Psoriasis causes many problems in the form of discomfort and aesthetic problems, and its localization on the head makes treatment even more difficult. The danger of disease is also in the addition of fungal infections. How to treat psoriasis and what are its symptoms?
Causes of scalp psoriasis
To date, there is no clear answer as to what causes psoriasis on the head. Experts present several theories about the origin of the disease:
- Disorders in metabolic processes, on the background of which the life cycle of the cell is reduced from 40 days to 5. Due to that, the accumulation of dead tissues on plaques occurs.
- genetic predisposition. If one of the parents suffers from a disease in the family, then the probability of developing psoriasis in a child is 25%, if both parents - 75%.
- Thyroid dysfunction. Hormonal disorders are often the cause of dermatological diseases.
- Autoimmune processes, during which the immune system recognizes epidermal cells as foreign objects.
Head psoriasis can also be exacerbated by the following factors:
- stressful situations;
- irrational diet;
- life in a zone of bad ecology;
- smoking;
- drinking alcohol.
All experts are completely sure of one thing - the disease occurs under the influence of several reasons, and their elimination becomes the first step towards remission.
Scalp psoriasis
One of the complex forms of the disease is scalp psoriasis. This is due to the fact that due to the hairline, the healing process is difficult, and the symptoms of the disease in the early stages resemble simple dandruff.
Symptoms
Scalp psoriasis is characterized by symptoms similar to those localized to other parts of the body. The following manifestations of the disease can be distinguished:
- Individual rashes or large accumulations of plaque appear on the surface of the skin.
- There is sebum on the surface of the lesion, which causes the rash to turn yellow. Dead cells, mixed with fat, begin to form tubercles.
- Scales, similar to dandruff, accumulate on the hair.
- The course of the disease is accompanied by severe itching.
- In children, redness of the epidermis of the head is observed, which is subsequently moistened.
Since the lesions are located on the surface of the skin, the disease does not reach the hair follicles, so there are no disorders in hair growth, and their loss remains at a normal level. The photo shows what psoriasis, localized on the scalp, looks like.
Consequences
Scalp psoriasis can have unpleasant consequences:
- Illness brings not so much discomfort as psychological discomfort. Often the patient may even fall into a deep depression.
- Due to the constant itching and itching, the disease constantly gives the patient a feeling of pain.
- In the erythrodermic form of psoriasis, hair follicles are affected, which can lead to baldness.
Therefore, the treatment of psoriasis on the head should take place on time.
Bitan! Scalp psoriasis can spread to the face, neck and shoulders.
Characteristics of treatment
Only a dermatologist, after a detailed examination and laboratory examination, will tell you how to cure psoriasis on the scalp. The disease itself cannot disappear, in the fight against it it is necessary to use a complex therapy that includes the use of methods of traditional and alternative medicine. In addition, scalp psoriasis should be treated with physiotherapy. Only in this case can the therapy be successful.
Psoriasis shampoos
During the treatment of psoriasis, the scalp needs special care, which does not allow the use of conventional cosmetic shampoos. Hair washes should be chosen taking into account the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect.
We can distinguish the main types of shampoo:
- Tar. They contain birch or spruce tar, which well alleviates the symptoms of the disease in the form of stinging, and also effectively fights excessive peeling.
- Antifungal. Aimed at destroying pathogenic fungal infections. In addition, the drug soothes irritated epidermis.
- Therapeutic. This category of shampoo contains components such as zinc or salicylic acid. The products have active hydrating properties.
All of these tools should be used as directed.
Lotions
Spray lotions are often used in the treatment of scalp psoriasis. This is most convenient, because when sprayed, the drug does not leave impurities on the hair, evenly irrigating the entire skin surface with the solution. The most popular lotions are:
- A steroid drug, which also includes salicylic acid. The tool disinfects the skin well, and also effectively and quickly relieves itching. The course of therapy is 3 weeks.
- Spray containing only natural plant extracts. It is recommended for prolonged remission. The medicine moisturizes the dermis well and removes the feeling of itching.
- Non-hormonal solution, the active substance of which is zinc oxide. The component stops inflammatory processes well and effectively fights fungal infections.
Sprays can be used on other parts of the body, but after consulting a specialist. It is not necessary to rinse the drug after application.
