Psoriasis or psoriasis is a recurring dermatological condition. It affects different parts of the body. Scalp psoriasis is common. Worsening of the disease is accompanied by symptoms such as itching, the appearance of red rashes and excessive peeling of the skin.
Reasons for development
The pathogen and the development mechanism of psoriasis are unknown to science. Presumably, the pathology is associated with impaired immunity. Because psoriasis is more common in people whose loved ones have the disease, the researchers aren't ruling out hereditary links.
Scaly lichens can be caused by:
- viral and bacterial infections;
- allergic reaction;
- Diseases of the endocrine system;
- digestive system pathology;
- Disorders of metabolic processes.
Causes of exacerbation of psoriasis of the scalp can have such reasons as:
- severe or prolonged stress;
- Drinking coffee, chocolate, cakes and pastries;
- bad habits - alcohol and smoking;
- mechanical damage to the skin;
- Hypothermia;
- Taking nonsteroidal drugs, beta blockers, lithium supplements.
Most patients have hair psoriasis with a combination of several factors, so doctors consider it a polyetiological disease.
diagnosis
A dermatologist is involved in identifying scaly lichen. The initial stage of psoriasis can be determined by visual examination.
The main method of diagnosing psoriasis is to scrape the damaged area when using a glass slide, as well as analyzing the signs that are present - phenomena, psoriasis, called the psoriatic triad.
A characteristic symptom of the disease is the psoriatic triad - the presence of punctiform hemorrhages, stearin spots and terminal film.
In more advanced cases, scalp psoriasis can be confused with other skin conditions.
To clarify the diagnosis, it is necessary to take a skin biopsy and donate blood for analysis.
treatment
To achieve stable remission in psoriasis, you need to treat it comprehensively. These include: drugs, the use of special cosmetics, physical therapy, spa visits, folk remedies and other activities.
Medication
There are a wide variety of topical and systemic drugs used to treat scalp psoriasis. The choice of medication depends on the stage of the disease, as well as the personal preferences of the patient and the doctor.
Treatment of mild to moderate psoriasis is done with external drugs. The advantage of topical therapy is that there are fewer side effects. In severe cases, the dermatologist uses more toxic aggressive drugs, including systemic drugs.
Local therapy used:
- Birch tar;
- Salicylic ointment;
- Ichthyol ointment;
- Preparations containing panthenol;
- Antihistamines;
- Glucocorticosteroids;
- Vitamin D analogs;
- Dithranol;
- Occlusive dressings with medicaments;
- Retinoids;
- Calcineurin inhibitors;
- Plasticizers.
The complex of systemic therapy can include:
- Antihistamines;
- anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal drugs;
- Retinoids;
- Calcineurin inhibitors, which have an immunosuppressive effect;
- non-specific immunomodulators.
Taking cytostatics and corticosteroids is advisable in cases where other methods of treating scalp psoriasis have failed. The doctor may prescribe antibiotics in the event of a skin infection and concomitant diseases. Often the treatment of psoriasis is accompanied by the appointment of enterosorbents, sedatives and vitamins.
Release form of systemic drugs: injection, powder, tablets, oral drops, spray or syrup.
Medical cosmetics
Using special cosmetics, you can find an effective means of treating psoriasis of the scalp.
The most popular are medicated shampoos. They gently cleanse the affected skin of horny scales without side effects, make it soft, reduce inflammation and also eliminate itching.
Decide what to wash hair with psoriasis based on the effects of shampoos. You need to have the full effect of relieving pain and restoring coverage.
Based on a number of measures that have a tool taken separately, you can determine the appropriateness of use or give preference to a more effective shampoo.
Shampoos for psoriasis can be divided into several conditional groups.
With zinc pyrithione
Activated zinc pyrithione effectively fights harmful bacteria - streptococci and staphylococci, as well as some types of fungi.
With tar
The shampoos contain refined birch, pine, juniper or willow tar. It has a keratoplastic effect, prevents excessive cell proliferation, has an antiseptic effect.
With ketoconazole
Some medications contain ketoconazole, an antifungal drug. Although psoriasis is not mentioned in the instructions, many patients note a positive effect after washing their hair with shampoos containing this substance.
In addition, pharmaceutical hair cosmetics can contain: urea, salicylic acid, ichthyol, selenium sulfide, climbazole, cyclopirox and other components. Such shampoos will not allow you to permanently wash your hair - the course of treatment is regulated.
