Scabs on Scalp After Dying Hair with Psoriasis: Causes and Treatment

Causes and Treatment of Scabs on Scalp After Dyeing Hair with Psoriasis

Dyeing hair can irritate sensitive, inflamed skin affected by scalp psoriasis. The chemical compounds in hair dyes can react with the scalp, potentially worsening plaque buildup and leading to post-dye scabbing. Understanding proper hair coloring techniques and aftercare can help those with psoriasis safely change their look without provoking adverse skin reactions.

How Hair Dyes Can Irritate Scalp Psoriasis

Most permanent and semi-permanent hair dyes utilize harsh chemicals like ammonia, parabens, alcohol, propylene glycol, PPD and resorcinol to penetrate the hair shaft and alter pigment. Skin affected by scalp psoriasis is already inflamed and vulnerable to external irritants. Using hair coloring products can disrupt the scalp barrier and trigger the following problems:

• Itching, burning sensation
• Inflammation and redness
• Plaque formation and scaling
• Bleeding cracks (fissures)
• Skin injury causing post-dye scabbing

Those with severe cases may develop painful scabs on the scalp post-dye, prolonging recovery. Being aware of potential complications allows taking steps to minimize risks.

Safety Precautions When Dyeing Hair with Scalp Psoriasis

If you have scalp psoriasis and wish to dye your hair, consider these preventive measures beforehand:

• Moisturize scalp with oil-based products to provide a protective barrier
• Use cooling agents like menthol shampoo to soothe inflammation
• Carefully comb hair to remove scales and minimize abrasion
• Trim hair to decrease manipulation needed during application
• Wear gloves and avoid direct skin contact with dyes

It is also wise to:

• Spot test hair dye on a small patch first to check for reactions
• Select semi-permanent or demi-permanent dyes which are gentler on skin
• Consider naturally-derived dyes with fewer harsh ingredients
• Apply petroleum jelly on skin edges to form barrier
• Rinse thoroughly and promptly after the recommended processing time

Caring for the Scalp After Dyeing

Proper aftercare promotes healing if you develop scabs and irritation post-dye:

• Shampoo gently using lukewarm water, avoid rubbing scales
• Rinse with cool water and twice weekly with apple cider vinegar
• Apply antibiotic creams to open cracks to prevent infection
• Use a humidifier if indoor heating dries the scalp excessively
• Avoid scratching or picking at scabs as this delays wound closure
• Keep scalp moisturized with coconut, argan or jojoba oils
• Take antihistamines or pain medication to manage swelling, discomfort
• Keep hair trimmed short until scalp recovers fully

Seeking medical advice for extensive wounding enables assessing if antibiotics or corticosteroid therapy are warranted to hasten healing.

What Causes Post-Dye Scabbing in Those With Scalp Psoriasis?

Multiple factors underlie the development of unpleasant scabs and sores after coloring hair with pre-existing scalp psoriasis. These encompass:

Excess Skin Trauma

Vigorously rubbing dyes causes friction and worsens plaque formation. Combing also strips away protective skin oils. The collective abrasion promotes rupture of fragile capillaries and cracked skin, creating optimal conditions for clot formation after bleeding.

Harsh Chemicals

Ingredients like ammonia, alcohol and parabens compromise scalp integrity. Permeability enhancers in hair dye allow deeper penetration of reactive chemicals which trigger inflammation through direct toxicity to skin cells and nerves.

Activation of Immune Response

Psoriasis involves an abnormal autoimmune reaction causing rapid skin turnover. Chemical exposure may stimulate the immune pathways underlying plaque progression and scaling. Dye ingredients get recognized as foreign antigens, inciting the defensive reaction.

Secondary Infections

Breeches in the protective cutaneous barrier enable external microbes to invade and colonize. Yeasts like Malassezia naturally reside on scalps but may provoke opportunistic infections in traumatized lesions. Bacterial superinfection can occur as Staphylococcus aureus readily seeds in devitalized tissue.

How to Treat Post-Dye Scabbing and Lesions in Scalp Psoriasis

Developing bothersome crusty scabs or cracked skin after coloring hair with active scalp psoriasis requires attentive skin repair and anti-inflammatory measures, including:

Curb Excessive Itching

Pruritus worsens scalp remodeling so antihistamines like diphenhydramine provide relief. Topical cooling gels containing menthol or capsaicin also temper inflammation and the urge to scratch.

