Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the epidermis. The pathology is not contagious, as it is provoked not by infectious causes, but by an autoimmune disorder. The disease is characterized by excessive division of skin cells, which leads to the formation of dense plaques. Inflammation affects every part of the body. Psoriasis of the head 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 dissatisfaction with oneself, as it is obvious to others. The blush elements do not look aesthetically pleasing and require timely treatment.
Reasons for the development of the disease
Psoriasis of the scalp develops for the same reasons as damage to the skin of the body. Factors that act as a trigger for the appearance of plaque on the skin can be:
- stress;
- seborrhea;
- prolonged exposure to the sun;
- allergic reaction;
- skin damage;
- decreased immunity
Stress exacerbates many diseases, including psoriasis.
Regardless of the reasons that prompted the development of the first episode of the disease, psoriasis is always associated with excessive division of epidermal cells, which explains the appearance of redness elements. This is due to the body’s autoimmune response, which provokes an immune attack on skin cells.
The disease is characterized by a wavy course with periods of deterioration and remission. Doctors often call the pathology a psychosomatic disorder, as the exacerbations of psoriasis are directly related to the psycho-emotional state of the patient.
Stress, lack of sleep, fatigue, lack of vitamins in the body can provoke a tremendous deterioration and the appearance of new elements of redness.
Despite the disgusting appearance of the rash, psoriasis is not contagious at all, as it is the result of internal disorders, but not of infections or viruses.
Despite the fact that doctors have not yet identified the exact cause of the development of the disease, most are inclined to believe that psoriasis is the result of systemic disorders in the body caused by a hormonal imbalance, instability of the nervous system and metabolic processes, malnutrition anda cold climate.
Symptoms of psoriasis
Psoriasis on the head begins with the appearance of dense joints that from the outside are not visible. Over time, the nodes merge with each other, forming islands. The skin around the groups of rash elements swells and becomes inflamed, dry crusts and scaly areas may appear.
Over time, the joints become dense and flat, peeling begins on their surface with the formation of large scales, in shape and structure resembling dandruff.
Psoriasis of the scalp is most often localized in the temporal region, behind the ears, on the neck and along the hairline. Often, peeling and plaque form along the partition.
The disease can appear at any age. Most often, the first episode of psoriasis occurs either during puberty and before the age of 20, or over the age of 35.
Psoriasis of the head 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. Rash with this form is not great and responds well to medication treatment.
For a severe course of psoriasis on the head, a photo of which allows you to assess the severity of the symptoms, the whole head, the area of hair growth and the back of the neck are characteristic. The redness elements are large, the scales are very large and visible to the naked eye.
Psoriasis of 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 go to the doctor, not knowing what psoriasis looks like on the scalp and mistaking it like dandruff. Importers It is important to remember that early stage psoriasis on the head responds quite well to treatment, however, lack of timely therapy will inevitably lead to disease progression and damage to more and more areas of the skin.
If you find the first symptoms of a head injury, you should consult a doctor, because if psoriasis is diagnosed, treatment should be comprehensive and timely.
Stages of the disease
Regardless of the localization of the rash, psoriasis of the scalp and body skin always persists in several stages. The first stage is a worsening of the disease. During this period, new papules form on the skin, excessive division of epidermal cells is observed. Papules join into large lesions, which then turn into plaques and they, in turn, begin to peel off. The duration of a deterioration depends on a number of factors and can last up to several months. During this period, the rash elements cover the scalp, the epidermis around the ears and on the neck, and may descend to the back. Psoriasis of the scalp is often associated with focal lesions of the body skin.
The second stage of the disease is immobile. During this period, 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. During the stationary phase, literally nothing happens - the plates do not increase in size, but neither do they decrease. Peeling remains the same, the epidermis looks dense and inflamed. This phase can last for many months.
The next stage is disease reduction. During this period, the inflammatory process decreases, the cortex stops, as the epidermal cell division stops. The plaques gradually become softer, shrink in size and then disappear completely. With proper skin care, after recovery from the disease, not a trace remains, however, more often, areas with damaged pigmentation form at the site of plaque.
Then comes forgiveness, during which the skin looks absolutely healthy. The duration of remission depends on the lifestyle and general health of the patient. It does not last forever, as psoriasis does not go away, but only temporarily subsides. Further deterioration can occur in a few months or years due to stress, climate change or reduced immunity. With the next worsening, psoriasis again continues in several stages, starting with the appearance of new papules, ending with a decrease in plaque size and complete restoration of the skin.
