What should you know about psoriasis dandruff treatment?

Scalp psoriasis can produce dry, silvery or thick scale, redness and itching. It may extend beyond the hairline or occur with plaques elsewhere. Dandruff more often produces loose flakes without the sharply defined, inflamed plaques seen in psoriasis, but the two can overlap and need examination.

Scratching or lifting scale can injure the scalp and may worsen inflammation. Hair products, dry air and skin irritation can make symptoms more troublesome without being the root cause.

A clinician may recommend a medicated scalp product, a scale-softening ingredient, or an anti-inflammatory treatment. Follow the product directions, allow treatment to contact the scalp rather than only the hair, and rinse carefully. Do not scrape firmly or use very hot water.

Use gentle fragrance-free hair care between treatments and moisturise exposed skin near the hairline. See [Psoriasis](/conditions/psoriasis/) for the wider condition, or [Scaly Skin](/symptoms/skin-scaling/) and [Itchy Skin](/symptoms/itchy-skin/) for related symptoms.

Arrange a review when flakes persist despite appropriate dandruff care, when plaques cross the hairline, or when itching disrupts sleep. Seek prompt care for scalp pain, oozing, crusting, patchy hair loss, or a sudden widespread flare. A clinician can check for infection and select treatment that fits your scalp.

Is this scalp psoriasis, dandruff or both? How long should the product stay on my scalp? How can I loosen scale safely? Could my medicines or hair products be aggravating it?