Head psoriasis significantly reduces human quality of life and requires a lot of effort and money to treat. 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 yet have a family of their own. After all, people around him often realize he's peeling his head from lice or think a person is dirty. In fact, lichen squamous is not contagious and primarily occurs as an inherited disease.
Occurrence causes
Scalp psoriasis occurs in children and adults. Its appearance, like its current one, is unpredictable. Scientists still do not understand why and why the specific psoriatic rash appears in the human body and affects the scalp. They were able to establish 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, for example after using a poor quality shampoo or body gel.
It was later known that many factors contribute to the development of psoriasis, for example:
- inadequate nutrition;
- alcohol abuse;
- infectious skin diseases;
- general body intoxication;
- hormonal imbalance;
- endocrine disorders;
- weakening of immunity;
- Allergic reactions.
This is not the complete list of what can affect the severity of scalp disease.
Psoriatic elements in the scalp are formed, as in other locations, in the upper layer of the epidermis, so that they rarely stop the growth of the individual hairs and cause them to fall out.
If you look at this, you'll see that all of these and other causal factors, not mentioned here, have one thing in common - the ability to negatively affect the skin's metabolic processes. But this is one of the main reasons for the abnormal proliferation of epidermal cells.
Symptoms of different types of diseases
The following forms of psoriasis can occur in the head:
- Vulgar - another name for plaque psoriasis, is diagnosed in 90% of cases. It is characterized by the appearance of small papules and red patches on the scalp. Its surface is covered with dry silvery scales that can be easily removed with nails. The elements of the eruption gradually enlarge, then merge into one, and represent islets with a scaly gray surface.
- Pustular - exudative psoriasis, considered the most severe form of the disease, manifests itself in small blisters with yellow or transparent content. The skin underneath is swollen and hot. If left untreated, it is possible that ulcers that have formed from open blisters can become infected with a bacterial infection.
- Gout-shaped - develops in the context of a streptococcal infection. The elements of the rash are teardrop-shaped and tend to swell.
What does psoriasis on the head look like at different stages
The initial stage of head psoriasis usually presents symptoms similar to other dermatoses (coincidences with common dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, etc. ). Therefore, only a specialist can correctly diagnose the disease and then choose an effective treatment direction.
At each stage of the development of scalp psoriasis, the following pathological changes are observed:
- A small itchy papular rash appears. Its elements are rounded and red or pink. A characteristic of psoriatic eruptions at this stage is the formation of silvery scales on their surface, which peel off when combed. The inflammatory process is absent, so that the patient with psoriasis is irritated only by itching and slight peeling of the skin.
- In the second phase of psoriasis, which in medicine is called progressive, the papules, crescents, unite into single islets and cover most of the scalp. The itchiness of the skin intensifies, which causes itchiness and inflammation. In the absence of proper treatment, an infection penetrates the skin through itchiness and causes purulent pustules and yellow crusts to appear under the hair.
- In the stationary stage, when the drugs used have the desired effect, the psoriatic plaques stop growing and inflammation ceases. Due to the exfoliation of the whitish layer on the surface of the plates, there is a lot of dandruff in the hair, the itching becomes less intense.
- After a while, the plaques on the scalp shine, some disappear without a trace, stop itching. Elasticity returns to the skin. This is what psoriasis looks like in the remission stage.
If it is not possible to stop the psoriasis in its progression phase, the skin on the head becomes thickened, which easily causes damage. Psoriatic plaques do not stop growing due to the appearance of new papules. When combing, huge flakes of dead skin are removed from its surface, which cannot be completely combed out of the hair.
Skin disease location
If psoriatic plaques have emerged on the scalp and affect the entire scalp, over time they may spread beyond the hair growth area to the smooth skin of the forehead to capture the temple area. Psoriasis can appear on the back of the head and upper neck, on the skin behind the ears, and in the lobes. This way of localizing the disease is called "psoriatic crown".
Diagnostic Features
To diagnose the early stage of psoriasis, it is not sufficient for a dermatologist to examine the scalp for small, itchy papules or psoriatic plaques. These elements of the rash are characteristic of a number of other conditions, so in addition to examining and interviewing the patient, differential diagnosis is mandatory.
