If you live withpsoriasis, there’s a good chance that you also experience its effects on your scalp. And that just sucks, because it’s itchy, scaly, and uncomfortable. Sounding familiar? Then you might be wondering how to remove psoriasis scales from your scalp without making the discomfort any worse.

A quick guide to removing psoriasis scales from your scalp

Scales getting you down?Follow these quick and easy steps:

Turn that frown upside down, because yes: you can absolutely do it! But it’s important to remove scalesthe right way. Otherwise, you’re increasing your risk of inflammation, pain, and infection. And that isnotwhat we have in our plans for today.

Let’s take a look at how to remove psoriasis scales as safely as possible and bring the joy of less-itchy hair back into your life.

Step 1: Use chemical exfoliants

Yup, we know — “chemical exfoliants” sounds hella scary. What kind of toxic waste are you going to be putting on yourpoor, scaly skin?And on your head, no less?

No need to fret! When dermatologists talk about using chemical exfoliants on your scales, they’re talking aboutmild, generally organic substances.

These have active ingredients that soften the skin and make it easier to remove scales.

Ingredients to look out for

Take note: these ingredients are about to become your new squad members.

There’s actually a whole list of over-the-counter (OTC) products that docsrecommend for psoriasis. But when it comes to scalp psoriasis, we’re mostly talking about two major players: salicylic acid andcoal tar.

Salicylic acid

This stuff (which you’ll soon be adding into your phone as “Sally” with lots of heart emojis because itwillbe your BFF) is the OG of OTC psoriasis treatment.

A 2017 studyfound that salicylic acid can be super effective for softening and loosening scales, making them much easier for you to remove. But just like your BFF, you never want too much of it. Salicylic acid is strong stuff, so make sure you read the instructions and use it correctly.

This is a common ingredient in psoriasis medications, so you’ll find it pretty easy to buy.

And according toresearch from 2017, coal tar was particularly handy for treating scalp psoriasis, with symptoms usually improving after 1 month and peeps staying in remission (i.e., symptom-free) for longer than they did with other topical psoriasis treatments.

It did fall out of favor at one point, thanks to being a little bit smelly and causing side effects like staining, contact dermatitis, and stinging. But it’s back with a new, better-smelling formula — and it’s milder than salicylic acid.

Other options

you may also look out for creams or shampoos containingurea. Research that assesses its benefits is slim pickings, but it commonly pops up in keratolytics (the fancy word for topical treatments that soften the skin).

The National Psoriasis Foundation also listslactic acidas a useful ingredient for scale lifters.

Find the scales

Let’s start by locating those pesky scales. Your removal tactics are going to be slightly different depending on where it is.

Are your scales behind your ear, on your neck, or in a place generally free of hair? You’ll need a spot treatment you may put directly onto your skin.

Scales surrounded by hair mean you’ll need a specialized shampoo instead.

Do I pick a spot treatment or shampoo?

If your scales don’t have pesky hair sprouting out of them or surrounding them, you can bust out the good stuff. You’ll need to find a cream or topical treatment containing those good ol’ active ingredients. These tend to be stronger than psoriasis shampoos.

Hair getting in the way? Then the shampoos are the way forward. Yes, they’re milder and gentler (this is your scalp we’re talking about, after all), but they’ll still do a fine job of softening those scales up.

Check outthis list of shampoosrecommended by the National Psoriasis Foundation. They know their stuff when it comes to scale-softening suds.

Step 2: Physical removal

Okay, you’ve got all the tools you need — it’s time to descale, and wave goodbye to that itchy head. You’ve got this!

Apply your shampoo

First things first: you need toapply your shampooand let it start doing its job.

Apply it and rub it ingently(no sense in going hell for leather — you’ll just irritate your skin). Get it under your fingertips, pretend you’re in that fancy salon, and give yourself a light head massage.

Consider a scalp mask

Want to take a break, feel a little bit luxurious, and give yourself an easier time with getting rid of those scales?

You can plop a plastic cap (heck, even a plastic grocery bag will do the trick) over your soapy locks and stand under the shower for 10 minutes.

Keeping the water warm rather than hot will lock in those active ingredients.

The final step: Gently remove the scales with a comb

It’s worth taking your time and following these steps gently but thoroughly:

Be meticulous. Be painstaking. Comb every inch of your hair, especially around thescales. You’ll thank yourself for it later.

Then, rinse out the suds.

What to avoid

So, this is the gentle way to get those pesky scales out of your hair and your life, just like your ex. But it’s also good to know what triggers your psoriasis, as you can then avoid it as best you can (also like your ex).

Everyone with psoriasis has a different trigger, and you might already know what yours is. If you’re not sure, here aresome likely culprits:

Nail what’s triggering your psoriasis symptoms, and you’ll have fewer scales to worry about in the first place.

Do. Not. Pick. Your. Scales.

For the love of your skin,avoid picking your psoriasis scales. You’ll make it worse, and possibly throw infection into the bargain.

So just… no.

Medical treatments for scalp psoriasis

So you’ve tried shampooing your scales away. But does it feel like they’re not really clearing up? It’s a bummer, for sure, and now you’re wondering what else you can do. Anything?

Good news: there are other avenues you’re able to explore, though you’ll want to discuss them with your doc first.

When to see a doc or healthcare pro

Home treatmentscan really help — most of the time. What if you start using them, and your psoriasis seems to be getting worse? Is this a “gets worse before it gets better” kind of thing?

If you notice this, stop using whatever you’ve been trying, andchat with a doc or healthcare pro. There’s no one-size-fits-all psoriasis treatment, and this one may not be working for you.

Your healthcare pro can check it over and prescribe something that might be more effective for you.

Scalppsoriasiscan be hella uncomfortable and tough on your mental health. Luckily, if you’re careful about it, you can gently remove the scales and make life a little bit easier.

Check out specialist shampoos and creams designed to make those flakes rise off your skin. Gently apply them to your head, targeting where those itchy patches are, and leave them a little time to work their magic.

Comb your hair thoroughly, and voila! Your scales may well be reduced. If it’s still not working, it’s worth having a word with your doctor. They can prescribe some stronger shampoos or creams to try out. And if you notice your scales getting any worse, stop using the treatment, and head back to the doc.

Scales be gone! Soon you’ll be rocking a scale-free scalp and a less itchy life.