Psoriasis on the head significantly reduces a person's quality of life and requires a lot of effort and money for treatment. The constant struggle with symptoms of psoriasis and the feeling of not being like everyone else creates a particular psychological problem. This burden is particularly difficult for young people who do not yet have a family of their own. After all, people around often perceive a peeling on the head for head lice or think that a person is unclean. In fact, lichen scaling is not contagious and is primarily a hereditary disease.
Causes of occurrence
Scalp psoriasis occurs in both children and adults. Its appearance, like its current, is unpredictable. Scientists still do not understand why and for what specific reason psoriasis rash appears on the human body and affects the scalp. They found that the appearance of psoriasis on the head and other parts of the body is preceded by a violation of the functions of the epidermis. This happens on the skin after it has been exposed to an external irritant, such as after using an inferior shampoo or body gel.
As a result, it became known that many factors contribute to the development of psoriasis, for example:
- wrong diet;
- Alcohol abuse;
- infectious skin diseases;
- general poisoning of the body;
- hormonal imbalance;
- endocrine disorders;
- Weakening of immunity;
- allergic reaction.
This is not the whole list of what can affect the severity of scalp disease.
Psoriasis elements on the scalp, as in other localizations, are formed in the upper layer of the epidermis, so they rarely interfere with the growth of individual hairs and provoke their loss.
If you look at this, then all of these and other causal factors not mentioned here have one thing in common - the ability to negatively influence metabolic processes in the skin. However, this is one of the main reasons for abnormal proliferation of epidermal cells.
Symptoms of different types of diseases
The following forms of psoriasis can appear on the head:
- Vulgar - another name for plaque psoriasis, is diagnosed in 90% of cases. It is characterized by the appearance of small papules and red spots on the scalp. Their surface is covered with dry silvery scales that can be easily removed with nails. The elements of the rash gradually increase, then merge into one, forming islands with a scaly gray surface.
- Pustular - exudative psoriasis, which is considered the most serious form of the disease, is manifested in small bubbles with yellow or transparent contents. The skin underneath is puffy and hot. If left untreated, ulcers that have formed from open blisters can become infected with a bacterial infection.
- Drop-shaped - develops against the background of strep infection. The elements of the rash are teardrop-shaped and tend to enlarge in size.
What does psoriasis look like on the head in different stages?
The initial stage of psoriasis on the head most often has symptoms similar to those of other dermatoses (there are coincidences with ordinary dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, etc. ). Therefore, only a specialist can correctly diagnose the disease in order to subsequently choose an effective direction of treatment.
At each stage of the development of psoriasis on the scalp, the following pathological changes are observed:
- A small, itchy, papular rash develops. Its elements are rounded and red or pink. At this stage, a characteristic feature of psoriatic eruptions is the formation of silvery scales on their surface, which flake off when combing. The inflammatory process is absent, so the patient with psoriasis is only irritated by itching and easy peeling of the skin.
- In the second stage of psoriasis, which is called progressive in medicine, papules increasingly combine to form individual islands and cover most of the scalp. The itching of the skin increases, leading to scratching and inflammation. Without proper treatment, infection penetrates the skin by scratching, causing purulent pustules and yellow crusts under the hair.
- In the stationary stage, when the drugs used have shown the desired effect, the psoriatic plaques stop growing and the inflammation subsides. With the peeling of the whitish layer from the surface of the plaques, a lot of scales are observed in the hair, the itching becomes less intense.
- After a while, plaques on the scalp lighten, some disappear without a trace, stop itching. The elasticity of the skin returns. This is what psoriasis looks like in the remission stage.
If it is not possible to stop psoriasis as it progresses, the skin on the head thickens, which makes it easy to injure. Psoriatic plaques do not stop growing with the appearance of new papules. Combing removes huge flakes of dead skin from its surface that cannot be combed completely out of the hair.
Localization of skin diseases
If psoriatic plaques have developed on the scalp and have spread to the entire scalp, over time they can spread beyond the hair growth area to the smooth skin of the forehead to encompass the temples. Psoriasis can appear on the back of the head and top of the neck, on the skin behind the ears, and on your ear lobes. This form of localization of the disease is called "psoriatic crown".
