Ross Berridge, a 37-year-old from Norfolk living with scalp psoriasis, recalls an embarrassing moment at work. “I remember once going into work and someone said to me, ‘Are you OK? You look like you’ve been in a fight!’” he said. The comment came as his psoriasis spread from his scalp to his forehead, eyebrows, face and beard.
Cost-effective treatment for stubborn dandruff
Polytar Scalp Shampoo, priced at £11.99, is designed to manage long-term scalp health. Used once or twice a week, it costs less than £3 per month. A three-bottle bundle is £30.57, and six bottles cost £53.95. The shampoo contains 4% Coal Tar Solution, clinically proven to help treat psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis, eczema, dandruff, flaking and itching.
Personal experience with scalp psoriasis
Ross tried various products after his diagnosis. “In the early days after being diagnosed, I was looking for one ‘magic pill’ product to try and fix it,” he said. He introduced Polytar into his routine and uses it several times a week, along with steroid cream for flare-ups. “Fifteen years down the line, I now have a routine that generally keeps my psoriasis under control,” he added. “Polytar is a key part of my routine. It isn’t a magic pill, but it’s the backbone of my scalp maintenance that I can’t be without.”
Expert opinion and alternatives
Trichologist Ruth Collis stated: “Coal tar shampoos remain one of the most established treatment options for scalp psoriasis due to their ability to help slow excessive skin cell production while reducing inflammation and scaling.” Alternatives include Neutrogena T/Gel Anti-Dandruff Scalp Relief Shampoo (£7.50 at LookFantastic) and Miaderma Eczema & Psoriasis Shampoo (£12 at Holland & Barrett).
Customer reviews
On Amazon, one reviewer wrote: “Product is superb! I’ve tried anything and everything for last couple of years and this has completely controlled the issues.” Another on Superdrug said: “I have used this product for years. Whenever my scalp feels 'itchy', I use this shampoo. Lovely clean hair!” A third added: “After using twice a week for 3 weeks itching has almost stopped and flaky scalp nearly gone.”
