Does tea tree oil shampoo help scalp psoriasis?

Why tea tree shampoo is not the first choice

Scalp psoriasis is an immune system disease that makes skin cells build up too quickly, forming thick, scaly patches called plaques. Treating it means controlling that inflammation and managing the scale, not simply washing away flakes. Mild scalp psoriasis can look like dandruff, so an uncertain diagnosis is a reason to get your scalp examined before choosing a treatment.3

Human research on tea tree oil is limited. Small studies suggest benefits for certain other skin problems and some types of inflammation, but there is no established psoriasis treatment regimen for tea tree shampoo. Choose a shampoo for its treatment purpose rather than its botanical branding, which is not a treatment plan in nicer typography.1

What helps scalp psoriasis instead?

• Corticosteroids reduce redness, swelling, itching and scale. A prescribed potent corticosteroid applied once daily for up to four weeks is a usual initial scalp treatment.
• Salicylic acid softens thick scale, helping treatment reach the affected skin. It is a scale softener rather than a substitute for controlling inflammation.
• Coal tar reduces redness and itching and is available in some psoriasis shampoos, including weaker preparations sold without a prescription.
• Vitamin D preparations are another option, including for mild to moderate scalp psoriasis when corticosteroids cannot be used. A clinician can also prescribe a combined vitamin D and corticosteroid product.

If applying treatment through your hair is difficult, ask about a different formulation. Shampoo, mousse and scalp solution are different ways to deliver treatment, not competing entries in a bathroom naming contest.56

How to wash and treat your scalp

1. 1Agree on the treatment and application instructions with your clinician. Different medicines can need separate morning and evening applications.
2. 2Wash gently with lukewarm water. Avoid scrubbing, scratching or trying to scrape plaques away, because these actions can worsen psoriasis.
3. 3Use conditioner when you wash your hair, and comb gently to avoid irritation.
4. 4Lift your hair away when applying scalp medicine so the medicine reaches your scalp rather than remaining on your hair.
5. 5Use treatment for the prescribed length of time, even when plaques improve. Do not extend a strong steroid course yourself.

Before adding a scale softener, check how it fits your prescription. Salicylic acid inactivates calcipotriol, a vitamin D medicine. Salicylic acid can also sting or irritate cracked or damaged skin, so more descaling is not automatically better.6

When should you stop tea tree shampoo?

Stop using the shampoo if it causes new or worsening burning, itching, redness, swelling or a rash. Tea tree oil needs particular caution on sensitive skin. Never swallow tea tree oil, because it can cause severe toxicity.17

A product reaction can start quickly or appear hours to days later. Contact dermatitis, a rash caused by irritation or allergy, can affect the scalp and resemble another flare. Get medical help for a spreading rash, blisters or pus, and seek emergency help for difficulty breathing.7

How long should treatment take?

Symptoms can take eight weeks or longer to start improving, depending on treatment. Adults should have a review four weeks after starting a new topical treatment; children should have one after two weeks. Little or no improvement is a reason to review the plan, not keep changing shampoos indefinitely. Psoriasis can return after treatment stops.35

See a dermatologist if treatment bought without a prescription is not controlling your scalp psoriasis, or if you have bleeding, hair loss or troublesome itching. An examination can confirm the diagnosis, and stubborn psoriasis can need more than shampoo, including prescription scalp medicine, light treatment or medicines that work throughout the body.24