Hi Pamela
I do so empathise with you. I've written several posts on the forum about my continuing experiences of treatments: pharmaceutical, topical and even systemic as well as safer alterntive ones. I've followed the advice of just about everyone on the forum and have various levels of success...but I still find myself feeling very upset that nothing seems to work long-term. Have a look on this section of the forum at artworks' comments on 'alt shampoo for hair blizzard' (I think...memory's poor, yet I've just checked that page so that I could relay iot to you). There's a short 'you tube' video presentation about a product called Doo Gro. Have a look atthe video. I bought some, am using it every third night, overnight, shampooing with Halos 'n'Horns (any UK supermarket among the Kiddies' shampoo/bathcare etc.. - cheap as chips) or Yaoh Hemp Shampoo and Conditioner in the morning, gently scraping the crustiness away with a nit comb and it's doing a great job. That and some ongoing online assistance from a guy who's helping me sort out the 'scratching/picking' issues (you may not do this, but I have done for many years and it simply exacerbates the crustiness of my scalp). He's introduced me to an extremely effective yet simple way to stop what has become a compulsive behaviour. In the past I've used Hemp Oil or Olive Oil .. in a similar way to Doo Gro but the latter seems to be working better. It is less acidic than the oils I've used. (Olive oil is quite acidic). Yaoh's Hemp Salve is really good too, when the scalp is sore. I sourced Doo Gro from a supplier on ebay but have since found it cheaper at 'Jinny's Mall' and will buy from there next time.
Humankind organics psoriasis shampoo and conditioner are excellent too (several forum members have used and commented favourably on the products recently). The business owner makes all her own products. She is extremely helpful because she has direct experience of our 'condition' within her own family. Unfortunately for me, it seems I'm one of the very small percentage of people who has a reaction (allergy?) to tea -tree oil, so the shampoo and conditioner haven't worked so well for me. I've fed this back to her. She's so obliging, however, that it wouldn't surprise me if she preps a shampoo without tea tree just for me and others like me. Do contact her through ebay (humankindorganics) if you want further advice about her products. She has many very happy clients world-wide.
Scalp psoriasis IS sooooo embarrassing, - like living in a permanent snow storm - but many people on this site have far worse problems to deal with. I saw a dermatologist in Greece a few years ago. I felt extremely affronted when he told me, after looking at my scalp, 'Your psoirasis is nothing'! Since then I've realised he's right, though. We just have to find ways of keeping it at bay. I'm anxious at present because it's spreading down my neck and onto my forehead, with patches on my nose, lips...but it's winter and even here in Greece there's less sunshine. For me natural products have worked better than any of the prescriptions I've had, including shampoos such as Capasal, which has SLS in it. Avoid SLS totally! Put a few drops of rosemary oil in your shampoo and conditioner 'dollops' - helps to stop the itch (has the added bonus of restoring your natural hair colour too - my greys have gone!).
Best wishes
Scalp
