Psoriasis or scaly lichen is a recurrent dermatological disease. It affects different parts of the body. Psoriasis of the scalp is common. Exacerbation of the disease is accompanied by symptoms such as itching, the appearance of red rashes and severe peeling of the skin.
Reasons for development
The pathogen and developmental mechanism of the scaly lichen is unknown to science. Presumably, the pathology is associated with impaired immunity. Because psoriasis is more common in people whose relatives suffer from the disease, researchers do not rule out hereditary relationships.
The scaly lichen can be provoked by:
- viral and bacterial infections;
- allergic reactions;
- diseases of the endocrine system;
- gastrointestinal pathology;
- disorders of metabolic processes.
Causes of exacerbation of psoriasis of the scalp may include:
- severe or prolonged stress;
- consumption of coffee, chocolate, cakes and pastries;
- bad habits - alcohol and smoking;
- mechanical damage to the skin;
- hypothermia;
- taking non-steroidal drugs, beta-blockers, lithium supplements.
In most patients, psoriasis of the hair occurs with a combination of several factors, which is why it is considered by doctors to be a polyethiological disease.
Diagnostics
A dermatologist is involved in identifying the scaly lichen. The initial stage of psoriasis can be determined by visual inspection.
The main method of diagnosing psoriasis when using a glass plate is to scrape from the damaged area and to analyze the existing signs - phenomena, psoriasis, which is called a psoriatic triad.
Typical symptoms of the disease are psoriasis triad - punctate bleeding, the presence of stearinfol and terminal film.
In advanced cases, psoriasis of the scalp can be confused with other skin diseases.
A skin biopsy should be taken and blood should be added for analysis to clarify the diagnosis.
Treatment
To achieve stable remission of psoriasis, you need to treat it comprehensively. This includes: medications, use of special cosmetics, physiotherapy, visits to spas, folk remedies and other activities.
Medicines
A wide variety of topical and systemic medications are available to treat psoriasis of the scalp. The choice of drugs depends on the stage of the disease and the personal preferences of the patient and the physician.
Mild to moderate psoriasis is treated with external drugs. The advantage of topical treatment is that it has fewer side effects. In severe cases, the dermatologist uses more toxic aggressive medications, including systemic medications.
Application of local therapy:
- birch tar;
- salicylic ointment;
- ichthyol ointment;
- preparations containing panthenol;
- antihistamines;
- glucocorticosteroids;
- Vitamin D analogs;
- ditranol;
- occlusive dressings with drugs;
- retinoids;
- calcineurin inhibitors;
- emollients.
The systemic therapy complex may include:
- antihistamines;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- retinoids;
- calcineurin inhibitors having immunosuppressive activity;
- non-specific immunomodulators.
Cytostatic and corticosteroid medications are advisable in cases where other treatments for scalp psoriasis have failed. If the skin becomes infected and concomitant illnesses occur, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. The treatment of psoriasis is often accompanied by the appointment of enterosorbents, sedatives and vitamins.
Form of release of systemic drugs: injection, powder, tablet, oral drops, spray or syrup.
Medical cosmetics
You can find an effective cure for scalp psoriasis with the help of special cosmetics.
The most popular are medical shampoos. Gently cleanses the affected skin of crusty scales, softens, reduces inflammation, and eliminates itching without side effects.
Decide what to wash your hair with psoriasis based on the effect of the shampoos. They need to completely eliminate the pain and restore the cover.
Based on a set of measures with a separate tool, you can determine the appropriateness of use or prefer a more effective shampoo.
Anti-psoriasis shampoos can be divided into several conditional groups.
With zinc pyrithione
Activated zinc pyrithione effectively fights harmful bacteria - streptococci and staphylococci - as well as certain types of fungi.
Content
Shampoos contain refined birch, pine, juniper or willow tar. It has a keratoplastic effect, prevents excessive cell proliferation, and has an antiseptic effect.
With ketoconazole
Some medicines contain ketoconazole, an antifungal medicine. Although the instructions do not mention psoriasis, many patients experience a positive effect after washing their hair with shampoo with this substance.
In addition to the above, pharmaceutical hair cosmetics may contain urea, salicylic acid, ichthyol, selenium sulfide, climbazole, cyclopirox and other ingredients. It is not possible to wash your hair continuously with such shampoos - the course of treatment is regulated.
