➤ What it is

Scalp Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that affects the scalp, leading to the formation of red, inflamed patches covered with thick, silvery-white scales. It is one of the most common forms of psoriasis, affecting up to 80% of people with the disease.

Key features include:

• Itchy, flaky plaques on the scalp.
• Thickened scales that resemble severe dandruff.
• Hair shedding due to inflammation (not true hair loss — hair typically regrows once treated).
• Extension of lesions to the forehead, neck, and behind the ears in some cases.

Scalp psoriasis is caused by an overactive immune system, leading to rapid skin cell turnover. Triggers include stress, cold weather, infections, alcohol, and certain medications.

In Korea, scalp psoriasis therapy combines medical dermatology, advanced scalp care programs, and cosmetic treatments to manage both the disease and its impact on appearance.

➤ Why it’s done

Managing scalp psoriasis is important for:

• Symptom Relief → Reduces itching, scaling, and discomfort.
• Preventing Progression → Stops spread to other areas or worsening into severe forms.
• Cosmetic Recovery → Improves scalp appearance, flake control, and hair health.
• Psychological Support → Scalp psoriasis can cause embarrassment and social stigma due to visible flakes.
• Comorbidity Prevention → Proper management reduces risks of psoriatic arthritis and other systemic complications.

In Korea, where hair and skin health are deeply linked to confidence, therapy focuses not only on controlling disease activity but also on restoring healthy-looking hair and scalp balance.

➤ Alternatives

Several treatment options are available for scalp psoriasis:

Topical Treatments (First-line therapy)

• Medicated shampoos → containing coal tar, salicylic acid, ketoconazole, or zinc pyrithione.
• Topical corticosteroids (lotions, foams, solutions, sprays).
• Vitamin D analogues (calcipotriol) → slow skin cell growth.
• Combination formulations (steroid + vitamin D).

Phototherapy

• Targeted UVB phototherapy → narrowband light directed at scalp plaques.
• Available in specialized Korean dermatology clinics.

Systemic Therapies (Moderate to Severe Cases)

• Methotrexate, cyclosporine, acitretin → immunosuppressive medications.
• Biologics (adalimumab, secukinumab, risankizumab, ixekizumab).
• Widely used in Korea’s advanced hospital systems.

Cosmetic & Supportive Alternatives in Korea

• Scalp scaling therapy → professional exfoliation to remove thick scales.
• LED therapy → reduces inflammation and improves healing.
• Herbal scalp soaks → mugwort, green tea, or ginseng extracts.
• Barrier-repair serums → to restore scalp balance.

➤ Preparation

Preparation ensures effective scalp psoriasis therapy:

• Dermatology Evaluation
  • Examination of scalp plaques and severity scoring (PASI or PSSI index).
  • Blood tests if systemic therapy is planned.
• Pre-Treatment Scalp Care
  • Avoid scratching or aggressive brushing.
  • Stop using harsh shampoos or styling products.
  • Switch to mild, fragrance-free cleansers.
• Lifestyle Adjustments
  • Manage stress (common trigger).
  • Limit alcohol intake.
  • Maintain scalp hydration with emollients.
• Korean Clinical Preparation
  • Many clinics start with scalp cleansing and scaling treatments to prepare the scalp for medications and light therapy.

➤ How it’s Done

Scalp Psoriasis Therapy in Korea is comprehensive, combining medical treatments with dermatology-based scalp care:

1. Topical Therapy

• Medicated shampoos used several times weekly.
• Steroid foams/sprays applied to plaques.
• Vitamin D analogues for maintenance.

2. Phototherapy

• Narrowband UVB or excimer laser applied directly to scalp lesions.
• Specialized Korean devices part hair for better light penetration.

3. Systemic & Biologic Therapy

• For severe or resistant cases.
• Biologics administered as injections under specialist supervision.

4. Korean Dermatology Additions

• Scalp scaling therapy → gentle exfoliation removes thick scales, allowing medication penetration.
• LED light therapy → red light for inflammation, blue light for microbial balance.
• Hydration serums & herbal soaks → calm irritation and restore scalp barrier.

5. Lifestyle & Skincare Integration

• Personalized shampoo and scalp care regimens.
• Guidance on stress reduction and diet.
• Use of dermatologist-approved Korean cosmeceuticals formulated for sensitive scalp care.

➤ Recovery

Recovery depends on severity and therapy type:

• Mild Cases (Topical only)
  • Improvement within 2–4 weeks.
• Moderate Cases (Phototherapy + Topical)
  • Noticeable clearance after 6–12 sessions.
• Severe Cases (Systemic/Biologics)
  • Rapid improvement within 2–6 weeks, with continued therapy to maintain results.

Aftercare Instructions:

• Continue gentle scalp cleansing.
• Moisturize regularly with scalp oils/serums recommended by dermatologists.
• Avoid scratching or harsh styling.
• Protect scalp from excessive sun exposure.

Korean Recovery Practices:

• Regular follow-up scalp spa programs in dermatology clinics.
• Whitening/pigmentation facials for areas where psoriasis extended beyond the hairline.
• Long-term maintenance shampoos formulated for sensitive scalp conditions.

➤ Complications

If scalp psoriasis is untreated or poorly controlled, it can lead to:

• Severe itching and discomfort affecting sleep.
• Hair shedding due to inflammation and scratching.
• Scarring alopecia (rare in chronic severe cases).
• Pigment changes on forehead/neck from inflammation.
• Psychological impact from visible flakes and hair thinning.

Korean dermatology addresses complications with:

• Scar prevention therapies (laser, microneedling if needed).
• Pigmentation correction facials.
• Cosmetic counseling for patients with visible scalp-border involvement.

➤ Treatment Options in Korea

Korea offers some of the most advanced scalp psoriasis treatments worldwide, thanks to its integration of medical dermatology and scalp aesthetics.

Why Korea excels:

• Cutting-edge technology → UVB devices designed for scalp, lasers, biologics.
• Combination approach → therapy plus scalp spa care.
• Cosmetic-conscious care → restores hair and scalp aesthetics alongside medical clearance.
• Holistic dermatology → stress, diet, and skincare considered part of therapy.

Unique Korean Practices:

• Scalp scaling therapy → a signature Korean treatment for exfoliating scales.
• LED phototherapy → used as maintenance between medical visits.
• Barrier-repair programs → cosmeceutical serums and scalp masks integrated post-medical care.
• Medical tourism services → attract global patients seeking effective yet cosmetically refined scalp psoriasis care.

✨ Final Thoughts

Scalp Psoriasis Therapy in Korea is not just about clearing plaques — it’s about creating a comprehensive care plan that integrates antifungal shampoos, topical therapies, biologics, phototherapy, and advanced scalp spa treatments.

By combining immune-targeting medications with cosmetic-conscious dermatology, Korea ensures patients achieve both symptom control and aesthetic scalp recovery.

This dual emphasis on health and appearance makes Korea a global leader in treating scalp psoriasis, restoring not only scalp health but also patient confidence.