Psoriasis is a chronic disease, accompanied primarily by skin lesions. The ailment proceeds with frequent relapses, while rashes can appear on almost any part of the body. Psoriasis on the scalp is also possible. Of course, hair and integumentary tissues in this case require appropriate care and treatment.
Of course, many people are looking for more information. Why does psoriasis of the scalp appear? What can provoke the appearance of rashes? What symptoms are worth paying attention to? How to cure psoriasis on the head? What shampoos and ointments are better to use? How to achieve stable remission? Answers to these questions are important to many readers.
general information
Psoriasis on the head is recorded quite often. Unfortunately, to date, the exact mechanisms for the development of this disease are unknown. This is a chronic, systemic pathology that is characterized by an inadequate response of the immune system to stimuli.
Such processes lead to excessive proliferation and accelerated division of skin epithelial cells. Old cells do not have time to exfoliate naturally, so new cells are layered on them. As a result of this, small tubercles and nodules are formed on the skin, covered with epithelial scales. Inflammation of a non-infectious nature gradually develops. In most cases, the formation of psoriatic plaques on the scalp does not affect the growth and condition of the hair.
According to statistics, people of young and mature age most often suffer from this ailment. The development of psoriasis is possible in children, as well as in elderly patients, but such cases are recorded less frequently.
Exacerbation Factors
Scalp psoriasis is a chronic disease. Properly selected therapy helps relieve skin inflammation, but complications do occur from time to time. Relapse can be triggered by various factors:
- violations in the work of the endocrine glands;
- changes in the hormonal background, which is typical, for example, for people of adolescence, pregnant women and patients during menopause;
- infection of the body with pathological bacteria, viruses and fungi;
- immunological disorders;
- the presence in the body of foci of chronic inflammation;
- disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, diseases of the digestive system;
- skin injuries in the scalp (wounds, burns, permanent scratches, etc.);
- hypothermia (we are talking about both single and often recurring cases, which is observed, for example, when a headdress is refused in cold weather);
- ingestion of toxic substances;
- taking certain medications;
- the presence of bad habits in the patient;
- improper nutrition (it is proved that alcohol, citrus fruits, cocoa, caffeine, sweets can trigger exacerbations);
- nervous and physical strain, exhaustion, constant stress.
Psoriasis on the head: photos and symptoms
Naturally, to begin with, it is worth learning more about the features of the clinical picture. What does psoriasis look like on the head?
- The initial stage is accompanied by the appearance of rashes. The first elements of the rash are small pink rounded papules.
- Gradually, the tissue covering the rash begins to dry and peel. At this phase, skin irritation and itching appear that bother the patient.
- Inflammation joins the process, as a result of which the itching and discomfort only intensify.
- Patients, as a rule, comb the skin, as a result of which abrasions, cracks, small wounds, abrasions appear on the integuments.
- Papules merge with each other, forming large plaques. The skin in the affected areas coarsens and thickens. As a rule, rashes are localized on the skin around the auricles, on the tissues of the forehead, occipital region, back of the neck.
- Epithelial cells begin to peel off, resulting in dandruff. By the way, patients often ignore the problem, taking it for a normal allergic reaction to cosmetics or seborrhea.
- The scales on the surface of the plaques thicken and turn into large white flakes.
- Irritation and itching intensifies. Along with this, a decrease in tissue elasticity is observed, as a result of which they are easily injured.
- Gradually, plaques and scales spread to the entire scalp, and if untreated, also beyond the hairline.
Features of the clinical picture in children
We have already figured out how psoriasis looks, a photo of the initial stage (on the head) is placed above, and we also learned what are the causes of the development of exacerbations. But in younger patients, the clinical picture sometimes looks different.
First, small areas of redness appear on the scalp. Gradually, the covers here macerate, soften, and begin to get wet. As the disease progresses, flakes form on the surface of the spots and begin to exfoliate. Quite often, these symptoms of psoriasis are taken for diaper rash, so the baby receives therapy late.
Psoriasis of the scalp: treatment
You already know how the pathology looks and why it develops. But how to treat psoriasis on the head? It is immediately worth noting that the therapy in this case must be comprehensive.
- Sedative drugs help to cope with stresses, which, as you know, are often a trigger.
- Hyposensitizing drugs are required to be introduced into the treatment regimen to help cope with the symptoms.
- Antihistamines, in particular, Suprastin, Tavegil, Diphenhydramine, block the release of histamine and stop the allergic reaction, relieve swelling of the skin and mucous membranes.