Physiotherapy procedures
Physiotherapy is an integral part of the complex treatment of scalp psoriasis. It is prescribed at the time of resolution of clinical symptoms and onset of remission. There are several methods that can improve a patient’s condition.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy - exposure of the skin to extremely low temperatures (-140 to -160 ° C). Organs and tissues are exposed to stress, a chain of biochemical reactions is initiated, and various processes, including autoimmune processes, are regulated. Under the influence of liquid nitrogen, cell regeneration is increased, the formation of scales is inhibited, and psoriatic plaques disappear.
Contraindications: pathology of internal organs and blood vessels, exacerbation of chronic diseases, cold intolerance, claustrophobia.
Phototherapy
Phototherapy - spectral irradiation of psoriatic plaques with ultraviolet radiation. The method has an immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effect, reducing the rate of cell division. There are several types of light therapy:
- photochemotherapy (PUVA);
- selective light therapy;
- laser exposure.
They are all effective in treating psoriasis of the scalp. Cells with high fungal activity absorb a concentrated beam of light, leading to their death and death.
Contraindications: diabetes mellitus, tuberculosis, persistent hypertension, poor blood clotting, oncology, epilepsy, pregnancy, keloid scars, viral diseases, kidney disease, sixth skin phototype.
Spa treatment
It is recommended to continue the treatment of psoriasis in a sanatorium for 2-3 months after medication. It is important to know that you cannot visit spas at the time your disease gets worse: you need to come to the stage of regression.
Spa therapy may include:
- Heliotherapy - sunbathing.
- Aerotherapy - staying in clean air.
- Thalassotherapy - treatment with sea water.
- Balneotherapy - procedures using mineral waters (alkaline, hydrogen sulfide, iodine-bromine, rhodonic acid, silicic acid).
- Peloid therapy - the effect of therapeutic mud.
Many patients are improving after climate change. Staying at sea or relaxing in resorts will help you forget about the manifestations of psoriasis for a long time.
Folk remedies
Recipes from traditional medicine can be used to treat and prevent scaly lichens. The advantage of natural ingredients is that they provide relative safety to the body. To reduce the frequency of exacerbations, you can use the following methods:
- Mix 1 tbsp. l. baking soda 4 tbsp. l. with water, rub into the scalp, wait for it to dry, and rinse with warm water. This solution has a emollient effect and relieves itching.
- Grind the ripe banana with its peel in a blender, smear the mixture on the areas affected by the psoriasis plaques, and rub it into the skin. After 20 minutes, wash the mask with warm water. Banana paste relieves inflammation and itching.
- Add 2-3 drops of tea tree oil to a portion of the medicinal shampoo, apply to hair, massage the scalp, then rinse off in the shower after 5 minutes. Regular use of oil with antiseptic properties allows you to get rid of the manifestations of psoriasis.
- Dissolve sea salt in a little water, apply to affected areas, leave on for 30-40 minutes, then rinse. This procedure can be repeated several times during the day.
- Mix the salt in equal proportions with white or blue clay, add a little apple cider vinegar - to give it a sour cream texture. Lubricate the psoriatic plaques with the mixture, rub gently and leave on for 2 hours.
Traditional prescriptions are no substitute for basic medical treatments. They play a supportive role and are used in complex therapy, not on their own.
Preventive recommendations
With psoriasis of the head, take good care of your skin. The hairbrush should be soft and the movements should be smooth and dexterous when brushing your teeth. This will prevent damage and infection of open wounds.
Avoid hair styling products, curlers and hair straighteners. Do not use staining as the chemicals irritate the epidermis and may worsen the disease.
It would be good to get rid of bad habits. Alcohol and smoking negatively affect blood vessels, disrupt blood circulation, impair skin nutrition, and reduce the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions.
Doctors recommend a review of the diet and exclude smoked meats, chocolate, pickles, white bread, tomatoes, spicy foods, carbonated drinks, and strong coffee and tea.
It is important to avoid stress and maintain a healthy daily routine. Proper sleep is the key to good health, as this process triggers self-healing mechanisms.
Unfortunately, psoriasis cannot be completely cured because it is a chronic disease. However, by properly caring for your scalp and following the rules above, you can minimize the number of relapses.