In the modern world there are many medical and social problems that occur unpredictably and have a certain course, one of them is the disease of civilization - psoriasis. This disease occurs in 1. 5 - 2% of residents of advanced countries, it spreads equally among men and women and manifests itself regardless of the age of the patient.
What is psoriasis or psoriasis?
Psoriasis or psoriasis is a genetic skin disease based on a chronically recurring inflammatory process of the skin (impaired maturation of keratinocytes) caused by the influence of trigger factors. The localization of rashes is extremely diverse, the localization of foci of psoriasis can occur both on the oral mucosa, and on the scalp, extensor surfaces of the limbs, nails or throughout the body.
Since psoriasis is a systemic disease, the lesion is also characteristic of the cardiovascular, nervous, musculoskeletal and other systems. In addition, in 80% of cases at the initial stage, the manifestation of the disease is the defeat of the scalp, so in this article we would like to pay special attention to the indicated localization of psoriasis.
Causes of psoriasis on the head
There are 2 types of onset of psoriasis: early and late. The early type is genetically determined, here heredity plays a major role. It is known that the presence of the disease in one parent increases the risk of psoriasis in a child by 14% and psoriasis in both parents by 40%.
There are more than 100 factors that contribute to the appearance of psoriasis, the most common of which are:
- genetically
- viral
- infectious (tonsillitis) and allergic
- stressful (psychosomatic)
- endocrine
- Metabolic disorders (lipid, enzyme)
- immune disorders.
Symptoms of scalp psoriasis
A characteristic element of psoriasis is a symmetrical flat elevation above the surface of the skin with evenly rounded edges and increased roughness, combined with a large number of easily removed silvery scales. The size of the rashes can vary from 1 mm to 2 cm, and therefore the formations often merge, forming plaques of different configurations, which can reach 10 cm or even 20 cm.
A common occurrence in psoriasis is the so-called "psoriatic crown" - the transition from growths to the smooth skin of the neck or temple area along the hairline. A distinct symptom that spreads in patients with scalp psoriasis is itching.
Psoriasis is defined by three key symptoms (psoriasis triad):
- "Spot of stearin" - a plaque of psoriasis is scraped off with a glass slide, as a result of which the scales become thinner, which enhances the snow-white color of the surface and resembles a drop of frozen stearin.
- "Final Film" - upon further scraping a smooth translucent surface is observed.
- "Blood dew" - the presence of small droplets of blood when scraping.
Stages of development of psoriasis
The psoriasis process consists of 3 consecutive phases:
- I progressive
- II stationary
- III regressive
Progressive Stage
It is characterized by the formation of new papules of increased diameter. The peeling process does not extend to healthy areas of the skin, while a narrow pink stripe remains along the periphery of the plaques. The main symptom in patients is itching. Also for the progressive or acute stage of psoriasis, the presence of the Koebner phenomenon is characteristic - the formation of new papules 7 days after the skin injury. There is a psoriasis triad of symptoms.
Stationary
At this stage, new elements of the rash do not appear, the manifestation of itching decreases or disappears altogether. The diagnosis of triadic psoriasis is problematic, and Koebner's symptom is negative.
Regressive
In the regression stage, peeling decreases, plaques disappear, but hypopigmented spots form. Psoriatic symptoms are not detected. It is worth noting that even after the stage of regression, "mandatory plaques" remain in the area of the scalp, knees and elbows.
Stages of the disease according to the degree of damage
Depending on the area of the lesion, there are 3 stages of psoriasis:
- mild - the affected area is less than 3%
- medium - the prevalence of papular rashes is from 3 to 10%
- severe - lesions are localized on more than 10% of the skin.
How to cure psoriasis on the head
There are several combined methods of drug and non-drug treatment of psoriasis aimed at minimizing lesions, improving the patient's quality of life and reducing the frequency of flare-ups.
The treatment of psoriasis depends on the degree of skin lesions, the shape and age of the patient. If there are additional pathologies of organs and systems, they are corrected. Patients are prescribed a diet with a limited intake of salt, fatty and fast carbohydrate foods.
Medical therapy
Effective means for the systemic therapy of psoriasis are:
- desensitization (30% sodium thiosulfate solution),
- sedatives (valerian infusion, sedatives),
- antihistamines,
- diuretic,
- vitamins (A, B1, B12, B6, E, C),
- hepatoprotectors,
- pyrogenic preparations,
- immunostimulating drugs,
With the acute folk form of psoriasis, as well as with erythroderma, short-acting corticosteroids (triamcinalone) are prescribed.
In the case of damage to the musculoskeletal system (joints), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (diclofenac sodium, voltaren, nimesulide) are indicated.
Cytostatics (metatrexate, azathioprine) are used to treat complicated forms of psoriasis.
In severe forms of psoriasis (index greater than 15 units), cytostatics, tranquilizers and aromatic retinoids are added to therapy. In critically complicated episodes of scalp psoriasis, glucocorticosteroids are used.
