Head psoriasis significantly reduces the quality of human life and requires a lot of effort and money for treatment. The constant struggle with the symptoms of psoriasis and the feeling that you are not like others 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 you often notice flaking on the head looking for lice or think that a person is not clean. In fact, lichen squamous is not contagious and occurs primarily as a hereditary disease.
Causes of occurrence
Scalp psoriasis occurs in children and adults. His appearance, like his current one, is unpredictable. Scientists still do not understand why and for what specific reason a psoriatic rash appears on the human body and affects the scalp. They managed 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 wash.
Later, 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;
- weakening of immunity;
- allergic reactions.
This is not the complete list of what can affect the severity of scalp disease.
Psoriatic elements on the scalp are formed, as in other locations, in the upper layer of the epidermis, so they rarely interrupt the growth of individual hairs and cause their loss.
If you look at it, all these and other causal factors, not mentioned here, have one thing in common: the ability to negatively affect metabolic processes in the skin. But this is one of the main reasons that cause abnormal proliferation of epidermal cells.
Symptoms of different types of diseases.
The following forms of psoriasis can occur on the head:
- Vulgar - Another name for plaque psoriasis, it is diagnosed in 90% of cases. It is characterized by the appearance of small papules and red spots on the scalp. Its surface is covered with dry silver flakes that can be easily removed with your fingernails. The elements of the eruption gradually increase, then merge into one and represent islets with a scaly gray surface.
- Exudative pustular psoriasis, considered the most serious form of the disease, manifests itself in small blisters with yellow or transparent contents. The skin underneath is swollen and hot. If left untreated, ulcers that have formed from open bubbles may become infected with a bacterial infection.
- In the form of a gout - develops against the background of a streptococcal infection. The elements of the rash are teardrop shaped and tend to enlarge.
What does psoriasis on the head look like at different stages?
The initial stage of psoriasis on the head usually has symptoms similar to other dermatoses (there are 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 psoriasis on the scalp, the following pathological changes are observed:
- A small itchy papular rash appears. Its elements are rounded and red or pink. At this stage, a characteristic feature of psoriatic eruptions is the formation of silvery scales on their surface, which are dislodged when combed. The inflammatory process is absent, so the psoriasis patient is irritated only by itching and a slight peeling of the skin.
- In the second stage of psoriasis, which in medicine is called progressive, the papules, increasing, unite into single islets and cover most of the scalp. The itchiness of the skin intensifies, leading to scratching and inflammation. In the absence of proper treatment, an infection enters the skin through scratching and causes the appearance of purulent pustules and yellow crusts under the hair.
- In the stationary stage, when the drugs used have produced the desired effect, the psoriatic plaques stop increasing in size and the inflammation subsides. Due to the exfoliation of the whitish layer on the surface of the plates, a lot of dandruff is observed in the hair, the itching becomes less intense.
- After a while, the plaques on the scalp clear up, some disappear without a trace, stop itching. Returns elasticity to the skin. This is what psoriasis looks like in the remission stage.
If it is not possible to stop psoriasis at the stage of progression, the skin on the head thickens, as a result of which it is easily injured. Psoriatic plaques do not stop growing due to the appearance of new papules. When combing, huge scales of dead skin are removed from its surface, which cannot be completely removed from the hair.
Localization of skin diseases.
If psoriatic plaques have developed 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, to capture the temple area. Psoriasis can appear on the back of the head and upper neck, on the skin behind the ears, and on the lobes. This form of localization of the disease is called the "psoriatic crown. "
Diagnostic characteristics
To diagnose the early stage of psoriasis, it is not enough for a dermatologist to examine the scalp for small itchy papules or psoriatic plaques. Such elements of the rash are characteristic of various other diseases, therefore, in addition to examining and interviewing the patient, differential diagnosis is mandatory.
This type of examination allows you to distinguish psoriasis on the head from other dermatoses, which are also a favorite site of the scalp. It is pertinent to mention here:
- seborrhea - it is dandruff, a consequence of the improper work of the sebaceous glands;
- rosacea - characterized by the appearance of papules and pustules on edematous red skin, as in psoriasis;
- pityriasis versicolor: affects hair follicles, causes papules around hairs.
When diagnosing psoriasis, the symptoms of the phenomena, united by the name "psoriatic triad", are also taken into account. It includes three symptomatic phenomena:
- Stearin stain: When a psoriatic papule or plaque is scraped off, its surface turns white and the scales peel off.
- Terminal film: the surface of the papule after removing the scales becomes pink and shiny.
- Spot bleeding: occurs after scraping and removing the scales from a single papule or psoriatic plaque.
In the process of making a diagnosis, the presence of Kebner's phenomenon is also taken into account, when approximately 15-20 days after injury to the skin, a psoriatic element forms in the affected area. The symptom is characteristic of the progressive stage of psoriasis.
How to get rid of psoriasis on the head.
The doctor draws up an effective treatment plan for psoriasis taking into account the general health of the patient, the form of the disease and the severity of its course.
The general treatment regimen includes:
- the use of drugs for external and internal purposes (sometimes);
- compliance with nutritional standards;
- physiotherapy sessions;
- preventive hair care.
Scalp psoriasis is not dangerous, except for the pustular form of the disease, so some of the doctor-prescribed procedures can be done at home.
What pharmacy drugs help?
Preparations for the treatment of psoriasis of the scalp are prescribed taking into account the stage of development of the disease:
- Progressive stage. Prescribe daily washing of the head with a special zinc shampoo, after which a therapeutic lotion or salicylic ointment is applied to the scalp 2 times a day. It means relieving itching, inflammation, helping to exfoliate dead cells from the epidermis, strengthening the blood vessels of the skin.
