4 Ways to Treat Adult Cradle Cap (Scalp Psoriasis)

A few summers ago, I was suffering from nasty, greasy hair.  I had terrible dandruff.  It was like nothing that's ever happened to me before!  I've never had any of those issues with my hair!
A relative said something to me about adult cradle cap, which is really just psoriasis of the scalp.  The last straw for me was when the build up at my scalp was so thick that I tried combing it out with a metal lice comb and my hair literally broke off at the roots!

It was awful!

Related Post: What is Group B Strep?

My doctor decided that I did, in fact, have psoriasis on my scalp.  She prescribed the typical topical steroid treatment.  That sounds great, except it was going to be at least $80! Also, while it might make my symptoms go away, I would always have psoriasis on my scalp. 

Sometimes it might take weeks or months to reappear.  However, it could come back in as little as just a few days. I can't afford to fork over $80 all the time!

1. T-Sal Shampoo

I started looking for alternative options for treating my psoriasis, and the first thing I did was change shampoos.  I no longer use some pretty, lovely smelling shampoo.  I now use T-Sal, though T-Gel or Coal Tar shampoos have also shown positive results. 

T-Sal was what my doctor recommended and what I typically use. If you're trying to find these shampoos at your local store, look near head lice shampoos and/or near anti-dandruff shampoos.  They're frequently located at the bottom shelf, by your feet, too.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse/Spray

Treating adult cradle cap with apple cider vinegar has also proven to be effective for me, if you don’t mind the lingering scent of it.  It does go away a little while after you shower.

• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar per 1 cup water

Spray.  You can put it in a spray bottle or something similar.  Spray it throughout scalp, focusing especially on affected areas to relieve itching or irritation.  If you refrigerate the solution, the solution can offer even more relief to burning or itching.

Rinse.  Alternative you can rinse your hair after washing with the same solution, which is my preferred method. Do not use if you have cracked skin or open/bleeding sores on scalp or it will irritate the skin and cause a burning sensation.

3. DIY Soothing Salve

I have not tried this method personally, but it’s been recommended to me as an alternative homeopathic treatment.

Blend 1 tsp each:

• Neem oil
  
• Tea tree oil
  
• Rosemary oil
  
• Lavender oil

Then add them to an oil base made of 3 tsp of any of the following:

• Olive oil
  
• Almond oil
  
• Wheat germ
  
• Coconut oil

Gently massage into affected areas.

4. Over the Counter (OTC) Products

Look for over the counter products with high salicylic acid (also called "sal acid"), including shampoos or creams. This is what is in T-Sal shampoo, for reference.

Also, OTC cortisone (as opposed to prescription topical medications) containing 1% cortisone are a good option for relieving itching and irritation.

As always, you should still consult your doctor's before using OTC medications, such as topical treatments, and remember not to overuse.

Have you tried any of these treatments?  What were the results?

Love it? Pin it!