Psoriasis on the head significantly reduces the quality of human life and requires a lot of effort and money for treatment. The constant struggle with the symptoms of psoriasis and the feeling of not being like everyone else creates a particular psychological problem. This burden is particularly difficult for young people who do not yet have a family of their own. After all, people around us often perceive a peel on the head for head lice or think a person is unclean. In fact, scaly lichen is not contagious and mainly presents as an inherited disease.
Causes of occurrence
Scalp psoriasis occurs in children and adults. Its appearance, like its current, is unpredictable. Scientists still do not understand why and for what specific reason the psoriatic rash appears on the human body and affects the scalp. They managed to establish that the appearance of psoriasis on the head and other parts of the body is preceded by a violation of the functions of the epidermis. This happens on the skin after exposure to an external irritant, for example after using poor quality shampoo or body gel.
Subsequently, it became known that many factors contribute to the development of psoriasis, for example:
- bad nutrition;
- alcohol abuse;
- infectious diseases of the skin;
- general intoxication of the body;
- hormonal imbalance;
- Endocrine disorders;
- weakened immunity;
- allergic reactions.
This is not the whole list of what can affect the severity of scalp disease.
Psoriatic elements on the scalp are formed, as in other localizations, in the upper layer of the epidermis, therefore they rarely disturb the growth of individual hairs and cause their fall.
If you look at it, then all of these and other factors not named here have one thing in common - the ability to negatively affect the metabolic processes of the skin. But this is one of the main reasons causing abnormal proliferation of epidermal cells.
Symptoms of different types of diseases
The following forms of psoriasis can occur on the head:
- Vulgar - another name for plaque psoriasis, is diagnosed in 90% of cases. It is characterized by the appearance of small papules and red spots on the scalp. Their surface is covered with dry silvery scales that can be easily removed with fingernails. The elements of the rash gradually increase, then merge into one and represent islets with a scaly gray surface.
- Pustular - exudative psoriasis, considered the most serious form of the disease, manifests as small blisters with yellow or transparent contents. The skin underneath is swollen and hot. If left untreated, it is possible that ulcers that have formed from open bubbles could be infected with a bacterial infection.
- Gout-like - develops against the background of strep infection. The elements of the rash are teardrop shaped and tend to enlarge.
What psoriasis looks like on the head at different stages
The initial stage of psoriasis on the head most often has symptoms similar to those of other dermatoses (there are coincidences with common dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, etc. ). Therefore, only a specialist can correctly diagnose the disease in order to subsequently choose an effective direction of treatment.
At each stage of the development of psoriasis on the scalp, the following pathological changes are observed:
- A small, itchy papular rash appears. Its elements are rounded and red or pink. At this point, a hallmark of psoriatic rashes is the formation of silvery scales on their surface, which flake off when combed. Since the inflammatory process is absent, the patient with psoriasis is irritated only by itching and slight peeling of the skin.
- In the second stage of psoriasis, which is medicinally called progressive, the growing papules unite into single islands and cover most of the scalp. The itching of the skin intensifies, which leads to scratching and inflammation. In the absence of proper treatment, an infection enters the skin through scratching and causes the appearance of purulent pustules and yellow scabs under the hair.
- At the stationary stage, when the drugs used have produced the desired effect, the psoriatic plaques stop growing and the inflammation subsides. Due to the exfoliation of the whitish layer on the surface of the plaques, a lot of dandruff is observed in the hair, the itching becomes less intense.
- After a while, the plaques on the scalp clear up, some disappear without a trace, stop the itching. The elasticity returns to the skin. This is what psoriasis looks like in the remission stage.
If it is not possible to stop psoriasis at the stage of progression, the skin on the head thickens, which easily injures it. Psoriatic plaques keep growing due to the appearance of new papules. When combing, huge flakes of dead skin are removed from their surface, which cannot be completely removed from the hair.
Localization of skin diseases
If psoriatic plaques have appeared on the scalp and have affected the entire scalp, over time they may spread beyond the area of hair growth to the smooth skin of the forehead, to capture thetemple area. Psoriasis can appear on the back of the head and upper neck, on the skin behind the ears and on their lobes. This form of localization of the disease is called "psoriatic crown".
