Cause and methods of treating psoriasis of the head

Psoriasis is a chronic, non-infectious, inflammatory lesion of the skin with a negative impact on the quality of life of patients ("Psora" from Greek - scales). From there, like many other diseases, the first observations about psoriasis are described. This term was introduced by Galen, one of the leading researchers in medicine.

Cutaneous signs of psoriasis created confusion among people and healers, as leprosy was prevalent at the time and had dire consequences. Patients with psoriasis were subjected to social pressure, they were avoided, they were forcibly isolated. In Europe, such people were forced to warn others of their arrival by ringing the bell. Attempts at treatment consisted of the use of manure, onions, sea salt, oil, urine, but all were ineffective and made the expulsion of patients with psoriasis.

Psoriasis of the head

PREVENTION OF PSORIASIS

The disease can occur at any age, but most often occurs in the age group from 49 to 69 years. The reported prevalence of psoriasis in countries varies between 0, 09% and 11, 4%, making psoriasis a serious global problem.

Despite the widespread misconception that psoriasis is not as serious as other non-dermatological conditions, psoriasis creates a disease burden that extends beyond dermatological symptoms. Its psychological effects are similar to cancer, heart disease, diabetes. Psoriasis plaques are often visible, which can negatively affect interpersonal relationships, school, or work success. Not surprisingly, people with psoriasis have higher rates of depression with an increased number of suicidal thoughts.

Patients with psoriasis also risk developing serious illnesses that will complicate disease control and increase the risk of premature death. Cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome are more common in patients with psoriasis.

Furthermore, psoriasis is itself a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, tripling the relative risk of developing myocardial infarction. Severe psoriasis is also associated with an increased risk of mortality, resulting in a 3. 5- and 4. 4-year reduction in life expectancy for men and women, respectively, compared to people without psoriasis.

Posriaza on the scalp

CAUSE OF PSORIASIS ON THE HEAD

There have been many theories about the origin of psoriasis. This is the impact of microbes, viruses, allergies, poor hygiene, disturbed blood supply to the skin, disruption of the functional balance of internal organs and one of the most urgent at the moment is the autoimmune nature of the disease, when human immune cells attack tissuesTheirs. Even this assumption remains a theory, as so far no skin-damaging antibodies have been found in patients with psoriasis.

At present, the cause of the pathology remains unknown. But, during the study, scientists have identified factors that, with a certain degree of probability, can provoke psoriasis.

The following points are distinguished:

  • Inheritance. There is no one hundred percent chance that even if the mother and father are ill, their child will necessarily suffer from psoriasis. But in such a situation, the risk of getting such a pathology is higher. It was also noted that if among identical twins one is ill, the second twin is more likely to get sick than compared to the usual risk in the population. This proves that this nosology has a genetic predisposition.
  • Skin injuries: accidental knife cuts, cat scratches, mosquito bites, sunburn increase the risk of causing another outbreak.
  • Infections: Staphylococcus, streptococcus and other infections can also act as causes. Children often have streptococcal tonsils before the onset of cutaneous psoriasis.
  • There are medicines that can cause the disease, for example, antimalarial medicines, some antidepressants.
  • Changing your HIV status to positive can also give a boost to the development of psoriasis. Therefore, testing for HIV when psoriasis is suspected is not uncommon.
  • Stress. The most famous cause for the laity. "It's all due to stress" - every psoriasis patient has heard this phrase at least once. Some people are skeptical of this phrase, but it has its own reasoning. Scientists believe that our immune systems can respond to emotional and mental pressures as well as physical defects such as trauma and infections.
  • Excess weight negatively affects the whole body systematically, and if an obese person has a history of psoriasis, treatment is more difficult and often less effective.
  • Smoking. It has long been observed and it is no secret to anyone that cigarettes have a negative effect on the condition of the skin. Therefore the likelihood of provoking psoriasis, especially the head and hands are damaged.
  • Alcohol is one of the most common individual causes of psoriasis.
  • Hormonal changes. The disease often manifests itself during puberty. Menopause can also provoke psoriasis, but during pregnancy, a reduction or even complete regression of plaques is observed.

Symptoms of psoriasis on the head

In 50% of cases, psoriasis makes itself sensitive from the head. Psoriasis can appear anywhere on the head. Sometimes small plaques develop that are easily hidden in the hair, but when the entire scalp is covered, it is difficult to erase the plaques.

The appearance of psoriasis on the head will appear as follows:

Psoriasis on the head through a magnifying glass
  • Reddish spots on the scalp. Some spots may be barely visible due to their fading, but there are also bright red elements that are easily visible.
  • Scales that remove psoriatic skin. The condition of the scalp in this pathology may resemble ordinary dandruff. But there are changes, so, for example, with psoriasis, a silvery sheen is noticed and may also be accompanied by itchy skin.
  • Dry scalp. The scalp can be so dry that the skin will crack and bleed, which will create conditions for the addition of an infection, the treatment of which in such a localization has some difficulties.
  • Itching. This is one of the most common symptoms. Some experience mild itching, which the patient may forget in daily activities, and some experience such severe itching that work, study, and even sleep are impossible.
  • Bleeding. Because psoriasis of the scalp can be itchy, the patient can scratch the skin, damaging it. In addition to bleeding, scratches can worsen the course of psoriasis making the plaque larger and denser. This is why dermatologists tell their patients, "Try not to hurt the scalp. "
  • Djegia. The patient may describe his head as "burning".
  • Hair loss. Scratching the scalp, using force to remove scales can lead to hair loss. Although this phenomenon is temporary, it can still cause concern for the patient.

