Psoriasis, or scaly lichen, is a relapsing dermatological disease. It affects different parts of the body. Scalp psoriasis is common. The exacerbation of the disease is accompanied by symptoms such as itching, the appearance of red spots and peeling skin.
Reason for development
The causative agent and mechanism of development of scaly lichen are still unknown to science. Presumably, the pathology is associated with impaired immunity. Because psoriasis is more common in people who have a close relative with the disease, the researchers did not rule out genetic links.
Scaly lichen can be provoked by:
- viral and bacterial infections;
- allergic reaction;
- diseases of the endocrine system;
- diseases of the digestive system;
- disorders of metabolic processes.
Exacerbations of scalp psoriasis can be caused by reasons such as:
- severe or prolonged stress;
- drink coffee, chocolate, cakes and pastries;
- bad habits - alcohol and smoking;
- mechanical damage to the skin;
- Hypothermia;
- are taking non-steroidal drugs, beta-blockers, lithium preparations.
In most patients, hair psoriasis occurs with a combination of several factors, so doctors consider it a multifactorial disease.
Diagnose
A dermatologist is involved in the identification of scaly lichen. The initial stage of psoriasis can be determined by visual examination.
The main method for diagnosing psoriasis is considered scraping from the damaged area using a slide, as well as analyzing the signs - the existing phenomenon, psoriasis is called the psoriasis triad.
A characteristic symptom of the disease is the triad of psoriasis - the presence of perforation bleeding, stearin spots and terminal membranes.
In advanced cases, scalp psoriasis can be confused with other skin conditions.
To clarify the diagnosis, it is necessary to take a skin biopsy and donate blood for analysis.
Treatment
For psoriasis to be in stable remission, you need comprehensive treatment. This includes: drugs, the use of special cosmetics, physical therapy, visits to health resorts, folk remedies and other activities.
Drugs
There are many topical and systemic medications available to treat scalp psoriasis. The choice of drug depends on the stage of the disease, as well as the personal preferences of the patient and doctor.
Treatment of mild to moderate psoriasis is carried out with external drugs. The advantage of topical therapy is that there are fewer side effects. In severe cases, dermatologists use more aggressive drugs, including systemic ones.
Use topical therapy:
- Birch resin;
- salicylic ointment;
- ichthyol ointment;
- preparations containing panthenol;
- antihistamines;
- glucocorticosteroids;
- vitamin D analogues;
- dithranol;
- bandage with medicine;
- retinoids;
- calcineurin inhibitors;
- skin emollient.
The complexity of systemic therapy may include:
- antihistamines;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- retinoids;
- calcineurin inhibitors, which have an immunosuppressive effect;
- nonspecific immunomodulatory drugs.
Taking cytostatics and corticosteroids is recommended in cases where other treatments for scalp psoriasis have failed. If the skin is infected, as well as signs of comorbidities, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Often the treatment of psoriasis is accompanied by the appointment of enteric sorbents, sedatives and vitamins.
Release form of systemic drug: injection, powder, tablet, oral drops, spray or syrup.
Medical cosmetics
You can find an effective remedy for the treatment of scalp psoriasis using special cosmetics.
The most popular are medicated shampoos. They are gentle, without side effects, clean the diseased skin from keratosis, soften the skin, reduce inflammation and eliminate itching.
The decision to wash your hair when you have psoriasis should be based on the effects of the shampoos. They must have the full effect of eliminating pain and restoring cover.
Based on a set of measures with a tool made specifically, you can determine the appropriateness of its use or prefer a more effective shampoo.
Shampoos for psoriasis can be divided into several conditional groups.
With zinc pyrithione
Zinc pyrithione is active against harmful bacteria - streptococci and staphylococcus, as well as some fungi.
With asphalt
Shampoos that contain refined birch, pine, juniper, or willow sap. It has a keratolytic effect, prevents excessive cell proliferation, acts as an antiseptic.
With ketoconazole
Some medicines contain ketoconazole, an antifungal agent. Although the guidelines do not mention psoriasis, many patients report positive effects after washing their hair with shampoos containing this substance.
In addition to the above, hair cosmetics may include: urea, salicylic acid, ichthyol, selenium sulfide, clioazole, cyclopirox and others. You can not wash your hair with such shampoos constantly - the course of treatment is prescribed.
