Psoriasis causes many problems in the form of aesthetic concerns and problems and its localization on the head adds to the complexity of the treatment. The risk of the disease also lies in the increase of fungal infections. How to treat psoriasis and what are its symptoms?
Causes of scalp psoriasis
To date, there is no clear answer as to what causes the appearance of psoriasis on the head. Experts put forward several theories about the onset of the disease:
- Violations in metabolic processes, against the background of which the cell life cycle is reduced from 40 days to 5. Therefore, there is a stratification of dead tissue in plaques.
- genetic predisposition. If one of the parents suffers from a disease in the family, then the probability of developing psoriasis in a child is 25%, if both parents - 75%.
- Dysfunction of the thyroid gland. Hormonal disruptions are often the cause of a dermatological disease.
- Autoimmune processes, during which the immune system recognizes epidermal cells as foreign objects.
Psoriasis of the scalp can also be made worse by the following factors:
- stressful conditions;
- irrational nutrition;
- living in an area with poor ecology;
- smoking;
- drinking alcohol.
All experts are absolutely sure of one thing - the disease appears under the influence of several reasons, and their elimination becomes the first step towards forgiveness.
Psoriasis of the scalp
One of the complex forms of the disease is scalp psoriasis. This is due to the fact that due to the hairline, the treatment process is difficult, and the symptoms of the disease in the early stages resemble simple dandruff.
Symptoms
Psoriasis of the head is characterized by symptoms similar to those of a disease localized to other parts of the body. The following manifestations of the disease can be distinguished:
- Single rashes or multiple clumps of plaque appear on the surface of the skin.
- There is sebum on the surface of the lesions, which causes the rash to take on a yellow tinge. Dead cells, mixed with fat, begin to form tubercles.
- Scales, similar to dandruff, accumulate in the hair.
- The course of the disease is accompanied by severe itching.
- In children, redness of the scalp is noticed, which then begins to get wet.
Since the lesions are located on the surface of the skin, the disease does not reach the hair follicles, so there are no concerns in hair growth and their loss remains at a normal level. The photo shows what psoriasis looks like, localized on the scalp.
Consequences
Psoriasis of the scalp can have unpleasant consequences:
- The disease does not bring as much anxiety as psychological anxiety. Often the patient can even fall into a deep depression.
- Due to constant itching and scratching, the disease constantly gives the patient a feeling of pain.
- With the erythrodermic form of psoriasis, the hair glands are affected, which can then lead to baldness.
Therefore, treatment of scalp psoriasis should be done in time.
Important! Psoriasis from the scalp can spread to the face, neck and shoulders.
Characteristics of treatment
Only a dermatologist, after a thorough examination and laboratory examination, will show you how to cure psoriasis on the scalp. The disease itself cannot be removed; in the fight against it, it is necessary to use complex therapy, which includes the use of traditional and alternative medicine methods. In addition, scalp psoriasis should be treated with physiotherapy. Only in this case, the therapy can be successful.
Shampoo against psoriasis
When treating psoriasis, the scalp needs special care, which does not allow the use of conventional cosmetic shampoos. A hair wash should be chosen considering the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect.
We can distinguish the main types of shampoos:
- Tar. They contain birch tar or juniper, which well relieves the symptoms of the disease in the form of burning, and also effectively fights excessive peeling.
- Antifungals. Aiming at destroying the pathogenic fungal infection. In addition, the drug soothes irritated epidermis well.
- Therapeutic. This category of shampoos contains ingredients such as zinc or salicylic acid. The products have active moisturizing properties.
All of these tools should be used as directed.
lotions
Spray creams are often used in the treatment of scalp psoriasis. This is more convenient because when sprayed, the medicine does not leave dirt on the hair, evenly irrigating the entire surface of the skin with a solution. The most popular lotions are:
- A steroid medication, which also includes salicylic acid. The tool disinfects the skin well, and also effectively and quickly relieves itching. The course of therapy is 3 weeks.
- Spray, which contains only natural plant extracts. Recommended for use to prolong remission. The medicine moisturizes the dermis well and eliminates the itching sensations.
- Non-hormonal solution, the active ingredient of which is zinc oxide. The component well stops inflammatory processes and effectively fights fungal infections.
Sprays can also be used on other parts of the body, but after consulting a specialist doctor. It is not necessary to wash the medicine after application.
