Psoriasis, or squamous lichen, is a recurrent dermatological disease. It affects various parts of the body. Scalp psoriasis is common. An exacerbation of the disease is accompanied by symptoms such as itchiness, appearance of red rashes, and profuse peeling of the skin.
Reasons for development
The causative agent and development mechanism of squamous lichen are 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 don't rule out hereditary links.
Squamous lichen can be caused by:
- viral and bacterial infections;
- Allergic reactions;
- endocrine system diseases;
- pathology of the digestive system;
- disorders of metabolic processes.
The causes of scalp psoriasis exacerbation can be:
- severe or prolonged stress;
- drinking coffee, chocolate, cakes and pastries;
- bad habits - alcohol and smoking;
- mechanical damage to the skin;
- hypothermia;
- taking non-steroidal drugs, beta-blockers, lithium preparations.
In most patients, capillary psoriasis occurs with a combination of several factors, so doctors consider it a polyetiological disease.
Diagnosis
A dermatologist is involved in identifying squamous lichen. The early stage of psoriasis can be determined by visual examination.
The main method of diagnosing psoriasis is considered to scrape the injured area with a glass slide, as well as the analysis of existing signs - phenomena, psoriasis, which are called the psoriatic triad.
A characteristic symptom of the disease is the psoriatic triad - the presence of dotted bleeding, stearin stain and terminal film.
In advanced cases, scalp psoriasis can be confused with other skin conditions.
To clarify the diagnosis, it is necessary to perform a skin biopsy and donate blood for analysis.
Treatment
To achieve stable remission of psoriasis, you need to treat it comprehensively. This includes: medication, use of special cosmetics, physiotherapy, visits to health centers, folk remedies and other activities.
Medicines
There is a wide variety of topical and systemic medications available to treat scalp psoriasis. Drug selection depends on the stage of the disease as well as the patient's and physician's personal preferences.
Mild to moderate psoriasis is treated with external medications. The advantage of topical therapy is that there are fewer side effects. In severe cases, the dermatologist uses more toxic aggressive medications, including systemic medications.
Local therapy uses:
- Birch tar;
- salicylic ointment;
- ichthyol ointment;
- panthenol-containing preparations;
- antihistamines;
- glucocorticosteroids;
- vitamin D analogues;
- dithranol;
- occlusive dressings with medications;
- retinoids;
- calcineurin inhibitors;
- emollients.
The systemic therapy complex may include:
- antihistamines;
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- retinoids;
- calcineurin inhibitors, which have an immunosuppressive effect;
- non-specific immunomodulators.
The use of cytostatic drugs and corticosteroids is advisable in cases where other methods of treating scalp psoriasis have failed. If the skin becomes infected, as well as the manifestation of concomitant illnesses, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Often, the treatment of psoriasis is accompanied by the indication of enterosorbents, sedatives and vitamins.
Systemic drug delivery method: injection, powder, pills, oral drops, spray or syrup.
medical cosmetics
You can find an effective remedy for treating scalp psoriasis using special cosmetics.
The most popular are medicated shampoos. They gently, without side reactions, clean the affected skin of horny scales, soothe it, reduce inflammation and also eliminate itching.
Decide what wash your hair with psoriasis should be based on the effects of shampoos. They should have the full effect of eliminating pain and restoring the cover.
Based on a set of measures that have a separate tool, one can determine the suitability of its use or give preference to a more effective shampoo.
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 some types of fungi.
with tar
Shampoos contain refined tar from birch, pine, juniper or willow. It has a keratoplastic effect, prevents excessive cell proliferation, works as an antiseptic.
With ketoconazole
Some medications contain ketoconazole, an antifungal agent. Although the instructions do not mention psoriasis, many patients observe a positive effect after shampooing their hair with this substance.
In addition to the above, pharmaceutical hair care cosmetics may include: urea, salicylic acid, ichthyol, selenium sulfide, scalazole, ciclopirox and other components. You cannot wash your hair with these shampoos continuously - the course of treatment is regulated.
physiotherapy procedures
Physical therapy is an integral part of the complex treatment of scalp psoriasis. It is prescribed during the period of extinction of clinical signs and onset of remission. There are several methods that can improve the patient's condition.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy - exposure of the skin to ultra-low temperatures (from -140 to -160 °C). Organs and tissues are stressed, a chain of biochemical reactions is triggered and various processes, including autoimmune ones, are regulated. Under the influence of liquid nitrogen, cell regeneration is increased, scale formation is blocked, 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 rays. The procedure has an immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effect, reducing the rate of cell division. There are several types of phototherapy:
- photochemotherapy (PUVA);
- selective phototherapy;
- laser exposure.
All are effective in treating scalp psoriasis. A concentrated beam of light is absorbed by cells with high mycotic activity, which leads to their destruction and death.
Contraindications: diabetes mellitus, tuberculosis, persistent hypertension, poor blood clotting, oncology, epilepsy, pregnancy, keloid scars, viral diseases, kidney disease, the sixth skin phototype.
spa treatment
2-3 months after medication, it is recommended to continue psoriasis treatment in a sanatorium. It is important to know that you cannot visit health centers during an exacerbation of the disease: the regression stage must come.
Spa therapy may include:
- Heliotherapy - sunbathing.
- Aerotherapy - stay outdoors.
- Thalassotherapy - seawater treatment.
- Balneotherapy - procedures with mineral waters (alkaline, hydrogen sulfide, iodine-bromine, rhodium, siliceous).
- Peloid therapy - the effect of therapeutic mud.
The condition of many patients improves after a change in climate. Staying at sea or relaxing in resorts will help you to forget about psoriasis for a long time.
folk remedies
Traditional medicine prescriptions can be used to treat and prevent squamous 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. me. baking soda with 4 tbsp. me. water, rub into the scalp, wait until dry and rinse with warm water. This solution has a soothing effect and relieves itching.
- Grind a ripe banana with the skin in a blender, rub the mixture into the areas affected by the psoriatic plaques and rub into the skin. After 20 minutes, wash the mask with warm water. The pulp of the banana relieves inflammation and itching.
- Add 2-3 drops of tea tree oil to a portion of medicated shampoo, apply to hair, massaging scalp, after 5 minutes rinse under 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 affected areas, leave for 30-40 minutes, then rinse. This procedure can be repeated several times a day.
- Mix equal proportions of salt with white or blue clay, add a little apple cider vinegar - to get the consistency of sour cream. Lubricate the psoriatic plaques with the mixture, rub gently and let it act for 2 hours.
Traditional prescriptions should not replace basic medical treatment. They play a supportive role and are used in complex therapies rather than on their own.
Preventive recommendations
With head psoriasis, you need to take good care of your skin. The hairbrush should be smooth and brushing movements should be smooth and precise. In this way, damage and infections of open wounds can be avoided.
Modeling products, rollers and flat irons should be avoided. Do not use coloring as the chemicals irritate the epidermis and can lead to exacerbation of the disease.
It would be nice to get rid of bad habits. Alcohol and smoking negatively affect blood vessels, disrupt blood circulation, worsen skin nutrition and reduce the effectiveness of therapeutic measures.
Doctors recommend reviewing the diet and excluding smoked meats, chocolate, pickles, white bread, tomatoes, spicy foods, soft drinks, as well as strong coffee and tea.
It is important to avoid stress and maintain a healthy daily routine. Adequate 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, with proper scalp care, respecting the above rules, you can reduce the number of relapses to a minimum.