Scalp psoriasis

An annoying condition for many is scaly red plaques of Scalp Psoriasis

In fact, approximately 50% of patients with psoriasis have it. The severity of flaking scales range from fine scale like snow flakes to plaques with thick crusting. Scalp psoriasis can often go the hairline down the forehead on the face and the back of the ears. Severe scaling and flaking can make wearing dark clothing impossible. Many are disturbed by the condition that they sometimes experience embarrassment and emotional distress.
Some patients worry that scalp psoriasis leads one to lose your hair. During excessive scratching scalp psoriasis in some cases can cause hair loss and is a trademark of the condition.
Differentiation of scalp psoriasis from other causes of scalp flaking is by physical examination. The doctor will look for nail "pitting" and psoriasis elsewhere on the body, although he also run tests  (e.g. skin biopsy) to reach a final diagnosis.
Drugs
The medicines to treat scalp psoriasis are the same recommended as psoriasis treatment used for the rest of the body. Formulations of creams and ointments are typically too difficult and messy for scalp application, so liquids, foams, shampoos, or oils are used.
Medications that are useful for scalp psoriasis, and your doctor can recommend, include:

Biologics and other systemic drugs are those within the body rather than applied topically, also useful for the treatment of the scalp psoriasis.

A 10-day course of the antifungal ketoconazole pill can be surprisingly effective for persistent scalp psoriasis, although use of this drug for this condition is off-label.

Light therapy
There are phototherapy devices with comb-like facilities designed for scalp treatment, Although I would not personally use this in my practice because monitoring the scalp for skin cancer that ultraviolet radiation can cause is difficult.

Scalp psoriasis usually respond to the same treatments for psoriasis elsewhere on the body. It can be expensive to buy the same drug in two different formulations (Dovonex cream for the body) and Dovonex liquid for the scalp, for example, but this is a reality that many people with these conditions face, if it works effectively corticosteroid gels or foams prescribed to you may be able to be used for both the body and the scalp for short periods of time..

Source:

Camisa C. Handbook of psoriasis, 2nd ed.Blackwell Publishing, USA 2004.
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