Psoriasis is a chronic condition that can flare-up from time to time, or can persist for weeks, months or even years. As an inflammatory condition, the causes of a flare are quite complicated; sometimes there’s a definite physical reason for your skin breaking out, but other times it can be quite difficult to work out what’s causing it.
Although some causes might be beyond your ability to control - medications, an accident, or hormonal changes - there are five significant triggers of scalp psoriasis that are worth identifying and avoiding if at all possible!
Stress
Stress can trigger release of inflammatory substances in the body, and in those prone to psoriasis, an overactive immune system response results in both inflammation and the overproduction of skin cells.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Practice stress management techniques that work for you, whether that’s meditation, mindfulness, being out in nature, exercise, art.
Cold, dry weather
Cold weather can dehydrate the scalp significantly, and with moisture lost to the epidermis and the subsequent damage done, trigger a flare-up.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
If you’re out, keep a hat on, and be mindful of the effects of the cold and the wind! Inside, prevent your home from drying out your skin with a humidifier and feed your scalp with nourishing, psoriasis-friendly oils like hemp and olive to replenish dehydrated skin.
Smoking
Research is pretty clear that the more you smoke, the worse your psoriasis gets.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
The best way to manage your psoriasis if you’re a smoker is to reduce your smoking or quit entirely.
Alcohol
Drinking, like smoking, seems to exacerbate psoriasis.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Cut down on the booze! If you do drink, be aware of what effect it might have on your skin and take extra precautions to nourish and soothe your scalp.
Infection
The effect of infection on psoriasis isn’t as well known as it could be, but there’s a definite correlation between infections like thrush, strep and staph, chest infections and yeast infections on the scalp are all triggers for psoriasis flares.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Treat infections or suspected infections as soon as you can! Don’t leave them too long, and take your own health and well-being seriously.
TWO-STEP NATURAL TREATMENT FOR SCALP PSORIASIS
STEP 1: clean hair and skin with Balmonds Natural Shampoo & Body Wash: this is a super-mild, unscented, natural wash that will clean effectively without damaging the scalp. Contains herbal extracts of calendula, chamomile, chickweed and nettle.
STEP 2: apply Balmonds Scalp Oil: this is a naturally nourishing, antimicrobial conditioning oil which tackles yeasts and other microbes, while feeding the scalp with the nutrients it needs to repair and regenerate. You can use it as a topical rescue oil, dabbing on patches of skin that need some attention, or as an overnight conditioning treatment. It contains naturally anti-inflammatory plant extracts as well as purifying tea tree and rosemary.
Recommended products:
Balmonds Natural Shampoo & Body Wash with nettle & calendula (£19 for 200ml)
Balmonds Scalp Oil with tea tree, rosemary & borage (£14.99 for 50ml)
