The cause and methods of treating psoriasis on the head

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

The skin signs of psoriasis confused people and doctors alike, as leprosy was widespread at the time, with dire consequences. Patients with psoriasis were put under social pressure, they were shunned, they were forcibly isolated. In Europe, these people were forced to warn others of their arrival by ringing the bells. Attempts at treatment consisted of using manure, onions, sea salt, oil, urine, but all were ineffective and made psoriasis patients outcasts.

PREVALENCE OF PSORIASIS

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

Despite the common misconception that psoriasis is not as serious as other non-dermatologic conditions, psoriasis creates a disease burden that goes far beyond dermatologic symptoms. Its psychological effects are similar to cancer, heart disease, diabetes. Psoriasis plaques are often visible, which can interfere with interpersonal relationships, academic or professional success. Not surprisingly, people with psoriasis have higher rates of depression along with an increased number of suicidal thoughts.

Patients with psoriasis are also at risk of developing serious co-morbidities which will make it difficult to control the disease and increase the risk of premature death. Cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome are more common in patients with psoriasis.

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

CAUSE OF PSORIASIS ON THE HEAD

There are many theories about the origin of psoriasis. It is the influence of microbes, viruses, allergies, poor hygiene, disruption of blood supply to the skin, disruption of the functional balance of internal organs, and one of themore urgent at the moment is the autoimmune nature of the disease, when human immune cells attack their own tissues. And even this hypothesis remains a theory, because so far no antibodies that damage the skin have been found in patients with psoriasis.

For the moment, the cause of the pathology remains unknown. But in the course of research, scientists have identified factors that, with some degree of probability, can cause psoriasis.

The following points are highlighted:

• Inheritance. There is no one hundred percent chance that even if the mother and father are sick, their child necessarily suffers from psoriasis. But in such a situation, the risk of contracting such a pathology is higher. It has also been noted that if one of the identical twins is sick, the second twin is more likely to get sick than the usual risk in the population. This proves that this nosology has a genetic prerequisite.
• Skin Damage: Accidental knife cuts, cat scratches, mosquito bites, sunburns increase the risk of starting another epidemic.
• Infections: Staphylococcal, strep, and other infections can also act as triggers. Children often have strep tonsillitis before the onset of skin psoriasis.
• There are drugs that can trigger the disease, for example antimalarial drugs, some anti-depression drugs.
• Changing your HIV status to positive can also boost the development of psoriasis. Therefore, HIV testing if psoriasis is suspected is not strange.
• Stress. The most famous trigger for laymen. “It's all about the stress” - every psoriasis patient has heard this phrase at least once. Some people doubt this sentence, but it has its own justification. Scientists believe that our immune system can respond to emotional and mental pressures as well as physical defects such as trauma and infections.
• Being overweight negatively affects the whole body systemically, and if an obese person has a history of psoriasis, treatment is more difficult and often less effective.
• Smoking. It has long been noted and it is no secret that cigarettes have a negative effect on the condition of the skin. Hence the likelihood of causing psoriasis, especially the head and hands are damaged.
• Alcohol is one of the common individual triggers of psoriasis.
• Hormonal changes. The disease often manifests itself during puberty. Menopause can also cause psoriasis, but during pregnancy there is a decrease or even complete regression of the plaques.

SYMPTOMS OF PSORIASIS ON THE HEAD

In 50% of cases, psoriasis starts from the head. Psoriasis can appear anywhere on the head. Sometimes small patches develop which are easy to hide in the hair, but when the entire scalp is covered it is difficult to hide the patches.

The appearance of psoriasis on the head will be manifested as follows:

• Reddish spots on the scalp. Some spots may be subtle due to their discoloration, but there are also some bright red elements that are easy to see.
• Scales peeling off from psoriatic skin. The condition of the scalp in this pathology may resemble ordinary dandruff. But there are differences, for example, with psoriasis, a silvery sheen is observed, and it can also be accompanied by itching.
• Dry scalp. The scalp may be so dry that the skin will crack and bleed, which will create the conditions for the addition of an infection, the treatment of which in such a place presents certain difficulties.
• Itching. It is one of the most common symptoms. Someone experiences mild itching, which the patient can forget about in their daily activities, and some experience itching so severe that it is impossible to work, study and even sleep.
• Bleeding. Because scalp psoriasis can be itchy, the patient can scratch the skin and damage it. In addition to bleeding, scratching can worsen the course of psoriasis by making the plaque larger and denser. This is why dermatologists tell their patients, "Try not to hurt the scalp. "
• Engraving. The patient can describe their scalp as literally "burning".
• Hair loss. Scratching the scalp, using force to remove scales can lead to hair loss. Although this phenomenon is temporary, it can nevertheless cause inconvenience to the patient.