In mild cases of psoriatic diseases (PASI index up to 15 units), hyposensitizing drugs, detoxifying and antihistamines, hepatoprotectors are used.
Application of the topical treatment depends on the stage of the scaly ringworm:
- progressive - 1 - 2% salicylic ointment, corticosteroid creams and ointments
- stationary - 5 - 10% naftalan ointment, 3% salicylic ointment, 2 - 5% sulfur-tar ointment, baths with chamomile decoction
- regressive - 3-5% salicylic ointment, 10-20% naftalan ointment, 5-10% sulfur-tar ointment, Psorcutaneous
Mercury-salicylic acid ointment, lotion and shampoo Psoriks, tar balm, preparations with zinc are widely used in scalp psoriasis. An integral part of the treatment of the disease are also warm baths every 2-3 days. With the winter form of psoriasis, therapy is based on the use of ointments in combination with UV radiation.
Non-drug treatment
The treatment of psoriasis is not only based on drugs. Also, the use of phototherapy procedures contributes to a speedy recovery and the onset of remission.
There are the following types of radiation exposure:
- Photochemotherapy (PUVA therapy) is a form of phototherapy combined with the use of photosensitizers. The mechanism lies in the exposure of the skin surface to ultraviolet radiation for the treatment of complicated forms of psoriasis disease.
- Selective therapy is more effective in the treatment of exudative and simple forms of psoriasis, when there are few rashes. The course of therapy consists of 20-30 sessions, the effectiveness is 80%.
- Narrow-band therapy – used for superficial psoriasis, the rays do not penetrate deep into the skin balls, but act only superficially. The procedure is aimed at preventing the processes of malignant degeneration of cells.
- Narrow Spectrum UVB Treatment - This type of therapy significantly reduces the occurrence of side effects such as redness and burning. The procedure takes 20-30 sessions and is used only for skin lesions.
A positive effect also comes from spa treatments. Well-known medicinal springs are Lake Kunigunda, the Crimean coast, the Black and the Dead Sea.
Experimental Methods
Scientists do not stop and continue to search for new effective methods of treating psoriasis, including the following.
plasmapheresis
A gentle intoxication process that helps cleanse the blood plasma of pathogenic components and toxins. After an operation, up to 30% of the blood is usually cleared. This manipulation is used in severe and complicated cases of psoriasis. The course of plasmaphoresis is carried out in 3-6 sessions with a week's break.
The mechanism of this procedure is as follows: certain membranes filter the intercellular fluid and return it to the bloodstream, while the beneficial components are preserved as much as possible and pathogenic toxins are destroyed.
Cryotherapy or "cold treatment"
Therapy of the disease is based on the effect on the body of ultra-low grades. The pungent effects of cold help activate the immune system and boost metabolism in general. This procedure has both a complex effect on the body as a whole, and a local one, aimed at the focus of skin lesions.
It is important to remember that cryotherapy is not suitable for all patients. Due to the anatomical peculiarities of the location of the vessels, some people experience spasms, swelling and sharp expansion of the vessels, which disrupts blood circulation. In addition, some patients may be prone to allergic reactions such as cold urticaria.
Effect of cryotherapy:
- increase the body's defenses
- improved regeneration processes
- negative symptoms disappear: itching, burning, peeling
- improves metabolism in the skin
- Extension of remission periods.
Immunobiological preparations
These are protein-based products that act directly on the immune system and prevent the occurrence of concomitant diseases. In the presence of a psoriatic process, the body is constantly replenished due to an excess amount of TNF protein. These drugs inhibit the action of TNF-α, so the symptoms of the inflammatory process in psoriasis are reduced.
ozone therapy
A new effective method of treating psoriasis. Ozone is known to have detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant and immunomodulatory effects. The advantages of ozone therapy are ease of use, rapid effectiveness, reliability and the complete absence of side effects.
Features of the treatment of psoriasis in children and adolescents
It should be noted that psoriasis is less common in children than in adults. The explanation is the low degree of recognition of psoriasis, frequent cases of regression and significant periods of remission up to 12 years.
The features of the clinical picture of psoriasis in children are frequent lesions of the skin under the hair. Girls are 2 times more likely to get the disease than boys, which is associated with endocrinopathies that appear during adolescence. Children are characterized by a pronounced picture of the pathological process (marked inflammation and varying degrees of itching).
In children under 10 years of age, the manifestation of psoriasis symptoms differs from adults. Localization of rashes occurs in atypical places such as the face, back of the head, genitals or deep sections of the subcutaneous folds. The trigger for the onset of the disease is often an acute infection (flu, pneumonia), psychoemotional stress.
In most children, the first signs of lesions appear on the scalp and are accompanied by redness and flaking. Even in the most severe cases of scalp psoriasis, hair loss is not common.
