Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the epidermis. The pathology is not contagious because it is caused not by infectious causes, but by an autoimmune disease. The disease is characterized by excessive division of skin cells, which leads to the formation of dense plaques. The inflammation affects every part of the body. Psoriasis on the scalp is a fairly common form of the disease. The peculiarity of the localization of rashes on the head is the complexity of the treatment. This form of psoriasis often becomes the cause of the development of complexes and self-dissatisfaction, as seen by others. The elements of the rash do not look aesthetically pleasing and require timely treatment.
The reasons for the development of the disease
Psoriasis on the scalp develops for the same reasons as skin lesions. Factors that act as an impulse for the appearance of plaques on the skin can include:
- Stress;
- Seborrhea;
- prolonged exposure to the sun;
- allergic reaction;
- Damage to the skin;
- decreased immunity.
Stress makes many diseases worse, including psoriasis.
Regardless of the reasons that triggered the development of the first episode of the disease, psoriasis is always accompanied by excessive division of the epidermal cells, which explains the appearance of the elements of the rash. This is due to the body's autoimmune response, which triggers an immune attack on skin cells.
The disease is characterized by a wavy course with periods of exacerbation and remission. Doctors often call pathology a psychosomatic disorder, since the exacerbation of psoriasis is directly related to the patient's psychoemotional state.
Stress, lack of sleep, fatigue, lack of vitamins in the body can provoke an extraordinary aggravation and the appearance of new elements of the rash.
Despite the repulsive appearance of the rash, psoriasis is not contagious at all because it is due to internal disorders, but not to infections or viruses.
Despite the fact that doctors have not yet identified the exact cause of the development of the disease, most tend to believe that psoriasis is the result of systemic disorders in the body caused by an imbalance in hormones, instability of the nervous system and metabolic processes, Malnutrition and a cold climate.
Symptoms of psoriasis
Psoriasis on the head begins with the appearance of dense nodules that are externally invisible. Over time, the nodules fuse together and form islands. The skin around the clusters of rash elements swells and becomes inflamed, dry crusts and flaky areas may appear.
Over time, the nodules become dense and flat. Peeling begins on their surface with the formation of large scales in shape and structure that resemble scales.
Scalp psoriasis is most often localized in the temples, behind the ears, on the neck and along the hairline. Often flakes and plaques form along the crown of the head.
The disease can manifest itself at any age. The most common first episode of psoriasis occurs either during puberty and before the age of 20 or over the age of 35.
Psoriasis on the scalp is classified according to the severity of the symptoms. The mild form of the disease is characterized by the formation of isolated foci of inflammation and moderate desquamation. Rashes with this form are not noticeable and respond well to drug treatment.
For a severe course of psoriasis on the head, on the photo of which you can assess the severity of the symptoms, the entire head, the area of hair growth and the nape of the neck are characteristic. The elements of the rash are large, the scales are very large and visible to the naked eye.
Psoriasis on the scalp can affect both the scalp and the skin around it.
Timely diagnosis plays an important role in scalp psoriasis. An experienced dermatologist will make a diagnosis during an external examination of the patient. The difficulty lies in the fact that many patients do not see a doctor, do not know what psoriasis looks like on the scalp, and mistake it for dandruff. It is important to remember that psoriasis responds well enough to treatment in the early stages of the head. However, the lack of timely therapy inevitably leads to the progression of the disease and damage to more and more areas of the skin.
When you notice the first symptoms of scalp damage, you should consult a doctor, because if psoriasis is diagnosed, treatment should be comprehensive and timely.
Stages of the disease
Regardless of the location of the rash, psoriasis of the scalp and body skin always has several stages. The first stage is an exacerbation of the disease. During this time, new papules form on the skin, excessive division of the epidermal cells is noted. Papules fuse into large lesions, which then turn into plaques, which in turn begin to peel off. The duration of an exacerbation depends on a number of factors and can last up to several months. During this time, elements of the rash cover the scalp, epidermis around the ears, and neck, and may fall off onto the back. Psoriasis on the scalp is often accompanied by focal lesions on the skin of the body.
The second stage of the disease is inpatient. During this time, the progression of the disease stops, the number of elements of the rash does not change, the disease stops spreading to healthy areas of the skin. Literally nothing happens during the stationary stage - the plaques aren't increasing in size, but they're not decreasing either. The peeling remains the same, the epidermis looks dense and inflamed. This phase can also last for many months.
The next stage is fighting the disease. During this time, the inflammatory process subsides, peeling stops, as the division of the epidermal cells stops. The plaques gradually soften, decrease in size, and then disappear completely. With proper skin care, not even a trace remains after recovery from the disease, but most often areas of impaired pigmentation form at the site of the plaques.
Then comes the remission, when the skin looks absolutely healthy. The length of remission depends on the patient's lifestyle and general health. It doesn't last forever as the psoriasis doesn't go away, it just subsides temporarily. The next exacerbation may occur in a few months or years due to stress, climate change, or decreased immunity. With the next exacerbation, psoriasis again proceeds in several stages, starting with the appearance of new papules, ending with a reduction in the size of the plaques and a complete restoration of the skin.