These clinical manifestations can quickly, both increase and collapse. It is an individual process. In one patient, the entire pathological process will end on a pale patch under the hair, while the other will have many bright spots all over the head. This is influenced, among others, by the triggers described above.

A number of issues that the patient may face:

1. Skin manifestations visible to others. Living with psoriasis can make a person shy. Any aspect of social life can be stressful for these people, such as holding hands on a date.
2. Finance. Treating psoriasis can be expensive. This is more true of the widespread psoriasis resistant to conventional therapy, for which new drugs based on monoclonal antibodies are being used.
3. Pain. Chronic pain can occur with psoriasis, which further increases stress levels. This will be especially true when the skin manifestations are associated with inflammation of the joints, while reducing a person's daily activity.
4. Healing. Especially when the patient asks for help late, some procedures do not have the desired effect, which, of course, worries the patient, oppressing him emotionally. Other procedures may take time. For example, you may need to receive light therapy 3 times a week for up to a year. For some, such a diet will struggle to be compatible with the standard pace of life.
5. Living with chronic illness. Psoriasis, like many other chronic conditions, requires great voluntary effort. It is difficult for a patient, especially in the initial stages, to cope with a number of additional problems that have "fallen on their head". This creates the conditions for the onset of depression.

DIAGNOSIS OF PSORIASIS ON THE HEAD

Whether or not to see a doctor is up to the patient depending on the severity of the symptoms. However, the best solution, regardless of the location of the plaques, would be to see a doctor. In order for further treatment to be as effective 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 exam and medical history analysis.

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

TREATMENT OF PSORIASIS ON THE HEAD

Unfortunately, at the moment there is no cure for this disease. Therapy is needed throughout life and is aimed at maintaining remission. In addition, caring for patients with psoriasis not only requires skin treatment, but it is also very important to control existing chronic diseases and prevent new ones.

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

Objectives of the treatment:

• Achieve the patient's clinical recovery as soon as possible;
• Remission should be stable and long term;
• Maintain a positive psychological state of the patient.

DIET FEED

Treatment traditionally begins with a diet. Foods containing antioxidants such as vitamin 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 others. Pisces.

The link between alcohol and psoriasis is unclear, but experts say drinkers respond less well to treatment and psoriasis remissions are longer after they stop drinking alcohol. In addition, some anti-psoriatic drugs are not compatible with alcohol.

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

SHAMPOO

Hair makes the treatment of scalp psoriasis particularly difficult. Few people agree to epilate in order to more effectively resolve the clinical manifestations of the disease, especially since the defects will be even more visible to others.

Conventional hair care products are not suitable in this situation, as they can further irritate the scalp, contributing to the progression of the condition. Therefore, tar shampoos are used, the effectiveness of which in the fight against psoriasis on the scalp has long been noticed.

Tar has a "soothing" effect on the epidermis of the scalp, inhibiting the formation of scales. In addition, shampoos with phenolic acid are used, as they have a keratolytic effect (destroys dense horny scales). The plus is used to improve the penetration of other drugs, including corticosteroids.

When prescribing a 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 apply the solution to their hair before going to bed 2-3 times a week and then wash their hair in the morning.

PHENOLIC ACID

Phenolic acid can also be used on its own as an ointment. The fact that the ointment is applied for a relatively long time increases its effectiveness in terms of hyperkeratic properties. And for patients who complain about the difficulty of parting scales from their hair, applying ointment before showering can help resolve this situation.

NO COAL

Coal tar has been used as a treatment for psoriasis for several decades due to its strong antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, and antipruritic effects.