Gentle Cleansing

Using tar-based or salicylic acid shampoos aids detaching adherent scales without stripping oils that maintain moisture. Massage shampoos gently then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.

Combat Infection

Over-the-counter antibiotic creams with neomycin, polymyxin B or bacitracin reduce contamination risk in Raw lesions. Oral antibiotics treat established infections. Antifungal shampoos also suppress exacerbating yeast overgrowth.

Soothe with Emollients

Thick propylene glycol-free moisturizers containing colloidal oatmeal soften plaques while barrier creams with zinc oxide or petroleum jelly protect fissured areas. Apply after shampooing then rinse out before reapplication.

Support Healing

Wound healing agents like TLC-NOSF aid regeneration of compromised scalp tissue. Topical vitamin D analogs like calcipotriene have anti-inflammatory properties while cade oil derived from juniper trees alleviate itching and stimulate skin repair.

Avoid Reinjury

Prevent vigorous friction by using wide-toothed combs and keep hair short. Never pick scabs as this removes healing tissue. Rest the scalp by postponing chemical treatments until resolution.

Consider Systemic Therapy

For severe, recurrent plaque formation badly impacting quality of life, discuss options like phototherapy, oral retinoids or biologic agents with your dermatologist to address the underlying disorder.

Home Remedies to Help Scabs Heal Faster

Several soothing home interventions aid managing post-dye scabbing by curbing inflammation and restoring moisture balance:

Apple Cider Vinegar

Its acetic acid content sloughs plaques while antibacterial properties prevent superinfection. Dilute with water 1:1 before applying for 10 minutes twice weekly. Rinse then moisturize after.

Coconut Oil

Contains lauric acid improving psoriatic lesions and fatty acids that enhance skin repair. Gently rub in extra virgin oil allowing it to penetrate overnight before washing out.

Aloe Vera Gel

This succulent plant extract relieves redness and itching while supplying polysaccharides stimulating collagen formation. Apply pure gel daily post-shower for added hydration and wound closure.

Oregon Grape Root

This herb has berberine alkaloids with antibacterial and keratolytic effects. Taking oral supplements or using its infused oil quickens plaques shedding so intact skin emerges beneath.

Tea Tree Oil

Contains terpinen possessing powerful antifungal and anti-inflammatory activities. Mix a few drops with a carrier oil before rubbing into scalp overnight and washing out in the morning if skin tolerates well.

When to Seek Emergency Care for Scalp Issues Post-Dye

While most cases of scalp irritation and scabbing after coloring hair gradually resolve with conservative care, promptly consult a doctor if you experience:

• Fever signaling possible infection
• Extreme unrelenting headache indicating swelling
• Pus leakage or reddened skin expanding beyond the scalp
• Drenching night sweats or chills
• Persistent bleeding not stopping with pressure
• Painful skin rashes and joint inflammation
• Vision changes, seizure or fainting episodes
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing

Rapidly worsening symptoms suggest the body is reacting severely to dye compounds possibly causing anaphylaxis or sepsis arising from wound contamination. Urgent medical intervention is warranted.

Avoiding Future Post-Dye Scalp Injury

Those prone to scalp psoriasis flares should take preventive steps to enable safely altering their hair color without provoking injury. Useful techniques include:

• Doing an allergen patch test before each application
• Scheduling a strand test to assess color outcome
• Selecting gentler semi-permanent vegetable-based dyes
• Using no-ammonia dye formulas certified non-irritating
• Applying a protective layer like petroleum jelly on skin margins
• Keeping exposure time limited as per product guidelines
• Rinsing thoroughly with cool water immediately after the recommended duration
• Using post-dye conditioner suited for sensitive skin

Avoiding harsh ingredients, minimizing dye contact with the scalp, and strengthening the moisture barrier reduces risks of sustaining post-coloring wounds with pre-existing scalp disease.

In Summary

Sensitized scalp skin affected by psoriasis is vulnerable to injury when dyeing hair owing to localized toxicity and friction effects. Resulting abrasions and inflammation can progress to troublesome scab formation, impeding rapid healing. Judicious preventive and aftercare approaches minimize risks, enabling safer hair color transformations without provoking scalp injury for those managing chronic plaque psoriasis.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.