These clinical manifestations can quickly, both grow and collapse. This is an individual process. In one patient, the entire pathological process will end in a pale plaque under the hair, while the other will have many bright foci all over the head. This is influenced by, inter alia, the causes described above.

A number of problems the patient may face:

  1. Manifestations of the skin visible to others. Living with psoriasis can make a person shy. Every aspect of social life can be stressful for these people, such as holding hands in a meeting.
  2. Financat. Treating psoriasis can be costly. This is more true for conventional psoriasis resistant to conventional therapy, for the treatment of which new drugs based on monoclinic antibodies are used.
  3. Pain. Chronic pain can occur with psoriasis, which further increases stress levels. This will be especially true when skin manifestations combine with inflammation of the joints, while reducing a person's daily activity.
  4. Healing. Especially when the patient seeks help late, some procedures do not have the expected effect, which, of course, bothers the patient, suppressing him emotionally. Other procedures can take a long time. For example, you may need to take phototherapy 3 times a week for up to a year. For some, such a regimen will be difficult to keep up with the standard pace of life.
  5. Living with a chronic illness. Psoriasis, like many other chronic pathologies, requires great voluntary effort. It is difficult for a patient, especially in the initial stages, to cope with a series of additional problems that have "fallen on his head". This creates the conditions for the onset of depression.
Diagnosis of psoriasis of the head

DIAGNOSTICS OF PSORIASIS IN THE HEAD

The decision to see or not a doctor depends on the patient depending on the severity of the symptoms. However, the best solution, regardless of the location of the plaques, would be to visit a doctor. In order for further treatment to be as successful as possible, it is necessary to make an accurate diagnosis, even if the symptoms are mild.

In most cases, scalp psoriasis is diagnosed after a physical examination and medical history analysis.

A dermatologist is able to diagnose scalp psoriasis by examining pathological elements of the skin.In exceptional cases, the patient may be advised to undergo a skin biopsy to rule out other diseases.

TREATMENT OF PSORIASIS ON THE HEAD

Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for this disease. Therapy is required throughout life and aims to maintain forgiveness. In addition, caring for patients with psoriasis requires not only skin treatment, but it is also very important to control existing chronic diseases and prevent new ones.

These conditions will include cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease, and psychological health.

Treatment goals:

  • To achieve the patient's clinical recovery as soon as possible;
  • Remission must be stable and long-term;
  • Maintaining a positive psychological status of the patient.

DIETARY FOOD

Treatment traditionally begins with diet. Foods that contain antioxidants such as vitamins C, E, beta-carotene (vegetables, fruits, sage, ginger and others) can play a positive role, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, which are rich in salmon, sardines and other fish.

The link between alcohol and psoriasis is unclear, but experts say people who drink less respond to treatment and that psoriasis remedies last longer after giving up alcohol abuse. In addition, some antipsychotic medications are not compatible with alcohol.

A clearer correlation is observed with overweight. In obese people, as a rule, the pathology progresses faster with a brighter clinical picture.

SHAMPOO

Hair makes it especially difficult to treat scalp psoriasis. Few people agree to remove their hair in order to more effectively resolve the clinical manifestations of the disease, especially given the fact that the defects will be even more apparent to others.

Conventional hair care products are not suitable in this situation, as they can also irritate the scalp, contributing to the progression of the pathology. Therefore, shampoos are used, the effectiveness of which in the fight against psoriasis of the head has been observed for a long time.

Tar has a "calming" effect on the scalp epidermis, preventing the formation of scales. In addition, shampoos with phenolic acid are used, as it has a keratolytic effect (destroys dense horny scales). Plus used to increase the penetration of other medications, including corticosteroids.

When prescribing shampoo, the individual characteristics of a person in hair hygiene are taken into account. For example, some women do not wash their hair every day, so it would be better for them to put solution in their hair before going to bed 2-3 times a week, followed by washing their hair in the morning.

PHENOLIC ACID

Phenolic acid can also only be used as an oil. The fact that the oil is applied for a relatively long time increases its effectiveness of hyperkeratic properties. And for patients who complain about the difficulty of separating the scales from their hair, applying an oil before the shower can help resolve this situation.

Tar coal

COAL LINKS

Coal tar has been used as a treatment for psoriasis for several decades because of its antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory and powerful antipruritic effects.

Although raw coal tar is the most effective resin. Placing raw stone tar on the scalp is problematic. It is generally recommended to use a resin solution (5-20%) formulated as a lotion or added to corticosteroids. This drug helps fight psoriasis, but has a number of side effects: coloring, thinning hair and a more serious negative effect - carcinogenic, due to which the use of this method is limited.