Physiotherapeutic procedures
Physiotherapy is an integral part of complex scalp psoriasis treatment. It is prescribed during the period of extinction of clinical symptoms and the onset of remission. There are several methods that can improve the patient's condition.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy - exposing the skin to extremely low temperatures (from -140 to -160 ° C). Organs and tissues are stressed, a chain of biochemical reactions is triggered and various processes, including autoimmune processes, are regulated. Under the influence of liquid nitrogen, cell regeneration is promoted, the formation of scales is blocked, and psoriasis plaques disappear.
Contraindications: pathology of internal organs and blood vessels, exacerbation of chronic diseases, cold intolerance, claustrophobia.
Phototherapy
Phototherapy - spectral irradiation of psoriatic plaques with ultraviolet rays. The procedure has an immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effect, reduces the rate of cell division. There are different types of phototherapy:
- Photochemotherapy (PUVA);
- selective phototherapy;
- Laser exposure.
They are all effective in treating scalp psoriasis. A concentrated beam of light is absorbed by cells with high mycotic activity, which leads to their destruction and death.
Contraindications: diabetes mellitus, tuberculosis, persistent high blood pressure, poor blood clotting, oncology, epilepsy, pregnancy, keloid scars, viral diseases, kidney diseases, the sixth phototype of the skin.
Spa treatment
2-3 months after medication, it is recommended to continue treatment of psoriasis in a sanatorium. It is important to know that during an exacerbation of the disease you cannot visit health resorts: the stage of regression should come.
Spa therapy can include:
- Heliotherapy - sunbathing.
- Aerotherapy - stay in clean air.
- Thalassotherapy - treatment with sea water.
- Balneotherapy - procedures with mineral waters (alkaline, hydrogen sulfide, iodine-bromine, rhodonic, silicic acid).
- Peloid therapy - the effect of healing mud.
The condition of many patients improves after climate change. A stay by the sea or relaxation in resorts will help you forget about the manifestations of psoriasis for a long time.
Home remedies
Traditional medical recipes can be used to treat and prevent flaky lichen. The advantage of natural ingredients is their relative safety for the body. To reduce the frequency of exacerbations, you can use the following methods:
- Mix 1 tbsp. l. Baking powder with 4 tbsp. l. water, rub into the scalp, wait dry and rinse with warm water. This solution has an emollient effect and relieves itching.
- Grind a ripe banana with the peel in a blender, spread the mixture on the areas affected by psoriatic plaques and rub it into the skin. After 20 minutes, wash off the mask with warm water. Banana pulp soothes inflammation and itching.
- Add 2-3 drops of tea tree oil to one serving of the medicated shampoo, apply to the hair, massage the scalp, rinse in the shower after 5 minutes. Regular use of the oil, which has antiseptic properties, will allow you to get rid of the manifestations of psoriasis.
- Dissolve sea salt in a little water, apply to the affected areas, leave on for 30-40 minutes, then rinse. This process can be repeated several times a day.
- Mix salt in equal parts with white or blue clay, add a little apple cider vinegar - so that the consistency of sour cream is obtained. Smear psoriatic plaques with the mixture, massage gently and leave for 2 hours.
Traditional prescriptions should not replace basic medical treatment. They play a supportive role and are used in a complex therapy and not alone.
Preventive recommendations
With psoriasis of the head, you need to take good care of your skin. The hairbrush should be soft and the movements when brushing should be smooth and clean. In this way, damage and infection of open wounds can be avoided.
Styling products, curlers and straightening irons should be avoided. Do not use dye, as chemicals can irritate the epidermis and make the disease worse.
It would be nice to get rid of bad habits. Alcohol and smoking have a negative effect on blood vessels, disrupt blood circulation, worsen skin nutrition and reduce the effectiveness of therapeutic measures.
Doctors recommend revising your diet to exclude smoked meats, chocolate, pickles, white bread, tomatoes, spicy foods, carbonated drinks, and strong coffee and tea.
It is important to avoid stress and maintain a healthy daily routine. Getting enough sleep is the key to good health as this process triggers self-healing mechanisms.
Unfortunately, psoriasis cannot be completely cured because it is a chronic disease. However, with proper scalp care while following the rules above, you can keep the number of relapses to a minimum.