Salicylic Acid
It has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat psoriasis. “sal acid,” as it’s referred to, is available in a range of items, including lotions, shampoos, and ointments, creams, soaps, and pastes. Salicylic acid can help remove scales, soften them, and remove them from your skin. Salicylic acid can be beneficial when you apply it according to the directions. A high concentration of salicylic acid, or salicylic acid left over on the scalp (or hair) over a long period may cause irritation or itching. If your shampoo contains salicylic acid, place its application on the scalp rather than your hair, as it may weaken hair shafts, which can cause hair loss and breakage (the hair will get back to normal when you have stopped using the shampoo).
6 Easy Snacks for Your Anti-Psoriasis Diet
These anti-inflammatory snacks will satisfy your cravings, improve your overall health, and reduce the chances of flaring up with Psoriasis.
Sulfates
Most shampoos use sulfates to produce a rich, foamy lather Without the foam. It appears that people don’t believe that their shampoo is effective. However, sulfates could irritate the scalp. If you have an irritable scalp or Psoriasis, search for sulfate-free shampoos. Sulfates are often listed under the ingredients section, such as sodium laureth (or lauryl) Sulfate or ammonium Sulfate.
Coal Tar
Coal tar is an additional ingredient the FDA has approved, including scalp-related Psoriasis. However, you may consider testing the coal-tar mixture on a small portion of your skin to ensure it does not cause irritation or redness. Since coal tar may make your skin more prone to sun ultraviolet rays, apply sunscreen to areas treated if you’re outdoors for any duration. “Coal tar can be messy, so some people don’t like to use it,” says Stefan Weiss, MD, of the Weiss Skin Institute in Boca Raton, Fla. Refined coal tars like liquor carbon is detergents (LCD) have a less unpleasant odor and produce less staining; however; they’re less effective and more challenging to come across.
Tea Tree Oil
“At one time, tea tree oil was seen as the panacea for psoriasis,” Dr. Weiss says of the oil extracted from the leaves of a plant native to Australia. “Now, not so much.” Many people claim that tea tree oil has helped alleviate scalp psoriasis symptoms. Others discover that they are allergic to it.
Zinc
Zinc, a trace mineral, can be present in various products for treating Psoriasis, including shampoos. A study conducted by the Skin Disease and Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Research Center in Mashhad, Iran, found that a topical emollient with zinc pyrithione has been proven effective in treating localized Psoriasis.
Derived from the nuts that are part of the Argan tree in southwest Morocco, Argan oil is a rich source of antioxidants. It has gained much attention as a food, medical treatment, and cosmetic ingredient. But, as per an article by the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, it’s unclear if there’s an absence of studies conducted in clinical settings that can definitively prove its efficacy.
Shea Butter
Shea butter is brimming with moisture, which makes it a powerful ingredient in products for skin care. Weiss says that if you have Psoriasis, ensuring your skin is well-hydrated is essential. He says skin creams that contain shea butter are typically thicker, and when moisturizing, the denser, the more effective. The heavy moisturizers for Psoriasis assist in locking in the body’s moisture.
Anti-itch Ingredients
The FDA has accepted a variety of ingredients for itching: calamine hydrocortisone (weak steroids) and camphor, diphenhydramine hydrochloride (HCl), benzocaine, and menthol. Be cautious with these, but be aware that sure of them may cause dryness and irritation on the skin.
Fragrance or Alcohol
If you are prone to skin irritation, search for scent-free products for skin care and shampoos. Products that contain scents that smell nice or neutralize their smell could be irritating (“unscented” may not be scent-free). Additionally, Weiss advises avoiding products that contain alcohol because it causes drying.
Certain people have a higher sensitivity to certain ingredients than others. If you’re unsure which reaction you’ll face with the product, try it on a small portion of the skin before applying it. If you’re unsure, ask your healthcare doctor for suggestions to help soothe your skin and remove plaques.