The cause and methods of treatment of psoriasis of the head

Psoriasis is a chronic, non-infectious, inflammatory skin lesion with a negative impact on the quality of life of patients ("Psora" from Greek - Libra). It was from there, like many other diseases, that the first observations of psoriasis were described. This term was introduced by Galen, one of the key researchers in medicine.

The skin signs of psoriasis create confusion among both people and doctors, as leprosy is widespread and has terrible consequences at the time. Patients with psoriasis are subjected to social pressure, avoided, forcibly isolated. In Europe, such people were forced to warn others of their arrival by ringing bells. Attempts at treatment consisted of the use of manure, onions, sea salt, oil, urine, but all were ineffective and made patients with psoriasis expelled.

DEVELOPMENT OF PSORIASIS

The disease can occur at any age, but is more common in the age group of 49 to 69 years. The reported prevalence of psoriasis in countries varies between 0. 09% and 11. 4%, which makes psoriasis a serious global problem.

Despite the widespread misconception that psoriasis is not as serious as other non-dermatological conditions, psoriasis creates a burden of the disease that extends far beyond dermatological symptoms. Its psychological effects are similar to cancer, heart disease, diabetes. Psoriatic plaques are often seen, which can negatively affect interpersonal relationships, success in school or work. Not surprisingly, people with psoriasis have a higher rate of depression with an increased number of suicidal thoughts.

Patients with psoriasis are also at risk of developing serious comorbidities that will complicate disease control and increase the risk of early 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, which leads to a reduction in life expectancy for men and women by 3, 5 and 4, 4 years, compared to people without psoriasis.

CAUSE OF HEAD PSORIASIS

There are many theories about the origin of psoriasis. This is the influence of microbes, viruses, allergies, poor hygiene, impaired blood supply to the skin, dysfunction of internal organs, and one of the most urgent at the moment is the autoimmune nature of the disease, when human immune cells attack their own tissues. And even this assumption remains a theory, as no skin-damaging antibodies have been found so far in patients with psoriasis.

The cause of the pathology is currently unknown. But in the course of research, scientists have identified factors that are likely to provoke psoriasis.

The following points are underlined:

• Heredity. There is no one hundred percent chance that even if the mother and father are ill, their child will inevitably suffer from psoriasis. But in such a situation the risk of getting such pathology is higher. It was also noted that if one of the identical twins was ill, the other twin was more likely to get sick than the usual risk in the population. This proves that this nosology has a genetic origin.
• Skin damage: accidental knife cuts, cat scratches, mosquito bites, sunburn increase the risk of causing a new outbreak.
• Infections: Staphylococcal, streptococcal and other infections can also act as triggers. Children often have streptococcal tonsillitis before the onset of cutaneous psoriasis.
• There are drugs that can cause the disease, such as anti-malarial drugs, some anti-depressant drugs.
• Changing your HIV status to positive can also trigger the development of psoriasis. Therefore, HIV tests for psoriasis are not strange.
• Stress. The most famous trigger for non-specialists. "It's all about stress" - every patient with psoriasis has heard this phrase at least once. Some people are skeptical about this phrase, but it has its justification. Scientists believe that our immune system can respond to emotional and mental pressure, as well as physical defects such as trauma and infections.
• Being overweight has a systemic effect on the whole body, 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 provoking psoriasis, especially the head and arms are damaged.
• Alcohol is one of the common causes of psoriasis.
• Hormonal changes. The disease often manifests itself during puberty. Menopause can also provoke psoriasis, but during pregnancy there is a reduction or even complete regression of plaque.

SYMPTOMS OF HEAD PSORIASIS

In 50% of cases, psoriasis is felt in the head. Psoriasis can appear anywhere on the head. Sometimes small plaques develop that are easily hidden in the hair, but when the entire scalp is covered, it is difficult to hide the plaques.

