Discovered this red patch on my grandson and everyone is freaking out. What is it and what should we do?

Discovering a red patch on a loved one’s skin, especially on a child, can be incredibly alarming. As a grandparent, I felt an immediate surge of concern when my grandson ran his fingers through his hair and revealed a noticeable red patch on his scalp. Naturally, the entire family began to worry: Was it ringworm? An allergic reaction? Or something more serious like eczema or psoriasis?

This article is designed to provide comprehensive, expert-backed information to help parents, grandparents, and caregivers understand the potential causes of red patches on the scalp—particularly a common but often misunderstood condition called scalp psoriasis.

We’ll dive into:

What scalp psoriasis is
How to recognize its symptoms
What causes it in children and adults
The best over-the-counter treatments
High-performing natural remedies
When to see a dermatologist
The best shampoos for scalp psoriasis
Diet, stress, and lifestyle triggers
And much more…

What Is Scalp Psoriasis?

Scalp psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that affects both children and adults. It is a subtype of psoriasis—a systemic autoimmune disease—that primarily affects the scalp but can also spread to the forehead, back of the neck, and around the ears.

This condition occurs when the immune system sends faulty signals that speed up the skin cell regeneration process. Instead of the usual month-long cycle, skin cells regenerate in days, leading to a buildup of thick, scaly plaques that are red, itchy, and often painful.

Symptoms of Scalp Psoriasis in Children and Adults

The symptoms of scalp psoriasis can vary widely, depending on the severity of the condition. Here are some of the most common signs:

Red patches covered with silvery-white scales
Dry scalp and flaking that resembles dandruff
Itching or burning sensation
Cracks or bleeding from intense scratching
Temporary hair loss due to inflammation or scratching
Thickened or crusty buildup on the scalp
Soreness and discomfort while combing or washing hair

What Causes Scalp Psoriasis?

The exact cause of psoriasis, including scalp psoriasis, is still under research, but it’s believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. If one or both parents have psoriasis, the child has a higher risk of developing it.

Common triggers include:

Stress and anxiety (especially in children with school pressure)
Cold, dry weather
Hormonal changes
Scalp injuries or infections
Certain medications
Immune system dysregulation

👉 If your child has had recent illness, a change in climate, or new medications, these could all be relevant factors.

How Is Scalp Psoriasis Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is usually clinical, made by a board-certified dermatologist after a physical examination. In some cases, a skin biopsy may be needed to rule out other conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, tinea capitis (fungal infection), or eczema.

Best Treatments for Scalp Psoriasis in 2025

1. Topical Treatments

Over-the-counter and prescription topical treatments are usually the first line of defense. These may include:

Coal tar shampoos
Salicylic acid scalp solutions
Corticosteroid creams or foams
Vitamin D analogs like calcipotriol

2. Medicated Shampoos

Many dermatologists recommend medicated shampoos that are specifically designed for psoriasis management. Look for ingredients such as:

Ketoconazole (antifungal)
Zinc pyrithione
Tar derivatives
Tea tree oil (for mild cases)

👑 Popular brands: Neutrogena T/Gel, MG217, DHS Tar Shampoo

3. Oral or Injectable Treatments

For moderate to severe cases that don’t respond to topical treatments, biologic drugs or oral immunosuppressants may be prescribed. These include methotrexate, cyclosporine, and biologics like adalimumab and etanercept.