- Stationary stage. Within 2-3 weeks, 5% lactic or salicylic acid is used to treat psoriatic plaques. The solutions soften the stratum corneum and promote exfoliation, and also help other medications penetrate the affected epidermis. Among them, a naphthalan-based cream improves local blood circulation, softens the skin and relieves inflammation. Non-hormonal ointments for psoriasis that contain a synthetic analog of vitamin D3, which stops the process of dividing epidermal cells, contributes to their normal maturation.
- The symptom relief stage (regression stage) is used to treat the scalp with balms, shampoos, and ointments based on juniper or birch tar. The effect of these drugs is aimed at improving 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 psoriasis on the scalp, homeopathic-type medications are of great help during the period when the symptoms of the disease are relieved. For example, prepared on the basis of such substances:
- lanolin (animal wax), which softens the stratum corneum;
- berberine - relieves inflammation;
- Holly Mahonia extract: prevents the growth of immature cells of the epidermis and desquamation.
In severe psoriasis of the scalp, patients are prescribed to relieve inflammation with hormonal tablets, cleansing drops Magnesium sulfate, sodium thiosulfate, immunomodulatory drugs.
How to cure scalp psoriasis with home remedies
Masks made from medicinal plants, liquid mixtures and shampoo decoctions will help to remove psoriatic plaques from the skin.
Hormonal ointment with celandine.
Ingredients:
- freshly collected celandine grass (preferably) - 1 tbsp. l. ;
- purified fat - 100 g.
How to cook: Combine ingredients, mix well, set aside for 3 days in a warm dark place to infuse.
Result: the product softens the stratum corneum of the scalp, eliminates itching and flaking, relieves inflammation.
How to use: apply the ointment in a thin layer on the plates for no more than 5 days in a row, since the composition contains a hormonal component that is addictive.
Mustard mask for scalp psoriasis
Ingredients:
- mustard powder - 2 tbsp. l. ;
- hot water - 2 tbsp. l. ;
- vegetable oil - 2 tbsp. l. ;
- chicken yolk - 1 piece;
- sugar - 2 teaspoons
How to cook: add sugar, mixed with mustard powder, butter and water to the yolk while whisking.
How to use: apply a mixture of psoriasis on the scalp, rub, put a cellophane cap on top, warm the head with a towel. The procedure should last at least 15 minutes. The skin will tingle at first and then it will start to burn. After the mask, the head is washed with warm water with 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 soften and exfoliate the stratum corneum.
Decoction to lighten hair after washing.
Ingredients:
- amaranth seeds - 2 tsp;
- amaranth leaves - 1 tsp;
- boiling water - 750 ml.
How to cook: put the seeds in an enameled bowl, pour boiling water, simmer for 5 minutes, add the leaves of the plant, heat for 30 minutes. Strain.
How to use: rinse hair after washing with medicated shampoos.
Result: hair with psoriasis is easier to style, becomes soft and silky. Also, the broth relieves inflammation, strengthens local immunity.
Nutritional rules
During the treatment of psoriasis on the head, it is important to include in the menu foods that are a source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (mackerel, sardines, herring, game meat, flax seeds, spinach). You should also eat cereals and cereal soups (buckwheat, oatmeal, rice), vegetable stews (beets, cabbage, potatoes), fresh berries and fruits, juices, herbal teas, dairy products.
It is recommended to cook food by boiling, baking and stewing. It is better to eat little by little, but 5-6 times a day. Overly salty, spicy, smoked and fried foods, as well as sweets and alcohol are prohibited.
How is psoriasis on the head treated with physical therapy?
Such an effective treatment as physiotherapy for psoriasis is prescribed at all stages of the disease, except for exacerbation.
Applied methods:
- Electrosleep: improves the psychological state of a person.
- PUVA therapy: relieves inflammation, improves the condition of the scalp.
- Phototherapy: normalizes metabolic processes in the skin and helps prolong remission.
- Physiotherapy sessions provide the desired result only with regular and correct procedures.
Hair care
During the treatment of psoriasis of the scalp, it is recommended to use cosmetic detergents and hair masks with therapeutic effect:
- Shampoos with birch and juniper tar.
- Healing oils for use in the form of masks (burdock, castor, amaranth, stone, naphthalene, currant, sesame).
With psoriasis, the head can be washed daily, the main thing is not to damage the skin until it bleeds when washing.
Lifestyle correction
Since psoriasis is often aggravated by stress, a good mood helps to combat its manifestations in the head, which every day only reach people who lead an active and healthy lifestyle.
A healthy night's sleep is a guarantee of a good mood, so after a hard day, you can take a tincture of peony or motherwort in the evening.
Also, psoriasis in the head area is afraid of proper nutrition, so the preparation of a therapeutic diet should be taken seriously. To do this, you can consult a dietitian.
The course of psoriasis in childhood and the characteristics of therapy.
Scalp psoriasis in children develops in the same way as in adults, with exacerbations and remissions. For the treatment of psoriatic papules and plaques on the head of a child, the doctor selects drugs taking into account the age of the small patient and the presence of concomitant dermatological diseases. The initial stage of the pathology is easier to treat, therefore, all the procedures recommended by the doctor are carried out at home.
In the event that psoriatic elements occupy most of the head, doctors suggest that the parents hospitalize the child. Hospital treatment is carried out:
- 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 need to care for the child's sore scalp with the help of funds prescribed by the doctor.
Can psoriasis be cured permanently?
Until now, there is no such remedy that can completely cure a person from psoriasis. The most effective that pharmaceuticals can offer a patient in temporarily clearing the psoriatic rash are drugs in different dosage forms with anti-inflammatory, antipruritic and exfoliating effects. Vitamin D3 has proven to be effective, slowing down pathological changes in the skin, as well as a number of physiotherapeutic procedures.