In mild forms, psoriasis can be easily confused with dandruff.
Diagnosis of the disease
Psoriatic rashes on the head can occur in both adults and children, as psoriasis in a child is not uncommon. It is important to detect in time the onset of the pathological process and visit a dermatologist.
The itching method is used to diagnose the disease. The affected epidermis responds to local damage with a number of specific signs that are characteristic only of psoriasis.
When scratched, the scales fall off with dandruff without causing pain, itching or discomfort. As a result of prolonged exposure and cleansing of the plaque from keratinized particles, a thin film of skin is found under the scales. It is inflamed, stained with a bright pink color and shines like a stearine stain. If this film is damaged, small drops of blood appear on the surface of the plaque, which indicates damage to the capillaries that are too close under the skin.
This epidermal reaction is known as the "psoriatic triad" and is a unique symptom for this disease, which allows an accurate diagnosis without laboratory evidence.
The principle of treatment
A dermatologist will be advised in detail on how to treat psoriasis on the head. The fact is that everyone's disease manifests itself in its own way, so there is no one-size-fits-all treatment regimen that will suit 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 a lasting remission. As the practice of doctors shows, a properly selected treatment regimen allows you to forget about the disease for up to several years.
An integrated approach to treating psoriasis is practiced, which includes:
- use of hormonal oils to relieve inflammation;
- use of non-hormonal medications to relieve symptoms;
- physiotherapy to accelerate skin recovery;
- dietary changes and spa procedures.
The basis of treatment consists of drugs for external use, which are applied to foci of inflammation. In some cases, treatment is supplemented by taking pills for psoriasis of the scalp, preference is given to immunostimulatory drugs and vitamin medications.
It is impossible to cure psoriasis, but to get rid of its manifestations for a long time is quite possible
Conservative therapy
Traditionally, dermatologists prescribe two types of skin treatments - non-hormonal oils and glucocorticoid preparations.
Glucocorticoid ointments are used in short courses in the stage of disease exacerbation. They help to stop inflammation and reduce the rate of disease progression, allowing you to quickly stop a worsening. However, these drugs are not safe. They penetrate the general bloodstream and have a systematic effect on the body, causing disruptions in the functioning of the liver, kidneys and adrenal glands. Hormonal ointments are selected only by a dermatologist. Today, many doctors are abandoning the use of glucocorticoid medications in the treatment of psoriasis, noting their short-term effect.
The main lines of the fight against the disease are physiotherapy, non-hormonal oils and lifestyle changes.
Non-hormonal drugs are divided into several groups:
- naphthalene and solidol preparations;
- tar oils;
- sulfur preparations;
- zinc-based creams.
Such ointments have keratolytic properties, namely they contribute to the stratification of keratinizing particles of the epidermis. All oils do not have a systemic effect on the body and have a fat base, due to which they quickly soften the plates.
Birch and charcoal tar-based ointments are recommended for patients with oily scalp. Such funds stop the inflammatory process and increase local immunity, preventing further cell division in the affected area.
Ointments with naphthalene and solid oil are used for very dry tiles with a large number of separable scales. Their main purpose is to prevent the spread of the pathological process in healthy skin. They effectively soften the affected areas and improve the overall appearance of the epidermis, while providing an anti-inflammatory effect.
Preparations with zinc exfoliate the skin and protect it from secondary infections. They are used for any form of scalp psoriasis, as they act quickly and delicately. Sulfur tar ointment, sulfur oil 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, lack of contraindications and side effects. Such drugs can also be used to treat young children, as they do not have a systemic effect on the body.
The advantage of natural oils is harmless
The course of treatment is on average 20 days, the oil is applied up to three times a day. The disadvantage of treating the scalp with oils is the messy appearance of the hair, as all the medications are oily and quickly stain the hair. An alternative are special medicated shampoos, however, as practice shows, the best therapeutic effect is achieved with the simultaneous use of shampoos and oils.
General therapy
When treating psoriasis of the head at home, general strengthening therapy plays an important role. Dermatologists say that it is not enough to take oils for psoriasis on the head, it is necessary to take measures to strengthen the whole body as a whole.
Complex therapy includes:
- sedatives;
- antidepressants and sedatives;
- immunostimulants;
- vitamins;
- tonics;
- cytostatics;
- retinoids;
- antihistamines.
