Scalp psoriasis is a form of psoriasis occurring in patches on the head that are normally covered by hair, or the scalp. The disease, like all forms of psoriasis, occurs when the skin's ability to replace itself occurs at a rate that is far faster than normal. This leads to the creation of raised, red blotches over the skin. These red blotches are sometimes covered by silvery scales.

The skin disorder is also characterized by pink patches. Scalp psoriasis can be very uncomfortable for sufferers, causing painful itching may, if scratched, lead to large flakes of scaly skin, similar to dandruff, to fall off the scalp.

Scalp psoriasis can be very mild, covering only small portions of the scalp, or severe, where it covers the entire scalp. The disease may even cause hair loss. The scalp disease requires a slightly different treatment regimen from psoriasis affecting the skin elsewhere. The treatment regimen for scalp psoriasis does not interfere with normal hair styling or use of hair products. Scalp psoriasis is not therefore a reason for stopping shampooing, setting, bleaching, perming, etc.

Scalp psoriasis is often misdiagnosed as eczema or seborrhoeic dermatitis, so diagnosis by a dermatologist is necessary. The skin disease shows no preference to gender, race or skin color. Scalp psoriasis is not a contagious disease, but it can be passed on genetically. The condition may cause thinning of the hair. It does not, however, usually result in balding. This type of psoriasis has different affects on all its sufferers so its important to remember that not all treatments work the same for everybody.

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