In mild forms, psoriasis can easily be mistaken for dandruff.
Diagnosis of the disease
Psoriasis rashes on the head can occur in both adults and children, as psoriasis is not uncommon in a child. It is important to timely identify the beginning of the pathological process and consult a dermatologist.
The scraping method is used to diagnose the disease. The affected epidermis reacts to local damage with a number of specific signs that are characteristic only of psoriasis.
When scraped off, the scales with scales fall off without causing pain, itching, or discomfort. As a result of prolonged exposure and cleaning of the plaque from keratinized particles, a thin film of skin is found under the scales. It's inflamed, colored light pink, and glows like a stearin stain. When this film is damaged, tiny drops of blood appear on the surface of the plaque, indicating damage to the capillaries that are too close under the skin.
This epidermal response is known as the "psoriatic triad" and is a symptom unique to this disease that allows accurate diagnosis without laboratory testing.
Treatment principle
A dermatologist will give you full advice on how to treat psoriasis on the head. The fact is that each disease manifests itself in its own way, so there is no universal treatment regimen that would be suitable for all patients without exception.
The goal of psoriasis therapy is to stop the progression of the disease, improve the appearance of the skin, and achieve permanent remission. As the practice of doctors shows, with a properly selected regimen of treatment, you can forget about the disease for several years.
An integrated approach to treating psoriasis is practiced that includes:
- the use of hormonal ointments to relieve inflammation;
- Using non-hormonal drugs to relieve symptoms;
- Physiotherapy to accelerate skin regeneration;
- Diet changes and spa procedures.
Treatment is based on drugs for external use that are applied to foci of inflammation. In some cases, treatment is supplemented by taking pills for psoriasis on the head, preference being given to immunostimulating drugs and vitamin drugs.
It is impossible to cure psoriasis, but it is quite possible to get rid of its manifestations for a long time
Conservative therapy
Traditionally, dermatologists prescribe two types of skin treatments - non-hormonal ointments and glucocorticoid preparations.
Glucocorticoid ointments are used in short courses at the stage of exacerbation of the disease. They help stop inflammation and reduce the progression of the disease so you can stop an exacerbation quickly. However, these drugs are not safe. They penetrate the general bloodstream and have a systemic effect on the body, causing the liver, kidneys and adrenal glands to malfunction. Hormonal ointments are selected only by a dermatologist. Today, many doctors refrain from using glucocorticoid drugs to treat psoriasis and note their short-term effects.
The main lines of the fight against the disease are physiotherapy, non-hormonal ointments and lifestyle changes.
Non-hormonal drugs are divided into several groups:
- Preparations with naftalan and solidol;
- Ointments with tar;
- Preparations containing sulfur;
- Zinc-based creams.
Such ointments have keratolytic properties, that is, they contribute to the peeling of keratinized particles of the epidermis. All ointments do not have a systemic effect on the body and are fat-based, which allows them to quickly soften plaques.
For patients with oily scalps, birch and coal tar-based ointments are recommended. Such agents stop the inflammatory process and increase local immunity, which prevents further cell division in the affected area.
Ointments with naphthalene and solid oil are used for very dry plaques with a large number of removable scales. Their main goal is to prevent the pathological process from spreading to healthy skin. They effectively soften the affected areas and improve the overall appearance of the epidermis while also having an anti-inflammatory effect.
Preparations with zinc exfoliate the skin and protect against secondary infections. They are used for all forms of scalp psoriasis because they work quickly and sensitively. Sulfur tar ointment, ointment with sulfur and zinc - these drugs are suitable for most patients and quickly have a pronounced therapeutic effect.
The advantage of non-hormonal drugs is their natural composition, the absence of contraindications and side effects. Such drugs can even be used to treat young children, since they do not have a systemic effect on the body.
The advantage of natural ointments is that they are harmless
The duration of treatment is an average of 20 days, the ointment is applied up to three times a day. The disadvantage of treating the scalp with ointments is the messy appearance of the hair, since all drugs are oily and dye the hair quickly. Special medicated shampoos are an alternative. As practice shows, the best therapeutic effect is achieved with the simultaneous use of shampoos and ointments.
General therapy
General strengthening therapy plays an important role in treating psoriasis of the head at home. Dermatologists say that it is not enough to pick up ointments for psoriasis on the head, but to take measures to strengthen the entire body.
Complex therapy includes:
- Sedatives;
- Antidepressants and sedatives;
- Immunostimulants;
- Vitamins;
- Tonics;
- Cytostatics;
- Retinoids;
- Antihistamines.
Since the exacerbation of psoriasis is always accompanied by stress and disorders of the nervous system, sedatives and sedatives play an important role. The aim of such therapy is to minimize the destructive effects of stress, improve sleep, restore normal nervous system function and normalize mood. Sedatives are drugs, alcoholic tinctures of valerian, peony, and feverfew. Medicines are available without a prescription and are mild drugs that can help normalize sleep and reduce stress. For depression, neurosis and other mental disorders that arise against the background of psoriasis, you should consult with a neurologist about the appointment of effective drugs, such as sedatives and antidepressants.
