According to medical statistics, psoriasis on the head is the most common location of the disease: according to several sources, this form is responsible for 60 to 80% of cases. It often occurs at a young age, it is not absolutely contagious, it is incurable until the end, it flows in waves, with alternating periods of remission and relapse.
What is scalp psoriasis
Psoriasis (scaly lichen) of the head is a chronic dermatological pathology, of a non-infectious nature, characterized by cutaneous manifestations located in the scalp region.
Sometimes the joints are involved in the process, the disease is complicated by psoriatic arthritis, which usually leads to disability.
Uncomplicated cranial psoriasis is not a serious threat to life and health, but the psychological complexes that lead to social isolation can become a consequence of a pronounced aesthetic defect.
What causes the disease in adults and children: causes and risk factors
There is still no scientific research to establish the cause of psoriasis.
There are several theories about its origin: autoimmune, genetics, impaired metabolism and others.
Proponents of all these theories identify risk factors for the development of the disease.
Let's take a look at them:
- Exogenous- factors that affect the outside body, the disease's recurrence is considered a consequence of the conditions of existence and lifestyle: scalp lesions; stressful or depressive conditions; harmful production conditions; addiction to addiction; hypodynamics; uncontrolled intake of certain medications - oral contraceptives, anticonvulsants, etc. ; overeating or prolonged adherence to mono-diets; the use of substandard skin care products.
- Endogenous factors- individual characteristics of the organism, its internal environment: genetic predisposition; previous infectious diseases; systemic pathologies; the foci of a latent infection present in the body - decayed teeth, sinusitis; hormonal disorders - periods of puberty, pregnancy, menopause; overweight or underweight.
In children, intense fear and stressful situations are more likely to cause the disease - the beginning of kindergarten, school, exams, presentations, etc.
Serious infections, liver disease, skin lesions and dysbiosis play an important role.
Symptoms and signs of disease onset, depending on its form
Psoriasis of the scalp begins with the appearance of small pink papules on the skin, which eventually become one of the three forms of the disease.
Plate
The plaque elements appear reddish, elevated above the surface of the skin, foci of inflammation, covered by small whitish scales.
Tear
A dispersion of small rounded elements with a pink or purple hue projecting above the skin with almost imperceptible scales. They are not prone to proliferation and fusion. They are often the result of streptococcal infection.
Pustular
It is most often limited to the occipital area: pustules are formed on swollen and hyperemic skin - inflamed vesicles with transparent exudate. When an infection is introduced, the contents of the vesicles become infected.
What the papules look like in hair
The manifestations of mild psoriasis in the head are limited to dotted papular elements, not accompanied by a feeling of discomfort.
Over time, flaking appears in limited areas.
Scales accumulate between the roots of the hair, causing itching, skin irritation, resulting in the formation of scratches and abrasions.
Then, on dry, inelastic and rough skin, large hyperemic convex islands are formed - scaly psoriatic plaques.
Growing and merging with each other, the plaques go beyond the limits of hair growth: on the forehead, temples, the area above and behind the ears, on the nape, forming a characteristic psoriatic crown.
The elements of plaque and tear psoriasis have three specific characteristics:
- a symptom of a stearin stain - if you scratch the surface of the papules, the intense flaking begins, they acquire a characteristic whitish hue;
- the presence of a terminal film - a thin, shiny, purple layer of skin is exposed under the scales;
- capillary bleeding, blood dew - with more scraping, small drops of blood appear on the terminal film.
The set of characteristics of the elements of the skin is called the psoriatic triad.
Diagnostic methods
The primary diagnosis is based on data from anamnesis, interview and external examination. Confirmation of the diagnosis is the presence of a triad of specific symptoms characteristic of psoriasis and, in some cases, histology of skin scales is performed.
Laboratory tests - blood, urine, etc. - used as additional methods to determine the provocation factor.
How and how to treat scalp psoriasis
The lack of accurate data on the origin of psoriasis excludes the possibility of etiotropic therapy.
Polishes
Non-hormonal ointments reduce itching and flaking, relieve inflammation:
- Salicylic acid products.
- Solid oil-based products.
- Tar polishes.
- Zinc polishes.
- Vitamin D products are highly effective.
Medication
Success in the treatment of a disease depends on an integrated approach, the use of various methods and the regular correction of the regimen. The scalp psoriasis treatment plan includes several groups of drugs.
- Glucocorticosteroid ointments and creams
- Anxiety Medicines
- The group of fortifying drugs is
Dosages and the course of therapy are determined by the attending physician, taking into account the characteristics of the organism and the severity of the course of the disease.
Which shampoos and lotions help to get rid of the pathology
Healing and prophylactic shampoos based on active substances that act on the skin have been shown to be good:
- tar;
- naphthalane, urea and salicylic acids;
- antifungal compounds.
The result of using shampoos is evaluated after a few weeks, during the course the condition of the skin is monitored.
Before using, be sure to read the instructions for use.
Modern physiotherapy procedures that the disease fears
Physiotherapy procedures are indicated outside the exacerbation of the disease: in stationary, regressive stages and during periods of remission
- Phototherapy- treatment with ultraviolet waves of various lengths: selective or narrow wave; photochemotherapy - irradiation of the skin over which photosensitizing substances (psoralens) are applied.
