Scalp psoriasis: a rare clinical image

Praveen Nandal, Sadhana Misar Wajpeyi

PAMJ. 2022; 42:265. Published 10 Aug 2022 | doi:10.11604/pamj.2022.42.265.36337

Psoriasis is a skin condition that affects about 2-3 percent of people worldwide, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. But scalp psoriasis occurs in rare conditions. Scalp psoriasis is a long-lasting autoimmune disease having thick scales on clearly-defined, erythematous skin. Frequently, the scales are silvery white. The hairline may be partially covered by psoriasis. Even though the hair frequently serves as an effective covering for scalp psoriasis, the flaking of the scales and excessive ´dandruff´ make it a common cause of social disgrace. Scalp psoriasis might be asymptomatic or can cause severe itching. Even though its severity frequently changes over the course of several years, it typically persists. The line of treatment for scalp soriasis includes topical therapy, intralesional therapy, systemic therapy, and photochemotherapy. According to ayurved, all skin disorders are included under kustha disease. Scalp psoriasis can be considered Ekkustha which is one of the types of kustha disease. A 26-year-old male student came with complaints of a red, scaly patch with itching on the lower occipital and neck region for 4-5 months. On clinical examination, candle, grease sign, and auspitz sign were positive with normal blood count and blood glucose level. From this, it was diagnosed as scalp psoriasis, as shown in the image. Therapeutic purification therapy and the palliative treatment mentioned in Ayurveda were given for 2 months. After 2 months of follow-up, complete remission was observed. This image is useful for differential diagnosis between seborrheic dermatitis, lichen planopilaris, and scalp psoriasis.
Corresponding author
Praveen Nandal, Department of Kayachikitsa, Mahatma Gandhi Ayurveda College, Hospital and Research Centre, Salod (Hirapur), Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences (DU), Sawangi, Wardha, India (praveennandal320@gmail.com)


The Pan African Medical Journal (ISSN: 1937-8688) is a subsidiary of the Pan African Medical Journal. The contents of this journal is intended exclusively for professionals in the medical, paramedical and public health and other health sectors.

Currently tracked by: DOAJ, AIM, Google Scholar, AJOL, EBSCO, Scopus, Embase, IC, HINARI, Global Health, PubMed Central, PubMed/Medline, ESCI

Physical address: Kenya: 3rd Floor, Park Suite Building, Parkland Road, Nairobi. PoBox 38583-00100, tel: +254 (0)20-520-4356 | Cameroon: Immeuble TechnoPark Essos, Yaounde, PoBox: 10020 Yaounde, tel: +237 (0)24-309-5880