The therapy of psoriasis in childhood is based on the use of medical ointments and creams, in the case of severe flare-ups a combination with other drugs is used. This approach allows you to reduce the negative manifestation of the disease and contributes to a speedy recovery.
How to treat psoriasis on the head at home
In the fight against dry scalp in psoriasis, various base creams, lotions, herbal shampoos, water-based emulsions are used, which not only relieve inflammation of the skin, but also help relieve the symptoms of psoriasis.
The most popular home remedies for psoriasis are creams, salicylic ointments and special shampoos.
creams
Use non-hormonal agents based on natural ingredients. Active ingredients can be diverse, the most common of which are:
- Zinc - quickly eliminates dryness and inflammation of the skin, has antiseptic properties, has an antibacterial effect
- Vitamin D - is used to treat simple forms of psoriasis disease, relieves unpleasant symptoms such as peeling and itching, and also contributes to regeneration
- Urea and Naftalan - has a toning and soothing effect on the skin
- Herbal extracts - have a disinfecting property, eliminate hypersensitivity and exacerbation of the inflammatory process
- floralizin - promotes speedy recovery, relieves the unpleasant manifestations of psoriasis
- Urea and beeswax - suitable for sensitive skin that needs hydration and nutrition, restores the protective barrier
Salicylic ointment in the fight against psoriasis
Salicylic acid, derived from willow bark, is the active ingredient in salicylic ointment and has anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties. The advantage of salicylic ointment over hormonal drugs is the absence of side effects.
Positive properties of salicylic ointment:
- fights inflammation - eliminates itching and redness
- antiseptic effect - eliminates pathogenic microorganisms
- keratoplastic effect - prevents the appearance of purulent foci, promotes the regeneration process.
- destroys the horny substance - flakes off the crusts.
Salicyl zinc ointment is also widely used in the treatment of psoriasis and is no less effective.
shampoos
There are the following types of shampoos used to treat scalp psoriasis:
- Based on birch tar. Tar helps gently cleanse the skin of stratum corneum and impurities, eliminates itching and burning, and has antifungal properties.
- Antifungal – the main active ingredient, ketoconazole, eliminates the propagation of a fungal infection and promotes wound healing on the skin.
- Composed of Salicylic Acid, Ketoconazole, Zinc. This spray shampoo eliminates the inflammatory process, softens the skin and has an antiseptic effect.
- Cure. Normalize the secretion of subcutaneous fat, strengthen hair, relieve inflammation.
It's also important to remember that when washing your hair with psoriasis, you should only use warm water, not hot. It is necessary to minimize the use of hair dryers, curlers and irons.
Treatment of psoriasis folk remedies
Lotions based on celandine, aloe vera, chamomile and apple cider vinegar are great for treating psoriasis. A bandage moistened with a solution is applied to the lesions. This procedure reduces inflammation, kills pathogens, and improves metabolism in the skin.
No less effective are kefir and mud masks, which are also part of traditional medicine. Such masks additionally moisturize the hair, have an anti-inflammatory effect, improve blood circulation in the scalp.
Which product is better?
When it comes to treating scalp psoriasis, it's better to use mild, gentle, fragrance-free products. Regular cleansing and moisturizing is the foundation of proper hair and skin care for psoriasis. It is important that the products used help to normalize the nutrient balance, restore the affected areas of the skin, maintain the pH of the scalp and moisturize the horny layer of the epidermis.
All these effects and more are characteristic of products from the Fitomarket online store. Here you can not only choose the most suitable means and methods for high-quality care of psoriasis of the scalp, but also get comprehensive advice on the drugs that are right for you.
FAQ
Can psoriasis be cured with zinc ointment?
Zinc ointment has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, enveloping effects, promotes the formation of a protective layer on the surface of the skin. If you lubricate the affected areas with zinc ointment every day, the positive effect will come quickly, but this remedy is not able to completely cure psoriasis, since the treatment should be complex.
Can Hydrogen Peroxide Cure Scalp Psoriasis?
Hydrogen peroxide, by releasing active oxygen, performs mechanical cleaning and eliminates toxic substances on damaged skin, but, as in the case of zinc ointment, it will not work to cure head psoriasis with this component alone.
Is psoriasis contagious?
Psoriasis is not transmitted because it is not contagious. Therefore, avoiding contact and communication with people suffering from this disease is not worth it.
Is Scalp Psoriasis Dangerous?
Left untreated, psoriasis can lead to serious complications and even death. Do not forget that psoriatic lesions can spread to the deep layers of the skin, as well as to other organs and systems of the body (nails, cardiovascular system, musculoskeletal system, etc. ).
How to distinguish psoriasis from dermatitis
It is known that seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp never affects smooth skin and is characterized by the absence of an infiltration process, unlike seborrheic psoriasis, which forms a "psoriatic crown" and spreads to smooth areas of the forehead and neck . Also noteworthy is the hereditary factor in the occurrence of psoriasis.