Psoriasis, or scaly 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 scaly lichen are unknown to science. Presumably, the pathology is associated with impaired immunity. Since psoriasis is more common in people whose relatives suffer from the disease, the researchers do not rule out hereditary links.
Scaly lichen can be provoked by:
- viral and bacterial infections;
- allergic reactions;
- endocrine system diseases;
- pathology of the digestive system;
- disorders of metabolic processes.
Causes of exacerbation of psoriasis of the scalp are capable of such reasons 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 medications, beta-blockers, lithium preparations.
In most patients, hair psoriasis occurs with a combination of several factors, so doctors consider it a polyetiological disease.
Diagnostics
A dermatologist is involved in the identification of scaly lichen. The initial stage of psoriasis can be determined by visual examination.
The main method for diagnosing psoriasis is considered to be scraping from 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 punctate bleeding, stearin spot and terminal film.
In advanced 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 comprehensively. This includes: medicines, the use of special cosmetics, physiotherapy, visits to health resorts, folk remedies and other activities.
Medicines
There is a wide variety of topical and systemic medicines available for scalp psoriasis. 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 carried out with external drugs. The advantage of topical therapy is that there are fewer side effects. In severe cases, the dermatologist uses more toxic aggressive medications, including systemic medications.
Local therapy uses:
- Birch tar;
- salicylic ointment;
- ichthyol ointment;
- preparations containing panthenol;
- antihistamines;
- glucocorticosteroids;
- vitamin D analogues;
- dithranol;
- occlusive dressings with medications;
- retinoids;
- calcineurin inhibitors;
- emollients.
The complex of systemic therapy may include:
- antihistamines;
- anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal medications;
- retinoids;
- calcineurin inhibitors, which have an immunosuppressive effect;
- nonspecific immunomodulators.
Taking cytostatic and corticosteroid medications is advisable in cases where other methods of treating scalp psoriasis 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.
Release form of systemic drugs: injection, powder, tablets, oral drops, spray or syrup.
Medical cosmetics
You can find an effective remedy for the treatment of scalp psoriasis using special cosmetics.
The most popular are medicated shampoos. They gently, without side reactions, cleanse the affected skin from horny scales, soften it, reduce inflammation, and also eliminate itching.
Decide what to wash your hair with psoriasis should be based on the effects of shampoos. They should have the full effect of eliminating pain and restoring the cover.
Based on a set of measures that have a separately taken tool, you can determine the appropriateness 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
The shampoos contain refined birch, pine, juniper or willow tar. It has a keratoplastic effect, prevents excessive cell proliferation, works as an antiseptic.
With ketoconazole
Some drugs contain ketoconazole, an antifungal agent. Although the instructions do not mention psoriasis, many patients note a positive effect after washing their hair with shampoos with this substance.
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 shampoos on an ongoing basis - the course of treatment is regulated.
Physiotherapy procedures
Physiotherapy is an integral part of the complex treatment of scalp psoriasis. 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 (from -140 to -160 ° C). Organs and tissues are stressed, a chain of biochemical reactions is triggered, and various processes, including autoimmune, are regulated. Under the influence of liquid nitrogen, cell regeneration is enhanced, the formation of scales is blocked, psoriatic plaques disappear.
Contraindications: pathology of internal organs and blood vessels, exacerbation of chronic diseases, cold intolerance, 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;
- laser exposure.
They are all effective in treating scalp psoriasis. A concentrated beam of light is absorbed by cells with high mycotic activity, which leads to their destruction and death.
Contraindications: diabetes mellitus, tuberculosis, persistent hypertension, poor blood clotting, oncology, epilepsy, pregnancy, keloid scars, viral diseases, kidney disease, the 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 can not visit health resorts during an exacerbation of the disease: the stage of regression should come.
Spa therapy can include:
- Heliotherapy - sunbathing.
- Aerotherapy - staying in clean air.
- Thalassotherapy - treatment with sea water.
- Balneotherapy - procedures using 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 at the sea or relaxing in resorts will help you forget about the manifestations of psoriasis for a long time.
Folk 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 dry and rinse with warm water. This solution has a softening effect and relieves itching.
- Grind a ripe banana with the peel with a blender, smear the mixture on the areas affected by psoriatic plaques and rub into the skin. After 20 minutes, wash off the mask with warm water. Banana pulp relieves inflammation and itching.
- Add 2-3 drops of tea tree oil to a portion of the medicated shampoo, apply to the hair, massaging the scalp, after 5 minutes rinse under the shower. Regular use of the oil, which has antiseptic properties, helps to get rid of the manifestations of psoriasis.
- Dissolve sea salt in a little water, apply to affected areas, leave for 30-40 minutes, then rinse. This procedure can be repeated several times during the day.
- Mix salt with white or blue clay in equal proportions, add some apple cider vinegar - so that the consistency of sour cream is obtained. Lubricate psoriatic plaques with the mixture, rub in gently and leave to act for 2 hours.
Traditional recipes should not replace basic medical treatment. They play a supportive role and are used in complex therapy, 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 movements when brushing should be smooth and neat. In this way, damage and infection of open wounds can be avoided.
Styling products, curlers and straightening irons should be avoided. Do not use staining, as 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 negatively affect blood vessels, disrupt blood circulation, worsen skin nutrition and reduce the effectiveness of therapeutic measures.
Doctors recommend revising the diet and excluding smoked meats, chocolate, pickles, white bread, tomatoes, spicy foods, carbonated drinks, as well as strong coffee and tea.
It's 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, adhering to the above rules, you can reduce the number of relapses to a minimum.