In the modern world, many medical and social problems arise unpredictably and have a specific course, one of them is the disease of civilization - psoriasis. This disease occurs in 1. 5-2% of people in progressive countries, it spreads equally among 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 maturation of keratinocytes) caused by the influence of triggering factors. Localization of rashes is extremely multifaceted, localization of foci of psoriasis can occur both on the oral mucosa and on the scalp, extensor surfaces of limbs, nails or throughout the body.
Since psoriasis is a systemic disease, the lesion will also be characteristic of the cardiovascular, nervous, musculoskeletal and other systems. Moreover, the manifestation of the disease in 80% of cases at the initial stage is the defeat of the scalp. In this article, therefore, we want to pay special attention to the specified localization of psoriasis.
Causes of psoriasis on the head
There are 2 types of psoriasis onset: early and late. The early type is genetically determined, heredity plays an important role here. It is known that the presence of the disease in one of the parents increases the risk of psoriasis in a child by 14%, and psoriasis in both parents - by 40%.
There are more than 100 factors for the appearance of squamous lichen, the most common of which are:
- genetic
- viral
- infectious (tonsillitis) and allergic
- stressful (psychosomatic)
- endocrine
- metabolic disorders (lipids, enzyme)
- immune disorders.
Symptoms of scalp psoriasis
A characteristic element of psoriasis is a symmetrical flat elevation above the surface of the skin with regular rounded edges and increased roughness, combined with a large number of easily removable silvery scales. The size of the rashes can vary from 1 mm to 2 cm, and therefore the formations often merge and form plaques of different configurations, which can reach 10 cm or even 20 cm.
A frequent occurrence in psoriasis is the so-called "psoriatic crown" - the transition of neoplasms to the smooth skin of the neck or the temporal region along the hairline. A pronounced symptom that spreads in patients with scalp psoriasis is itching.
Psoriasis is defined by three main symptoms (psoriatic triad):
- "Stearin stain" - a psoriatic plaque is scraped off with a glass slide, as a result of which the scales become thinner, which enhances the snow-white color of the surface and looks like a drop of frozen stearin.
- "Terminal film" - with additional scraping, a smooth, translucent surface will be observed.
- "Blood dew" - the presence of small droplets of blood when scratching.
Stages of development of psoriasis
The psoriatic process consists of 3 successive stages:
- I progress
- II stationary
- III regressive
Progressive stage
It is characterized by the formation of new papules enlarged in diameter. The peeling process does not spread to healthy areas of the skin, while leaving a narrow pink band along the periphery of the plaques. The main symptom in patients is itching. Also, for the progressive or acute stage of psoriasis, the presence of Koebner's phenomenon is characteristic - the formation of new papules 7 days after skin damage. There is a triad of psoriatic symptoms.
Stationary
At this stage, there is no emergence of new elements of the rash, the manifestation of itching decreases or completely disappears. The diagnosis of the psoriatic triad is problematic and the Koebner symptom is negative.
Regressive
In the regression stage, the peeling decreases, the plaques disappear, but hypopigmented spots are formed. Psoriatic symptoms are not detected. It should be noted that even after the regression stage, "service patches" remain on the scalp, knees and elbows.
Stages of the disease according to the degree of damage
Depending on the area of the lesion, there are 3 stages of psoriasis:
- mild - the affected area is less than 3%
- medium - the prevalence of papular rashes is 3-10%
- severe - the lesions are localized on more than 10% of the skin.
How to cure psoriasis on the head
There are various combined methods of drug and non-drug treatment of psoriasis aimed at minimizing damage, improving the patient's quality of life and reducing the incidence of relapses.
The 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 a limited intake of foods high in salt, fats and fast carbohydrates.
medical therapy
Effective means for the systemic treatment of psoriasis are:
- desensitizer (30% sodium thiosulfate solution),
- sedatives (valerian infusion, tranquilizers),
- antihistamines,
- diuretic,
- vitamins (A, B1, B12, B6, E, C),
- hepatoprotectors,
- pyrogenic preparations,
- immunostimulating drugs,
In the acute common form of psoriasis, as well as in erythroderma, short-acting corticosteroids (triamcinalone) are prescribed.
In case of damage to the musculoskeletal system (joints), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (diclofenac sodium, voltaren, nimesulide) are indicated.
For the treatment of complicated forms of psoriasis, cytostatics (metatrexate, azathioprine) are used.
