Head psoriasis significantly reduces the quality of human life and requires a lot of energy and money to treat. The constant struggle with the symptoms of psoriasis and how you feel different from others can cause special psychological problems. This burden is especially difficult for young people who do not yet have their own families. After all, people around often feel that there are lice on their heads or think that a person is not clean. In fact, scaly lichens are not contagious and mainly occur as a genetic disease.
cause
Scalp psoriasis is more common in children and adults. Its appearance, like its current, is unpredictable. Scientists still don't understand why and for what specific reasons a psoriasis rash can appear on the human body and affect the scalp. They managed to determine that the function of the epidermis was violated before psoriasis appeared on the head and other parts of the body. This can happen to the skin after exposure to external irritants, such as after using inferior shampoo or shower gel.
Subsequently, it is known that many factors can lead to the development of psoriasis, such as:
- Improper nutrition;
- Abuse of alcohol;
- Infectious skin disease;
- Systemic poisoning;
- hormone imbalance;
- Endocrine disorders;
- Weakened immunity;
- Allergic reaction.
This is not an exhaustive list that can affect the severity of scalp diseases.
Like other parts, the psoriasis components on the scalp are formed in the upper layer of the epidermis, so they rarely disrupt the growth of individual hairs and cause them to fall off.
If you look at it, all 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 may occur on the head:
- Vulgar-another name for plaque psoriasis, which is diagnosed in 90% of cases. It is characterized by small papules and erythema on the scalp. Their surface is covered with dry silver scales, which can be easily removed with nails. The elements of the rash gradually increase and then merge into one and represent islets with a scaly gray surface.
- Pustules-Exudative psoriasis, considered the most serious form of the disease, appears as small blisters with yellow or transparent contents. The skin underneath is swollen and hot. If left untreated, ulcers formed by open air bubbles may be infected by bacteria.
- Teardrop shape-develops against the background of streptococcal infection. The components of the rash are teardrop-like and tend to expand.
What is the head of psoriasis in different stages?
The initial stage of head psoriasis most often has symptoms similar to other skin diseases (occasionally common dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, etc. ). Therefore, only specialists 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 round, red or pink. At this stage, a characteristic of the psoriasis rash is the formation of silver scales on its surface, which will peel off when combed. The inflammatory process does not exist, so patients with psoriasis are only irritated by skin itching and slight peeling.
- In the second stage of psoriasis, it is medically called progressive, papules, enlargement, merging into a single islet and covering most of the scalp. Skin itching worsens, leading to scratches and inflammation. Without proper treatment, the infection can enter the skin through scratching and cause purulent pustules and yellow scabs under the hair.
- In the resting phase, when the medication used achieves the desired effect, the size of the psoriasis plaque stops growing and the inflammation subsides. Due to the shedding of the white layer on the surface of the plaque, a large amount of dandruff was observed in the hair, and the itching became less intense.
- After a period of time, the plaques on the scalp became brighter, and some disappeared without a trace, which relieves the itching. The elasticity returns to the skin. This is what psoriasis looks like in the remission phase.
If psoriasis cannot be prevented in the advanced stage, the skin on the head will become thicker, so it is easy to get injured. Psoriasis plaques will not stop growing due to the appearance of new papules. When combing, large pieces of dead skin will be removed from the surface and cannot be completely combed out of the hair.
Location of skin diseases
If psoriatic plaques appear on the scalp and affect the entire scalp, then over time they will spread from 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, the skin behind the ears, and the earlobes. The localized form of this disease is called "psoriatic crown".
Diagnosis function
To diagnose the initial stages of psoriasis, it is not enough for a dermatologist to check the scalp for small itchy pimples or psoriatic plaques. These elements of the rash are characteristic of many other diseases, so in addition to examining and questioning the patient, the differential diagnosis is mandatory.
