9 Psoriasis Shampoos to Calm Your Itchy, Angry Scalp

If you're experiencing psoriasis—i.e., itchy, raised, scaly patches—on your scalp, forehead, back of your neck, or ears (which, by the way, is very common, so you're definitely not alone), and you're looking to treat it, you might want to consider swapping out your regular shampoo for a psoriasis shampoo. But wait, let's back up here. The very first step in treating your scalp psoriasis is to see a dermatologist for proper diagnosis, because psoriasis on the scalp can look different depending on your skin tone and your severity.

Example: While more severe scalp psoriasis could have symptoms that include scaly, bumpy patches with dandruff-like flaking (based on your skin tone, these patches can appear either red in color with silvery white flakes or dark brown, purple, or gray, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation), mild scalp psoriasis could appear as slight, fine scaling. So it's always best to see a doctor to come up with the best treatment plan for your specific needs before trying to switch up any of your hair products or skincare products.

Once you've received the OK from your derm to try psoriasis shampoos for your itchy, scaly scalp, you're gonna want to try our top picks and some dermatologist-favorites, below. But before you start shopping, here's some helpful info to keep in mind.

What to look for in a psoriasis shampoo

One of the top recommendations for psoriasis shampoos, according to Rachel Maiman, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical in NYC, is clobetasol, a topical steroid that's only available by prescription. Dr. Maiman explains that corticosteroids (aka steroids) are helpful for psoriasis because they reduce immune system overactivity, which slows the rapid production of skin cells that causes excessive flaking. With that said, there are over-the-counter psoriasis shampoos that can be beneficial as well. Here are the ingredients the experts say to seek out in your shampoo formula:

Coal tar

Coal tar is one of the holy grail ingredients for psoriasis shampoos, but the funny thing about it is that no one's really sure how it works or why. “The mechanism of action of coal tar is not well understood,” Dr. Maiman says. One way it might work, as Dr. Maiman explains it, is by impairing DNA synthesis, which then inhibits skin cell growth (since skin cells are overly abundant in patients with psoriasis). It's also thought to correct the defective maturation of skin cells, not to mention that it's been shown to potentially have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anti-itch effects.

However it works, the takeaway here is that coal tar for psoriasis works. “The FDA maintains that OTC products with coal tar concentrations between 0.5 percent and 5 percent are safe and effective for psoriasis, so that is the concentration range to look for,” Dr. Maiman says.

Salicylic acid

You know salicylic acid as an acne treatment for the face and scalp acne, but Dr. Maiman and board-certified dermatologist Michele Green, MD, also recommend salicylic acid for scalp psoriasis. “Salicylic acid is classified as a keratolytic, also known as a peeling agent,” Dr. Maiman says. “It works by softening keratin, the primary protein of which the skin is made, causing the outer layer of skin to shed and reducing the cohesion of skin cells so that they are less sticky.”

When you use salicylic acid as a psoriasis treatment, it acts as a “scale lifter” that softens and removes psoriasis scales. Why so many people love salicylic acid in psoriasis shampoos and why Dr. Maiman recommends it is because it has the additional benefit of allowing all your other topical medicines penetrate more effectively without all those scales in the way to block them.

Anti-dandruff ingredients

For mild psoriasis, Dr. Green also recommends seeking out shampoos containing either pyrithione zinc (which has antifungal, antimicrobial, and antibacterial properties), ketoconazole (antifungal), or selenium sulfide (antifungal)—all of which are helpful for reducing flake-causing yeast and getting rid of dandruff. And according to the National Psoriasis Foundation, apple cider vinegar (which has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties) could also be helpful for an itchy scalp as a more natural alternative to the above options.

Got all that? Good. Now keep reading for the best psoriasis shampoos to try asap.