In severe forms of psoriasis (index greater than 15 units), cytostatics, tranquilizers and aromatic retinoids are added to the treatment. In severely complicated episodes of scalp psoriasis, glucocorticosteroids are used.
In mild cases of psoriatic disease (PASI index up to 15 units), hyposensitizing drugs, detoxification and antihistamines, as well as hepatoprotectors are used.
The use of topical treatment depends on the stage of the squamous lichen:
- progressive - 1 - 2% salicylic ointment, corticosteroid creams and ointments
- stationary - 5-10% naftalan ointment, 3% salicylic ointment, 2-5% sulfur tar ointment, chamomile decoction baths
- regressive - 3-5% salicylic ointment, 10-20% naftalan ointment, 5-10% sulfur tar ointment, psorkutan
Psoriks mercury-salicylic ointment, lotion and shampoo, tar balm, zinc preparations are very popular for scalp psoriasis. Hot baths once every 2-3 days are also an integral part of the treatment of the disease. In the winter form of psoriasis, treatment is based on the use of ointments in combination with ultraviolet radiation.
Non-drug treatment
Psoriasis treatment is not just about drugs. The use of phototherapy methods also contributes to a rapid recovery and the onset of remission.
There are the following types of radiation exposure:
- Photochemotherapy (PUVA therapy) is a type of phototherapy in combination 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 psoriatic disease.
- Selective therapy is more effective in the treatment of exudative and simple forms of psoriasis, when there is a small number of rashes. The course of therapy consists of 20-30 sessions, the effectiveness is 80%.
- Narrow band therapy - used in the presence of superficial psoriasis, the rays do not penetrate deeply into the skin balls, but only have a superficial effect. The procedure is aimed at preventing the processes of malignant degeneration of cells.
- Narrow Spectrum UVB Therapy - This type of therapy greatly reduces the occurrence of side effects such as redness and burning. The course of the procedure is 20-30 sessions, it is used only for skin lesions.
In addition, a positive impact comes from the spa treatment. Known sources of healing are Lake Kunigunda, the Crimean coast, the Black Sea and the Dead Sea.
Experimental methods
Scientists do not stop 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. As a rule, after a procedure, up to 30% of the blood is removed. This manipulation is used in severe and complicated cases of psoriasis. The course of plasmaphoresis is carried out in 3-6 sessions, with a week break.
The mechanism of this procedure is as follows: certain membranes filter intercellular fluid and return it to the bloodstream, while beneficial components are maximally preserved and pathogenic toxic substances are destroyed.
Cryotherapy or "cold therapy"
The treatment of the disease is due to the effect of ultra-low degrees on the body. The acute effect of cold helps to activate the immune system and boost metabolism in general. This procedure has both a complex effect on the whole body and a local effect, aimed at the focus of skin lesions.
It is important to keep in mind that cryotherapy is not suitable for all patients. Due to the anatomical features of the location of the vessels, some people experience spasms, swelling and strong expansion of the vessels, which disrupts blood circulation. Additionally, some patients may be susceptible to allergic reactions such as cold urticaria.
Effect of cryotherapy:
- increase the body's defenses
- improved regeneration processes
- negative symptoms disappear: itching, burning, peeling
- improves skin metabolism
- longer periods of remission.
Immunobiological preparations
These are protein products that have a direct effect on the immune system and prevent the occurrence of concomitant diseases. In the presence of a psoriatic process, the body is constantly replenished due to an excess of TNF protein. These drugs inhibit the effects of TNF-a, so the symptoms of the inflammatory process of psoriasis are reduced.
Ozone therapy
A new effective method for the treatment of psoriasis. It is known that ozone has detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet, immunomodulatory effects. The advantages of ozone therapy are ease of use, rapid effectiveness, reliability and the complete absence of side effects.
Features of the treatment of psoriasis 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 psoriasis in children are frequent lesions of the skin under the hair. Girls get sick 2 times more often than boys, which is associated with endocrinopathies that occur during adolescence. Children are characterized by a pronounced picture of the pathological process (significant inflammation and itching of varying degrees).
In children under 10 years of age, the manifestation of psoriasis symptoms differs from that of adults. The localization of rashes occurs in atypical places such as the face, the back of the head, the genitals or the deep sections of the subcutaneous folds. The trigger mechanism for the onset of the disease is often an acute infection (influenza, pneumonia), psycho-emotional stress.