This type of exam makes it possible to distinguish psoriasis on the head from other dermatoses, which are also one of the preferred locations for locating the scalp. It is pertinent to mention here:
- seborrhea - it is dandruff, a consequence of the improper work of the sebaceous glands;
- rosacea - is characterized by the appearance of papules and pustules on swollen red skin, as in psoriasis;
- pityriasis versicolor - affects hair follicles, causes papules around the hairs.
In the diagnosis of psoriasis, the symptoms of the phenomena are also taken into account, united by the name "psoriatic triad". It includes three symptomatic phenomena:
- Stearin stain - When a psoriatic papule or plaque is scraped off, its surface turns white and the scales stand out.
- Terminal film - the surface of the papule after removal of the scales becomes pink and shiny.
- Localized bleeding - occurs after scraping and removing scales from a single psoriatic papule or plaque.
In the diagnostic process, the presence of Kebner's phenomenon is also taken into account, when about 15-20 days after the skin lesion, a psoriatic element forms in the affected area. The symptom is characteristic of the progressive stage of psoriasis.
How to get rid of head psoriasis
The doctor draws up an effective treatment plan for psoriasis, taking into account the patient's general condition, the form of the disease, and the severity of its course.
The general treatment regimen includes:
- the use of medication for external and internal purposes (sometimes);
- compliance with nutritional rules;
- physiotherapy sessions;
- preventive hair care.
Scalp psoriasis is not dangerous, with the exception of the pustular form of the disease, so some of the procedures prescribed by your doctor can be performed at home.
Which Pharmacy Medicines Help
Preparations for the treatment of scalp psoriasis are prescribed taking into account the stage of development of the disease:
- Progressive stage. Prescribe daily head washing with a special zinc shampoo, after which a therapeutic lotion or salicylic ointment is applied to the scalp twice a day. It means to relieve itchiness, inflammation, help exfoliate dead skin cells, strengthen the skin's blood vessels.
- Stationary stage. Within 2-3 weeks, 5% lactic or salicylic acid is used to treat psoriatic plaques. The solutions soothe the stratum corneum and promote its exfoliation, in addition to helping other drugs penetrate the affected epidermis. Among them, a mothball-based cream improves local blood circulation, smoothes the skin and relieves inflammation. Non-hormonal psoriasis ointments containing a synthetic vitamin D3 analogue, which interrupts the process of epidermal cell division, contribute to their normal maturation.
- The symptom relief phase (regression phase) is used to treat the scalp with balms, shampoos and ointments made from juniper or birch tar. The effect of these drugs aims to improve metabolic processes and blood microcirculation in the scalp. Purified tar has anti-inflammatory, absorbent, antipruritic and exfoliating effects.
In addition to drug treatment, for people with scalp psoriasis, homeopathic medicines help well during the period when the symptoms of the condition are relieved. For example, based on these substances:
- lanolin (animal wax), which softens the stratum corneum;
- berberine - relieves inflammation;
- Mahonia holly extract - prevents the growth of immature epidermis cells and flaking.
In severe scalp psoriasis, patients are prescribed to relieve inflammation with hormonal pills, droppers, magnesium sulfate, sodium thiosulfate, and immunomodulatory medications.
How To Cure Scalp Psoriasis With Folk Remedies
Herbal masks, liquid mixes and washing decoctions help to remove psoriatic plaques from the skin.
Hormonal ointment with celandine
Ingredients:
- freshly harvested celandine herb (preferably) - 1 tbsp. me . ;
- purified grease - 100 g.
How to prepare: mix the ingredients, mix well, leave for 3 days in a dark, hot place to infuse.
Result: the product soothes the stratum corneum of the scalp, eliminates itching and scaling, relieves inflammation.
How to use: apply the ointment in a thin layer on the boards for a maximum of 5 days in a row, as the composition contains a hormonal component that causes dependence.
