In the modern world, there are many medical and social problems that arise unpredictably and have a specific course, and one of them is the disease of civilization - psoriasis. This disease occurs in 1. 5 - 2% of the population of progressive countries, is equally prevalent in men and women, and manifests itself regardless of the age of the patient.
What is psoriasis or psoriasis?
Psoriasis or psoriasis is a genetically determined skin pathology, which is based on a chronic recurrent inflammatory process of the skin (impaired keratinocyte maturation) caused by the influence of trigger factors. The localization of the rash is extremely multiple, the localization of the focus of psoriasis can appear on the oral mucosa and scalp, extensor surfaces of the limbs, nails or all over the body.
Since psoriasis is a systemic disease, the lesion will also be characteristic of the cardiovascular, nervous, musculoskeletal and other systems. In addition, the manifestation of the disease in 80% of cases in the initial stages is the defeat of the scalp, so in this article we want to pay special attention to the mentioned localization of psoriasis.
Causes of psoriasis on the head
There are 2 types of psoriasis: early and late. The early type is genetically determined, inheritance plays a significant role here. It is known that the presence of the disease in one parent increases the risk of psoriasis in a child by 14%, and in psoriasis in both parents by 40%.
There are more than 100 factors for the appearance of scaly lichen, among which the most common are:
- genetic
- viral
- infectious (tonsillitis) and allergic
- stressful (psychosomatic)
- endocrine
- metabolic disorders (lipids, enzymes)
- immune disorders.
Symptoms of scalp psoriasis
A characteristic element for psoriasis is a symmetrically flat rise above the surface of the skin with evenly rounded borders and increased roughness, combined with a large number of silver scales that are easily removed. The size of the rash can vary from 1 mm to 2 cm, so the formations often merge and form plaques of different configurations, which can reach 10 cm or even 20 cm.
A common occurrence in psoriasis is the so-called "psoriatic crown" - the transition of neoplasms to the smooth skin of the neck or temporal region along the hairline. A pronounced symptom that spreads among patients with scalp psoriasis is itching.
Psoriasis is defined by three leading symptoms (psoriatic triad):
- "Stearin stain" - psoriatic plaque is scraped off with a glass object, which makes the shells thinner, which enhances the snow-white color of the surface and resembles a drop of frozen stearin.
- "Terminal film" - further scraping will show a smooth transparent surface.
- "Bloody dew" - the presence of small drops of blood when scraping.
Stages of psoriasis development
The process of psoriasis consists of the following 3 stages:
- I progressive
- II stationary
- III regressive
Progressive phase
It is characterized by the formation of new papules of increased diameter. The peeling process does not extend to healthy parts of the skin, and leaves a narrow pink band along the periphery of the plaques. The main symptom in patients is itching. Also, the progressive or acute stage of psoriasis is characterized by the presence of the Koebner phenomenon - the formation of new papules 7 days after the skin injury. There are a triad of psoriasis symptoms.
Stationary
At this stage there is no appearance of new elements of the rash, the manifestation of itching is reduced or completely disappears. The diagnosis of psoriatic triad is problematic, and Koebner's symptom is negative.
Regressive
In the regression phase, peeling decreases, plaques disappear, but hypopigmented spots are created. No symptoms of psoriasis were detected. It is worth noting that even after the regression phase, "duty plaques" remain in the scalp, knee and elbow area.
Stages of the disease according to the degree of damage
Depending on the area of the lesion, there are 3 stages of psoriasis:
- mild - affected area is less than 3%
- medium - the prevalence of papular rash is from 3 to 10%
- severe - lesions are localized on more than 10% of the skin.
How to cure psoriasis on the head
There are various combined methods of treating psoriasis with drugs and non-drugs that aim to minimize lesions, improve the quality of life of patients and reduce the frequency of relapses.
Treatment of psoriasis depends on the degree of skin lesions, the shape and age of the patient. If there are additional pathologies of organs and systems, they are corrected. Patients are prescribed a diet with limited intake of salt, fatty and fast foods rich in carbohydrates.
Medical therapy
Effective agents for systemic therapy of psoriasis are:
- desensitization (30% sodium thiosulphate solution),
- sedatives (valerian infusion, sedatives),
- antihistamines,
- diuretic,
- vitamins (A, B1, B12, B6, E, C),
- hepatoprotectors,
- pyrogenic preparations,
- immunostimulating drugs,
In the acute common form of psoriasis, as in erythroderma, short-acting corticosteroids (triamcinalone) are prescribed.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (diclofenac sodium, voltaren, nimesulide) are indicated for damage to the musculoskeletal system (joints).
Cytostatics (metatrexate, azathioprine) are used to treat complex forms of psoriasis.
In severe forms of psoriasis (index greater than 15 units), cytostatics, sedatives and aromatic retinoids are added to the therapy. Glucocorticosteroids are used in critically complicated episodes of scalp psoriasis.
