Psoriasis of the head significantly reduces the quality of human life and requires a lot of effort and money for treatment. The constant struggle with psoriasis symptoms and the feeling that you are not like everyone else creates a special psychological problem. This burden is very difficult for young people who do not yet have a family of their own. After all, people around often feel flaking on the head for head lice or consider someone to be unclean. In fact, lichen scaly is not contagious and mainly occurs as a hereditary disease.
Cause of incident
Scalp psoriasis occurs in children and adults. His appearance, as at the time, was unpredictable. Scientists still do not understand why and for some reason psoriatic rashes appear on the human body and affect the scalp. They managed to prove that the appearance of psoriasis on the head and other parts of the body is preceded by a violation of the function of the epidermis. This occurs on the skin after exposure to external irritants, for example, after using low -quality shampoos or body gels.
After that, it is 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 imbalances;
- endocrine disorders;
- weakened immunity;
- allergic reactions.
This is not an exhaustive list of what can affect the severity of scalp disease.
Psoriatic elements on the scalp are formed, as in other localizations, in the upper layers of the epidermis, so they rarely interfere with individual hair growth and trigger their loss.
If you look at it, then all these and others, not named here, the causative factors 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 epidermal cell proliferation.
Symptoms of various diseases
The following forms of psoriasis can occur on the head:
- Vulgar - another name for plaque psoriasis, diagnosed in 90% of cases. It is characterized by the appearance of small papules and red spots on the scalp. Their surface is covered with dry silvery scales that can be easily removed with nails. The elements of the rash gradually increase, then merge into one and represent a small island with a scaly gray surface.
- Pustular - exudative psoriasis, considered the most serious form of the disease, manifests itself in small blisters with yellow or transparent contents. The skin under is swollen and hot. If left untreated, there is a possibility that ulcers that form from open bubbles can become infected with a bacterial infection.
- Drop -shaped - develops against the background of streptococcal infection. The elements of the rash are torn in shape and tend to grow.
What does psoriasis look like on the head at different stages
The early stages of psoriasis on the head most often have symptoms similar to other dermatoses (there is a coincidence with common dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, etc. ). Therefore, only a specialist can correctly diagnose the disease to choose the direction of effective treatment.
At each stage of development of psoriasis on the scalp, the following pathological changes are observed:
- A small, itchy, papular rash appears. The elements are round and red or pink. At this stage, the characteristic feature of a psoriatic eruption is the formation of silvery scales on its surface, which flake off when brushed. The inflammatory process is not present, so psoriasis patients are only irritated with itching and slight peeling of the skin.
- In the second stage of psoriasis, which in medicine is called progressive, papules, increasing, unite into a single island and cover most of the scalp. The itching on the skin worsens, leading to scratching and inflammation. In the absence of proper treatment, the infection enters the skin through scratching and causes the appearance of purulent pustules and yellow crusts under the hair.
- At the stationary stage, when the medications used have brought about the desired effect, the psoriatic plaques stop growing in size, and the inflammation decreases. Due to the exfoliation of the whitish layer from the surface of the plaque, a lot of dandruff is observed on the hair, the itching becomes less intense.
- After a while, the plaques on the scalp become bright, 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 psoriasis at its developmental stage, 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, large pieces of dead skin are removed from its surface, which cannot be completely brushed from the hair.
Localization of skin diseases
If a psoriatic plaque has arisen on the scalp and has affected the entire scalp, then over time it 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 the top of the neck, on the skin behind the ears and on the lobes. This form of localization of the disease is called "psoriatic crown".
Diagnostic features
To diagnose the early stages of psoriasis, it is not enough for a dermatologist to examine the scalp for the presence of small itchy papules or psoriatic plaques. The elements of such a rash are characteristic of some other diseases, therefore, in addition to examination and interview of the patient, a differential diagnosis is mandatory.
This type of examination allows you to distinguish psoriasis on the head from other dermatoses, which is also a favorite site of localization of the scalp. It is important to mention here:
- seborrhea - it is dandruff, the result of improper work of the sebaceous glands;
- rosacea - it is characterized by the appearance of papules and pustules on the red edematous skin, as in psoriasis;
- pityriasis versicolor - affects the hair follicles, causing papules around the hair.
When diagnosing psoriasis, the symptoms of the phenomenon, united by the name "psoriatic triad", are also taken into account. It includes three symptomatic phenomena:
- Stearin spots - when papules or psoriatic plaques are scraped off, the surface turns white, the scales come off.
- Terminal film - the surface of the papule after removing the scales becomes pink and shiny.
- Bleeding spots - occurs after scraping and removing scales from a papule or psoriatic plaque.
In the process of making a diagnosis, the presence of the Kebner phenomenon is also taken into account, when about 15-20 days after injury to the skin, psoriatic elements are formed in the affected area. These symptoms are characteristic of the progressive stage of psoriasis.
How to get rid of psoriasis on the head
Doctors devise 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.
General treatment regimens include:
- use of drugs for external and internal purposes (sometimes);
- compliance with dietary rules;
- physiotherapy sessions;
- preventive hair care.
Scalp psoriasis is harmless, with the exception of the pustular form of the disease, so some procedures prescribed by a doctor can be performed at home.