Diagnostic features
To diagnose the initial stage of psoriasis, it is not enough for a dermatologist to examine the scalp for the presence of small itchy papules or psoriatic plaques. Such elements of the rash are characteristic of a number of other diseases. Therefore, in addition to examining and questioning the patient, a differential diagnosis is mandatory.
This type of examination makes it possible to distinguish psoriasis of the head from other dermatoses, which are also a favorite localization site of the scalp. It is relevant to mention here:
- seborrhea - this is dandruff, a consequence of poor work of the sebaceous glands;
- rosacea - it is characterized by the appearance of papules and pustules on the red, edematous skin, as in psoriasis;
- tinea versicolor - affects the hair follicles, causes papules around the hair.
When diagnosing psoriasis, the symptoms of the phenomenon, referred to as the "psoriatic triad", are also taken into account. It includes three symptomatic phenomena:
- Stearin stain - when a papule or psoriatic plaque is scraped off, its surface turns white, the scales peel off.
- Terminal film - the surface of the papule after removing the scales turns pink and shiny.
- Localized bleeding - occurs after scratching and removing scales from a single papule or psoriatic plaque.
In the diagnostic process, the presence of the Kebner phenomenon is also taken into account, when about 15-20 days after the lesion of the skin, a psoriatic element forms on the affected area. The symptom is characteristic of the progressive stage of psoriasis.
How to get rid of psoriasis on the head
The doctor draws up an effective treatment plan for psoriasis, taking into account the general state of health of the patient, the form of the disease and the severity of its course.
The general treatment regimen includes:
- the use of drugs for external and internal purposes (sometimes);
- compliance with nutritional rules;
- physiotherapy sessions;
- preventive hair care.
Scalp psoriasis is not dangerous, except for the pustular form of the disease, so some of the procedures prescribed by the doctor can be done at home.
What drugs in the pharmacy help
Preparations for the treatment of scalp psoriasis are prescribed taking into account the stage of development of the disease:
- Progressive stage. Prescribe daily washing of the head with a special zinc shampoo, after which therapeutic lotion or salicylic ointment is applied to the scalp 2 times a day. Means relieve itching, inflammation, help exfoliate dead skin cells, strengthen blood vessels in the skin.
- Stationary stage. Within 2-3 weeks, 5% lactic or salicylic acid is used to treat psoriatic plaques. The solutions soften the stratum corneum and promote its exfoliation, and also help other drugs to penetrate the affected epidermis. Among them, a cream based on naphthalan improves local blood circulation, softens the skin and relieves inflammation. Non-hormonal ointments for psoriasis containing a synthetic analogue of vitamin D3, which stops the process of dividing epidermal cells, contribute to their normal maturation.
- Symptom relief stage (regression stage) is used to treat the scalp with balms, shampoos, and ointments made from juniper or birch tar. The effect of these drugs is aimed at improving metabolic processes and blood microcirculation in the scalp. Purified tar has anti-inflammatory, absorbent, antipruritic, and exfoliating effects.
In addition to drug treatment, for people with scalp psoriasis, homeopathic-type medicines help well during the period when the symptoms of the disease are alleviated. For example, made from such substances:
- lanolin (animal wax), which softens the stratum corneum;
- berberine - relieves inflammation;
- Mahonia holly extract - prevents the growth of immature epidermal cells and flaking.
In severe scalp psoriasis, patients are prescribed to relieve inflammation with hormonal tablets, cleansing droppers Magnesium sulfate, sodium thiosulfate, immunomodulatory drugs.
How to cure scalp psoriasis with folk remedies
Masks prepared on the basis of medicinal plants, liquid mixtures and decoctions for shampoo will help to remove psoriatic plaques from the skin.
Hormonal ointment with celandine
Ingredients:
- freshly picked celandine herb (preferably) - 1 tsp. I . ;
- purified fat - 100 g.
How to cook: combine the ingredients, mix well, let infuse for 3 days in a dark and warm place.
Result: the product softens the horny layer of the scalp, eliminates itching and flaking, relieves inflammation.
Instructions for use: apply the ointment in a thin layer on the plates for a maximum of 5 consecutive days, since the composition contains an addictive hormonal component.