Since the worsening of psoriasis is always accompanied by stress and breakdown of the nervous system, sedatives and tranquilizers play an important role. The goal of such therapy is to minimize the destructive effects of stress, improve sleep, restore normal functioning of the nervous system, and normalize mood. Sedatives include medicines, alcoholic tinctures of valerian, peonies and motherwort. Medications are available without a prescription and are light medications that can help normalize sleep and relieve stress. For depression, neurosis and other mental disorders that appear against the background of psoriasis, you should consult a neurologist for prescribing powerful medications such as sedatives and antidepressants.
Furthermore, vitamins (A, C, E, group B) are prescribed. Their purpose is to normalize the activity of the nervous system, antioxidant effect, 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 adverse effects.
Vitamins are essential for treatment.
Immunostimulants should be used, but only as directed by your doctor. Self-administration of such drugs can adversely affect health and worsen the course of the disease.
Cytostatics and retinoids stop the excessive division of epidermal cells, acting from within. Due to the large number of contraindications and side effects, such drugs are prescribed by a dermatologist after a comprehensive examination.
Shampoo for psoriasis
Despite the fact that the first line of treatment consists of oils for psoriasis of the head, special shampoos are necessarily used. They both help to cure psoriasis on the scalp and provide gentle cleansing of the epidermis without excessive drying.
You can use hypoallergenic baby shampoo for delicate scalp cleansing.
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. The shampoo is applied to wet hair, cleansed and rinsed immediately - this is necessary to clean the scalp from accumulated skin flakes. The product is then re-applied, foamed with massaging movements and left for five minutes, after which the medicine should be washed off. Thus, the shampoo also cleanses the skin and has a therapeutic effect.
Among medical shampoo applications, there is a need for frequent hair washing, which looks messy due to the use of oily oils. For daily shampoo for psoriasis, it is recommended to use baby shampoo with medicinal herbs in the composition - chamomile, calendula, sage. Preference should be given to products intended for children from the first days of life, as the composition of such shampoos is the most natural and safe.
Physiotherapy for psoriasis
Physiotherapy helps to increase the effectiveness of medication treatment. With scalp psoriasis, darsonvalization and PUVA therapy is considered to be the most effective and safe method.
The first method is based on exposure to low frequency currents. The procedure is performed using a special device with a comb-shaped electrode. Within 10 minutes, simply comb your hair with the preparation included. This effect improves metabolic processes and accelerates skin regeneration. Usually the course of treatment consists of 25 procedures.
One of the most popular treatments for psoriasis is PUVA therapy. It is a kind of ultraviolet radiation. The result is an improvement in skin trophism, an increase in local immunity, and stimulation of regeneration. The duration of treatment also consists of 20-25 procedures.
Folk remedies
Traditional medicine knows how to get rid of psoriasis on the head as soon as possible, but dermatologists warn that such tools can be used only in addition to medication and physiotherapy.
Folk remedies will complement the traditional treatment, but will not replace it.
Traditional remedies for scalp psoriasis are based on preparing rinses and masks from natural ingredients. Below are the most effective recipes.
- Buckthorn oil mask with egg yolk improves metabolic processes and speeds healing. Such a remedy can be used only in the plate healing stage, as buckthorn oil significantly speeds up this process. Another unique property of the oil is the prevention of pigmentation disorders in the areas of skin lesions. To prepare the mask, heat the oil slightly to a comfortable temperature, mix with an egg yolk and a spoonful of honey and place on 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 beneficial substances and accelerates healing. To prepare the mask, pour the clay with warm water, mix and place on the skin for half an hour under a plastic lid.
- Turn 4 tablespoons of fresh celandine into a meat grinder, squeeze through the cheesecloth. Mix the resulting liquid with half a glass of red wine and use a cotton swab to place it on the plates for 15 minutes and then rinse with water. Fresh onion juice can be used in the same way.
- Pour 150 ml of medical alcohol into two tablespoons of dried celandine flowers, pour into a glass container with a lid and leave for ten days. The drug is then used to treat plaques. After applying the product, it should be washed off after 10 minutes. If you overexpose yourself to celandine tincture, you may burn your skin.
Such popular remedies for treating psoriasis of the head will help speed up the recovery. Simultaneous treatment with medicines, folk remedies and tonics shows a good result.
Lifestyle and forecast
With psoriasis, you need to review your lifestyle and change your diet. It is necessary to minimize the consumption of allergic foods, to give up fast foods, smoked and fatty foods. It is important to avoid stress, normalize sleep and 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 the methods of treatment. It is impossible to completely get rid of psoriasis, but properly selected therapy allows you to achieve long-term remission.
Preventive measures are strengthening the nervous system and immunity, timely fight against stress and a healthy lifestyle.