Scalp Treatment Options

Even if you have a scalp condition, there's no reason for you to suffer. There are many different scalp treatment options and they're constantly being improved. New research has unveiled exciting new approaches to treating conditions like seborrheic dermatitis and scalp psoriasis. See your doctor or dermatologist who can provide treatment for your condition. Be sure to use all medications as directed by your doctor. Some treatment options your doctor may consider include the following:

Anthralin

Anthralin is a topical prescription(applied directly to your body) medication used to treat scalp psoriasis. It comes in cream and ointment form. Depending on your doctor's recommendation, it may be used either as an overnight scalp treatment or in short-term application. Some people find that anthralin irritates their skin and tends to stain the skin and anything else it touches.

Corticosteroids

Also called "steroids," corticosteroids are one of the most common and effective treatments for scalp conditions like eczema and psoriasis. They're available in many forms, including gel, cream, lotion, spray and foam. Foam is dispensed from a can resembling styling mousse and can be absorbed quickly into the skin, with very little residue. Corticosteroids are found in prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Pyrithione

Pyrithione is a zinc-based medication used to treat the flaking and/or dry scalp associated with seborrheic dermatitis. It comes in shampoo form for the scalp. Pyrithione has antifungal properties and may also be used to treat scalp fungus. Pyrithione comes in prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid speeds up the skin's natural process of sloughing off cells. It can be used to treat the flaking or scaling of seborrheic dermatitis. It comes in many forms, including lotions, creams, gels and shampoos. Salicylic acid comes in prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Selenium Sulfide

Selenium sulfide is an anti-infective medication that can be used to treat seborrheic dermatitis by soothing itching and reducing flaking. Selenium sulfide products can come in prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Tar Products

Tar products, primarily made from coal or pine tar, are some of the oldest remedies around. Although they tend to have a very strong smell, tar creams, soaps and shampoos can soothe irritated skin by reducing both inflammation and itching. Tar products can be used to treat scalp psoriasis and scalp seborrheic dermatitis. Be sure not to use it on raw skin or open sores due to irritation. Tar products can come in prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Vitamin-Based Preparations

Calcipotriene is a vitamin-based preparation that can be used to treat scalp psoriasis. Calcipotriene is derived from vitamin D and comes in prescription cream, ointment or water-based solutions. It helps control flaking and scaling.

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