Of all of the places for psoriasis to occur, scalp psoriasis is the most obvious to the casual observer. When it appears to be less severe, it may look like dandruff or a minor scalp infection. When psoriasis on the scalp is at its worst, it looks like it is a serious annoyance and very painful. It is characterized by red, scaly lesions that are painful and itchy to the sufferer. Here are some less commonly known facts about this irritating and unattractive skin condition.

• appearance
• type of psoriasis
• often affect more than just the scalp

People with psoriasis are often plagued by others staring at their skin or asking insensitive questions. In a way, it’s hard not to stare when confronted with red, raised areas on the skin. They often also have scaly, silvery layers of dead skin cells clinging to the top of the lesions. Unfortunately for sufferers when this condition appears on the scalp it is that much harder to hide. Regardless of the area of skin it covers, skin with psoriasis is a nightmare for the patient.

The type of psoriasis that most commonly appears on the scalp is psoriasis seborrheic. This is the same strain that causes cradle cap in babies and minor dandruff in teenagers and adults. Psoriasis symptoms of this kind include an intense itching of the scalp and painful red lesions that frequently seem to hurt for no reason. When this type of psoriasis appears on other parts of the body it is called plaque psoriasis.

As previously noted, this type of psoriasis has been known to affect other areas of the body. In this form, plaque psoriasis appears the same as on the scalp. It is the most common form of psoriasis and can show up on the hands, feet, and elbows, and knees. It also likes the skin of the lower back as well.