In milder cases of psoriasis (PASI index up to 15 units), hyposensitizing drugs, detoxification and antihistamines, as well as hepatoprotectants are used.
The use of local treatment depends on the stage of scaly lichen:
- progressive - 1 - 2% salicylic ointment, corticosteroid creams and ointments
- stationary - 5 - 10% naphthalene ointment, 3% salicylic ointment, 2 - 5% sulfur-tar ointment, baths with chamomile decoction
- regressive - 3-5% salicylic ointment, 10-20% naphthalene ointment, 5-10% sulfur-tar ointment, psorkutan
Mercury-salicylic ointment, Psorix lotion and shampoo, tar balm, zinc preparations are widely popular for scalp psoriasis. Also an integral part of the treatment of the disease are warm baths once every 2-3 days. In the winter form of psoriasis, the therapy is based on the use of ointments in combination with ultraviolet radiation.
Drug-free treatment
Psoriasis treatment is not just drug-based. The application of phototherapy methods also contributes to rapid recovery and remission.
There are the following types of radiation exposure:
- Photochemotherapy (PUVA therapy) is a type of phototherapy combined with the use of photosensitizers. The mechanism lies in the action of ultraviolet radiation on the surface of the skin to treat complicated forms of psoriasis.
- Selective therapy is more effective in treating exudative and simple forms of psoriasis, when there are a small number of rashes. The course of therapy consists of 20-30 sessions, the efficiency is 80%.
- Narrowband therapy - used in the presence of superficial psoriasis, the rays do not penetrate deep into the skin balls, but have only a superficial effect. The procedure is aimed at preventing the process of malignant cell degeneration.
- Narrow spectrum UVB treatment - This type of therapy significantly reduces the occurrence of side effects such as redness and burns. The course of the procedure is 20-30 sessions, it is used only for skin lesions.
Also, spa treatment has a positive effect. Well-known sources of treatment are Lake Kunigunda, the Crimean coast, the Black Sea and the Dead Sea.
Experimental methods
Scientists are not stopping and continue to search for new effective methods of treating psoriasis, among which are the following.
plasmapheresis
A gentle intoxication procedure that helps cleanse the blood plasma of pathogenic components and toxins. After one procedure, up to 30% of the blood is usually cleaned. This manipulation is used in severe and complicated cases of psoriasis. The course of plasmaphoresis is performed in 3-6 sessions, with a break of one week.
The mechanism of this procedure is as follows: certain membranes filter the intercellular fluid and return it back to the bloodstream, while the useful components are preserved to the maximum, and pathogenic toxic substances are destroyed.
Cryotherapy or "cold treatment"
The therapy of the disease is due to the effect of ultra low levels on the organism. The sharp effect of cold helps to activate the immune system and stimulate metabolism in general. This procedure has both a complex effect on the whole body and local, focused on the focus of skin lesions.
It is important to keep in mind that cryotherapy is not suitable for all patients. Due to the anatomical characteristics of the position of blood vessels, some people experience convulsions, swelling and sharp dilation of blood vessels, which disrupts blood circulation. In addition, some patients may be susceptible to allergic reactions such as cold urticaria.
The effect of cryotherapy:
- increase the body's defenses
- improved regeneration processes
- negative symptoms disappear: itching, tingling, peeling
- improves metabolism in the skin
- prolongation of the remission period.
Immunobiological preparations
These are protein-based products that act directly on the immune system and prevent the development of concomitant diseases. In the presence of the psoriatic process, the body is constantly regenerating due to the excess amount of TNF-protein. These drugs inhibit the action of TNF-α, so the symptoms of the inflammatory process in psoriasis are reduced.
Ozone therapy
A new effective method for treating psoriasis. Ozone is known to have detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet, immunomodulatory effects. The advantages of ozone therapy are ease of use, fast efficiency, reliability and complete absence of side effects.
Features of psoriasis treatment in children and adolescents
It should be noted that psoriatic disease is less common in children than in adults. The explanation is the low degree of detection of psoriasis, frequent cases of regression and significant periods of remission up to 12 years.
Characteristic of the clinical picture of childhood psoriasis are frequent skin lesions under the hair. Girls get sick 2 times more often than boys, which is associated with endocrinopathies that occur in adolescence. Children are characterized by a pronounced picture of the pathological process (significant inflammation and varying degrees of itching).
In children under the age of 10, the symptoms of psoriasis are different from those in adults. The localization of the rash occurs in atypical places such as the face, nape of the neck, genitals or deep parts of the subcutaneous folds. The trigger mechanism for the development of the disease is often acute infection (flu, pneumonia), psycho-emotional stress.
In most children, the first signs of lesions appear on the scalp and are accompanied by redness, peeling scales. Even in the most severe cases of scalp psoriasis, hair loss is not common.
