Psoriasis or scaly lichen is a recurrent dermatological disease. It affects different parts of the body. Scalp psoriasis is common. Exacerbation of the disease is accompanied by symptoms such as itching, red rashes and profuse peeling of the skin.
Reasons for development
The cause and mechanism of development of scaly lichen are unknown to science. It is assumed that the pathology is associated with impaired immunity. Because psoriasis is more common in people whose relatives suffer from the disease, researchers do not rule out hereditary ties.
Scaly lichen can be provoked by:
- viral and bacterial infections;
- allergic reactions;
- diseases of the endocrine system;
- pathology of the digestive system;
- disorders of metabolic processes.
The causes of exacerbation of scalp psoriasis can be caused by the following reasons:
- severe or prolonged stress;
- drinking coffee, chocolate, cakes and pastries;
- bad habits - alcohol and smoking;
- mechanical damage to the skin;
- hypothermia;
- taking non-steroidal drugs, beta-blockers, lithium preparations.
In most patients, psoriasis of the hair occurs in a combination of several factors, so doctors consider it a polyetiological disease.
Diagnosis
A dermatologist is involved in identifying scaly lichens. The initial stage of psoriasis can be determined by visual inspection.
The main method for diagnosing psoriasis is considered to be scraping from the damaged area when using a glass slide, as well as analyzing the existing signs - phenomena, psoriasis, which are called psoriatic triad.
A characteristic symptom of the disease is the psoriatic triad - the presence of spotting, stearin stain and terminal film.
In advanced cases, scalp psoriasis can be confused with other skin conditions.
To clarify the diagnosis, it is necessary to perform a skin biopsy and donate blood for analysis.
Treatment
To achieve stable remission in psoriasis, you need to treat it comprehensively. This includes: medicines, use of special cosmetics, physiotherapy, visits to health resorts, folk remedies and other activities.
Medicines
There is a wide variety of topical and systemic medications to treat scalp psoriasis. The choice of drugs depends on the stage of the disease, as well as on the personal preferences of the patient and the doctor.
Treatment of mild to moderate psoriasis is performed with external drugs. The advantage of topical therapy is that it has fewer side effects. In severe cases, the dermatologist uses more toxic aggressive drugs, including systemic drugs.
Topical therapy uses:
- Birch tar;
- salicylic ointment;
- ichthyol ointment;
- preparations containing panthenol;
- antihistamines;
- glucocorticosteroids;
- vitamin D analogues;
- dithranol;
- occlusive dressings with drugs;
- retinoids;
- calcineurin inhibitors;
- emollients.
The complex of systemic therapy may include:
- antihistamines;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- retinoids;
- calcineurin inhibitors that have an immunosuppressive effect;
- non-specific immunomodulators.
Taking cytostatic and corticosteroid drugs is recommended in cases where other treatments for scalp psoriasis have failed. If the skin becomes infected, as well as the manifestation of concomitant diseases, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Often the treatment of psoriasis is accompanied by the appointment of enterosorbents, sedatives and vitamins.
Form of release of systemic drugs: injections, powder, tablets, oral drops, spray or syrup.
Medical cosmetics
You can find an effective remedy for psoriasis of the scalp with the help of special cosmetics.
The most popular are medicated shampoos. They gently, without side effects, clean the affected skin of irritated scales, soften it, reduce inflammation and also eliminate itching.
Decide what to wash your hair with psoriasis should be based on the effect of shampoos. They should have the full effect of eliminating pain and restoring coverage.
Based on a set of measures that have a separate tool, you can determine the appropriateness of its use or give preference to a more effective shampoo.
Psoriasis shampoos can be divided into several conditional groups.
With zinc pyrithione
Activated zinc pyrithione effectively fights harmful bacteria - streptococci and staphylococci, as well as some types of fungi.
With tar
Shampoos contain refined tar of birch, pine, juniper or willow. It has a keratoplastic effect, prevents excessive cell proliferation, acts as an antiseptic.
With ketoconazole
Some medicines contain ketoconazole, an antifungal agent. Although the instructions do not mention psoriasis, many patients report a positive effect after washing their hair with shampoos with this substance.
In addition to the above, pharmaceutical hair cosmetics may include: urea, salicylic acid, ichthyol, selenium sulfide, climbazole, cyclopirox and other components. You can not wash your hair with such shampoos constantly - the course of treatment is regulated.