For example, for this reason, coal tar is banned in Canada and the European Union.

CORTICOSTEROIDS

Of all the current treatments available, corticosteroids have been shown to be most effective in clinical trials for scalp psoriasis and are the most commonly prescribed treatments. Corticosteroids are also suitable for the fact that there are a large number of forms of production for every situation: creams, lotions, oils, oils, gels, foams, solutions, sprays and shampoos.

Do not underestimate the importance of psychological harmony in this pathology. Stress can be triggered, causing a detailed clinical picture, and hindering the treatment process. Therefore, patients with internal anxiety are advised to consult a psychotherapist, psychologist.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CARE FOR SPOKING PSOCADS

It is important for a psoriasis patient to first follow a doctor's advice, however, following the simple rules outlined below can further improve your quality of life:

  1. Use lotionsMoisture. The skin manifestations of the disease are significantly worse when the skin is dry, so it is important to keep the skin moist. Specialized cosmetic ointments, lotions or, for example, regular petroleum jelly can help with this.
  2. Take good care of your psoriatic skin. When washing your hair, never forcefully remove scales that are firmly attached to the skin, as the process can only spread to nearby and healthy tissues.
  3. Be careful when trimming your nails. Cases are described when accidental damage to the nail growth area with manicure scissors provoked the appearance of new skin elements.
  4. Find the right shampoo for you that does not shake your skin to be used on your scalp in forgiveness. Or just keep using pitch, only with a lower concentration, for day care.
  5. Climate can also play a role. It is noted that the cold has a negative effect on patients, provoking the development of plaques. Sunny weather provokes regression of skin manifestations, but not always.
  6. Dermatologist consultation
  7. Use a moisturizer. This can keep the skin moist and eliminate dry air, which is bad for psoriasis patients.
  8. Do not take medicines that could damage your skin. Your doctor should be told about any medication you are taking, even those that you think are harmless. For example, for the treatment of depressive states, preparations containing lithium salts may be used, which are contraindicated for patients with psoriasis.
  9. Avoid all types of skin damage: scratches, cuts, bumps. Skin injuries can cause a condition called the Koebner phenomenon (when psoriatic elements develop along the line of skin damage). Be careful when shaving. Try to avoid acupuncture, avoid tattoos on your body and do everything you can to prevent insect bites.
  10. Try to appear in the sun, but in moderation. Ultraviolet rays in sunlight slow down the growth of skin cells, so taking moderate doses of ultraviolet rays is good (30 minutes at a time is enough). Excessive sun exposure, paradoxically, can provoke psoriasis. Also, keep in mind that some medications can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays.
  11. Patients with psoriasis should reduce their anxiety level. Of course, this is easier said than done, but relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga can be tried.
  12. Evaluate how much alcohol you drink. The link between alcohol and psoriasis is unclear, but scientists still believe it could worsen symptoms, especially in men. It is well known that alcohol is dangerous when combined with certain medications for psoriasis.
  13. Balance your diet and try to lose weight. If it is difficult for you to do it yourself, seek help from specialists who can assess in which direction it is worth working better.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE CONTROL OF USING HE KOKADS

By monitoring the progression of psoriasis, you can help the patient better control their disease and take the necessary measures in a timely manner, as well as increase the productivity of the physician-patient relationship. A few simple rules will help you with this:

  • Create a "self-portrait" of psoriasis outbreak. A digital camera, smartphone or just a piece of paper will help you with this, where you can record all the changes that happen to the tablets. It is also worth noting where the changes first appear and in what sequence they grow. For such an introspection, the doctor will only praise you and know that you are determined. Over time, by analyzing the recordings, stereotypical situations can be identified, for example, an explosion always starts with a plaque on the neck.
  • Whenever psoriasis regresses or progresses, try to find out what it is. Maybe the weather has changed? Out of medicine? Are you taking a new medicine? Recently damaged skin? Such causes can be individual, which makes it difficult for the physician to understand without introspection of the patient (for example,Worsening of psoriasis on the headan attack provokes a certain type of coffee).

Although the disease is not transmitted by contact, the appearance of patients frightens those who do not know. Beauty salons are afraid to offer services, some taxi drivers do not want to transport such people, it is difficult to find a job. Not to mention starting a family, and the fear that their children will be doomed to the same suffering prevents them from having children.

There are also cases where people with psoriasis are barred from entering the Olympic pool in response to collective complaints from other athletes. Management had to reject such people, despite the fact that they understood perfectly that this pathology is not dangerous in an infectious sense.

it is very difficult for them to deal with daily, everyday activities, as the burden of psychological pressure is high, and a person needs social contact. For these reasons, societies for the protection and support of patients with psoriasis are being formed in many countries. Companies are setting out to educate foreigners about the disease.

People should be judged by actions, actions and not by their appearance. Indeed, among patients with such a nosology there are doctors, policemen, firefighters, athletes and many others very professional, for whose actions not only their relatives, but also their country can be proud of them. .