When psoriasis affects the scalp, it can feel itchy, tight or sore. Some people appear to have a bad attack of dandruff, shedding large numbers of silvery-white skin flakes, while others have a thick, unsightly layer of scales. Treatments for scalp psoriasis include products to soften and loosen the scales, products to treat inflammatory lesions, and shampoos.

A tar-containing shampoo may be sufficient to control mild scalp psoriasis. More severe instances of the disease require treatment with oils and keratolytic agents to remove the scales and then treatment with topical corticosteroids and/or vitamin D products to treat the inflammation.