Mustard mask for scalp psoriasis
Ingredients:
- mustard powder - 2 tbsp. me . ;
- hot water - 2 tbsp. me . ;
- vegetable oil - 2 tbsp. me . ;
- chicken yolk - 1 pc;
- sugar - 2 teaspoons
How to cook: add sugar, mixed with powdered mustard, butter and water to the yolk while beating.
How to use: apply a mixture of psoriasis to the scalp, rubbing, place a cellophane cap over the top, warm the head with a towel. The procedure should take at least 15 minutes. The skin starts to tingle and then starts to burn. After the mask, the head is washed with warm water with a tar shampoo. Repeat the procedure every 2-3 days for the duration of the exacerbation.
Result: the mask reduces itching, causes blood flow to the scalp, improves the local metabolic process and helps to smooth and exfoliate the stratum corneum.
Decoction to rinse hair after washing
Ingredients:
- amaranth seeds - 2 tsp;
- amaranth leaves - 1 tsp;
- boiling water - 750 ml.
How to cook: place the seeds in an enamel bowl, pour boiling water over the top, cook for 5 minutes, add the plant leaves, heat for 30 minutes. Voltage.
How to use: rinse hair after washing with medicated shampoos.
Result: hair with psoriasis is easier to comb, feels soft and silky. In addition, the broth relieves inflammation, strengthens local immunity.
nutrition rules
During the treatment of head psoriasis, it is important to include in the menu foods source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (mackerel, sardines, herring, game meat, flax seeds, spinach). You should also eat cereals and cereal soups (buckwheat, oats, rice), vegetable stews (beets, cabbage, potatoes), fresh fruits and fruits, juices, herbal teas, dairy products.
It is recommended to cook food by boiling, roasting and steaming. It's best to eat little by little, but 5-6 times a day. Very salty, spicy, smoked and fried foods, as well as sweets and alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
How is head psoriasis treated with physical therapy?
A treatment as effective as physical therapy for psoriasis is prescribed for all stages of the disease, except for exacerbations.
Methods applied:
- Electrosleep - improves a person's psychological state.
- PUVA therapy - relieves inflammation, improves scalp condition.
- Phototherapy - normalizes the metabolic processes of the skin, helps to prolong remission.
- Physical therapy sessions only bring the desired result with regular and correct procedures.
hair care
During the treatment of scalp psoriasis, the use of cosmetic detergents and hair masks with therapeutic effect is recommended:
- Shampoo with birch and juniper tar.
- Healing oils for use in the form of masks (burdock, castor, amaranth, stone, mothballs, gooseberry, sesame).
In psoriasis, the head can be washed daily, the main thing is not to damage the skin until it bleeds when washing.
lifestyle correction
As psoriasis is usually exacerbated by stress, a good mood helps to combat its manifestations in the head, which every day only occur in people who lead an active and healthy lifestyle.
A healthy night's sleep guarantees a good mood, so after a hard day you can have a peony tincture or motherwort at night.
In addition, psoriasis in the head region fears adequate nutrition, so you should be serious about preparing a therapeutic diet. For this you can consult a nutritionist.
The course of childhood psoriasis and characteristics of therapy
Scalp psoriasis in children occurs in the same way as in adults, with exacerbations and remissions. For the treatment of psoriatic papules and plaques on a child's head, the doctor selects medications taking into account the age of the young patient and the presence of concomitant skin diseases. The early stage of the pathology is easier to treat, so all procedures recommended by the doctor are performed at home.
In case psoriatic elements occupy most of the head, doctors suggest that the parents hospitalize the child. Hospital treatment is performed:
- calcium gluconate - relieves itching, swelling, inflammation;
- vitamins A, E, D and group B - strengthen general and local immunity;
- with a restless night's sleep, a sleeping pill is prescribed.
During the treatment period, you should take care of the child's sore scalp with the help of funds prescribed by the doctor.
Can psoriasis be permanently cured?
Until now, there is no medicine that can cure a person of psoriasis completely. The most effective drugs that can offer a patient to temporarily get rid of the psoriatic rash are drugs in different dosage forms with anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and exfoliating effects. Vitamin D3 has been shown to be effective, slowing down pathological changes in the skin, as well as a series of physical therapy procedures.