The appearance of psoriasis on the head will manifest as follows:

• Reddish spots on the scalp. Some spots may be barely visible due to their fading, but there are also bright red elements that are easy to see.
• Flakes that peel off psoriatic skin. The condition of the scalp in this pathology may resemble ordinary dandruff. But there are differences, for example in psoriasis there is a silvery sheen and may be accompanied by itching.
• Dry scalp. The scalp can be so dry that the skin cracks and bleeds, which will create conditions for the addition of infection, the treatment of which in such localization has certain difficulties.
• Itching. This is one of the most common symptoms. Some people experience mild itching that the patient may forget about in daily activities, while others experience such severe itching that work, study and even sleep are impossible.
• Bleeding. Because psoriasis of the scalp can be itchy, the patient can scratch the skin, damaging it. In addition to bleeding, scratching can worsen the course of psoriasis by making the plaque larger and thicker. That's why dermatologists tell their patients, "Try not to hurt your scalp. "
• Burning. The patient can describe his scalp literally as "burning".
• Hair loss. Scratching the scalp, using force to remove scales can lead to hair loss. Although this phenomenon is temporary, it can still cause inconvenience to the patient.

These clinical manifestations can rapidly both increase and decrease. This is an individual process. In one patient the whole pathological process will end in a pale plaque under the hair, while the other will have very bright foci all over the head. This is influenced, among other things, by the triggers described above.

A number of problems the patient may face:

1. Skin manifestations visible to others. Living with psoriasis can make a person shy. Every 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 for widespread psoriasis, resistant to conventional therapy, for the treatment of which new drugs based on monoclinic antibodies are used.
3. Pain. Chronic pain can occur with psoriasis, which further increases stress levels. This will be especially true when skin manifestations are combined with inflammation of the joints, while reducing a person's daily activity.
4. Healing. Especially when the patient seeks help late, some procedures do not have the expected effect, which, of course, worries the patient, emotionally depresses him. Other procedures can take a long time. For example, you may need to receive phototherapy 3 times a week for up to a year. For some, such a regime will be difficult to reconcile with the standard rhythm of life.
5. Life with a chronic illness. Psoriasis, like many other chronic pathologies, requires great willpower. It is difficult for the patient, especially in the initial stages, to cope with a number of additional problems that have "fallen on his head". This creates the conditions for depression.

DIAGNOSIS OF HEAD PSORIASIS

The decision to go to the doctor depends on 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 successful as possible, it is necessary to make an accurate diagnosis, even if the symptoms are mild.

In most cases, psoriasis of the scalp is diagnosed after a physical examination and analysis of medical history.

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

HEAD PSORIASIS TREATMENT

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

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

Treatment goals:

• To achieve clinical recovery of the patient as soon as possible;
• Remission must be stable and long-term;
• Maintaining a positive psychological status of the patient.

DIET FOOD

Treatment traditionally begins with diet. Foods containing antioxidants such as vitamin C, E, beta-carotene (vegetables, fruits, sage, ginger, etc. ) as well as omega-3 fatty acids rich in salmon, sardines and other fish can play a positive role.

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

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

SHAMPOO

Hair makes the treatment of psoriasis of the scalp especially difficult. Few people agree to remove their hair to more effectively resolve the clinical manifestations of the disease, especially given the fact that the defects will be even more noticeable 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 pathology. Therefore, tar shampoos are used, whose effectiveness in combating scalp psoriasis has long been noticed.

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

When prescribing 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 best to apply the solution on your hair before bed 2-3 times a week, followed by washing your hair in the morning.

PHENOLIC ACID

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

COAL CRANE

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

Although raw coal tar is the most effective resin. Applying raw stone tar to the scalp is problematic. It is usually recommended to use a resin solution (5-20%) formulated as a lotion or added to a corticosteroid. This drug helps fight psoriasis, but has a number of side effects: coloring, thinning hair and a more serious negative effect - carcinogenic, which is why 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 available topical treatments, corticosteroids have been shown to be most effective in clinical trials for scalp psoriasis and are the most commonly prescribed treatments. Corticosteroids are also convenient in that there are a large number of production forms for every situation: 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 healing process. Therefore, patients with internal anxiety are advised to consult a psychotherapist, psychologist.

HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PSORIASIS OF THE HEAD

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

1. Use moisturizing lotions. The skin manifestations of the disease worsen significantly when the skin is dry, so it is important to keep the skin moist. Specialized cosmetic ointments, lotions or, for example, regular Vaseline can help with this.
2. Take good care of your skin with psoriatic plaques. When washing your hair, never forcibly peel off the scales that are tightly attached to the skin, as you can spread the process only to nearby healthy tissues.
3. Be careful when trimming your nails. Cases have been described when accidental damage to the growth zone of the nail with manicure scissors provokes the appearance of new skin elements.
4. Find the right shampoo that doesn't flake your skin to use on your scalp in remission. Or just keep using tar, only in lower concentrations, for daily care.
5. Climate may also play a role. It is noticed that the cold has a negative effect on patients, provoking the development of plaques. Sunny weather provokes regression of skin manifestations, but not always.

6. Use a humidifier. This can keep the skin moist and eliminate dry air, which is bad for patients with psoriasis.
7. Do not take medicines that can harm your skin. Your doctor should be informed of all medicines you are taking, even those you consider harmless. For example, preparations containing lithium salts that are contraindicated in patients with psoriasis may be used to treat depression.
8. Avoid any skin damage: scratches, cuts, bumps. Skin injuries can cause a condition called the Koebner phenomenon (when psoriatic elements develop along the line of skin damage). Be careful when shaving. Try to avoid acupuncture, avoid getting tattoos on your body and do what you can to prevent insect bites.
9. Try to appear in the sun, but in moderation. Ultraviolet rays of sunlight slow down the growth of skin cells, so getting moderate doses of ultraviolet rays is good (30 minutes at a time is enough). Excessive sun exposure, paradoxically, can provoke psoriasis. Also, keep in mind that some medications can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays.
10. Patients with psoriasis should reduce their anxiety levels. Of course, this is easier said than done, but relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga can be tried.
11. Estimate how much alcohol you drink. The link between alcohol and psoriasis is unclear, but scientists still believe it can worsen symptoms, especially in men. It is well known that alcohol is dangerous when combined with certain psoriasis medications.
12. Balance your diet and try to lose weight. If you find it difficult to do this yourself, seek help from professionals who can decide in which direction it is worth working better.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CONTROLLING PSORIASIS RELATIONS IN THE CHAPTER

By monitoring the development of psoriasis, you can help the patient better control their disease and take the necessary measures in a timely manner, 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 in this, where you can record all the changes that happen to the plates. It is also worth writing down where the changes first appear and in what order they increase. For such introspection, the doctor will only praise you and know that you are determined. Over time, analyzing the records, modeling situations can be identified, for example, the outbreak always begins with a plaque in the back of the head.
• Every time psoriasis regresses or progresses, try to understand what it is. Maybe the weather has changed? Outside of medicine? Are you taking a new medicine? Recently damaged skin? Such triggers can be individual, which makes it difficult for the doctor to understand without the patient's self-analysis (for example, anattack provokes a certain type of coffee).

Although the disease is not transmitted by contact, the appearance of patients scares those who do not know. 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 where people with psoriasis have been denied access to the Olympic pool in response to collective complaints from other athletes. The management had to refuse such people, despite the fact that they understood perfectly well that this pathology is not dangerous in an infectious sense.

It is difficult for them to engage in daily, everyday activities, as the burden of psychological pressure is great and one needs social contact. For these reasons, societies are being set up in many countries to protect and support patients with psoriasis. There are companies to train outsiders about the disease.

People should be judged by their actions, deeds, not by their appearance. In fact, among the patients with such a nosology there are highly professional doctors, police officers, firefighters, athletes and many others, for whose actions not only their relatives but also their country can be proud of them.