Psoriasis, also called squamous lichen, is a skin disease of an inflammatory nature that occurs chronically. The most common form of pathology is psoriasis of the scalp, manifested by the appearance of itchy, flaky red spots in this area . It should be said that the disease is not infectious, it is caused by a violation in the body's metabolic processes. When the upper layer of the epithelium grows too fast and divides, pinkish-white nodules covered with scales appear on the scalp. They can merge and form different sized spots. At the same time, the appearance of seals and crusts on the head does not affect hair growth.
Psoriasis of the scalp: possible causes
The exact causes of the disease are not known, it is considered genetically determined and is provoked by both environmental factors and disorders within the body. Psoriasis can affect representatives of any age, but it occurs mainly in people under thirty years of age. Normally, epithelial cells divide and renew in 25 days, while with psoriasis this happens much faster - in just 5 days. As a result, old cells do not have time to peel off, which leads to the formation of scales, their stratification, the appearance of tubercles and inflammatory areas. The disease is not harmful to health in general, but constant peeling and itching of the scalp cause a person great discomfort. In addition, this leads to problems of appearance, because the crusts and seals appearing on the head are visible to others. Psoriasis of the scalp can provoke scalp injuries, infections, and the constant effect of cold on the scalp. Also, one of the reasons for the development of pathology is malnutrition.
Psoriasis of the scalp: symptoms
At the initial stage of the pathology, a person may not notice symptoms. Over time, the skin peels more and more, there is a slight irritation, itching appears. Then the skin becomes inflamed, the itching intensifies more and more, and the skin may crack, which leads to the appearance of abrasions and wounds. Gradually, red plaques of large sizes form in the lesion sites, the skin coarsens and bleeds at the slightest damage. On top of the plaques are covered with large gray scales resembling flakes. All this leads to an even greater spread of the disease.
Psoriasis of the scalp: methods of treatment
Treatment is prescribed by a dermatologist based on the identified causes of the disease and its stage. You should not try to get rid of the ailment with all kinds of cosmetics and traditional medicine, as this is fraught with aggravation of the situation. It is necessary to carry out corticosteroid therapy, which can quickly reduce inflammation and relieve itching. You should wash your hair with special therapeutic shampoos, in addition, rubbing creams and ointments with salicylic acid, zinc, naphthalene, tar and other medicinal substances into the scalp is prescribed. To comb your hair, use massage brushes with natural bristles or wooden combs.
Psoriasis of the scalp: diet
Proper nutrition in the treatment of psoriasis is important, because the main thing that needs to be done to recover is to strengthen the general condition of the body. Disturbances in the functioning of the intestine appear on the skin, so following a diet will help ease the course of the disease and avoid its relapse. The diet should be correct, which means the rejection of fried, sweet, fatty foods, the restriction of the use of canned and containing dyes and flavorings products.