Psoriasis on the head significantly reduces people's quality of life and requires a lot of effort and money for treatment. The constant struggle with psoriasis symptoms and the feeling that you are not like everyone else creates a special psychological problem. This burden is especially difficult for young people who do not have a family of their own. After all, people around often assume that peeling on the head is to get lice or think that a person is unclean. In fact, lichenoid psoriasis is not contagious and mainly occurs as an inherited disease.
Cause it happened
Scalp psoriasis occurs in children and adults. Its arrival, like the present, is unpredictable. Scientists still don't understand why and for what specific reasons psoriasis rashes appear on the human body and affect the scalp. They managed to determine that the appearance of psoriasis on the head and other parts of the body is preceded by a violation of the functions of the epidermis. This happens to the skin after exposure to an external irritant, such as after using a poor quality shampoo or body gel.
Then it became known that many factors contribute to the development of psoriasis, for example:
- improper nutrition;
- alcohol abuse;
- infectious skin diseases;
- general intoxication of the body;
- hormonal imbalance;
- endocrine disorders;
- weakened immunity;
- allergic reaction.
This is not a complete list of what can affect the severity of scalp disease.
Scalp psoriasis factors are formed, as elsewhere, in the upper layer of the epidermis, so they rarely disrupt individual hair growth and cause them to fall out.
If you look at it, then all these and other, not named here, causal factors have one thing in common - the ability to negatively affect skin metabolism. But this is one of the main causes of abnormal proliferation of epidermal cells.
Symptoms of diseases
The following forms of psoriasis can occur on the head:
- Vinegar - another name for plaque psoriasis, is diagnosed in 90% of cases. It is characterized by the appearance of small papules and red spots on the scalp. Their surface is covered with dry silvery scales that can be easily removed with a fingernail. The elements of the rash gradually increase, then merge into one and represent small islands with scaly gray surfaces.
- Pustular-exudative psoriasis, considered the most severe form of the disease, presents as small yellow or clear blisters. The skin underneath is swollen and hot. If left untreated, it is possible that sores that form from the blisters that have opened may become infected with bacteria.
- Teardrop shape - develops against the background of a streptococcal infection. The elements of the rash are teardrop-shaped and tend to be enlarged.
What does psoriasis on the head look like at different stages
The initial stage of scalp psoriasis often presents with symptoms similar to those of other dermatological diseases (coinciding with common dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, etc. ). Therefore, only a specialist can accurately diagnose the disease so that effective treatment can be selected.
At each stage of the development of psoriasis on the scalp, the following pathological changes are observed:
- A small, itchy rash appears. Its elements are rounded and are either red or pink. At this stage, a characteristic feature of psoriatic eruptions is the formation of silvery scales on their surface, which flake off with combing. Inflammation does not occur, so patients with psoriasis are only irritated by itching and mild peeling of the skin.
- In the second stage of psoriasis, which is medically called advanced, the papules, ascending, coalesce into islets and cover most of the scalp. The skin becomes increasingly itchy, leading to scratching and inflammation. Without proper treatment, the infection enters the skin through scratching and causes the appearance of pustules and yellow scales under the hair.
- In the sedentary phase, when the medications used have brought about the desired effect, the psoriasis plaques no longer grow in size and the inflammation subsides. Because the white layer on the surface of the patches peels off, there is more dandruff in the hair, the itching sensation is less intense.
- After a while, the patches on the scalp gradually lighten, some disappear without a trace, the itching stops. Elasticity returns to the skin. This is what psoriasis looks like in remission.
If psoriasis cannot be stopped at an advanced stage, the skin on the head thickens, making it more susceptible to injury. Psoriasis patches are constantly growing due to the appearance of new papules. When combing, huge patches of dead skin are removed from their surface, which cannot be fully combed out of the hair.
Localization of skin disease
If patches of psoriasis have arisen on the scalp and have affected the entire scalp, over time they can spread beyond the hair growth area to the smooth skin of the forehead, which occupies the temple area. Psoriasis can appear on the back of the head and upper part of the neck, on the skin behind the ears, and on their lobes. The localized form of this disease is called the "psoriasis crown".