Folk remedies
Alternative medicine prescriptions are quite popular in psoriasis therapy. They are completely natural and do not harm the patient. Moreover, these funds will not harm the portfolio. The following most effective recipes can be identified:
- Bath with soda. Throw a full pack of baking soda in the bathroom. You should lie on the water with your head turned back so that the solution covers the head up to the forehead area. The ears are recommended to be covered with cork. The procedure takes 30 minutes.
- Periodic washing of hair with tar or sulfur soap is also recommended. To do this, grind the product on a fine grater and dissolve in a small amount of water. Use as a regular shampoo.
- salicylic oil. A very effective remedy for acne. Simply soak a cotton pad in the substance and lubricate the compartments. It is necessary to process seven partitions.
Many patients do not trust folk remedies, but some of them may be more effective than even the most expensive pharmacy drugs.
Advice! Care should be taken to avoid recipes that use essential oils, spicy and irritating substances.
Psoriasis of the scalp
Psoriasis of the head is localized in the following areas:
- behind the ears;
- on the back of the head;
- in the mucosa;
- near the superciliary arches;
- in the face.
Redness in the face area is especially noticeable as they can not be erased with clothing. At the same time, the use of masking cosmetics is strictly prohibited.
Symptoms
The disease is manifested as follows:
- First, light spots appear on the face.
- Small spots then appear in the middle, which quickly grow and turn into papules.
- These formations soon begin to be covered with a thick layer of dead cells.
The formation of rashes is accompanied by severe itching. In the picture you can see what psoriasis looks like on the head.
Consequences
A skin disease can cause unpleasant consequences:
- When you comb the papules, scratches and sores form, which can become a source of infection.
- Localization of redness on the eyelids is the cause of pathology of the eye head.
- Psoriasis can cause inflammation in the joints and liver.
To prevent the development of concomitant diseases, it is necessary to carry out timely treatment.
Characteristics of therapy
Facial skin is quite sensitive, so the patient's task is not only to get rid of the disease, but also to maintain external attractiveness. How to cure psoriasis on the head, a dermatologist will advise.
ointment
Ointment for psoriasis of the head is the most common remedy in the fight against the disease. There are two types of funds for local use:
- Hormonal ointment. They contain glucocorticosteroids, which quickly relieve the symptoms of the disease, so they are often used during an irritation.
- Nonsteroidal ointment. These products contain herbal ingredients and one or two active substances like zinc oxide or ichthyol. They have a softer effect on the body, so you can use them for a long time.
When choosing an oil, the severity of the disease course should be compared to the strength of the medicine.
Folk remedies
The following most effective recipes can be distinguished:
- The fatty solidol and the birch tar should be mixed evenly. Apply the mass on the lesions for 20 minutes. Then rinse and moisturize the skin with cream.
- You can also use sea buckthorn oil, applying it to the tiles before going to bed. The tool disinfects and heals wounds well.
It is recommended to take decoction from medicinal collections inside.
General principles of therapy
Since the disease requires a complex effect, there is little local treatment. It is necessary to get rid of psoriasis comprehensively, using all available tools.
Medical therapy
In the treatment of psoriasis, the following groups of drugs are used:
- antihistamines;
- immunosuppressive agents;
- enterosorbents;
- antibiotics;
- homeopathy.
Usually several groups of drugs are prescribed immediately, depending on the severity of the disease, the clinical picture.
Important! You can not independently prescribe a medicine for yourself, you must first seek the advice of a dermatologist.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is an integral part of the fight against disease. The following procedures can be distinguished:
- phototherapy;
- laser exposure;
- magnetotherapy;
- ultrasonic impact;
- mud treatment.
Usually, such methods are prescribed during the illness rest period, which helps to prolong the remission.
diets
It has been proven that some products can not only aggravate the disease but also worsen the symptoms. Therefore, it is advisable to follow a diet that restricts the use of the following foods:
- Canned food;
- Fatty food;
- Fast food;
- alcoholic products;
- coffee;
- red fruits and vegetables;
- confectionery.
Preference should be given to protein foods and foods rich in fiber, steamed or baked in foil.
Despite the complexity of the course of the disease, scalp psoriasis is not a sentence. It is only necessary to strictly adhere to the complex therapy and the disease will not be felt for a long time.