What’s the worst part? The itch? The embarrassment? The flaking? Everyone with scalp psoriasis has their own unique experience with the challenging symptoms of this disease, but not everyone has the same symptoms. Luckily, no matter what your unique experience is with this pesky and relentless foe, over-the-counter (OTC) shampoos can help with active ingredients aimed at addressing and soothing the symptoms of scalp psoriasis.
It’s important to remember that psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease associated with systemic inflammation. That means your body and its systems are impacted by inflammation that cannot necessarily be seen by the eye. While these OTC shampoos may alleviate the symptoms of scalp psoriasis, they do nothing to address the more impactful inflammation-related symptoms. In order to reduce your risk of the comorbidities of psoriatic disease, which include cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, you should work with your health care provider to develop a treatment plan that not only helps address scalp psoriasis, but also works to reduce systemic inflammation.
The National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) created the Seal of Recognition program to help you find OTC products that are made and intended to be nonirritating for people with psoriasis and severely sensitive skin. You should consult with your health care provider about all aspects of your treatment plan, including OTC medicated shampoos.