Psoriasis, or scaly lichen, is a recurrent dermatological disease. It affects various parts of the body. Scalp psoriasis is common. The severity of the disease is accompanied by symptoms such as itching, the appearance of a red rash and extensive peeling of the skin.
Reasons for development
The causative agents and mechanisms of development of scaly lichen are unknown to science. Probably, the pathology is associated with impaired immunity. Because psoriasis is more common in people whose relatives suffer from the disease, the researchers did not rule out a hereditary relationship.
Scaly lichen can be provoked by:
- viral and bacterial infections;
- allergic reactions;
- diseases of the endocrine system;
- pathology of the digestive system;
- disorders of metabolic processes.
Causes of exacerbation of scalp psoriasis can lead to reasons such as:
- 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, hair psoriasis occurs with a combination of several factors, so doctors consider it a polyetiological disease.
Diagnostics
Dermatologists are involved in identifying scaly lichen. The early stages of psoriasis can be determined by visual inspection.
The main method for diagnosing psoriasis is considered to scrape from the damaged area when using glass slides, as well as analyze the existing signs - the phenomenon, psoriasis, called psoriatic triad.
The characteristic symptom of this disease is the psoriatic triad - the presence of punctate bleeding, stearin spots and terminal films.
In further cases, scalp psoriasis can be confused with 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 in psoriasis, you need to treat it thoroughly. These include: medicines, use of special cosmetics, physiotherapy, visits to health resorts, folk remedies and other activities.
Medications
There are various types of topical and systemic medications available to treat scalp psoriasis. The choice of medication 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 carried out with external medications. The advantage of topical therapy is fewer side effects. In severe cases, dermatologists use more aggressive toxic medications, including systemic medications.
Local therapy uses:
- Tar birch;
- salicylic ointment;
- ichthyol ointment;
- preparations containing panthenol;
- antihistamines;
- glucocorticosteroids;
- vitamin D analogs;
- dithranol;
- occlusive bandages with medications;
- retinoid;
- calcineurine inhibitors;
- emollients.
Complex systemic therapies may include:
- antihistamines;
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- retinoid;
- calcineurin inhibitors, which have immunosuppressive effects;
- immunomodulators are not specific.
Taking cytostatic medications and corticosteroids is advised in cases where other methods of treating scalp psoriasis have failed. If the skin is infected, as well as the corresponding manifestations of the disease, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Often the treatment of psoriasis is accompanied by the appointment of enterosorbents, sedatives and vitamins.
Systemic drug release forms: injections, powders, tablets, oral drops, sprays or syrups.
Medical cosmetics
You can find effective remedies for the treatment of scalp psoriasis using special cosmetics.
The most popular are medicated shampoos. They gently, without side effects, cleanse the affected skin of horny scales, soften it, reduce inflammation, and even eliminate itching.
Decide what to wash your hair with psoriasis should be based on the effect of the shampoo. They must have full effect to eliminate pain and restore cover.
Based on a set of steps that have the 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 is effective against harmful bacteria - streptococci and staphylococci, as well as some types of fungi.
With tar
The shampoo contains fine birch, pine, juniper or willow tar. It has a keratoplastic effect, prevents excessive cell proliferation, acts as an antiseptic.
With ketoconazole
Some medicines contain ketoconazole, an antifungal agent. Although the instructions did not mention psoriasis, many patients noted a positive effect after washing their hair with a shampoo with this ingredient.
In addition to the above, pharmaceutical hair cosmetics may include: urea, salicylic acid, ichthyol, selenium sulfide, climbazole, cyclopirox and other components. You cannot wash your hair with such a shampoo continuously - the course of treatment is controlled.
Physiotherapy procedures
Physiotherapy is an important part of the complex treatment of scalp psoriasis. It is prescribed during the period of extinction of clinical signs and the beginning of remission. There are several methods that can improve a patient’s condition.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy -skin exposure to ultra -low temperatures (from -140 to -160 ° C). Organs and tissues are stressed, biochemical chain reactions are triggered, and various processes, including autoimmune, are controlled. Under the influence of liquid nitrogen, cell regeneration is enhanced, scale formation is blocked, psoriatic plaques disappear.
Contraindications: pathology of internal organs and blood vessels, exacerbation of chronic diseases, cold intolerance, claustrophobia.
Phototherapy
Phototherapy - irradiation of the spectrum of psoriatic plaques with ultraviolet radiation. This procedure has immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects, reducing the rate of cell division. There are several types of phototherapy:
- photochemotherapy (PUVA);
- selective phototherapy;
- laser exposure.
All of them are effective in treating scalp psoriasis. Concentrated light rays are absorbed by cells with high mycotic 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 phototypes.
Spa treatments
2-3 months after medication, it is recommended to continue treatment of psoriasis in a sanatorium. It’s important to know that you can’t visit a health resort during disease exacerbation: the regression stage is coming.
Spa therapy can include:
- Heliotherapy - sunbathing.
- Aerotherapy - stay in the clean air.
- Thalassotherapy - treatment with sea water.
- Balneotherapy - a procedure using mineral water (alkaline, hydrogen sulfide, iodine -bromine, rhodonic, silica).
- Peloid therapy - therapeutic mud effect.
The condition of many patients improved after climate change. Staying at sea or relaxing at a resort will help you forget about the manifestations of psoriasis for a long time.
Restoration of the people
Traditional medicine recipes can be used to treat and prevent scaly lichen. The advantage of natural materials 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, apply to scalp, wait until dry and rinse with warm water. This solution has a softening effect and relieves itching.
- Grind a ripe banana with its skin with a blender, apply the batter on the area affected by psoriatic plaques and rub on the skin. After 20 minutes, wash the mask with warm water. Banana pulp relieves inflammation and itching.
- Add 2-3 drops of tea tree oil to the medicated part of the shampoo, apply on hair, massage the scalp, after 5 minutes rinse under the 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 on the affected area, leave on for 30-40 minutes, 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 - so that the consistency of sour cream is obtained. Smear the psoriatic plaque with the mixture, rub gently and leave to act for 2 hours.
Traditional recipes cannot replace basic medical treatments. They play a supporting role and are used in complex therapies, and not on their own.
Preventive recommendations
With psoriasis of the head, you need to take good care of your skin. The hair brush should be soft, and the movement during brushing should be smooth and neat. In this way, damage and infection to open wounds can be avoided.
Styling products, curlers and straightening irons should be avoided. Do not use dyes, as chemicals irritate the epidermis and can lead to exacerbation of the disease.
It is good 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, oranges, white bread, tomatoes, spicy foods, carbonated beverages, 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, as it is a chronic disease. However, with proper scalp care, adhering to the above rules, you can reduce the number of recurrences to a minimum.