In addition, vitamins are prescribed (A, C, E, group B). Its goal is to normalize the activity of the nervous system and antioxidant effects, accelerate skin regeneration and normalize immunity. Preparations with antioxidants in the composition help to remove toxins from the body, restore skin regeneration and protect cells from negative influences.
Vitamins are essential for treatment.
Immunostimulants may be used, but only as directed by a doctor. Self-administration of such drugs can have a negative impact on health and aggravate the course of the disease.
Cytostatics and retinoids prevent excessive division of the epidermal cells that work from within. Due to the large number of contraindications and side effects, such drugs are prescribed by a dermatologist after a comprehensive examination.
Shampoos for psoriasis
Despite the fact that the first line of treatment consists of ointments for psoriasis on the head, special shampoos are necessarily used. They help both in healing psoriasis on the scalp and in delicate cleansing of the epidermis without drying it too much.
You can use hypoallergenic baby shampoos to gently cleanse the scalp.
Shampoos can be used up to three times a week. The course of treatment is 30-40 days and depends on the form of the disease. Shampoo is applied to wet hair, immediately lathered and rinsed off - this is necessary to cleanse the scalp of accumulated flakes of skin. Then the product is reapplied, foamed with massage movements and left for five minutes, after which it is necessary to wash off the medicine. Thus, the shampoo both cleanses the skin and has a therapeutic effect.
In between uses of the medicated shampoo, there is a need for frequent hair washing, which looks messy due to the use of oily ointments. For daily shampooing against psoriasis, it is recommended to use baby shampoos with medicinal herbs in the composition - chamomile, calendula, sage. Products intended for children from the first days of life should be preferred, since the composition of such shampoos is the most natural and safe.
Physiotherapy for psoriasis
Physiotherapy helps increase the effectiveness of drug treatment. For psoriasis of the scalp, darsonvalization and PUVA therapy are considered the most effective and safest methods.
The first method is based on exposure to low frequency currents. The procedure is carried out using a special device with a comb-shaped electrode. Comb your hair easily within 10 minutes with the included preparation. This effect improves the metabolic processes and accelerates skin regeneration. As a rule, the course of treatment consists of 25 procedures.
One of the most popular treatments for psoriasis is PUVA therapy. It's a type of ultraviolet radiation. The result is an improvement in skin tropheism, an increase in local immunity and a stimulation of regeneration. The duration of treatment also consists of 20-25 procedures.
Home remedies
Traditional medicine knows how to get rid of psoriasis on the head as soon as possible, but dermatologists warn that such funds can only be used in addition to medication and physical therapy.
Folk remedies will complement, but not replace, traditional treatment.
Traditional remedies for psoriasis on the scalp are based on making conditioners and masks from natural ingredients. Below are the most effective recipes.
- Sea buckthorn oil mask with egg yolk improves metabolic processes and accelerates regeneration. Such a remedy can only be used at the stage of plaque healing, since sea buckthorn oil significantly speeds up this process. Another unique property of the oil is the prevention of pigmentation disorders in the area of skin lesions. To prepare the mask, heat the oil a little to a comfortable temperature, mix it with an egg yolk and a spoonful of honey and apply to the scalp for 40 minutes.
- Another effective and safe remedy is a blue or green clay mask. Clay is rich in valuable micro and macro elements, improves metabolic processes, saturates skin cells with useful substances and accelerates regeneration. To prepare the mask, pour the clay with warm water, mix and apply to the skin under a plastic cap for half an hour.
- Turn 4 tablespoons of fresh celandine in a meat grinder and squeeze through the cheesecloth. Mix the resulting juice with half a glass of red wine and apply it to the plaques with a cotton swab for 15 minutes. Then rinse it off with water. Fresh onion juice can be used in the same way.
- Pour 150 ml of medicinal alcohol into two large spoons of dried celandine flowers, pour them into a glass container with a lid and leave for ten days. The medicine is then used to treat the plaque. After applying the product, it should be washed off after 10 minutes. Overexposing celandine tincture can burn your skin.
Such folk remedies for the treatment of psoriasis on the head will help speed up recovery. Simultaneous treatment with medicines, folk and tonics shows a good result.
Lifestyle and prognosis
If you have psoriasis, you should rethink your lifestyle and change your diet. It is necessary to minimize the consumption of allergenic foods, to avoid fast food, smoked and fatty foods. It is important to avoid stress, normalize sleep and the work schedule. For psoriasis, spa treatment and climate change are recommended. Mud baths and mineral salts help improve the condition of the skin.
The prognosis depends on the form of the disease and methods of treatment. It is impossible to get rid of psoriasis completely, but properly selected therapy will allow you to achieve long-term remission.
Preventive measures include strengthening the nervous system and immunity, the timely fight against stress and a healthy lifestyle.