What pharmaceutical drugs help
Preparations for the treatment of psoriasis of the scalp are prescribed taking into account the stage of development of the disease:
- Progressive rating. Set to wash the head daily with a special shampoo with zinc, after which a therapeutic lotion or salicylic ointment is applied on the scalp 2 times a day. Means relieve itching, inflammation, help exfoliate dead epidermal cells, strengthen skin blood vessels.
- Stationary rating. Within 2-3 weeks, 5% lactic acid or salicylic acid is used to treat psoriatic plaques. The solution softens the stratum corneum and promotes its exfoliation, and also helps other medications penetrate the affected epidermis. Among them, naphthalene -based creams improve local blood circulation, soften the skin and relieve inflammation. Non -hormonal ointments for psoriasis contain synthetic analogues of vitamin D3, which stop the process of division of epidermal cells, contributing 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 microcirculation of blood in the scalp. The purified tar has anti-inflammatory, absorbent, antipruritic and exfoliating effects.
In addition to drug treatment, for people with psoriasis on the scalp, homeopathic type medicines help well during the period the symptoms of the disease are reduced. For example, made based on the material:
- lanolin (animal wax), which softens the stratum corneum;
- berberine - relieves inflammation;
- extract of Mahonia holly - inhibits the growth of immature epidermal cells and desquamation.
In severe scalp psoriasis, patients are prescribed to relieve inflammation with hormone tablets, Magnesium sulfate cleansing drops, sodium thiosulfate, immunomodulatory drugs.
How to cure scalp psoriasis with folk remedies
Masks prepared on the basis of medicinal plants, a mixture of liquids and decoctions for shampoo will help remove psoriatic plaques from the skin.
Hormone ointment with celandine
Ingredients:
- freshly picked celandine herbs (preferably) - 1 tbsp. l. ;
- purified grease - 100 g.
How to cook: combine ingredients, mix well, leave for 3 days in a dark and warm place to infuse.
Results: 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 plaque for no more than 5 consecutive days, because the composition contains addictive hormonal components.
Mustard mask for scalp psoriasis
Ingredients:
- mustard powder - 2 tbsp. l. ;
- hot water - 2 tbsp. l. ;
- vegetable oil - 2 tbsp. l. ;
- chicken yolk - 1 pc. ;
- sugar - 2 tsp
How to cook: add sugar, mixed with mustard powder, butter and water into the egg yolk while beating.
How to use: apply the psoriasis mixture to the scalp, rub, put a cellophane cover on top, warm your head with a towel. The procedure should last at least 15 minutes. The skin will shiver 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 during the deterioration.
Results: the mask reduces itching, causes blood flow to the scalp, improves local metabolic processes, and helps soften 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: put the seeds in an enamel bowl, pour boiling water over, simmer for 5 minutes, add the leaves of the plant, put on fire for 30 minutes. Strain.
How to use: rinse hair after washing with medicated shampoo.
The result: hair with psoriasis is easier to comb, it becomes soft and silky. In addition, the soup relieves inflammation, strengthens local immunity.
Dietary rules
During the treatment of psoriasis on the head, it is important to include in the menu foods that are a source of unsaturated fatty acids (mackerel, sardines, herring, game meat, flaxseed, spinach). You should also eat cereals and soups from cereals (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 boiling. It is better to eat little by little, but 5-6 times a day. Foods that are too salty, spicy, smoked and fried, as well as sweets and alcohol are prohibited.
How is psoriasis of the head treated with physiotherapy?
Effective treatments such as physiotherapy for psoriasis are prescribed at all stages of the disease, except for exacerbation.
Methods used:
- Electrosleep - improves a person's psychological state.
- PUVA therapy - relieves inflammation, improves the condition of the scalp.
- Phototherapy - normalizes metabolic processes in the skin, helps prolong remission.
- Physiotherapy sessions bring the desired results only with regular and proper procedures.
Hair care
During the treatment of psoriasis of the scalp, it is recommended to use cosmetic detergents and hair masks with therapeutic effect:
- Shampoo 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 exacerbated by stress, a good mood helps fight its manifestations in the head, which every day only comes to 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 at night.
Also, psoriasis in the head area is afraid of proper nutrition, so you should take seriously the preparation of therapeutic diets. For this purpose, you can consult a dietitian.
The course of psoriasis in childhood and the characteristics of therapy
Scalp psoriasis in children occurs in the same way as in adults, with exacerbation and remission. For the treatment of psoriatic papules and plaques on the head of children, doctors choose drugs taking into account the age of small patients and the presence of corresponding dermatological diseases. The early stages of pathology are easier to treat, therefore, all procedures recommended by the doctor are performed at home.
If the psoriatic elements occupy a large part of the head, then the doctor recommends that the parents admit the child to the hospital. Inpatient 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, sleeping pills are prescribed.
During the treatment period, you should take care of the scalp of a sick child with the help of funds prescribed by a doctor.
Can psoriasis be cured permanently?
To date, there is no such drug that can cure a person of psoriasis completely. The most effective that pharmaceuticals can offer to patients to get rid of psoriatic rash temporarily are medications in different dosage forms with anti-inflammatory, antipruritic and exfoliating effects. Vitamin D3 has shown its effectiveness, which slows down pathological changes in the skin, as well as some physiotherapeutic procedures.