Folk remedies
Recipes for alternative medicine are quite popular in the treatment of psoriasis. They are completely natural and do not harm the patient. In addition, these funds will not harm the wallet. The following most effective recipes can be identified:
- Soda bath. Pour a full pack of baking soda into the tub. You need to lie down in the water with your head tilted so that the solution covers your head to your forehead. It is advisable to cover the ears with earplugs. The procedure takes 30 minutes.
- It is also recommended to wash your hair occasionally with tar or sulfur soap. To do this, grate the product on a fine grater and dissolve in a small amount of water. Use as a regular shampoo.
- salicylic oil. Very effective outbreak remedy. You just need to moisten the cotton pad in the substance and lubricate the parts. Seven partings need to be processed.
Many patients do not trust folk remedies, but some of them may be more effective than even the most expensive pharmaceutical drugs.
Tip! Care should be taken to avoid recipes that use essential oils, burning and irritating substances.
Scalp psoriasis
Scalp psoriasis is localized in the following areas:
- behind the ears;
- on the nape of the neck;
- on mucous membranes;
- near superciliary arches;
- on the cheeks.
Rash in the facial area is especially noticeable because it cannot be hidden by clothing. At the same time, the use of camouflage cosmetics is strictly prohibited.
Symptoms
The disease manifests itself as follows:
- Bright spots appear on the face first.
- Then small spots appear in the middle that grow quickly and turn into papules.
- These formations soon begin to be covered with a thick layer of dead cells.
The formation of a rash is accompanied by severe itching. In the photo you can see what psoriasis on the head looks like.
Consequences
Skin disease can cause unpleasant consequences:
- When combing papules, scratches and wounds are created that can become a source of infection.
- The localization of the rash on the eyelids is the cause of the pathology of the eyeball.
- Psoriasis can cause inflammation in the joints and liver.
Timely treatment is needed to prevent the development of concomitant diseases.
Characteristics of therapy
Facial skin is quite sensitive, so the patient's task is not only to get rid of the disease, but also to maintain external attractiveness. How to cure psoriasis on the head, advises a dermatologist.
Fats
Ointment for psoriasis on the head is the most common remedy in the fight against the disease. There are two types of funds for local use:
- Hormonal fats. They contain glucocorticosteroids, which quickly alleviate the symptoms of the disease, so they are often used during exacerbations.
- Non-steroidal fats. These products contain herbal ingredients and one or two active substances such as zinc oxide or ichthyol. They have a milder effect on the body, so you can use them for a long time.
When choosing an ointment, the severity of the disease should be compared with the strength of the drug.
Folk remedies
The following most effective recipes can be distinguished:
- Fatty solidol and birch tar should be mixed equally. Apply the mass on the lesions for 20 minutes. Then rinse and moisturize the skin with the cream.
- You can also use sea buckthorn oil, by applying it to the plaques before bed. The tool disinfects well and heals wounds.
It is recommended to take decoctions from medicinal collections inside.
General principles of therapy
Because the disease requires a complex effect, there is little local treatment. Psoriasis needs to be addressed in a comprehensive way, using all available means.
Medical therapy
The following groups of drugs are used to treat psoriasis:
- antihistamines;
- immunosuppressants;
- enterosorbents;
- antibiotics;
- homeopathy.
Usually several groups of drugs are prescribed at once, depending on the severity of the disease, the clinical picture.
Bitan! You cannot prescribe the medicine yourself, first seek the advice of a dermatologist.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is an integral part of the fight against disease. The following procedures may differ:
- phototherapy;
- laser exposure;
- magnetotherapy;
- ultrasound shock;
- mud treatment.
Usually, such methods are prescribed during the period of dormancy of the disease, which helps to prolong remission.
Diet
It has been proven that some products can not only worsen the disease, but also worsen the symptoms. It is therefore advisable to follow a diet that restricts the use of the following foods:
- canned food;
- High-fat food;
- fast food;
- alcoholic products;
- coffee;
- red fruits and vegetables;
- confectionery products.
Preference should be given to protein foods and foods rich in fiber, steamed or baked in foil.
Despite the complexity of the course of the disease, psoriasis of the head is not a sentence. It is only necessary to strictly adhere to complex therapies, and the disease will not be felt for a long time.