- Non-specific immunotherapy is also carried out.
- Vitamin complexes also have a positive effect on the state of the body, as they normalize the functioning of the immune system and metabolic processes.
- Aromatic retinoids, in particular, acetretine and etretinate, are introduced into the treatment regimen.
- An intravenous solution of "Hemodez" is administered.
In the most severe cases, cytostatics and corticosteroids are introduced into the treatment regimen. These are quite powerful drugs that quickly stop the process of active division of skin cells and relieve inflammation.
Means for external use
In addition to systemic therapy, local treatment is also necessary, which involves the use of solutions, creams and other drugs. What ointment for psoriasis on the head can be considered the most effective?
- First of all, doctors prescribe keratoplastic ointments, in particular, salicylic, sulfur-tar, ichthyol. Such drugs contribute to the restoration of the epidermis. This helps to prevent the growth of plaques, eliminate inflammation, peeling, itching.
- In more severe cases, ointments containing corticosteroids are included in the treatment regimen. Hormonal ointments act much faster, eliminating discomfort and inflammation. On the other hand, these are quite powerful drugs, the active components of which penetrate the systemic circulation and affect the entire body.
What shampoos to use?
Today, many people are faced with a problem like psoriasis on the head. Naturally, medications help cope with the symptoms. But for the care of affected skin it is very important to use appropriate products. What shampoo for psoriasis on the head helps?
Specialists most often recommend means based on tar. For example, the “Zinc plus birch tar” shampoo from the Green Pharmacy manufacturer is popular, it helps reduce peeling and dry plaques. A good result is given by Algopiks and Friderm Tar.
Psorilom is also a good remedy for psoriasis on the head. In addition to birch tar, the shampoo contains extracts of celandine, string and chamomile. The drug acts as an antiseptic, has antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.
According to statistics, psoriasis of the scalp is often complicated by a fungal infection, which only aggravates the patient's condition. In such cases, patients use special shampoos, in particular, such means as Sebozol, Nizoral, Keto Plus.
Outside of periods of exacerbation, hypoallergenic baby shampoos that contain no potentially hazardous substances can be used to wash your hair.
Rules for the care of scalp and hair
Psoriasis of the scalp is an extremely unpleasant kind of disease that can lead to dangerous complications, including hair loss, infection of tissues with bacteria or fungi. Drugs can certainly fix the situation. But psoriasis on the head requires careful care.
- To begin with, it is worth saying that you need to wash your hair daily, carefully treating not only the hair, but also the affected areas of the skin. Use for hygiene procedures need appropriate shampoos.
- You need to comb your hair carefully, taking care not to damage the psoriatic plaques. Patients are better off with combs made from natural materials.
- Scallops, combs, hairpins and all other devices need to be disinfected daily, as the risk of infection of the tissues of the head is high.
- Experts recommend not to abuse the hair dryer for drying hair. If its use is still necessary, then the device must be turned on for medium temperature and not kept close to the scalp. Hot air dries the tissue and only exacerbates the patient's discomfort.
- In the period of exacerbation, it is better to avoid procedures that can injure areas of psoriatic lesions (perms, hair coloring), refuse to use curlers, irons and other styling devices.
Psychotropic drugs for psoriasis
In some cases, psychotropic drugs, including normotics, antipsychotic drugs, antidepressants, are introduced into the treatment regimen. Such tools help solve several problems.
- Frequent relapses, constant itching and discomfort, changes in appearance often lead to the patient's appearance of increased nervousness, anxiety, sociophobia, and sometimes depression. Such disorders on the part of the psyche only aggravate the condition. It is in such cases that the above medicines help.
- Specially selected psychotropic drugs help to increase resistance to constant stress, as well as reduce the number of exacerbations and the intensity of symptoms against the background of nervous strain.
- Drugs help improve sleep quality, which allows the body to relax and recover.
- It is proved that against the background of psychotropic therapy, discomfort and itching are reduced.
Other treatments
What to do to patients who have developed psoriasis on the head? Treatment often includes physiotherapeutic procedures, including plasmapheresis, hydrotherapy. A good result is given by irradiation with ultraviolet light and exposure to an erbium laser.
Also, patients are recommended from time to time to receive spa treatment, preferably in sanatoriums located near the sea. Bathing in hydrogen sulfide springs, a course of hydrogen sulfide baths, mud therapy, heliotherapy - all this helps to get rid of skin rashes and achieve stable remission.