- Cryotherapy- local action directed with a flow of liquid nitrogen directly on the affected skin. It accelerates the course of the scalp psoriasis phases, prolongs the periods of remission.
- Peeling- it is necessary to remove the layer of scales and provide access to antipsoriatic drugs on the surface of the skin: traditional dermatology recommends products based on salicylic acid - it does not scrape the keratinized epithelium, but thedissolves; in salon procedures it is possible to use peeling with enzymes and exotic fish.
- Laser therapy- delicate resurfacing of damaged areas using an erbium laser. It is an effective cosmetic procedure that allows you to prolong the remission period.
A dermatologist and a physiotherapist choose the method of action based on the characteristics of the patient and the course of the disease.
How to deal with a disease with a therapeutic diet
Eat for psoriasis in small meals 4-6 times a day. The products are boiled or roasted without oil.
Not used:
- fatty foods - fried, smoked;
- sweets - baked goods, sugar, chocolate;
- salty, spicy, spicy - pickles, conservation;
- tomatoes, eggplants;
- strawberries; coffee
- .
The daily diet of psoriasis sufferers consists of:
- fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs;
- lean meat, fish, lactic acid products, whole sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, flax;
- grain crops: rice, buckwheat, pearl barley, barley groats, millet.
Exclude products containing artificial additives: preservatives, emulsifiers, dyes, fermenting agents, stabilizers.
Hydration and skin care of the body
The skin of a psoriasis patient needs special care:
- the water must be warm, but not hot;
- do not wipe, just dry with a clean towel;
- wash with the recommended products;
- comb the hair gently, avoiding damage to the plates;
- give preference to combs made of natural materials;
- do not use a hairdryer, flat iron or flat iron.
The hydration of the scalp is achieved with the use of essential oils, herbal infusions and extracts.
The use of effective folk remedies in the fight against the disease
The recipes of traditional healers serve as an effective complement in the treatment of psoriasis.
- Birch tar- inhibits cell division, relieves inflammation and itching. Applied in the form of: compress - 10 g of crushed tar soap are combined with 20 ml of warm water to form a stable foam. Apply for a quarter of an hour, then rinse and rinse with chamomile infusion; ointments - 50 ml of tar and castor oil are mixed with one hundred grams of honey and two chicken egg proteins, kept in the refrigerator for three days. The plates are stained overnight with a thin layer. The course is 1 month.
- Apple cider vinegar- for chemical peeling with fruit acid and to relieve itching, it is used as a means of treating plaque on the scalp: a glass of water and a quarter of a glass of vinegarare stirred, poured into a spray bottle. Irrigate outbreaks of psoriasis once a day.
- Sea salt- used for mechanical peeling: mixed with essential oil and gently treated in the affected areas once a day; a gentle way - a fifteen-minute gauze pad.
- Sodium bicarbonate- forms an alkaline medium on the surface of the skin: for cleaning - 2 teaspoons of soda are stirred in a glass of warm water, the solution is rubbed into the scalp for 4-5 minutes ; ointment - soda and peach or olive oil are mixed until a homogeneous paste is applied, applied twice a week to the scalp under a plastic cover, it is possible at night; use when washing - add a teaspoon of soda to the amount of shampoo measured in the palm of your hand and wash as usual.
- Three percent hydrogen peroxide- used in the form of: lotions - 2-3 teaspoons of peroxide per 50 ml of water, keep for 60-90 minutes; for the treatment of plaques - with undiluted solution, before applying creams or ointments.
- Onions- peel, chop the mashed potatoes, place several layers of gauze and rub the resulting mass on the scalp. Then, they are wrapped in polyethylene, placed in an insulating layer. Keep the compress for an hour. To remove the smell, after washing, rinse with water, in which a few drops of essential oil were stirred.
- Celandine- used in the form of: wine mix - 300 g of fresh grass are crushed in a meat grinder, add 30 ml of dry red wine, mix. Apply to the lesions for a quarter of an hour, after which they are washed; alcohol tincture - a quarter cup of dehydrated celandine is poured with half a liter of medicinal alcohol, insisted for several hours. The plates are stained.
- Oils- nourish and soften the skin areas affected by psoriasis.
Apply peanuts, almonds, coconut, rosemary or olives - pure or mixed - warm slightly and apply, gently massaging the skin, under a cotton cap during the night. In the morning, wash with medicated shampoo. To completely remove oiliness, rinse with water with diluted apple cider vinegar.
The use of traditional medicine prescriptions is agreed with the attending physician.
It is possible to cure scaly lichen forever
An appropriate approach to the treatment of psoriasis, the competent use of local and systemic medications, adherence to the diet and healthy lifestyle principles allow periods of remission to extend for years. To date, no case of absolute cure for psoriasis has been reported.
What to do in case of an exacerbation to remove it quickly
In order to quickly relieve an exacerbation, it is necessary, together with a doctor, to draw up a comprehensive plan of therapeutic measures and follow it scrupulously.
The number of therapy methods and methods used for psoriasis is large. The main task is to choose the most effective ones, based on our own observations and recommendations from a dermatologist.