How to Choose the Right Scalp Psoriasis Shampoo

Treatment for scalp psoriasis often involves over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription shampoos. Finding the right scalp psoriasis shampoo can help you manage the condition and prevent complications.

This article discusses shampoos for scalp psoriasis, side effects, and safety.

An illustration with information about the psoriasis shampoo (What Is the Best Psoriasis Shampoo for Me?)

Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health

What Is Scalp Psoriasis?

Scalp psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory condition affecting the scalp's skin. Psoriasis affects 1% to 2% of North Americans; 80% have it on their scalp.

Symptoms of Scalp Psoriasis

Scalp psoriasis symptoms include:

  • Red patches on the scalp
  • Flaking and scaling (may be silver in color)
  • Dryness
  • Itching
  • Bleeding
  • Burning sensation
  • Hair loss

There are many types of psoriasis. Scalp psoriasis is a form of plaque psoriasis resulting in raised patches of thick skin called plaques.

How Shampoo Relieves Scalp Psoriasis Symptoms

Scalp psoriasis can be tricky to treat because the hair on the scalp makes applying topical treatments messy. Shampoos help solve that problem by making it easy to use topical medications through a cleaning agent.

Different ingredients in shampoos work to target scalp psoriasis symptoms. Some ingredients soften scales, making them easier to remove, while others help reduce itching.

Types of Scalp Psoriasis Shampoo

Both OTC and prescription scalp psoriasis shampoos are available. The right one for you depends on the severity of your condition. There are some key ingredients to look for when choosing a psoriasis shampoo. A dermatologist (a healthcare provider specializing in skin conditions) can help you determine which is best for you.

Ingredients in a Psoriasis Shampoo

Some studies support the following medicinal ingredients:

  • Salicylic acid
  • Coal tar
  • Clobetasol propionate

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid treats skin conditions, including acne and psoriasis. It is in a class of drugs called keratolytic agents. It works to soften plaques so they can more easily be removed. Salicylic acid is a first-line therapy for scalp psoriasis.

Coal Tar

Coal tar is derived from coal to treat psoriasis. It slows skin cell growth and reduces inflammation, itching, and scaling. For some people, tar can irritate and dry the skin, so you should test it out on a small patch before using it on your entire head. It also causes photosensitivity (increased sensitivity to UV radiation) while the medication is active (usually 24 hours). Be extra careful in the sun when using this medication.

Clobetasol Propionate

Clobetasol propionate is a topical medication that treats the itching, redness, scaling, and pain associated with scalp psoriasis. It is in a class of drugs called corticosteroids, the most prescribed treatment for psoriasis.

Long-term use of these medications is not advised. Be sure to work with a healthcare provider to determine how long to use these shampoos.

Does Natural Shampoo for Scalp Psoriasis Work?

Instead of medications, some shampoos contain natural ingredients to combat psoriasis. These may include:

  • Aloe vera: Common skin soother
  • Apple cider vinegar: Relieves itching but avoid it if you have cracks in your skin
  • Capsaicin: A spicy ingredient in chili peppers that helps with psoriatic itch
  • Dead sea salts: Used as an exfoliant
  • Oats: Soothes skin and reduce the itch
  • Tea tree oil: Used for its antiseptic properties
  • Turmeric: Anti-inflammatory
  • Mahonia aquifolium (Oregon grape): Helps fight fungal or bacterial infections

These natural ingredients may relieve symptoms for some people, especially if the psoriasis is mild. However, these are often not effective enough to be used alone. More frequently, they are used alongside standard medical care.

How to Choose a Treatment for Scalp Psoriasis

Choosing the appropriate treatment depends on how severe your psoriasis is and other factors related to your overall health and lifestyle. A healthcare provider will help you determine which treatment is best.

Because scalp psoriasis can be stubborn, seek medical guidance. This can speed up the experimentation phase because healthcare providers know what tends to have the best track record. They can also ensure that you have an appropriate diagnosis.

Product Suggestions for Scalp Psoriasis Shampoo

We created a list of the best shampoos for scalp psoriasis in consultation with three dermatologists. We prioritized products with expert-recommended ingredients such as salicylic acid or tar as well as those that could be used on all hair types, had hair-nourishing ingredients, or were recognized as a safe product by the National Psoriasis Foundation. The list includes:

  • Best Overall: MG217 Psoriasis Medicated Conditioning Shampoo
  • Best Budget: Dermarest Psoriasis Medicated Shampoo Plus Conditioner
  • Best Natural: Wild Naturals Eczema & Psoriasis Shampoo

You should always consult a healthcare provider before starting a new psoriasis treatment product.

When Will You See Results?

How long treatment takes to work depends on the severity of your psoriasis. For mild scalp psoriasis, you may immediately see results from a medicated shampoo. On the other hand, a more moderate or severe case may require a few weeks before you experience relief or improvement.

Side Effects and Safety

Most of the medications in psoriasis shampoos are safe. However, as with all medicines, there are risks and potential side effects. These may include:

  • Skin irritation
  • Hair loss
  • Photosensitivity
  • Acne
  • Rash
  • Skin discoloration

You can reduce your risk by ensuring that a healthcare provider and pharmacist know all the medications and supplements you take and follow the product instructions carefully.

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider

Rarely, a more severe reaction may occur, including:

  • Severe skin reaction (e.g., skin breaking, pus, burning, pain, redness)
  • Sudden weight gain
  • Unusual fatigue, muscle weakness
  • Depression, irritability

If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical care right away.

What to Do Next If Scalp Psoriasis Shampoo Doesn’t Work

If shampoos alone do not help your scalp psoriasis, you may require additional psoriasis treatment. A dermatologist can help you determine what next steps are appropriate. Some other psoriasis treatment options include:

  • Topical medication
  • Scale softeners
  • Biologics (given via injection or IV)
  • Other systemic (bodywide) medications including disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
  • Phototherapy (uses UVB lights to slow the growth of the affected skin)

Summary

The vast majority of people with plaque psoriasis have it on their scalp. Medicated shampoos that target scalp psoriasis may help. These shampoos often contain ingredients like coal tar, salicylic acid, and clobetasol, which target flaking, itching, and inflammation. Scalp psoriasis is notoriously stubborn, so working with a healthcare provider, like a dermatologist, can ensure you see results more quickly.

9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Blakely K, Gooderham M. Management of scalp psoriasis: current perspectivesPsoriasis (Auckl). 2016;6:33-40. doi:10.2147/PTT.S85330

  2. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Scalp psoriasis: symptoms.

  3. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Scalp psoriasis: diagnosis and treatment.

  4. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Scalp psoriasis: shampoos, scale softeners, and other treatments.

  5. National Library of Medicine. Salicylic acid topical.

  6. National Psoriasis Foundation. Over-the-counter topicals.

  7. National Library of Medicine. Clobetasol topical.

  8. National Psoriasis Foundation. Integrative approaches to care.

  9. National Psoriasis Foundation. Phototherapy.

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By Kathi Valeii
As a freelance writer, Kathi has experience writing both reported features and essays for national publications on the topics of healthcare, advocacy, and education. The bulk of her work centers on parenting, education, health, and social justice.