Diagnostic Features
To diagnose the initial stage of psoriasis, it is not enough for a dermatologist to simply examine the scalp for small itchy papules or psoriatic plaques. Such rash elements are characteristic of a number of other diseases, therefore, in addition to examination and interview of the patient, a differential diagnosis is imperative.
This type of examination allows you to distinguish psoriasis of the head from other dermatological diseases, which is also the preferred site of localization on the scalp. It is appropriate to mention here:
- increased sebum secretion - it is dandruff, a consequence of the improper functioning of the sebaceous glands;
- rosacea - it is characterized by the appearance of papules and pustules on the skin red edematous, as in psoriasis;
- tinea versicolor - affects the hair follicles, causing papules around the hair.
When diagnosing psoriasis, the symptoms of the phenomenon, which are united by the name "psoriatic triad", are also taken into account. It includes three symptoms:
- Stearin's spot - when a papule or psoriatic patch is scraped off, its surface becomes white, the scab falls off.
- The terminal membrane - the surface of the papilloma after removing the scales becomes pink and glossy.
- Local bleeding - occurs after scraping and removing the scab from a papule or psoriatic plaque.
In the diagnostic process, the presence of the Kebner phenomenon is also taken into account, when about 15-20 days after an injury to the skin, a psoriatic element is formed on the affected area. This is a characteristic symptom of the advanced stage of psoriasis.
How to get rid of psoriasis on the head
Doctors come up with an effective psoriasis treatment plan that takes into account the patient's general health, the form of the disease, and the severity of the disease.
General treatment regimens include:
- the use of drugs for external and internal purposes (sometimes);
- compliance with the rules of nutrition;
- physical therapy sessions;
- Preventive hair care.
Scalp psoriasis is not dangerous, except for pustular disease, so you can perform some procedures prescribed by your doctor at home.
What drugs help?
Preparations for the treatment of scalp psoriasis are prescribed taking into account the stage of development of the disease:
- Progression stage. The rule is to wash your hair daily with a special shampoo with zinc, then apply a therapeutic lotion or salicylic ointment to the scalp twice a day. The drug has the effect of reducing itching, anti-inflammatory, helps to exfoliate the epidermis, strengthen the blood vessels of the skin.
- Stationery stage. Within 2-3 weeks, 5% lactic acid or salicylic acid is used to treat psoriatic plaques. These solutions soften the stratum corneum and promote exfoliation, while helping other drugs to penetrate the affected epidermis. Among them, a cream based on naphthalan improves local blood circulation, softens the skin and reduces inflammation. Non-hormonal ointments for psoriasis contain a synthetic analogue of vitamin D3, which stops the process of dividing epidermal cells, contributing to their normal maturation.
- The symptom relief phase (regression phase) is used to treat the scalp with balms, shampoos and ointments based on juniper or birch sap. The effect of these drugs is to improve the metabolism and microcirculation of blood in the scalp. Tar essence has anti-inflammatory, absorbent, anti-itching and exfoliating effects.
In addition to drug treatment, for people with psoriasis on the scalp, homeopathic medicines help well in the period of remission of the symptoms of the disease. For example, created on the basis of such substances:
- lanolin (animal wax), softens the stratum corneum;
- berberine - reduces inflammation;
- Mahonia holly extract - suppresses the growth of immature cells of the epidermis and scabs.
In severe cases of scalp psoriasis, the patient is prescribed to reduce inflammation with hormonal tablets, clear drops Magnesium sulfate, sodium thiosulfate, immunomodulatory drugs.
How to treat scalp psoriasis with folk remedies
Masks prepared on the basis of medicinal plants, a mixture of liquids and decoctions for washing hair will help get rid of psoriatic plaques on the skin.
Hormonal ointment with celandine
Ingredient:
- freshly picked celandine (preferably) - 1 tbsp. l & agrave;
- pure grease - 100 g.
Cooking method: synthesize the ingredients, mix well, leave in a dark, warm place for 3 days to infuse.
The result: the product softens the stratum corneum of the scalp, eliminates itching and scaling, reduces inflammation.
How to use: apply a thin layer of ointment to the patches for no more than 5 days in a row, since the composition contains an addictive hormone component.
