People living with scalp psoriasis approve of these shampoos and scalp treatments
Members of the Inspire Psoriasis Community often share information about what types of psoriasis treatments have or haven’t worked for them. Below is a sample of member experiences with various shampoos and topical scalp treatments.
The following posts represent a sample of Inspire members’ experiences. This content should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. As always, consult with your doctor before trying any new treatments or medications.
To access more psoriasis treatment discussions, join the Inspire Psoriasis Community.
Pine tar topicals
Pine tar is a type of tar made from pine wood. It has been used for thousands of years across various cultures. Topical pine tar is available in various forms including gels, lotions, oils, soap-free bars and solutions.
“[I use] Packers Pine Tar Shampoo - less stinky than reg coal tar, yay!” View post
“I'm now using the pine tar shampoo (for my scalp) and it works great too.” View post
“I have used pine tar for many years. I buy it as Stockholm tar with which I make tar-based shampoo and topical. It is a proven agent that is very safe. For me it stopped working as a stand alone treatment many years ago. These days I use it in conjunction with my systemic treatment: The systemic provides over 99% of the disease control.” View post
Apple cider vinegar topicals
Apple cider vinegar is a type of vinegar made from fermented apple juice. It can be both ingested and applied as a topical in various forms.
“[Apple cider vinegar] is the ONLY thing that works on my scalp. I keep it in the shower and pour a diluted cup over my head in the shower. My derm told me to put a thin layer of cream on my skin, and then soak a towel in ACV diluted with water, and put it on my skin for a half hour several times a day. View post
“I used to use [apple cinder vinegar] in the bath, about half of one of those giant jugs from the grocery store, and then soak for about half hour to an hour. Very relaxing also. I think it helped me.” View post
“About 2 months ago I ordered the Psoriasis Vinegar Body Rinse from a company called 'Just Natural' Organic Skin Care. Within a couple of weeks I noticed the patches where skin is thick on my legs were thinner. Not even after a month I could rub my hands on my legs and I couldn't feel the patches.” View post
Coal tar topicals
Coal tar is a type of tar made from coal. Shampoos, lotions, and other topical coal-tar products are available both over-the-counter formulas and in prescription formulas.
“When my scalp was at its worst I had to use the coal tar everyday for a few months. Once my scalp cleared (and it did totally clear from just coal tar shampoo!) I used it twice a week for maintenance.” View post
“Coal tar is one of the most reliable treatments for scalp psoriasis. Remarkably, since sulfates are one of the most reliable triggers for psoriasis, most of the shampoos I’ve seen that say they treat eczema and psoriasis still contain these irritants (often abbreviated SLS or SLA), even if they have coal tar. My recommendations: ArtNaturals Therapeutic Argan Anti-Dandruff Shampoo (with coal tar)” View post
“I had not gotten any help from coal tar shampoos, but recently I tried Cutar Emulsion (3 times higher % coal tar than you get in T-Gel and the like) and it really helps scalp a lot.” View post
Oil treatments
“I use coconut oil on my scalp. Leave on overnight and it will loosen bumps, helps with scalp and leaves my hair very shiny. You’ll have to wash hair at least twice to get the oil out of your hair but it’s worth it. I do this twice a month.” View post
“Before washing my hair, I coat it and my scalp in a combination of organic coconut oil along with some tea tree/hemp oil and sometimes, some argan oil. Get into the shower, soak my head with hot water, then let it simmer while I wash the rest of my body….” View post
“We use coconut oil on my 8 year old grandson's head psoriasis. Just a cheap tub from Aldi which is massaged in and he sits with a shower cap on for 30 minutes to contain it while it soaks in. My daughter gently washes it off and then combs through his damp hair lifting off the loosened scales. A few sessions sees it clear for quite a while. We had hoped the first time it went it was for good but 10 months later we are having to do it again.” View post
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Sources
Disclaimer Member comments have been lightly edited for length and clarity. This content is for general informational purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of any organization or individual. The content should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider about any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
