If your health care provider has diagnosed scalp psoriasis or “sebopsoriasis,” it's often necessary to remove thickened scale to allow the medications to get to where the action is—your scalp. Scale may be removed as often as necessary, usually two to three times per week at the beginning, and, later, whenever the scale builds up again.

Scalp psoriasis: Scale removal

Here's how:

• Wash your hair with your favorite shampoo and rinse thoroughly.

• Then, while your scalp is still damp, apply Keralyt gel or Salex cream only to the thickened scaly areas. Both Keralyt and Salex are prescription 6% salicylic acid preparations.

• After applying the Keralyt or Salex, cover your head with a shower cap and leave it on overnight, or leave it on while you are awake for several hours (whichever is more convenient for you).

• Shampoo the area again. (You'll note Keralyt gel is very messy and greasy, and it will take some time to remove it.)

• You may now apply other recommended medication(s) such as ____________________ and/or ____________________.

• Use the scale removal method if the scale builds up again.