Psoriasis, or scaly lichen, is a recurrent dermatological disease. It affects different parts of the body. Psoriasis of the scalp is common. A worsening of the disease is accompanied by symptoms such as itching, the appearance of red rashes and abundant skin rash.
Reasons for development
The causative agent and mechanism of development of scaly lichen are unknown to science. Apparently, the pathology is associated with impaired immunity. Since psoriasis is more common in people whose relatives suffer from the disease, researchers do not rule out hereditary links.
Scaly oak 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 worsening scalp psoriasis are capable of reasons such as:
- severe or prolonged stress;
- drinking coffee, chocolate, sweets and pastries;
- bad habits - alcohol and smoking;
- mechanical skin damage;
- hypothermia;
- taking non-steroidal drugs, beta-blockers, lithium preparations.
In most patients, hair psoriasis appears with a combination of several factors, so doctors consider it a polyetiological disease.
Diagnosing
A dermatologist is involved in identifying scaly lichen. The initial stage of psoriasis can be determined by visual examination.
The main method for diagnosing psoriasis is considered to be scratching the affected area when a glass slide is used, as well as analyzing existing signs - phenomena, psoriasis, which are called psoriatic triads.
A characteristic symptom of the disease is the psoriatic triad - the presence of bleeding with spots, stearin spots and terminal film.
In advanced cases, scalp psoriasis can be confused with other skin diseases.
To clarify the diagnosis, it is necessary to take a skin biopsy and donate blood for analysis.
Treatment
To achieve a lasting remission in psoriasis, you need to treat it comprehensively. These include: medicines, use of special cosmetics, physiotherapy, visits to health resorts, folk remedies and other activities.
medicaments
There is a wide range of local and systemic medications available for treating 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 performed with external medications. The advantage of topical therapy is that it has fewer side effects. In severe cases, the dermatologist uses more aggressive aggressive medications, including systemic medications.
Local therapy uses:
- Birch tar;
- salicylic ointment;
- ichthyol ointment;
- preparations containing panthenol;
- antihistamines;
- glucocorticosteroids;
- vitamin D analogues;
- ditranol;
- occlusive clothing with medications;
- retinoids;
- calcineurin inhibitors;
- relaxing.
The complex of systemic therapy may include:
- antihistamines;
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- retinoids;
- calcineurin inhibitors, which have an immunosuppressive effect;
- nonspecific immunomodulators.
Taking cytostatic and corticosteroid medications is advised 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.
Form release of systemic drugs: injection, powder, tablets, oral drops, spray or syrup.
Medical cosmetics
You can find an effective remedy for treating scalp psoriasis using special cosmetics.
The best known are medicated shampoos. They gently, without side effects, cleanse the skin affected by 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 coverage.
Based on a set of measures that have a tool taken separately, you can determine the appropriateness of its use or give preference to a more effective shampoo.
Shampoo for psoriasis can be divided into several conditional groups.
Me zinc pirition
Activated zinc pyrite effectively fights harmful bacteria - streptococci and staphylococci, as well as some types of fungi.
With tar
Shampoos contain refined tar, pine, juniper or willow tar. Has a keratoplastic effect, prevents excessive proliferation of cells, acts as an antiseptic.
With ketoconazole
Some medicines contain ketoconazole, an antifungal agent. Although the instructions do not mention psoriasis, many patients notice a positive effect after shampooing their hair with this substance.
In addition to the above, pharmaceutical hair cosmetics may include: urea, salicylic acid, ichthyol, selenium sulfide, climbazole, cyclopirox and other ingredients. You can not wash your hair with such shampoos constantly - the course of treatment is regulated.
Physiotherapy procedures
Physiotherapy is an integral part of the complex treatment of scalp psoriasis. Described during the period of disappearance of clinical signs and onset of remission. There are several methods that can improve the patient's condition.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy - skin exposure 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 improved, scaly formation is blocked, psoriatic plaques disappear.
Contraindications: pathology of internal organs and blood vessels, exacerbation of chronic diseases, intolerance to cold, claustrophobia.
Phototherapy
Phototherapy - spectral radiation 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 fungal activity, which leads to their destruction and death.
Contraindications: diabetes mellitus, tuberculosis, persistent hypertension, poor blood clotting, oncology, epilepsy, pregnancy, keloid lesions, viral diseases, kidney diseases, the sixth skin phototype.
Spa treatment
2-3 months after treatment, 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 regression phase must come.
Spa therapy may include:
- Heliotherapy - sunbathing.
- Aerotherapy - staying in the fresh air.
- Thalassotherapy - treatment with sea water.
- Balneotherapy - procedures that use mineral waters (alkaline, hydrogen sulfide, iodine-bromine, rhodon, silicon).
- Peloid therapy - the effect of therapeutic mud.
The condition of many patients improves after climate change. Staying at sea or relaxing in resorts will help you forget for a long time the manifestations of psoriasis.
Folk remedies
Traditional medicine recipes can be used to treat and prevent scaly lichens. The advantage of natural ingredients is their relative safety for the body. To reduce the frequency of irritations, you can use the following methods:
- Mix 1 tablespoon. l. baking soda with 4 tablespoons. l. water, rub into the scalp, wait until it dries and rinse with warm water. This solution has a soothing effect and relieves itching.
- Grind a ripe banana with the peel with a blender, smear the mixture on the areas affected by the 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 a part of medicinal shampoo, apply on hair, massaging the scalp, after 5 minutes rinse in the shower. Regular use of the oil, which has antiseptic properties, allows you to get rid of the manifestations of psoriasis.
- Dissolve the sea salt in a little water, apply on the affected areas, leave for 30-40 minutes and 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 - in order to obtain the consistency of yogurt sauce. Coat the psoriatic tablets with the mixture, rub gently and leave on for 2 hours.
Traditional prescriptions should not replace basic medical treatment. They play a supporting role and are used in complex therapies, and not on their own.
Preventive recommendations
With scalp psoriasis, you need to take good care of your skin. The hairbrush should be soft, and the movements while washing should be smooth and regular. In this way damage and infection of open wounds can be avoided.
Styling products, curls and steering irons should be avoided. Do not use dye, as chemicals irritate the epidermis and can lead to a worsening of the disease.
It would be good to give up 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, pickles, 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 promotes self-healing mechanisms.
Unfortunately, psoriasis cannot be completely cured because it is a chronic disease. However, with proper head care, adhering to the above rules, you can reduce the number of returns to a minimum.