Mustard mask for scalp psoriasis
Ingredients:
- mustard powder - 2 tbsp. I . ;
- hot water - 2 tbsp. I . ;
- vegetable oil - 2 tbsp. I . ;
- chicken yolk - 1 piece;
- sugar - 2 teaspoons
How to cook: add the sugar, mixed with mustard powder, butter and water to the yolk while whisking.
How to use: apply a mixture of psoriasis to the scalp, rubbing, put a cellophane cap on top, warm your head with a towel. The procedure should last at least 15 minutes. The skin will tingle at first, then it will start to burn. After the mask, the head is washed in warm water with a tar shampoo. Repeat the procedure every 2-3 days while the exacerbation lasts.
Result: the mask reduces itching, causes blood flow to the scalp, improves local metabolism and helps soften and exfoliate the stratum corneum.
Decoction to rinse the hair after washing
Ingredients:
- amaranth seeds - 2 tbsp.
- amaranth leaves - 1 tsp.
- boiling water - 750 ml.
How to cook: put the seeds in an enamel bowl, pour boiling water over it, simmer for 5 minutes, add the leaves of the plant, put on the fire for 30 minutes. Stump.
Instructions for use: rinse the hair after washing it with medicated shampoos.
Result: hair with psoriasis is easier to comb, it becomes soft and silky. In addition, the broth relieves inflammation, strengthens local immunity.
Nutritional rules
When treating psoriasis on the head, it is important to include in the menu foods that are sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids (mackerel, sardines, herring, game meat, flax seeds, spinach). You should also eat cereals and cereal soups (buckwheat, oatmeal, rice), vegetable stews (beets, cabbage, potatoes), berries and fresh fruits, fruit juices, herbal teas. , Dairy products.
It is recommended to cook food by boiling, baking and simmering. It is better to eat little by little, but 5 to 6 times a day. Foods that are too salty, spicy, smoked and fried, as well as sweets and alcohol are prohibited.
How is psoriasis on the head treated with physiotherapy?
Such effective treatment as physiotherapy for psoriasis is prescribed at all stages of the disease, except for exacerbation.
Applied methods:
- Electrosleep - improves the psychological state of a person.
- PUVA therapy - relieves inflammation, improves the condition of the scalp.
- Phototherapy - normalizes metabolic processes in the skin, helps prolong remission.
- Physiotherapy sessions bring the desired result only with regular and correct procedures.
Hair care
When treating scalp psoriasis, it is recommended to use cosmetic detergents and hair masks with therapeutic effect:
- Birch and juniper tar shampoos.
- Healing oils to be used in the form of masks (burdock, castor, amaranth, stone, naphthalan, currant, sesame).
With psoriasis, the head can be washed daily, the main thing is not to damage the skin until it bleeds when washing.
Lifestyle correction
Psoriasis is often exacerbated by stress, good humor helps fight its manifestations on the head, which only affect people who lead an active and healthy life every day.
A good night's sleep is a guarantee of a good mood, so after a hard day you can take a tincture of peony or motherwort in the evening.
In addition, psoriasis in the head area is afraid of proper nutrition, so you need to take the preparation of a therapeutic diet seriously. For this, you can consult a dietitian.
The course of psoriasis in childhood and the features of therapy
Scalp psoriasis in children proceeds the same as in adults, with exacerbations and remissions. For the treatment of papules and psoriatic plaques on the head of a child, the doctor selects drugs taking into account the age of the small patient and the presence of concomitant dermatological diseases. The initial stage of the pathology is easier to treat, therefore, all the procedures recommended by the doctor are carried out at home.
In the event that psoriatic elements occupy most of the head, doctors suggest that parents hospitalize the child. Hospital treatment is carried out:
- calcium gluconate - relieves itching, swelling, inflammation;
- vitamins A, E, D and group B - strengthen general and local immunity;
- with a restless night's sleep, a sleeping pill is prescribed.
During the period of treatment, you need to take care of the child's sore scalp with the help of funds prescribed by the doctor.
Can Psoriasis Be Cured For Good?
Until now, no such remedy could completely cure a person of psoriasis. The most effective drugs that pharmaceuticals can offer a patient to temporarily get rid of the psoriatic rash are drugs in different dosage forms that have anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and exfoliating effects. Vitamin D3 has been shown to be effective, which slows down pathological changes in the skin, as well as many physiotherapeutic procedures.