Diagnostic functions
To diagnose the initial stages of psoriasis, it is not enough for a dermatologist to examine the scalp for the presence of small itchy papules or plaques of psoriasis. Such elements of the rash are characteristic of a number of other diseases, therefore, in addition to examining and questioning the patient, differential diagnosis is mandatory.
This type of examination allows you to distinguish psoriasis on the head from other dermatoses, which are also a popular localization of the scalp. It is appropriate to mention here:
- seborrhea - it is dandruff, a consequence of improper work of the sebum glands;
- rosacea - it is characterized by the appearance of papules and pustules on the red edematous skin, as in psoriasis;
- Pityriasis versicolor - affects the hair follicles, causes papules around the hair.
When diagnosing psoriasis, the symptoms of the phenomena summarized under the name "psoriasis triad" are also taken into account. It includes three symptomatic phenomena:
- Stearin stain - When a papule or psoriatic plaque is scraped off, its surface turns white and the scales peel off.
- Terminal film - the surface of the papules turns pink and shiny after the scales are removed.
- Spot hemorrhage - occurs after scraping and removing scales from a single papule or psoriatic plaque.
When making the diagnosis, the presence of the Kebner phenomenon is also taken into account if an element of psoriasis forms on the affected area about 15-20 days after the injury to the skin. The symptom is characteristic of the progressive stage of psoriasis.
How to get rid of psoriasis on the head
The doctor will draw up an effective treatment plan for psoriasis, taking into account the general health of the patient, the form of the disease and the severity of its course.
The general treatment regimen includes:
- the use of medicines for external and internal (sometimes) purposes;
- Compliance with dietary regulations;
- Physiotherapy sessions;
- preventive hair care.
Scalp psoriasis is not dangerous, with the exception of the pustular form of the disease, so some of the procedures prescribed by the doctor can be performed at home.
Which drugs from the pharmacy help
Preparations for the treatment of psoriasis of the scalp are prescribed taking into account the stage of development of the disease:
- Progressive level. Prescribe daily washing of the head with a special shampoo with zinc, after which therapeutic lotion or salicylic ointment is applied to the scalp twice a day. Means relieve itching, inflammation, help remove dead cells of the epidermis, strengthen the blood vessels of the skin.
- Stationary stage. Within 2-3 weeks, 5% lactic or salicylic acid is used to treat psoriatic plaques. The solutions soften the stratum corneum and promote its peeling and also help other drugs to penetrate the affected epidermis. Among them, a naphthalane-based cream improves local blood circulation, softens the skin and relieves inflammation. Non-hormonal ointments for psoriasis, which contain a synthetic analog of vitamin D3, which stops the process of division of epidermal cells, contribute to their normal maturation.
- The stage of symptom relief (stage of regression) is used to treat the scalp with balms, shampoos and ointments based on juniper or birch tar. The action of these drugs is aimed at improving metabolic processes and microcirculation of blood in the scalp. Purified tar has anti-inflammatory, absorbent, antipruritic, and exfoliating effects.
In addition to drug treatment, people with scalp psoriasis can use homeopathic medication during the period in which the symptoms of the disease are relieved. For example, made on the basis of such substances:
- Lanolin (animal wax), which softens the stratum corneum;
- Berberine - relieves inflammation;
- Mahonia holly extract - prevents immature epidermal cells from growing and flaking.
With severe psoriasis of the scalp, patients are prescribed to relieve inflammation using hormone tablets, cleaning pipettes, magnesium sulfate, sodium thiosulfate, immunomodulatory drugs.
How to cure psoriasis of the scalp with folk remedies
Masks made on the basis of medicinal plants, liquid mixtures and decoctions for shampooing will help remove psoriatic plaques from the skin.
Hormone ointment with celandine
Ingredients:
- freshly picked (preferably) celandine herb - 1 tbsp. I . ;
- purified fat - 100 g.
Preparation: mix the ingredients, mix thoroughly, leave for 3 days in a dark, warm place.
Result: the product softens the stratum corneum of the scalp, eliminates itching and dandruff, and soothes inflammation.
Application: do not apply the ointment on the plaques in a thin layer for more than 5 days in a row, since the composition contains a hormonal component that is addictive.
