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 itching, the appearance of red rashes, and profuse peeling of the skin.
Reasons for development
The causative agent and the mechanism of development of squamous lichen are unknown to science. Presumably, the pathology is associated with impaired immunity. Since psoriasis is more common in people whose family members have the disease, the researchers do not rule out hereditary links.
Squamous lichen can be caused by:
- viral and bacterial infections;
- allergic reactions;
- endocrine system diseases;
- digestive system pathology;
- disorders of metabolic processes.
The causes of exacerbation of scalp psoriasis are capable of such reasons as:
- severe or prolonged stress;
- drink 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, which is why doctors consider it a polyetiological disease.
Diagnostics
A dermatologist is involved in the identification of squamous lichen. The initial stage of psoriasis can be determined by a visual examination.
The main method of diagnosing psoriasis is considered to be scraping the damaged area when using a glass slide, as well as analyzing the 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 mistaken for other skin conditions.
To clarify the diagnosis, it is necessary to take a skin biopsy and donate blood for analysis.
Treatment
To achieve a stable remission of psoriasis, you need to treat it comprehensively. This includes: medications, use of special cosmetics, physical therapy, visits to spas, home remedies and other activities.
Medicines
There are a wide variety of topical and systemic medications available to treat psoriasis of the scalp. The selection of drugs depends on the stage of the disease, as well as the personal preferences of the patient and the doctor.
Treatment of mild to moderate psoriasis is done with external drugs. The advantage of topical therapy is that there are fewer side effects. In severe cases, the dermatologist uses aggressive, more toxic medications, including systemic medications.
Uses of local therapy:
- Birch tar;
- salicylic ointment;
- Ichthyol ointment;
- panthenol-containing preparations;
- antihistamines;
- glucocorticosteroids;
- vitamin D analogs;
- dithranol;
- occlusive dressings with drugs;
- retinoids;
- calcineurin inhibitors;
- emollients.
The systemic therapy complex may include:
- antihistamines;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- retinoids;
- calcineurin inhibitors, which have an immunosuppressive effect;
- nonspecific immunomodulators.
It is recommended to take cytostatics and corticosteroids in cases where other methods of treating psoriasis of the scalp have failed. If the skin becomes infected, as well as the manifestation of concomitant diseases, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Often the treatment of psoriasis is accompanied by the appointment of enterosorbents, sedatives and vitamins.
Systemic drug release form: injection, powder, tablets, oral drops, spray or syrup.
Medical cosmetics
You can find an effective remedy for scalp psoriasis treatment using special cosmetics.
The most popular are medicinal shampoos. Gently, without side reactions, they cleanse the affected skin of horny scales, soften it, reduce inflammation, and also eliminate itching.
Deciding what to wash your psoriasis hair should be based on the effects of shampoos. They should have the full effect of eliminating pain and restoring the covering.
On the basis of a set of measurements that have a tool taken separately, you can determine the suitability of its use or give preference to a more effective shampoo.
Shampoos for psoriasis 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 birch, pine, juniper or willow tar. It has a keratoplastic effect, prevents excessive cell proliferation, acts as an antiseptic.
With ketoconazole
Some medications contain ketoconazole, an antifungal agent. Although the instructions do not mention psoriasis, many patients notice a positive effect after shampooing their hair with this substance.
In addition to the above, pharmaceutical hair cosmetics may include: urea, salicylic acid, ichthyol, selenium sulfide, climbazole, ciclopirox, and other components. You cannot wash your hair with such shampoos continuously; the course of treatment is regulated.
Physiotherapy procedures
Physical therapy is an integral part of complex scalp psoriasis treatment. It is prescribed during the period of extinction of clinical signs and the onset of remission. There are several methods that can improve the patient's condition.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy: exposure of the skin to ultra-low temperatures (-140 to -160 ° C). Organs and tissues are stressed, a chain of biochemical reactions is triggered, and various processes are regulated, including autoimmune ones. Under the influence of liquid nitrogen, cell regeneration is improved, scale formation is blocked, psoriatic plaques disappear.
Contraindications: pathology of internal organs and blood vessels, exacerbation of chronic diseases, intolerance to cold, claustrophobia.
Phototherapy
Phototherapy: spectral irradiation of psoriatic plaques with ultraviolet rays. The procedure has an immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effect, reduces the rate of cell division. There are several types of phototherapy:
- photochemotherapy (PUVA);
- selective phototherapy;
- Exposure to the laser.
All are effective in treating psoriasis of the scalp. A concentrated beam of light is absorbed by cells with high fungal activity, leading to their destruction and death.
Contraindications: diabetes mellitus, tuberculosis, persistent hypertension, poor blood clotting, oncology, epilepsy, pregnancy, keloid scars, viral diseases, kidney disease, sixth skin phototype.
spa treatment
2-3 months after the medication, it is recommended to continue the treatment of psoriasis in a sanatorium. It is important to know that you cannot visit spas during an exacerbation of the disease - the stage of regression must come.
Spa therapy can include:
- Heliotherapy - sunbathing.
- Aerotherapy: stay in clean air.
- Thalassotherapy: treatment with sea water.
- Balneotherapy: procedures that use mineral waters (alkaline, hydrogen sulfide, iodine-bromine, rhodonic, siliceous).
- Peloid therapy: the effect of therapeutic mud.
The condition of many patients improves after a change in climate. Staying by the sea or relaxing in the resorts will help you forget about the manifestations of psoriasis for a long time.
Home remedies
Traditional medicine recipes 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, rub into the scalp, wait until it dries and rinse with warm water. This solution has a soothing effect and relieves itching.
- Grind a ripe banana with the peel with a blender, spread the mixture on the areas affected by psoriatic plaques and rub it into the skin. After 20 minutes, wash off the mask with lukewarm water. Banana pulp relieves inflammation and itching.
- Add 2-3 drops of tea tree oil to a serving of medicated shampoo, apply to hair, massaging into 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 the sea salt in a little water, apply it to the affected areas, leave it for 30-40 minutes, and then rinse. This procedure can be repeated several times during the 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 leave for 2 hours.
Traditional prescriptions should not replace basic medical treatment. They play a supportive role and are used in complex therapies, and not on their own.
Preventive recommendations
With head psoriasis, you need to take good care of your skin. The hairbrush should be soft and the brushing movements should be smooth and neat. In this way, damage and infection of open wounds can be avoided.
Styling products, curling irons, and straightening irons should be avoided. Do not use dyes, as the chemicals irritate the epidermis and can lead to an exacerbation of the disease.
It would be nice to get rid of bad habits. Alcohol and smoking adversely 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, carbonated 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 and following the above rules, you can reduce the number of relapses to a minimum.