however, for most people, psoriasis tends to be mild. (1)

What causes psoriasis?

No one knows exactly what causes psoriasis, but it is believed to have a genetic component. Most researchers agree that the immune system is somehow mistakenly triggered, which speeds up the growth cycle of skin cells. A normal skin cell matures and falls off the body’s surface in 28 to 30 days. But a psoriatic skin cell takes only three to four days to mature and move to the surface. Instead of falling off (shedding), the cells pile up and form the lesions. (1)

How is psoriasis diagnosed?

A physical examination confirms the diagnosis of psoriasis. The precise findings depend on the patient’s type of psoriasis. In most patients, the presence of red lesions and plaques, combined with a history suggestive of psoriasis (i.e. family history) finalizes the diagnosis. However, in some cases, the diagnosis can be challenging because some types of psoriasis resemble other skin conditions, such as eczema, fungal infections, allergic reactions. Rarely, the doctor will need to take a small skin sample (biopsy) that’s examined under a microscope to determine the exact type of psoriasis and to rule out other disorders.

What are symptoms of psoriasis? (2)

• Red patches of skin covered with silvery scales
• Small scaling spots (commonly seen in children)
• Dry, cracked skin that may bleed
• Itching, burning or soreness
• Thickened, pitted or ridged nails
• Swollen and stiff joints

How is psoriasis treated?

Because there are several types of psoriasis, treatment needs to be highly individualized. Common psoriasis treatments can be divided into three main types:

• Topical treatments – Used alone, creams and ointments that are applied directly to the skin can effectively treat mild to moderate psoriasis.
• Light therapy – The simplest and easiest form of phototherapy involves exposing the skin to controlled amounts of natural sunlight. Other forms of light therapy include the use of artificial ultraviolet A (UVA) or ultraviolet B (UVB) light either alone or in combination with medications.
• Oral medications – For more severe forms of the disease, some patients may be prescribed medications that are taken internally, either orally or injected.

References:
1. http://www.psoriasis.org/about/faq/
2. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/psoriasis/DS00193/DSECTION=2

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