Mustard mask against psoriasis of the scalp
Ingredients:
- Mustard powder - 2 tbsp. I . ;
- hot water - 2 tbsp. I . ;
- Vegetable oil - 2 tbsp. I . ;
- Chicken egg yolk - 1 piece. ;
- Sugar - 2 tsp
Preparation: Mix the sugar with the mustard powder, butter and water into the egg yolk while whipping.
Application: apply a mixture of psoriasis to the scalp, rub, put a cellophane cap, warm your head with a towel. The procedure should take at least 15 minutes. The skin will tingle first and then it will start to burn. After the mask, the head is washed with lukewarm water with tar shampoo. Repeat the process every 2-3 days while the exacerbation continues.
Result: the mask reduces itching, promotes blood circulation in the scalp, improves the local metabolic process and helps to soften and exfoliate the stratum corneum.
Decoction to rinse hair after washing
Ingredients:
- Amaranth seeds - 2 tsp;
- Amaranth leaves - 1 tsp;
- boiling water - 750 ml.
Preparation: Put the seeds in an enamel bowl, pour boiling water over them, simmer for 5 minutes, add the leaves of the plant, heat for 30 minutes. Load.
Application: Rinse hair with medicated shampoos after washing.
Result: hair with psoriasis is easier to comb, it becomes soft and silky. In addition, the broth soothes inflammation, strengthens local immunity.
Diet rules
When treating head psoriasis, it is important to include foods in the diet that are a source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (mackerel, sardines, herring, game meat, flaxseed, spinach). You should also eat cereals and soups made from cereals (buckwheat, oatmeal, rice), vegetable stews (beets, cabbage, potatoes), fresh berries and fruits, juices, herbal teas, dairy products.
It is recommended that food be prepared by boiling, baking and steaming. It is better to eat gradually, but 5-6 times a day. Food that is too salty, spicy, smoked and fried, as well as sweets and alcohol is prohibited.
How is psoriasis on the head treated with physiotherapy?
Such an effective treatment as physiotherapy for psoriasis is prescribed at all stages of the disease, with the exception of exacerbation.
Applied methods:
- Electrosleep - improves a person's mental state.
- PUVA therapy - relieves inflammation, improves the condition of the scalp.
- Phototherapy - normalizes metabolic processes in the skin, helps to prolong remission.
- Physiotherapy sessions will only bring the desired result with regular and correct procedures.
Hair care
In the treatment of psoriasis of the scalp, it is recommended to use cosmetic cleansers and hair masks with therapeutic effects:
- Birch and juniper tar shampoos.
- Medicinal oils for use in the form of masks (burdock, castor, amaranth, stone, naphthalan, currant, sesame).
With psoriasis, the head can be washed every day, the main thing is not to damage the skin until it bleeds when washing.
Lifestyle correction
Since psoriasis is often made worse by stress, a good mood will help fight its manifestations on the head, which every day only occur in people with an active and healthy lifestyle.
A healthy sleep is a guarantee of a good mood, so you can take a peony or feverfew tincture at night after a busy day.
Psoriasis in the head area is also afraid of proper nutrition, so you should take the preparation of a therapeutic diet seriously. To do this, you can consult a nutritionist.
The course of psoriasis in childhood and therapeutic features
Scalp psoriasis in children is the same as in adults, with exacerbations and remissions. For the treatment of psoriatic papules and plaques on the head of a child, the doctor selects drugs taking into account the age of the young patient and the presence of accompanying dermatological diseases. The initial stage of the pathology is easier to treat, so all the procedures recommended by the doctor are carried out at home.
In the event that psoriasis elements occupy most of the head, doctors suggest that the parents admit the child to the hospital. Inpatient treatment takes place:
- Calcium gluconate - relieves itching, swelling, inflammation;
- Vitamins A, E, D and group B - strengthen general and local immunity;
- a sleeping pill is prescribed for restless sleep.
During the treatment period, you should treat the child's sore scalp with the help of the means prescribed by the doctor.
Can psoriasis be permanently cured?
As of now, there is no such remedy that can completely cure a person from psoriasis. The most effective drugs that drugs can offer a patient to temporarily get rid of psoriatic rash are drugs in various dosage forms with anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and exfoliating effects. Vitamin D3 has been shown to be effective in slowing down pathological changes in the skin, as well as a number of physiotherapy procedures.