This type of examination allows you to distinguish head psoriasis from other skin diseases, which is also the best place to locate the scalp. It is necessary to mention here:
- Seborrhea-this is the result of dandruff, improper work of the sebaceous glands;
- Rosacea-characterized by the appearance of papules and pustules on red and edema skin, such as psoriasis;
- Tinea versicolor-affects hair follicles, causing pimples around the hair.
When diagnosing psoriasis, the symptoms of these phenomena, known as the "psoriatic triad", are also taken into consideration. It includes three symptoms:
- Stearic plaques-when the papules or psoriasis plaques are scraped, the surface becomes white and the scales fall off.
- Terminal membrane-the surface of the papules after removing the scales is pink and shiny.
- Spotting-occurs after scraping and removing scales from a single papule or psoriasis plaque.
In the process of making the diagnosis, the Kebner phenomenon is also taken into consideration. About 15-20 days after the skin is injured, psoriasis is formed in the affected area. This symptom is characteristic of the progressive stage of psoriasis.
How to get rid of psoriasis on the head
The doctor will formulate an effective psoriasis treatment plan based on the patient's general health, the form of the disease, and the severity of the course of the disease.
General treatment options include:
- Use drugs for external and internal (sometimes) purposes;
- Follow nutrition rules;
- Physical therapy courses;
- Preventive hair care.
Scalp psoriasis is not dangerous, except for the pustular form of this disease, so some procedures prescribed by a doctor can be performed at home.
What pharmacy drugs are helpful
Taking into account the development stage of the disease, the preparations for the treatment of scalp psoriasis are stipulated:
- Progressive stage. Wash the head with a special zinc-containing shampoo every day, and then apply treatment lotion or salicylic ointment on the scalp twice a day. Means to relieve itching and inflammation, help remove dead cells from the epidermis, and strengthen the blood vessels of the skin.
- The stationary phase. In 2-3 weeks, use 5% lactic acid or salicylic acid to treat psoriasis plaques. These solutions soften the stratum corneum and promote its exfoliation, and also help other drugs penetrate the affected epidermis. Among them, decalin-based creams can improve local blood circulation, soften the skin, and relieve inflammation. The non-hormonal ointment for psoriasis contains a synthetic analog of vitamin D3, which prevents the division of epidermal cells and helps them to mature normally.
- The symptom relief phase (regression phase) is used to treat the scalp with balms, shampoos, and ointments based on juniper or birch tar. The effect of these drugs is to improve the metabolic processes of the scalp and blood microcirculation. Purified tar has anti-inflammatory, absorption, antipruritic and exfoliating effects.
In addition to medical treatment, for people with psoriasis on the scalp, homeopathic medicines are also very helpful during the relief of the symptoms of the disease. For example, based on such substances:
- Lanolin (animal wax), which softens the stratum corneum;
- Berberine-relieve inflammation;
- Mahonia holly extract-prevents the growth and desquamation of epidermal immature cells.
In severe scalp psoriasis, patients are prescribed hormone tablets, clean droppers, magnesium sulfate, sodium thiosulfate, and immunomodulatory drugs to relieve inflammation.
How to treat scalp psoriasis with folk remedies
A mask made of medicinal plants, liquid mixtures and shampoo helps to remove psoriasis plaques from the skin.
Celandine Hormone Ointment
raw material:
- Freshly picked (best) celandine herb-1 tablespoon. . ;
- Purified fat-100 grams.
Cooking method: Mix the above ingredients, mix thoroughly, and place in a dark, warm place for 3 days to soak.
Result: The product softens the cuticle of the scalp, eliminates itching and peeling, and reduces inflammation.
How to use: Apply the ointment thinly on the plaque and use it for no more than 5 days because the composition contains addictive hormones.
Mustard mask for scalp psoriasis
raw material:
- Mustard powder-2 tablespoons. . ;
- Hot water-2 tablespoons. . ;
- Vegetable oil-2 tablespoons. . ;
- Egg yolk-1 piece;
- Sugar-2 teaspoons
Cooking method: While beating the egg yolks, add sugar, mustard powder, butter and water.
