A 37-year-old man from Norfolk living with scalp psoriasis has shared how a £3-a-month shampoo became a vital part of his routine. Ross Berridge, who has battled the condition for 15 years, says Polytar Scalp Shampoo is the "backbone" of his scalp maintenance.
Living with scalp psoriasis
Ross described feeling extremely self-conscious in the early days of his diagnosis, as the psoriasis spread from his scalp to visible areas like his forehead, eyebrows, face and beard. He recalled: "I remember once going into work and someone said to me, 'Are you OK? You look like you've been in a fight!'"
He tried many shampoos, creams and medications, but nothing completely resolved the condition. "If something in my life changed, it would usually come back," he said. He now washes his hair several times a week with specialist shampoos like Polytar and uses a steroid cream during flare-ups.
The product and its benefits
Polytar Scalp Shampoo retails at £11.99, and with recommended use once or twice weekly, it costs under £3 per month. It contains 4% Coal Tar Solution and is clinically proven to help treat psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis, eczema, dandruff, flaking and itching.
Trichologist Ruth Collis said: "Maintaining a regular scalp care routine that focuses on reducing irritation and supporting the scalp barrier can make a significant difference over time. 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."
Customer experiences and alternatives
On Amazon, one customer wrote: "Product is superb! I've tried anything and everything for last couple of years and this has completely controlled the issues. Results are maintained with 2 tops ups a week." Another on Superdrug said: "I have used this product for years. Whenever my scalp feels 'itchy', I use this shampoo. Lovely clean hair!"
Alternatives include Neutrogena T/Gel Anti-Dandruff Scalp Relief Shampoo (£7.50 at LookFantastic) and Miaderma Eczema and Psoriasis Shampoo (£12 at Holland and Barrett). Polytar is available from £11.99 at www.polytar.co.uk and at Boots, Amazon and Superdrug.
