Psoriasis causes inflammation that leads to thick, scaly patches on the skin, often including the scalp. Some MyPsoriasisTeam members have found relief by using products with the active ingredient salicylic acid. This includes Sea Breeze, an over-the-counter (OTC) astringent (a product that causes tissues to shrink or tighten). But how effective are these products on the dry, flaky skin of scalp psoriasis?

The short answer is, it varies. As many people with psoriasis know, treatment often involves trial and error, sometimes combining prescription medications and OTC options.

Here’s what to know about salicylic acid, Sea Breeze, and scalp psoriasis.

Watch dermatologist Dr. Raja Sivamani discuss how to treat scalp psoriasis.

What Is Salicylic Acid?

The National Psoriasis Foundation recommends salicylic acid for treating scalp psoriasis. Salicylic acid is an ingredient found in ointments, mineral oils, lotions, moisturizers, and shampoos. This ingredient reduces inflammation and can help soften thick scales, making them easier to shed. Salicylic acid may also improve the absorption of other topical (applied to the skin) psoriasis medications, such as topical corticosteroids.

Salicylic acid is considered a key ingredient in skin care products, often in concentrations from 2 percent to 10 percent. The maximum concentration of OTC salicylic acid for psoriasis is 3 percent, but your doctor can prescribe higher concentrations if needed.

What Is Sea Breeze?

Sea Breeze is an over-the-counter astringent that includes the active ingredient salicylic acid. Some versions of Sea Breeze have a 1 percent or 2 percent concentration of salicylic acid.

Sea Breeze is marketed as a treatment for acne and blackheads. Its salicylic acid content helps dry up the oily skin that comes with acne. Salicylic acid can also soften the buildup of plaque and scales that comes with scalp psoriasis.

Scalp psoriasis can affect the hairline, back of the neck, forehead, and the area around the ears. (Psoriasis that affects the inside of the ears requires different treatment.) Scalp psoriasis may even appear as a severe case of dandruff, with itchiness, thick scales, and flaking.

Sea Breeze also contains ingredients such as glycerin, which some MyPsoriasisTeam members say improves their scalp symptoms. One member said, “I use witch hazel mixed with glycerin. It has helped a lot.”

Is Sea Breeze Effective for Scalp Psoriasis?

Although Sea Breeze is not intended to be used on the scalp, some members of MyPsoriasisTeam have reported benefits after using it this way. “It has a refreshing, tingling sensation to the skin,” one member said. “I use it on my scalp with a cotton pad, followed by peppermint essential oil. It feels so good.”

Others recommend sticking with hair care products like shampoos and conditioners formulated with salicylic acid. As one member noted, “They say ‘antidandruff,’ but the main ingredient is salicylic acid, which is made for our condition.”

But not everyone has a positive experience with salicylic acid. Some MyPsoriasisTeam members report that products containing salicylic acid cause discomfort and dryness. “I stopped using a compound cream containing salicylic acid,” said one member. “It was too harsh and drying.”

“Salicylic acid is terrible on my skin. It burns so bad,” shared another member.

Other Scalp Psoriasis Treatments

If Sea Breeze or other salicylic acid products don’t work for you, don’t despair. Many other over-the-counter and prescription treatments may be effective at treating an itchy, flaky scalp. Prescription options include topical creams, oral medications, or biologics.

If you’re looking for over-the-counter options to include in your routine, the National Psoriasis Foundation offers a database of products with its Seal of Recognition. Before trying new scalp products – even those sold over the counter — consult your dermatologist or other healthcare provider to find what’s safest and most effective for you.

Join the Conversation

On MyPsoriasisTeam, people share their experiences with psoriasis, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Have you tried Sea Breeze? Let others know in the comments below.