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 squamous lichen are unknown to science. Presumably, the pathology is associated with impaired immunity. Because psoriasis is more common in people whose loved ones have the disease, researchers do not rule out hereditary links.
Scaly lichen can be caused by:
- viral and bacterial infections;
- allergic reactions;
- diseases of the endocrine system;
- pathology of the digestive system;
- disorders of metabolic processes.
The causes of scalp psoriasis exacerbation can have such reasons as:
- severe or prolonged stress;
- drink coffee, chocolate, cakes and pastries;
- bad habits - alcohol and tobacco;
- mechanical damage to the skin;
- hypothermia;
- take nonsteroidal drugs, beta blockers, lithium preparations.
In most patients, psoriasis of the hair occurs with a combination of several factors, so doctors consider it a polyetiologic disease.
Diagnostic
A dermatologist is involved in the identification of scaly lichen. The initial stage of psoriasis can be determined by visual examination.
The main method of diagnosing psoriasis is scraping the damaged area when using a glass slide, as well as analyzing the existing signs - phenomena, psoriasis, called the psoriatic triad.
A characteristic symptom of the disease is the psoriatic triad - the presence of punctate bleeding, stearin stain and terminal film.
In advanced cases, scalp psoriasis can be mistaken for other skin conditions.
To clarify the diagnosis, it is necessary to take a skin biopsy and donate blood for analysis.
Processing
To achieve stable remission from psoriasis, you need to treat it comprehensively. This includes: medication, the use of special cosmetics, physiotherapy, visits to resorts, folk remedies and other activities.
Medications
There are a wide variety of topical and systemic medications available to treat scalp psoriasis. The choice 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 treatment is that there are fewer side effects. In severe cases, the dermatologist uses more toxic aggressive drugs, including systemic drugs.
Local therapy uses:
- birch tar;
- salicylic ointment;
- ichthyol ointment;
- preparations containing panthenol;
- antihistamines;
- glucocorticoids;
- vitamin D analogues;
- dithranol;
- occlusive dressings with drugs;
- retinoids;
- calcineurin inhibitors;
- emollients.
Systemic therapy complex can include:
- antihistamines;
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- retinoids;
- calcineurin inhibitors, which have an immunosuppressive effect;
- non-specific immunomodulators.
The use of cytostatic and corticosteroid drugs 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.
Systemic drug release form: injection, powder, tablets, oral drops, spray or syrup.
Medical cosmetics
You can find an effective remedy for the treatment of scalp psoriasis by using special cosmetics.
The most popular are medicated shampoos. They gently cleanse, without side reactions, the affected skin of horny scales, soften it, reduce inflammation, and also eliminate itching.
Deciding what to wash your hair with psoriasis should be based on the effects of shampoos. They must have the full effect of removing pain and restoring coverage.
Based on a set of measures that have a tool taken separately, you can determine the suitability 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
Shampoos contain refined tar from birch, pine, juniper or willow. It has a keratoplastic effect, prevents excessive cell proliferation, acts as an antiseptic.
With ketoconazole
Some medicines contain ketoconazole, an antifungal agent. Although the instructions do not mention psoriasis, many patients find a positive effect after washing their hair with shampoos containing this substance.
In addition to the above, pharmaceutical hair cosmetics may include: urea, salicylic acid, ichthyol, selenium sulfide, climbazole, cyclopirox and other components. You can not wash your hair with such shampoos continuously - the duration 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 (-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, resulting in their destruction and death.
Contraindications: diabetes mellitus, tuberculosis, persistent hypertension, poor blood coagulation, oncology, epilepsy, pregnancy, keloid scars, viral diseases, kidney disease, sixth skin phototype.
spa treatment
2-3 months after the medication, it is recommended to continue the treatment of psoriasis in sanatorium. It is important to know that you can not visit spa resorts during an exacerbation of the disease: the stage of regression should come.
The spa treatment can include:
- Heliotherapy - sunbathing.
- Aerotherapy - staying in clean air.
- Thalassotherapy - seawater treatment.
- Balneotherapy - procedures using mineral waters (alkaline, hydrogen sulphide, iodine-bromine, rhodonic, siliceous).
- Peloid therapy - the effect of therapeutic mud.
The condition of many patients improves after a change in climate. Staying in 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. the. baking soda with 4 tbsp. the. water, rub it into the scalp, wait until it is dry and rinse it off with lukewarm water. This solution has a softening effect and relieves itching.
- Grind a ripe banana with the skin on with a blender, spread the mixture on the areas affected by psoriatic plaques and rub the skin. After 20 minutes, rinse off the mask with lukewarm 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 in the shower. Regular use of the oil, which has antiseptic properties, allows you to get rid of manifestations of psoriasis.
- Dissolve the sea salt in a little water, apply to the affected areas, leave to act for 30 to 40 minutes, then rinse. This procedure can be repeated several times during the day.
- Mix equal proportions of salt with white or blue clay, add apple cider vinegar - to get the consistency of sour cream. Lubricate the psoriatic plaques with the mixture, massage 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, not alone.
Preventive recommendations
With psoriasis of the head, you need to take good care of your skin. The hairbrush should be soft and the movements when brushing should be smooth and crisp. In this way, damage and infection of open wounds can be avoided.
Styling products, hair curlers and flat irons should be avoided. Do not use stain, as the chemicals irritate the skin 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 is important to avoid stress and maintain a healthy daily routine. Getting enough 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 care of the scalp, observing the above rules, you can reduce the number of relapses to a minimum.