In most children, the first signs of lesions appear on the scalp and are accompanied by redness, scaling of scales. Even in the most severe cases of scalp psoriasis, hair loss is not common.
The treatment of childhood psoriasis is based on the use of medicinal ointments and creams; 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 speedy recovery.
How to treat psoriasis on the head at home
In the fight against dry scalp in psoriasis, various basic creams, lotions, herbal shampoos, water-based emulsions are used, which not only relieve inflammation of the skin, but also help to smooththe symptoms of psoriasis.
The most popular home remedies for psoriasis are creams, salicylic ointments, and specialty shampoos.
Creams
Use non-hormonal agents based on natural ingredients. The active ingredients can be varied, the most common of them:
- zinc - quickly eliminates dryness and inflammation of the skin, has antiseptic properties, has an antibacterial effect
- vitamin D - is used to treat simple forms of psoriatic disease, relieves unpleasant symptoms such as peeling and itching, and also helps to improve regeneration
- urea and naftalan - has a tonic and soothing effect on the skin
- plant extracts - have a disinfectant property, eliminate hypersensitivity and exacerbation of the inflammatory process
- floralizine - promotes rapid recovery, relieves unpleasant manifestations of psoriasis
- urea and beeswax - suitable for sensitive skin in need of hydration and nutrition, restores the protective barrier
Salicylic ointment in the fight against psoriasis
Salicylic acid, derived from willow bark, is the active ingredient in salicylic ointment 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 - eliminates itching and redness
- antiseptic action - eliminates pathogenic microorganisms
- keratoplastic effect - prevents the appearance of purulent foci, promotes the process of regeneration.
- destroys the horny substance - exfoliates the crusts.
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 the treatment of scalp psoriasis:
- Based on birch tar. Tar helps to gently cleanse the skin of the stratum corneum, removes impurities, eliminates itching and burning, and has antifungal properties.
- Antifungal - the main active ingredient, ketoconazole, eliminates the reproduction of a fungal infection and promotes the healing of wounds on the skin.
- Composed of salicylic acid, ketoconazole, zinc. This spray shampoo eliminates the inflammatory process, softens the skin and has an antiseptic effect.
- Healing. Normalize subcutaneous fat secretion, strengthen hair, relieve inflammation.
It is also important to remember that when washing your hair with psoriasis, you should only use lukewarm water, not hot. It is necessary to minimize the use of hair dryers, curlers and ironing.
Treatment of psoriasis folk remedies
Lotions based on celandine, aloe vera, chamomile, apple cider vinegar are ideal for treating psoriasis. A dressing soaked in a solution is applied to the lesions. This procedure reduces inflammation, kills pathogens and improves skin metabolism.
No less effective are kefir and mud masks, which are also part of traditional medicine. Such masks additionally moisturize the hair, have an anti-inflammatory effect, improve blood circulation in the scalp.
Which product is the best?
For the treatment of scalp psoriasis, it is better to use mild, mild and fragrance-free products. 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 much more are characteristic of the products of the Fitomarket online store. Here you can not only choose the most suitable high-quality means and methods of care for scalp psoriasis, but also get proper advice on which drugs are suitable for you.
FAQs
Can psoriasis be cured with zinc ointment?
Zinc ointment has an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, enveloping effect, promotes the formation of a protective layer on the surface of the skin. If you lubricate the affected areas with zinc ointment daily, the positive effect will come quickly, but this remedy is not able to completely cure psoriasis, since the treatment must be complex.
Can scalp psoriasis be treated with hydrogen peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide, by releasing active oxygen, performs mechanical cleansing and removes toxic substances on damaged skin, but, as in the case of zinc ointment, it will not work to cure psoriasis of thehead with this single component.
Is psoriasis contagious?
Psoriasis is not transmissible, since it has a non-infectious nature, so avoiding contact and communication with people who have this disease is not worth it.
Is scalp psoriasis dangerous?
Untreated, psoriasis can lead to serious complications and even death. Remember that psoriatic lesions can spread to deeper layers of the skin, as well as other organs and body systems (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 an infiltration process, unlike seborrheic psoriasis, which forms a "psoriatic crown", moving to the smooth areas of theforehead and neck skin. It is also worth noting the hereditary factor in the appearance of psoriasis.