Psoriasis of the scalp.
Psoriasis can be managed, but not cured. If you want to try a natural approach, then follow our guide to help manage and maintain a healthy scalp.
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis in an auto immune condition which triggers an inflammatory skin condition. This immune response sends your skin cells on overdrive where you produce new cells faster the you can rid them.
What does it look like?
Psoriasis can range from mild symptoms where you see only a silvery, white, chalky appearance on the scalp right through to red, raw and scaly, crusted, patches. If symptoms aren’t managed it can cause scarring or reversible hair loss.
Gut Health
Gut microbiota dysbiosis (an imbalance of gut bacteria) may contribute to the development and exacerbation of psoriasis due to it being an autoimmune condition. While studies are limited on the direct link in the role of the gut microbiome and psoriasis. I have personally seen remarkable results from my patients on incorporating pro-biotics in to your daily diet. I only recommend incorporating a probiotic with all 14 strains so not to cause an imbalance on healthy gut flora. Like with any new supplementation please make sure to check with your registered healthcare professional on the right supplement for you.
Diet
A flare up of psoriasis can be onset from the food and beverages you consume. It’s important to note that although each case is unique to you, many people notice foods that trigger an inflammatory response can aggravate symptoms.
- Alcohol dilates your blood vessels; white blood cells and T cells are believed to be directly responsible to psoriasis.
- Processed foods cause inflammation which is linked to exacerbate auto immune conditions.
- Dairy products contain polyunsaturated fat (arachidonic acid) a natural inflammatory compound that can intensify symptoms.
- Red meats and processed meats also contain arachidonic acid like red meats which can be an immediate trigger.
- Gluten can be avoided if you feel it exacerbates your symptoms due to its direct link to autoimmune diseases.
- Nightshade family can aggravate symptoms, avoiding this may help in clearing up your psoriasis. These include peppers, tomatoes, potatoes and eggplant.
- Citrus although some people don’t find these a trigger many find that eliminating these from their diet improves symptoms.
Foods that you should incorporate in your diet.
Anti-inflammatory foods will help to restore gut health to keep your flare ups to a minimum. In order to keep your scalp healthy, it’s important to make this as a life style choose for the best results.
The best foods for psoriasis –
- Fish and lean protein
- Fruits and vegetable (except those in the deadly nightshade family)
- Bean and lentils
- Nuts and seeds
- Olive oil
- Wholegrains
Topical healing
Our skin barrier is a protective shield from external aggressors. External aggressors can aggravate a compromised scalp, so we need to make sure that the products we apply topical will not aggravate symptoms and also help in the healing and protective process.
My top tips –
- Topically applying our hair and scalp oil to not only work as a protective mechanism but also help to soften the accumulation of dead skin cells without damaging the new skin underneath. This is extremely important as you can easily damage the underlying skin if removed incorrectly which can lead to raw, weeping patches that can extend to hair loss and scarring. Massage in daily in times of flare ups or when your scalp feels itchy or dry. Always apply before every cleanse to soften dead skin cells and protect your skin barrier.
- Use a hydrating and moisturising cleanser to help add to skin barrier health not take away by stripping natural oils. I recommend Hydrated Halo Shampoo to gentle cleanse and nourish your scalp.
- Limited the use of products that contain alcohol and insoluble silicones these can dry and cause build up on the scalp which adds to the build-up already present.
Our hair and scalp oil is hempseed oil based, it’s properties have been widely researched for its anti- fungal and anti-bacterial properties. Designed to heal, protect and soothe a compromised scalp.
What not to do?
Under no circumstance should you pick or scratch the scalp, this can lead to further damage and an increase of new cells being produced. Instead use my tips above to massage in oils to soften the patches so they gently slough off.
Avoid your known triggers. It can help to keep a diary with foods consumed and possible flare ups.
Avoid leaving scalp wet and tying hair up to often to allow your scalp to breathe as these are the perfect breading ground for fungal infections to happen.
Phototherapy
If your scalp is easily aggravated and you want to see dramatic, long term results some people have noticed a vast improvement in incorporating light therapy in to their weekly routine.
My two top picks for a healthy scalp using Halo
Personalised help
If you are having trouble with your scalp health and think Halo might be your answer. You can contact our qualified scalp and hair expert to offer advice and routines to suit you. Use our contact form or email nicola@halohaircare.co.nz