Physiotherapeutic procedures
Physiotherapy is an integral part of the complex treatment of scalp psoriasis. It is prescribed in the period of disappearance of clinical signs and onset of remission. There are several methods that can improve the patient's condition.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy - exposure of the skin to ultra-low temperatures (from -140 to -160 ° C). Organs and tissues are stressed, a chain of biochemical reactions is triggered and various processes, including autoimmune, are regulated. Under the influence of liquid nitrogen the regeneration of the cells is intensified, the formation of scales is blocked, the psoriatic plaques disappear.
Contraindications: pathology of internal organs and blood vessels, exacerbation of chronic diseases, intolerance to cold, claustrophobia.
Phototherapy
Phototherapy - spectral irradiation of psoriatic plaques with ultraviolet rays. The procedure has immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory action, reduces the rate of cell division. There are several types of phototherapy:
- photochemotherapy (PUVA);
- selective phototherapy;
- laser exposure.
They are all effective in treating scalp psoriasis. Concentrated light beam is absorbed by cells with high mycotic activity, which leads to their destruction and death.
Contraindications: diabetes mellitus, tuberculosis, persistent hypertension, poor blood clotting, oncology, epilepsy, pregnancy, keloid scars, viral diseases, kidney disease, sixth skin phototype.
Spa treatment
2-3 months after taking the drug it is recommended to continue the treatment of psoriasis in a sanatorium. It is important to know that you cannot visit health resorts during an exacerbation of the disease: the regression stage must occur.
Spa therapy may include:
- Heliotherapy - sunbathing.
- Aerotherapy - stay in the fresh air.
- Thalassotherapy - treatment with sea water.
- Spa treatment - procedures using mineral waters (alkaline, hydrogen sulfide, iodine-bromine, radon, silicon).
- Peloid therapy - the effect of healing mud.
The condition of many patients improves after climate change. Staying at the sea or vacationing in resorts will help you forget about the manifestations of psoriasis for a long time.
Folk remedies
Recipes of traditional medicine can be used to treat and prevent scaly lichen. The advantage of natural ingredients is their relative safety for the body. To reduce the frequency of exacerbations, you can use the following methods:
- Mix 1 tbsp baking soda with 4 tbsp water, rub into the scalp, wait for it to dry and rinse with warm water. This solution has a emollient effect and relieves itching.
- Grind a ripe banana with the peel with a blender, apply the mixture to the areas affected by psoriatic plaques and rub into the skin. After 20 minutes, rinse the mask with warm water. Banana puree relieves inflammation and itching.
- Add 2-3 drops of tea tree oil to a part of the healing shampoo, apply on the hair, massaging the scalp, after 5 minutes rinse in the shower. Regular use of the oil, which has antiseptic properties, allows you to get rid of the manifestations of psoriasis.
- Dissolve sea salt in a little water, apply on the affected areas, leave for 30-40 minutes, then rinse. This procedure can be repeated several times a day.
- Mix equal proportions of salt with white or blue clay, add a little apple cider vinegar - so as to obtain the consistency of sour cream. Smear the psoriatic plaques with the mixture, rub gently and leave on for 2 hours.
Traditional prescriptions should not replace basic medical treatment. They play a supporting role and are used in complex therapy, not alone.
Preventive recommendations
With scalp psoriasis, you need to take good care of your skin. The hairbrush should be soft and the combing movements smooth and tidy. In this way, damage and infection of open wounds can be avoided.
Styling products, curling irons and straightening irons should be avoided. Do not use staining, as chemicals irritate the epidermis and can exacerbate the disease.
It would be nice to get rid of bad habits. Alcohol and smoking adversely affect blood vessels, disrupt blood circulation, impair skin nutrition and reduce the effectiveness of therapeutic measures.
Doctors recommend reviewing the diet and excluding smoked meats, chocolate, pickles, white bread, tomatoes, spicy foods, carbonated beverages, as well as strong coffee and tea.
It is important to avoid stress and maintain a healthy daily routine. Getting enough sleep is the key to good health, as this process triggers self-healing mechanisms.
Unfortunately, psoriasis cannot be completely cured because it is a chronic disease. However, with proper scalp care, adhering to the above rules, you can reduce the number of recurrences to a minimum.