Seborrheic psoriasis is a disease that develops as a result of a dysfunction of the immune system that sends erroneous signals to skin cells and thereby causes them to age too quickly. New cells form within a couple of days, while the normal duration of their growth is several weeks. The body is unable to lose excess cells, as a result of which the latter accumulate on the surface of the skin and form characteristic spots of psoriasis.
Violations are observed in any part of the body, however, the scalp is the most common localization of excess accumulations of dead cells. Seborrheic psoriasis of the head can be both mild (small reddish bumps, similar to a rash), and severe (dense, highly scaly spots). The disease often leads to discomfort, a burning sensation, itching, and also to profuse dandruff. It can flow beyond the borders of the scalp and cover the forehead, neck and the area behind the ears. The following factors lead to the spread of typical symptoms to new skin areas:
- stress;
- skin lesions;
- taking certain medications;
- infectious diseases;
- Too cold or dry air.
Differentiation
It should be borne in mind that peeling and pigmentation on the skin of the body is a slightly different disease than seborrheic psoriasis. Photos of the affected areas will help to differentiate violations. The seborrheic variety of the pathology under consideration is less treatable, since the scalp is thicker and usually covered with hair, which prevents the careful application of external agents. This disease is easier to prevent than to treat, and for this purpose, you can use special shampoos and rinses.
Symptoms
Different patients may show various signs of pathology, but there are also typical symptoms of an autoimmune disease. Most often, seborrheic psoriasis of the scalp is characterized by persistent itching. Some people can safely ignore the mild discomfort, but in other patients, itching is simply unbearable, not allowing a normal life and preventing sleep at night. Combing the head often causes bleeding and even temporary baldness.
Other symptoms of the disorder include:
- reddish spots on the scalp;
- peeling similar to dandruff;
- dry scalp;
- burning sensation or obvious soreness.
Symptoms of pathology are not always permanent; they can suddenly appear and then disappear.
Over-the-counter medicine
People with psoriasis suffer mainly from itching. Although it can be difficult to resist, one must consciously resist the urge to scratch the head, as combing flaky spots causes even more itching, bleeding and skin irritation.
Some shampoos relieve discomfort. Tar preparations slow down the growth of skin cells and reduce itching and inflammation. Tar, a by-product of coal mining, is one of the oldest methods of controlling psoriasis. The higher the content of this component in the shampoo, the more effective the treatment. Specialists, however, do not recommend exceeding the established rate of 5% tar.
Salicylic acid promotes the delicate exfoliation of dead skin cells and prevents excessive layering of the keratinized epidermis. To increase its effectiveness, salicylic acid is usually prescribed in combination with other agents, such as corticosteroids or tar shampoo.
Specialized products for the care of flaky scalp are available under the following brands:
- MG217;
- Denorex
- Zetar;
- Neutrogena T / Gel;
- D-Psoria.
Conventional over-the-counter products do well with mild cases of the disease. If seborrheic psoriasis is started or spread beyond the scalp, the effectiveness of these drugs is not guaranteed.
Visit to a dermatologist
If tar tar shampoos and folk remedies do not alleviate the characteristic symptoms of pathology, you should consult a qualified doctor. Diagnosis of psoriasis is made on the basis of obvious signs of the disease identified during a thorough medical examination, and data from the patient’s medical history (sometimes a family history). With advanced psoriasis or the spread of scaly spots to other parts of the body, dermatologists prescribe prescription drugs from pharmacies. The most popular external products include:
- tazarotene ("Tazorak");
- calcipotriol (Dayvonex).
These drugs gradually slow down abnormal cell growth characteristic of such a disorder as seborrheic psoriasis on the face and head. They also effectively cope with inflammatory processes. The greatest effectiveness of drugs is noted when applied to skin free of scales, into which medicinal substances penetrate much more easily.
Although the chemical composition of the above medicines is not the same, all of them can cause similar side effects, including:
- deterioration of the patient;
- redness of the skin;
- dermatitis.
A complex approach
Topical creams and ointments quickly cure seborrheic psoriasis of the head, however, it should be borne in mind that in especially advanced cases it is necessary to combine such medications with oral medications. An integrated approach can effectively treat psoriasis throughout the body.
In rare cases, when the disease is not amenable to standard therapy, doctors prescribe strong medications in the form of tablets or injections, for example adalimumab ("Humira"). They are characterized by powerful side effects, so such drugs are used strictly as prescribed by a dermatologist and for a limited period of time.
ethnoscience
Not all people tend to see doctors, even when they clearly show seborrheic psoriasis. Treatment with home remedies can also be effective, but before using any alternative medicine methods, it is highly advisable to consult a professional.
According to the observations of some patients, itching can be significantly relieved if, during particularly severe bouts of skin irritation, moisten the head with plain water. Shampoos help best for those who always have clean, well-groomed and short-cropped hair. The longer the strands, the harder it is to treat seborrheic psoriasis.
Sometimes phototherapy is used as a means of getting rid of the characteristic symptoms of the disease. This method is based on the practice of batch exposure to the skin with natural or artificial light.
Simple tools
- Redness, peeling, itching and inflammation can be almost completely eliminated by regularly applying lotions with fresh aloe vera juice or coconut oil to the scalp.
- Relatively effective is also fish oil and all kinds of fish, which should be eaten more often.
Forecast
Unfortunately, seborrheic psoriasis is an unpredictable pathology. It can pass almost completely, so that after some time it will reappear. In addition, the body is able to get used to some medications, as a result of which the effectiveness of the latter is markedly reduced.
To alleviate the characteristic symptoms of the disease and live a full life, try to stay healthy, exercise regularly and reduce stress whenever possible.