So you have flakes? Well, tell me what type of flakes? Were you aware that all flakes are not created equal? So, how is your scalp? Okay, scalp tenderness? Redness? Tell me more!
That is how a consultation with a trichologist might go. This underrated field of study specializes in the health of the hair and scalp. You might be wondering what is the difference between a licensed cosmetologist and a trichologist. Well, cosmetology is the study of hair design and beauty services, although many stylists take a healthy hair care stance. To take it a step further, there is also the field of dermatology, the study of the skin, scalp, hair, and nails. These three branches of personal care work together to keep your hair and scalp healthy and beautiful, among other things. At certain times you may need to solicit the help from these professionals. As the trichologist’s true specialty is in hair and scalp, we have consulted with Lisa Akbari, trichologist and product developer, to enlighten us on the proper care of scalp psoriasis.
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What is Scalp Psoriasis?
Scalp psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disorder that can affect but is not limited to the scalp. Symptoms include scaly patches, itching, redness, raised areas, bleeding, or hair loss or thinning. However, sometimes there are very few undetectable symptoms for scalp psoriasis.
If you are unsure as to whether or not you are affected by this condition, it is important to consider seeing a professional. The overwhelming amount of online information can often cause us to think we can self diagnose and self-treat our conditions. Lisa Akbari, trichologist and award winning product developer, warns against such treatment: “If your symptoms are visible on the superficial layers of the skin, the epidermis, then you can treat at home or with the assistance of a trichologist. A stylist or barber may not be able to assist. If you see bleeding or your scalp is oozing, this only occurs in the dermis as there are no blood vessels in the epidermis, therefore you will most likely need the assistance of a dermatologist.” A correct diagnosis is fundamental to start healing scalp psoriasis. This scalp disorder, untreated, can result in hair follicle damage, hair loss, and/or infection.
How to Treat Scalp Psoriasis
Treatment is based on the diagnosis. Minor cases may start treatment with a natural method before progressing to prescription medications. Lisa Akbari provides her recommendation “the best way to treat this is to create a clean, acidic, stimulated, hydrated environment on the surface of the scalp.”
Shampoo – yes even if you have natural hair
Although ladies with natural or kinky hair have been taught to stay away from shampoos and adopt conditioner-only routines (for fear of over-drying the hair”>, that method is problematic for scalp disorders. You really need to clean with a clarifying shampoo that is scalp-friendly, having the same pH as the hair and scalp to prevent disturbing the basic chemistry of the surface of the scalp.
Maintain your pH level
Maintain the pH from the acid mantle, which secretes the sebum that gives the hair and scalp its pH of 4.5-5.5.
Stimulate your scalp
Perform a deep tissue or pressure massage to the scalp by rotating the tissue with fingers rather than scratching or “lifting the dandruff,” which is horrible for the scalp. While it feels good at first, it will eventually hurt. Many people with scalp psoriasis tend to scratch, disturbing the renewing and healing process. This only causes more pealing.
Hydrate your scalp
If you are diagnosed you want to make sure that you apply the given prescription and use it all over the surface of the skin. That will seal your hydration and offer anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties to be infused into the skin to help you heal. If you are treating via natural methods, you need to do something simple. After clarifying, take jojoba, which is closest to skin oil, and drip tea tree oil in there for to oil the scalp while the hair is wet. Keep in mind that too much tea tree oil could cause you to burn. Follow up on a daily basis or twice a day with the same solution.
A time to heal
The skin will renew itself when consistently in a clean, acidic, stimulated, and hydrated environment. After 45 days, it will stabilize. Remember if you see blood or oozing, see a dermatologist.
Scalp disorders can be very complex, as there is more than what meets the eye. Do your due diligence in receiving a professional screening when addressing a concern about your hair and scalp. Between your stylist, barber, trichologist, and dermatologist, you can create an environment for healthy hair and a healthy scalp.
What has helped your scalp psoriasis?