Mustard Mask for Scalp Psoriasis
Ingredient:
- mustard powder - 2 tbsp. l & agrave;
- hot water - 2 tbsp. l & agrave;
- vegetable oil - 2 tbsp. l & agrave;
- chicken yolk - 1 pc. ;
- sugar - 2 teaspoons
How to cook: add sugar, mix with mustard powder, butter and water to yolks while whisking.
How to use: apply the mixture to treat psoriasis on the scalp, rub it evenly, wear a glass cap on top, use a towel to warm your head. This procedure should take at least 15 minutes. The skin will itch at first, then start to burn. After the mask, the head is washed with warm water with a tar shampoo. Repeat the process every 2-3 days while the exacerbation lasts.
The result: the mask relieves itching, blood circulation to the scalp, improves local metabolism, helps to soften and exfoliate the stratum corneum.
Decoction for washing hair after washing.
Ingredient:
- amaranth seeds - 2 tsp;
- amaranth leaves - 1 teaspoon;
- boiling water - 750 ml.
How to cook: Put the seeds in a bowl of yeast, pour boiling water in, simmer for 5 minutes, add the leaves, cook for 30 minutes. Stress, overload.
How to use: Rinse hair thoroughly after washing with medicated shampoo.
The result: psoriasis-prone hair is easier to comb, becomes soft and silky. In addition, broth also reduces inflammation, strengthens local immunity.
Nutrition rules
During the treatment of psoriasis on the head, it is important to add to the menu foods that are a good source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (mackerel, sardines, herring, game meat, seeds). flax, spinach). You should also eat cereals and soups from cereals (buckwheat, oatmeal, rice), vegetable stews (beets, cabbage, potatoes), fresh fruits and vegetables, juices, herbal teascarpentry, dairy products.
Food should be cooked by boiling, grilling and stewing. It is better to eat little by little, but 5-6 times a day. Foods that are too salty, spicy, smoked and fried, as well as sweets and alcohol are prohibited.
How to treat psoriasis on the head with physical therapy?
Effective treatments such as physiotherapy for psoriasis are prescribed at all stages of the disease, with the exception of exacerbations.
Applicable methods:
- Electrosleep - improves the psychological state of a person.
- PUVA therapy - reduces inflammation, improves the condition of the scalp.
- Phototherapy - normalizes metabolism in the skin, helps to prolong the period of remission.
- Physiotherapy sessions only bring the desired results when done regularly and in the right process.
Hair care
During the treatment of scalp psoriasis, it is recommended to use cleansing cosmetics and hair masks that have a therapeutic effect:
- Shampoo with birch and juniper sap.
- Healing oils for use in the form of a mask (burdock, castor, amaranth, stone, naphthalan, grape, sesame).
With psoriasis, the head can be washed daily, the main thing is not to injure the skin until it bleeds when washing.
Lifestyle adjustment
Since psoriasis is often aggravated by stress, a good mood helps to combat its manifestations on the head, which every day comes only to those who lead an active and healthy lifestyle.
A good night's sleep is a guarantee of a good mood, so after a tiring day, you can drink peony perfume or mugwort tincture in the evening.
In addition, psoriasis in the head area is afraid of proper nutrition, so you should seriously prepare a treatment diet. For this purpose, you can consult a nutritionist.
Psoriasis course in childhood and features of therapy
Scalp psoriasis in children progresses as in adults, with exacerbations and remission. For the treatment of papules and psoriatic plaques on the child's head, the doctor selects drugs taking into account the age of the small patient and the presence of concomitant dermatological diseases. The early stages of the pathology are easier to treat, therefore, all the procedures recommended by the doctor are performed at home.
In cases where psoriatic factors occupy most of the head, doctors recommend that parents send their children to the hospital. Inpatient treatment is carried out:
- calcium gluconate - relieves itching, swelling, inflammation;
- vitamins A, E, D and group B - strengthens general and local immunity;
- With a restless night, a sleeping pill is prescribed.
During the treatment period, you should take care of the child's painful scalp with the support of the funds specified by the doctor.
Can psoriasis be cured permanently?
To date, there is no cure that can completely cure psoriasis for a person. The most effective pharmaceuticals that can offer patients to temporarily get rid of psoriatic rashes are drugs in different dosage forms that have anti-inflammatory, antipruritic and exfoliating effects. Vitamin D3 has shown its effectiveness, slowing down pathological changes in the skin, as well as some physiotherapeutic procedures.