Scalp psoriasis, like psoriasis anywhere on the body, is an inflammatory condition, which is affected by all sorts of factors, from your mood to what shampoo you use! It’s characterised by scales and flaky skin, and can become hot, itchy and inflamed.

A mild flare of scalp psoriasis can usually be treated at home; you can get over-the-counter medicated shampoos from the pharmacist, or you could go the natural route. If you want to do that, try these home remedies for scalp psoriasis:

Apple cider vinegar: diluted 1:1 and used as a rinse, it can help itching

Tea tree essential oil: in a carrier oil, naturally anti-microbial tea tree can combat fungal infections associated with scalp psoriasis

Omega-3 oils: hemp, borage, sea buckthorn, olive oils massages into the scalp will nourish the skin with vital EFAs, as well as softening scaliness

Natural shampoo: swap out your fragranced toiletries for synthetic-free, unscented natural versions; the irritant ingredients in most shampoos can be responsible for psoriasis flares.

Dead Sea Salts: failing a trip to the Dead Sea itself, try a bath in mineral salts to ease the itchiness and inflammation.

Oats: a handful of oats in a muslin bag (or clean pair of tights!) in a warm bath can help relieve the itch.

Stress management techniques: meditation, mindfulness, going for walks are all wholesome and natural strategies to ease the itch, as stress hormones are no good at all for psoriasis-prone skin.

Sunshine: a good dose of vitamin D and sunlight seem to do the psoriasis-prone a lot of good! Don't get sunburnt, but do get some fresh air and sun on your skin.

TWO-STEP NATURAL TREATMENT FOR SCALP PSORIASIS

STEP 1: clean hair and skin with Balmonds Natural Shampoo & Body Wash: this is a super-mild, unscented, natural wash that will clean effectively without damaging the scalp. Contains herbal extracts of calendula, chamomile, chickweed and nettle.

STEP 2: apply Balmonds Scalp Oil: this is a naturally nourishing, antimicrobial conditioning oil which tackles yeasts and other microbes, while feeding the scalp with the nutrients it needs to repair and regenerate. You can use it as a topical rescue oil, dabbing on patches of skin that need some attention, or as an overnight conditioning treatment. It contains naturally anti-inflammatory plant extracts as well as purifying tea tree and rosemary.

Recommended products: 

Balmonds Natural Shampoo & Body Wash with nettle & calendula (£19 for 200ml)

Balmonds Scalp Oil with tea tree, rosemary & borage (£14.99 for 50ml)