Physiotherapy procedures
Physical therapy is an integral part of the complex treatment of scalp psoriasis. It is prescribed during the period of cessation of clinical signs and the beginning of remission. There are several methods that can improve the patient's condition.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy - exposing the skin to extremely low temperatures (from -140 to -160°C). When organs and tissues are stressed, a cascade of biochemical reactions is activated and various processes, including autoimmunity, are regulated. Under the action of liquid nitrogen, cell regeneration is enhanced, scab formation is stopped, psoriatic plaques disappear.
Contraindications: pathology of internal organs and blood vessels, exacerbation of chronic diseases, intolerance to cold, agoraphobia.
Lights
Phototherapy - spectral irradiation of psoriatic plaques with ultraviolet light. The procedure has immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects, reducing the rate of cell division. There are several types of spotlights:
- photochemotherapy (PUVA);
- selective phototherapy;
- laser exposure.
They are all very effective in treating scalp psoriasis. A focused beam of light is absorbed by cells with high mycotic activity, leading to their destruction and death.
Contraindications: diabetes mellitus, tuberculosis, persistent hypertension, poor coagulation, oncology, epilepsy, pregnancy, keloids, viral diseases, kidney disease, sixth skin.
Spa treatment
2-3 months after taking the drug, it is advisable to continue the treatment of psoriasis in a sanatorium. It's important to know that you can't go to healthcare resorts during an exacerbation: a regressive phase will come.
Spa treatments may include:
- Helicopter therapy - sunbathing.
- Gas therapy - stay in clean air.
- Thalassotherapy - treatment with seawater.
- Balancing therapy - procedures using mineral water (alkaline, hydrogen sulfide, iodine-bromine, rhodonic, silicon).
- Keloid therapy - the effect of therapeutic mud.
The condition of many patients improved after climate change. Staying at the beach or relaxing in resorts will help you forget the symptoms of long-standing psoriasis.
Folk remedies
Traditional medicine formulations can be used to treat and prevent scaly lichen. The advantage of natural ingredients is their relative safety for the body. To reduce the frequency of exacerbations, you can use the following methods:
- Mix 1 tbsp. l. baking soda with 4 tbsp. l. water, massage into scalp, wait until dry and rinse with warm water. This solution has the effect of softening the skin and reducing itching.
- Mash a ripe banana with the peel in a blender, apply the mixture evenly on the psoriatic area and rub it on the skin. After 20 minutes, wash off the mask with warm water. Banana pulp reduces inflammation and itching.
- Add 2-3 drops of tea tree oil to one part of medicated shampoo, apply to hair, massage scalp, wash off after 5 minutes in shower. Regular use of the oil, which has antiseptic properties, allows you to get rid of the manifestations of psoriasis.
- Dissolve sea salt in a little water, apply to acne-affected skin, leave for about 30-40 minutes and then rinse. This process can be repeated several times a day.
- Mix equal proportions of salt with white or green clay, add a little apple cider vinegar - to obtain a sour cream consistency. Lubricate the patches of psoriasis with the mixture, massage gently and leave for 2 hours.
Traditional recipes should not replace basic medical treatment. They play a supportive role and are used in complex therapies, not alone.
Recommendations for prevention
With scalp psoriasis, you need to take good care of your skin. The bristles should be soft and the brushing movements should be smooth and neat. In this way, damage and infection of the open wound can be avoided.
Styling products, curlers, and irons should be avoided. Do not use dyes because chemicals irritate the epidermis and can lead to an exacerbation of the disease.
It's good to get rid of bad habits. Alcohol and smoking negatively affect blood vessels, disrupting blood circulation, depleting nutrition of the skin and reducing the effectiveness of treatment measures.
Doctors recommend modifying the diet and excluding smoked meat, chocolate, pickles, white bread, tomatoes, spicy foods, carbonated drinks, as well as strong coffee and tea.
It is important to avoid stress and maintain a healthy daily routine. Getting enough sleep is key to good health, as this process activates self-healing mechanisms.
Unfortunately, psoriasis cannot be completely cured, because it is a chronic disease. However, with proper scalp care, following the above rules, you can minimize the number of recurrences.