The development of the disease can vary from isolated panels for something, even the defeat of the entire scalp. In addition, bringing even psoriasis on the face, which include the skin on the forehead, spreading on the back of the neck and ears.
According to statistical research, psoriasis affects approximately 5.7 million people and the world, about 4% of the population, with this unpleasant dermatological pathology. In the localization process is different, but often the scalp is the only area of the body where the symptoms of psoriasis (typically by more than 50% of clinical cases).
Causes of psoriasis scalp
The origin and causes for hair psoriasis, as with other types of disease, which is not fully elucidated. According to the American Academy of dermatology, the debut of the pathological process, which arises due to a violation of the functioning of the human immune system.
According to the theory, that the body of the patient occurs an autoimmune process in which the tissues of the skin, increases the concentration of T-lymphocytes — cells which play an important role in the immune response. Their accumulation results in a continuous inflammatory process, which is manifested by thickening of the skin and the appearance of a scaly formations.
For a reference! An autoimmune process is a phenomenon in which a person immune system, cause injury to the body, do not protect.
Improper functioning of the immune system caused by many triggers, not directly causing disease, but has a certain value. In the background causes psoriasis of the scalp the following:
- Heredity plays an important role in the chain of development of the pathological process: it is considered that the risk for the occurrence of psoriasis dramatically increases in the presence of the disease, at least one close relative. This declaration is not adopted by all professionals and is still under discussion.
- Stress. The emotional experience can strengthen the immune system dysfunction that results in a more severe course of psoriasis, either in their debut, and distribution.
- The use of drugs. It is believed that certain medications affect the development process; in particular, the reported side effect of indomethacin. The drug is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent (NSAID) and is recommended in the treatment of arthritis. As well as the provocation of pathology, quinidine, which is used in cardiology, such as antiarrhythmic drugs.
- Other factors that can lead to the development of pathology in prone individuals: burns, injuries of various kinds, sore throat and other.
Diagnosis of hair psoriasis
The person who makes the decision to go to the doctor often depends on the severity of symptoms: in some patients are ashamed of their disease or just don't feel the need to waste your time of stay in health care facilities, especially for mild symptoms.
Experts highly recommended to consult with a dermatologist, the rash, in any place and at any time. Treatment usually depends on the cause of injury, so the need for timely and accurate diagnosis, even if the symptoms of the pathological process is weak.
In many cases, psoriasis of the scalp is diagnosed with physical examination, study of medical history and the patient's life. The Specialist can diagnose the disease simply by studying the rash. In some cases, it is recommended that blood tests and biopsy for the differential diagnosis with other skin diseases (dermatitis, eczema, etc).
Although the recurrence of psoriasis can occur regularly, usually pathology is not considered to be serious — it is important to follow the medical advice and the time to seek the necessary treatment.
Symptoms and first signs of psoriasis on the head
Hair psoriasis often has a mild course and are virtually invisible. Signs of psoriasis in the head of the individual, therefore, some patients may develop severe progression of the disease, which include ulcers and long duration of the disease. Intense itching causes sleep disturbances and rough scratching leads to skin infections and hair loss.
How do psoriasis head? A slight degree of the disease is less severe manifestations: there is a subtle point rash, almost not cause the patient any discomfort.
Moderate and severe level includes the following symptoms and signs of disease:
- The rocky, uneven spots, red-purple.
- A dry scalp.
- Appears flaking, resembling dandruff.
- Unbearable itching.
- Burning sensation and pain in the area of the rash.
- Bleeding occur from scratching or removing flakes.
- Temporary hair loss.
If the patient has a history of psoriasis on the head and some of the above symptoms, this is the reason for re-treatment at the dermatologist.
Please, note! By itself, the psoriasis does not cause hair loss; this means that the intense scratching, along with stress. Hair growth continues after the cleaning.
Phase of hair psoriasis
The pathological process occurs spontaneously and in waves, including the transition in several stages of the disease:
- Phase progression. Notice at the beginning of the disease or its recurrence. It occurs in the form of the emergence of new lesions on the skin, which can be combined together, forming a more extensive involvement of the skin of the pathological process. On psoriatic lesions is observed peeling.
- Phase preservation. This phase of the security means of the process, however, new lesions no longer observed. In this period, "blunted" growth plates, and is not marked rim around the dermal elements. This phase usually serves as an indicator of the successfully matched treatment.
- Phase of regression. Saw a reduction in the amount of precipitation and determine the effectiveness of the therapy. This phase is characterized by the appearance of the rim Voronov — the folds of skin around the psoriatic plaque. At the same time, the peeling gradually disappears, and in place of panels may form whitish spots.
Treatment of psoriasis on the scalp
How to treat psoriasis on the head? The first line of defense is therapy, which is used directly on the skin: medicated shampoos, creams, gels, oils, ointments and Soaps.
Among the OTC medicines approved by Management on sanitary inspection of quality of food products and medicines (FDA), the most popular are:
- Funds on the basis of salicylic acid. The salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory, effectively removing flaky outer layer and softening the skin. The downside is the local irritation and weakening the hair, which leads to injury.
- Of coal tar. The effect is based on slowing down the growth of skin cells to restore a normal appearance. Resin also reduces itching and inflammation.
In some cases psoriasis on the head treatment get an injection of a steroid anti-inflammatory drugs in the pathological areas of the skin. Often such treatment is important when a mild course of the disease.
In the fight against psoriasis of the scalp helps phototherapy, which uses laser and other light sources. For example, the excimer laser focuses high-intensity radiation affected areas; and should avoid contact with healthy skin. Ultraviolet radiation is used to treat only the scalp. In the case of a short hairstyle, it is recommended to just get out for a short period of time through natural sunlight.
The course of the disease and the prevention of
Unfortunately, a causal therapy (i.e., treatment aimed at the cause of the disease) does not exist. However, symptomatic treatment and physiotherapy allow you to eliminate unwanted signs of disease, to control the repeated episodes and to prevent relapse of psoriasis.
The disease in most cases favourable and leads to serious problems. At the same time long-standing psoriasis on the head, with the arrival of "fresh" evidence is the reason for the treatment in a medical institution.
Because in this time there is no scientific research that could determine the cause of the diseases and disorders of the immune system in General, to prevent the development of psoriasis in predisposed individuals, it is difficult. Experts have no clear answer to the question of how to treat psoriasis on the head. At the same time symptomatic treatment makes it possible to prevent the spread and progression of the process.
People who suffer from psoriasis of the scalp can be used some guidelines and tips, which arises due to the relapse prevention condition:
- Immediately seek the advice of your dermatologist and get the necessary treatment. Ointments or oral medications allow you to not only to prevent progression of the disease, but also to improve the quality of life, reduction of rashes and itching.
- Treatment of the scalp, soft: avoid consistently washing and combing of the hair, as this can cause damage and loss of hair.
- Avoid scratching. Scratches can cause the development of bleeding and possibly infection.
- Contact your counselor or join a support group, if the look feel of a permanent psychological discomfort.
- Timely moisture is a kind of popular method. This will not cure psoriasis, but will improve the condition and appearance of the skin.
- To avoid the known triggers. To find out what has often provoked relapse, and try not to let these factors in your life.