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May 25, 2013
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Types of Psoriasis (cont.)

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Psoriasis of the Scalp

The scalp may have fine dry scaly skin or have heavily crusted plaque areas. The plaque can flake off or peel off in crusted clumps. Sometimes psoriasis of the scalp is confused with seborrheic dermatitis. In seborrheic dermatitis, the scales are greasy looking, not dry.



Psoriasis of the scalp. Image courtesy of Hon Pak, MD.

Medicated shampoos are used to loosen the scales from the scalp. Salicylic acid and coal tar are used as active ingredients in psoriasis shampoo. Topical or systemic medications may be used to treat the psoriasis.

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Nail Psoriasis Psoriasis is a common condition. A person with psoriasis generally has patches of raised red skin with silvery scales. The affected skin may look shiny and red ...learn more >>
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Plaque Psoriasis Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis. The skin is red and covered with silvery scales and is inflamed. Patches of circular to oval shaped red p...learn more >>

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Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Psoriasis »

Psoriasis is a chronic, noncontagious, multisystem, inflammatory disorder.

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