How to use: Apply the psoriasis mixture to the scalp, rub it, put a cellophane cap on it, and warm the head with a towel. This process should last at least 15 minutes. The skin will sting at first, then it will start to burn. After the mask, wash your head with warm water and tar shampoo. During the duration of the deterioration, repeat the procedure every 2-3 days.
Result: The mask reduces itching, allows blood to flow to the scalp, improves local metabolic processes, and helps soften and exfoliate the stratum corneum.
Decoction for washing hair after shampooing
raw material:
- Amaranth seeds-2 teaspoons;
- Amaranth leaves-1 teaspoon;
- Boiling water-750 ml.
Cooking method: Put the seeds in an enamel bowl, pour boiling water, cook for 5 minutes, add the leaves of the plant, and heat for 30 minutes. tension.
How to use: Wash your hair with medicated shampoo and rinse your hair.
The result: psoriasis hair is easier to comb and becomes silky soft. In addition, the broth reduces inflammation and enhances local immunity.
Nutrition rules
During the treatment of head psoriasis, it is important to include foods derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids (mackerel, sardines, herring, game meat, flaxseed, spinach) in the menu. You should also eat cereals and grain soups (buckwheat, oatmeal, rice), vegetable stews (beets, cabbage, potatoes), fresh berries and fruits, juices, herbal tea, and dairy products.
It is recommended to cook food by boiling, roasting and stewing. It is best to eat little by little, but 5-6 times a day. Salty, spicy, smoked and fried foods, as well as sweets and alcohol are prohibited.
How to treat head psoriasis through physical therapy?
Effective treatments such as physical therapy for psoriasis are applicable to all stages of the disease, except for worsening.
Application method:
- Electrosleep-Improve a person's mental state.
- PUVA therapy-relieve inflammation and improve scalp condition.
- Light therapy-normalizes the metabolism of the skin and helps to extend the remission period.
- Physical therapy courses can only bring expected results through regular and correct procedures.
Hair care
During the treatment of scalp psoriasis, it is recommended to use therapeutic cosmetic cleansers and hair masks:
- A shampoo containing birch and juniper tar.
- Therapeutic oil used in the form of a mask (burdock, castor, amaranth, stone, naphthalene, gooseberry, sesame).
Patients with psoriasis can wash their hair every day, mainly not to damage the skin until it bleeds during washing.
Lifestyle modification
Since psoriasis is usually exacerbated by stress, a good mood helps to counteract its performance on the head, which only happens to people who lead an active and healthy lifestyle every day.
Healthy sleep is the guarantee of a good mood, so after a hard day, you can take a tincture of peony or motherwort at night.
In addition, psoriasis in the head area is afraid of proper nutrition, so you should take the preparation of the treatment diet seriously. For this, you can consult a nutritionist.
The course and treatment characteristics of psoriasis in children
The incidence of scalp psoriasis in children is the same as that in adults, with aggravation and relief. In order to treat psoriasis papules and plaques on the head of children, doctors will choose drugs based on the young patient’s age and the presence of accompanying skin diseases. It is easier to treat at the beginning of the pathology, therefore, all the procedures recommended by the doctor are performed at home.
If the psoriasis element occupies most of the head, then the doctor recommends that the parents put the child in the hospital. For hospitalization:
- Calcium gluconate-relieve itching, swelling and inflammation;
- Vitamin A, E, D and B groups-enhance systemic and local immunity;
- Due to the restless night, the doctor prescribed sleeping pills.
During the treatment period, the child's scalp numbness should be taken care of with the funds prescribed by the doctor.
Can psoriasis be cured permanently?
So far, there is no such drug that can completely cure a person's psoriasis. Drugs can be provided to patients to temporarily get rid of the psoriasis rash. The most effective way is to have anti-inflammatory, antipruritic and exfoliating drugs in different dosage forms. Vitamin D3 has been shown to be effective in slowing down pathological changes in the skin, as well as many physical therapy procedures.