Alternative Scalp Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory, non-contagious skin condition that affects 7.5 million Americans, which is 2.2 percent of the population, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. At least half of psoriasis patients have it on their scalp, says the NPF. About 40 percent of American adults use some form of complementary and alternative medicines, the foundation says. It warns that those can interact with prescribed treatments.

Diagnosis

First establish that your scalp condition is psoriasis and not seborrheic dermatitis (called dandruff when on the scalp), which is very similar. The NPF website says scalp psoriasis appears powdery and silvery, while seborrheic dermatitis flakes are yellowish and greasy. A dermatologist's diagnosis might require a skin biopsy. Scalp psoriasis can be very mild, with slight, fine scaling, or very severe with thick plaque over the whole scalp. It can go onto the forehead, down the neck and around the ears, says the NPF.

Alternatives

Homeopathy and naturopathy have their place alongside traditional Chinese medicine in treating scalp psoriasis, says the NPF. Patients report success with homeopathic treatments for psoriasis, including sulfur and nickel, in doses too low to cause side effects. Naturopaths promote the healing power of nature and look for the cause rather than treating the symptoms of scalp psoriasis.

The NPF says psoriasis patients have found some success with the following herbal topical applications: aloe, apple cider vinegar, capsaicin from cayenne pepper, emu oil, evening primrose oil, oats and tea tree oil. These, and medicated shampoos containing these ingredients, could help control scalp psoriasis. Milk thistle, for liver cleansing, and oregano oil are two orally ingested herbal remedies the NPF says can improve scalp psoriasis.

Some herbal remedies can interact badly with medications, the Psoriasis Foundation warns, citing St. John's Wort. This popular mood enhancer can lower the blood level of cyclosporine, a drug that suppresses the immune system and is effective on psoriasis. Some herbal remedies cannot be used during pregnancy. Consult a health-care professional if you are unsure of the effects of your combination.

Yoga can help scalp psoriasis by reducing stress that can cause flare-ups. Massage therapy has the same effect, reducing stress and lessening the chance of flare-ups.

Diet

Diet is a big part of psoriasis control, and much literature advocates one diet or another. The NPF recommends trying various foods but warns one scalp psoriasis patient's remedy might not be another's. "There is certainly no harm in exploring how diet impacts your psoriasis, as long as your overall health is not compromised," says the NPF website. Eliminating wheat products works for some, for others it's elimination of red meat or fatty foods. Some people notice their scalp psoriasis flares up after drinking alcohol. Adding fish oil, by way of supplement, to the diet could improve scalp psoriasis. The Max-EPA fish oil supplement has brought mild to moderate improvement, says the NPF.