Treatment of childhood psoriasis is based on the use of medicated ointments and creams, and in severe episodes, a combination with other drugs is used. This approach allows you to reduce the negative manifestation of the disease and contributes to a quick recovery.
How to treat psoriasis on the head at home
In the fight against dry scalp in psoriasis, various base creams, lotions, herbal shampoos, water-based emulsions are used, which not only alleviate skin inflammation, but also help alleviate the symptoms of psoriasis.
The most popular home remedies for psoriasis are creams, salicylic ointment and special shampoos.
Creams
Use non-hormonal agents based on natural ingredients. The active ingredients can be different, and the most common of them are:
- zinc - quickly removes dryness and inflammation of the skin, has antiseptic properties, antibacterial effect
- Vitamin D - used to treat simple forms of psoriasis, relieves such unpleasant symptoms as peeling and itching, and also helps improve regeneration
- urea and naphthalene - has a tonic and soothing effect on the skin
- herbal extracts - have disinfectant properties, eliminate hypersensitivity and worsen the inflammatory process
- floralizin - promotes faster recovery, alleviates the unpleasant manifestations of psoriasis
- urea and beeswax - suitable for sensitive skin that needs hydration and nutrition, restores the protective barrier
Salicylic ointment in the fight against psoriasis
Salicylic acid, obtained from willow bark, is the active ingredient of salicylic fat and has anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties. The advantage of salicylic ointment over hormonal drugs is the absence of side effects.
Positive properties of salicylic ointment:
- fights inflammation - removes itching and redness
- antiseptic action - eliminates pathogenic microorganisms
- keratoplastic effect - prevents the formation of purulent foci, stimulates the regeneration process.
- destroys the horny substance - peels the bark.
Salicylic-zinc ointment is also widely used in the treatment of psoriasis and is no less effective.
Shampoos
There are the following types of shampoos for scalp psoriasis:
- Based on birch tar. Tar helps to gently cleanse the skin of the stratum corneum, impurities, eliminates itching and burning, has antifungal properties.
- Antifungal - the main active ingredient ketoconazole eliminates the reproduction of fungal infections and promotes wound healing on the skin.
- It consists of salicylic acid, ketoconazole, zinc. This shampoo spray eliminates the inflammatory process, softens the skin and has an antiseptic effect.
- Healing. They normalize the secretion of subcutaneous fat, strengthen hair, relieve inflammation.
It is also important to remember that when washing your hair with psoriasis, use only warm water, not hot water. It is necessary to minimize the use of hair dryers, curlers and irons.
Treatment of psoriasis folk remedies
Lotions based on celandine, aloe vera, chamomile, apple cider vinegar are great for treating psoriasis. A bandage moistened with the solution is applied to the lesions. This procedure reduces inflammation, kills pathogens and improves metabolism in the skin.
No less effective are the kefir and mud masks, which also act as part of traditional medicine. Such masks additionally moisturize the hair, have an anti-inflammatory effect, improve blood circulation in the scalp.
Which product is better?
It is better to use mild, gentle, odorless products to treat scalp psoriasis. Regular cleansing and moisturizing is the basis of proper hair and skin care for psoriasis. It is important that the products used help to normalize the balance of nutrients, restore the affected areas of the skin, maintain the pH of the scalp and moisturize the stratum corneum of the epidermis.
All these effects, and even more, are characteristic of products from the online store Fitomarket. Here you can choose not only the most suitable means and methods of high-quality care for scalp psoriasis, but also get the appropriate advice on the drugs that are right for you.
FAQ
Can psoriasis be cured with zinc ointment?
Zinc ointment has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, enveloping effect, stimulates the formation of a protective layer on the skin surface. If you lubricate the affected areas daily with zinc ointment, then the positive effect will come quickly, but this drug is not able to completely cure psoriasis, because the treatment should be complex.
Can you cure scalp psoriasis with hydrogen peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide by releasing active oxygen performs mechanical cleansing and eliminates toxic substances on damaged skin, but, as in the case of zinc ointment, only this component will not be able to cure psoriasis of the head.
Is psoriasis contagious?
Psoriasis is not transmitted because it is non-infectious in nature, so it is not worth avoiding contact and communication with people with this disease.
Is scalp psoriasis dangerous?
If left untreated, psoriasis can lead to serious complications and even death. Remember that psoriatic lesions can spread to deep layers of the skin, as well as to other organs and systems of the body (nails, cardiovascular system, musculoskeletal system, etc. ).
How to distinguish psoriasis from dermatitis
It is known that seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp never affects smooth skin and is characterized by the absence of infiltration, unlike seborrheic psoriasis, which forms a "psoriatic crown", spreading to smooth skin of the forehead and neck. psoriasis.