Although raw coal tar is the most effective resin. Applying rough stone tar to the scalp is problematic. It is generally recommended to use a resin solution (5-20%) formulated as a lotion or added to a corticosteroid. This remedy helps to fight psoriasis, but it 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 topical treatments available, corticosteroids have been shown to be the most effective in clinical trials for psoriasis of the scalp and are the most commonly prescribed treatments. Corticosteroids are also convenient because there are a large number of forms of production for all situations: creams, lotions, ointments, oils, gels, foams, solutions, sprays and shampoos.

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

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HEAD PSORIASIS CARE

It is important for a patient with psoriasis to follow the doctor's advice first, but nevertheless, by following the simple rules which will be described below, you can further improve the quality of life:

1. Use moisturizing lotions. The cutaneous manifestations of the disease worsen markedly when the skin is dry, so it is important to keep the skin hydrated. Specialized cosmetic ointments, lotions or, for example, regular petroleum jelly can help.
2. Take good care of the skin with psoriatic plaques. When washing your hair, never forcibly peel off the scales that are tight against the skin, as you can only spread the process to healthy tissue nearby.
3. Be careful when trimming your nails. Cases are described when accidental damage to the area of ​​nail growth with manicure scissors caused the appearance of new skin elements.
4. Find the right shampoo for you that won't flake your skin to use on your scalp in remission. Or simply continue to use tar, only in a lower concentration, for daily care.
5. Climate can also play a role. It is noticed that the cold has a negative effect on the patients, causing the development of plaques. Sunny weather causes a regression of skin manifestations, but not always.

6. Use a humidifier. It can keep the skin moist and remove the dry air which is bad for psoriasis patients.
7. Do not take any medicines which can harm your skin. The doctor should be informed of all the medicines you are taking, even those which you think are harmless. For example, for the treatment of depressive states, preparations containing lithium salts can be used, which are contraindicated for patients with psoriasis.
8. Avoid all kinds of damage to the skin: scratches, cuts, bumps. Skin lesions can cause a condition called Koebner's phenomenon (when psoriatic elements develop along the line of skin lesions). Be careful when you shave. Try to avoid acupuncture, avoid getting a tattoo on your body, and do whatever you can to avoid insect bites.
9. Try to appear in the sun, but in moderation. Ultraviolet rays from the sun slow the growth of skin cells, so it is good to get moderate doses of UV (30 minutes at a time is enough). Excessive exposure to the sun, paradoxically, can cause psoriasis. Also keep in mind that some medications can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays.
10. Patients with psoriasis need to reduce their anxiety levels. Of course, that's easy said and done, but relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga can be tried.
11. Estimate the amount of alcohol you drink. The link between alcohol and psoriasis is unclear, but scientists still believe it can make symptoms worse, especially in men. It is well known that alcohol is dangerous when combined with certain medications for psoriasis.
12. Balance your diet and try to lose weight. If it is difficult for you to do this on your own, seek help from specialists who can assess in which direction it is worth working better.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE CONTROL OF HEAD OUTBREAKS

By monitoring the progression of psoriasis, you can help the patient to better control their disease and take the necessary actions on time, as well as increase the productivity of the doctor-patient relationship. A few simple rules will help you with this:

• Create a “self-portrait” of a 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 occur with the plates. It's also worth recording where the changes initially appear and in what order they increase. For such introspection, the doctor will only congratulate you and know that you are determined. Over time, by analyzing the recordings, one can identify stereotypical situations, for example, an epidemic always begins with a plaque in the occiput.
• Whenever psoriasis gets better or worse, try to find out what it is. Maybe the weather has changed? Out of medicine? Are you taking any new medication? Recently damaged skin? Such triggers can be individual, making it difficult for the physician to understand without introspection of the patient (eg,an attack causes a certain type of coffee).

Although the disease is not spread by contact, the appearance of patients scares those who do not know it. Beauty salons are afraid to provide 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 even cases described where people with psoriasis have been denied swimming training in the Olympic reserve in response to collective complaints from other athletes. The management had to refuse such people, despite the fact that they fully understood that this pathology was not dangerous in the infectious sense.

It is difficult for them to engage in daily activities, because 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 forming in many countries. Companies are deployed to inform foreigners about the disease.

People should be evaluated by their actions, their actions, not by their appearance. Indeed, among the patients with such nosology there are highly professional doctors, police officers, firefighters, athletes and many others, whose actions not only their loved ones, but also their country can be proud of. of them.