Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition where skin cells multiply rapidly. It commonly appears on the scalp, presenting unique visual characteristics. Understanding these visual signs helps in identifying what scalp psoriasis looks like.
Common Visual Signs
Scalp psoriasis appears as raised patches on the skin. These patches are often reddish or salmon-colored on lighter skin tones, while on darker skin tones, they may present as purple, brown, or gray. Their distinct borders help define them from surrounding healthy skin.
Silvery-white scales cover these inflamed patches. These scales are a buildup of rapidly multiplied skin cells. They can feel thick and may flake off, sometimes resembling severe dandruff.
These patches can appear anywhere on the scalp, often extending beyond the hairline to areas like the forehead, back of the neck, or behind or inside the ears. If scales are picked or scratched, the underlying skin can crack and bleed.
How Scalp Psoriasis Can Vary
The appearance of scalp psoriasis varies significantly, ranging from mild to severe. It may manifest as fine, dandruff-like flaking with minimal redness, or as thick, crusted plaques covering a large portion or even the entire scalp.
Hair density and color influence the visibility of scalp psoriasis. Thick hair might obscure smaller patches, while thinner hair can make them more apparent. Skin tone also plays a role, with redness appearing differently across complexions; it might be pink on light skin but purple or darker brown on richer skin tones.
While plaque-like lesions are common, some individuals may experience less defined areas with fine scales. This range means scalp psoriasis is not always uniform in its visual characteristics. The specific appearance depends on the individual’s condition.
Differentiating from Other Scalp Conditions
Distinguishing scalp psoriasis from other scalp conditions requires attention to visual cues. Dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis) typically presents with yellowish, greasy, and finer scales. In contrast, scalp psoriasis scales are usually silvery-white, thicker, and have a dry, powdery appearance.
The underlying skin in dandruff tends to be less inflamed compared to the distinct, red patches seen in psoriasis. Psoriasis plaques commonly have well-defined borders and can extend past the hairline onto the forehead, neck, or ears, which is less typical for dandruff. Ringworm, a fungal infection, often causes patchy hair loss, broken hairs, and sometimes pus-filled bumps, which are generally not characteristic of psoriasis. Allergic contact dermatitis, triggered by irritants, usually appears suddenly with intense itching and can involve blisters, differing from the chronic, more defined lesions of psoriasis.
Associated Symptoms and Impact
Beyond its visual signs, scalp psoriasis often brings associated physical sensations. Itching is a common and sometimes intense symptom that can interfere with daily activities and sleep. Individuals may also experience a burning sensation or soreness on the scalp.
While psoriasis does not directly cause permanent hair loss, vigorous scratching or picking at the scales can lead to temporary hair thinning or loss. The inflammation can also weaken hair roots, making them more fragile. Hair typically regrows once symptoms are managed.
A feeling of tightness on the scalp can also occur due to the dry, inflamed skin. The flaking scales can fall onto clothing, leading to self-consciousness and discomfort. These non-visual aspects contribute to the impact of scalp psoriasis on an individual’s well-being.