Traditional medicine
Traditional medicine offers a huge amount of tools to help deal with skin lesions against psoriasis.
- Celandine juice is considered effective. 300 g of fresh grass plants are recommended to pass through a meat grinder. Squeeze out the resulting mixture, and mix the resulting juice with 30 ml of dry wine (preferably red, natural). Lubricate the affected areas of the skin on the head with the resulting fluid, and after 15 minutes, its residues are washed off with warm (not hot) water.
- You can use alcohol tincture of celandine. You can buy it at the pharmacy already ready-made. If desired, there is the opportunity to prepare the medicine yourself. To do this, you will need a quarter cup of dry plant grass (also sold in pharmacies). Pour the raw materials with 500 ml of medical alcohol (in extreme cases, you can use vodka), cover the container with a lid and leave for several hours. Alcohol tincture rub the affected areas of the skin. If the procedure is accompanied by burning and itching, then the medicine should be washed off. It should be understood that alcohol dries the skin.
- For the preparation of home remedies, rose hips are often used. The branches of the plant must first be dried, and then burned and collected ash (in its pure form) in a separate bowl. The ash is mixed with the same amount of petroleum jelly. This remedy is considered an excellent ointment that helps relieve inflammation and eliminate physical discomfort. Patient reviews indicate that the effect appears after a week (if we are talking about daily use). The medicine has a drawback - ash strongly pollutes the hair, so you need to wash your hair daily using medical shampoo or regular tar soap.
- If desired, you can use the means for internal administration. Effective is the infusion of black elderberry. He is preparing simply. A large spoonful of plant flowers need to pour 450 ml of boiling water. Cover the container with a lid and leave for 1-1.5 hours. Once the mixture has cooled and infused, it must be filtered through gauze. Herbalists recommend drinking half a glass of infusion per day. It is best to take the medicine after meals.
- To prepare a home remedy, you can use herbal preparations. First, we mix equal amounts of calamus root and elecampane, black elderberry flowers, dried cranberry leaves, celandine grass, horsetail and hypericum. A mixture of herbs (a full dessert spoon) is poured into a glass of water, put on a small fire and brought to a boil. As soon as the broth cools down, the medicine is ready for use, you just need to strain the mixture. Take half a glass every day.
- A good honey mask for hair is also considered. Cooking it is not so difficult. First you need to beat egg whisk with a whisk, add a tablespoon of natural honey and mix with a small amount of baby hypoallergenic shampoo. The mixture treats the affected areas of the skin. The remaining mask is washed off after 15 minutes.
- The skin can be treated with oils. First you need to thoroughly wash your hair, cleansing the skin. Mix equal amounts of olive and peanut butter, slightly warm, and then rub into the skin of the scalp. You need to cover the head with polyethylene (a shower cap is the best option). Top insulate with a towel. The oil compress should be left overnight. In the morning, wash off the residues (by the way, the oil can be easily removed by rinsing the hair with a solution of apple cider vinegar).
Of course, any means (both home and medication) can be used only with the permission of the attending physician.
What you need to know about nutrition?
Psoriasis of the scalp is recorded frequently. But it is worthwhile to understand that this is a systemic disease that, to one degree or another, affects the functioning of all systems and organs. And an integral part of therapy is proper nutrition.
Patients are advised to exclude fried, spicy and spicy dishes from the menu. It is necessary to drastically limit the amount of sugar, simple carbohydrates and animal fats. The use of chocolate, coffee, cocoa, spices, seasonings, canned foods is contraindicated. Under the ban and alcohol, carbonated drinks, products with dyes. The fact is that such food and drinks irritate the intestinal mucosa, triggering a cascade of various physiological reactions, which ultimately leads to exacerbation of psoriasis and the appearance of skin rashes.
Preventive actions
You already know what constitutes and why psoriasis appears on the head. Treatment, of course, allows you to cope with the symptoms of the disease, but not completely get rid of it. That is why it is important for patients to adhere to some recommendations in order to prevent the onset of exacerbations.
- It is important to maintain a proper diet, completely eliminating potentially dangerous foods from it.
- It is worth giving up alcohol, tobacco and other bad habits.
- Periodically, patients are recommended to take vitamin complexes.
- The normal mode of work and rest is important, since overstrain, stress and exhaustion lead to a relapse of the disease.
Of course, today there is no way to completely protect yourself from complications. But these simple rules significantly reduce the risk of their development. Naturally, after the appearance of the first signs of an illness, you need to see a doctor.