Psoriasis or scaly lichen is a recurrent dermatological disease. It affects different parts of the body. Scalp psoriasis is a common occurrence. Worsening of the disease is accompanied by symptoms such as itching, the appearance of red rashes and profuse peeling of the skin.
Reasons for development
The cause and mechanism of the development of scaly lichen are unknown to science. The pathology is thought to be associated with weakened immunity. Because psoriasis is more common in people whose relatives suffer from the disease, researchers do not rule out hereditary ties.
Scaly lichens can be caused by:
- viral and bacterial infections;
- allergic reactions;
- diseases of the endocrine system;
- pathology of the digestive system;
- metabolic disorders.
Causes of worsening scalp psoriasis can be such reasons as:
- severe or prolonged stress;
- drinking coffee, chocolate, cakes and pastries;
- bad habits - alcohol and smoking;
- mechanical damage to the skin;
- hypothermia;
- taking nonsteroidal drugs, beta-blockers, lithium preparations.
In most patients, psoriasis of the hair is caused by a combination of several factors, so doctors consider it a polyetiological disease.
Diagnosis
A dermatologist is involved in identifying scaly lichen. 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 using glass, as well as the analysis of existing signs - phenomena, psoriasis, which are called psoriasis triad.
A characteristic symptom of the disease is the psoriatic triad - the presence of punctate bleeding, stearin stain and terminal film.
In advanced cases, scalp psoriasis can be mistaken for other skin conditions.
To clarify the diagnosis, it is necessary to take a skin biopsy and give blood for analysis.
Treatment
To achieve stable remission of psoriasis, you must treat it comprehensively. These include: medicines, use of special cosmetics, physiotherapy, visits to spas, folk remedies and other activities.
Medications
A wide variety of topical and systemic medications are available to treat scalp psoriasis. The choice of medication 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 carried out with external drugs. The advantage of topical therapy is that it has fewer side effects. In severe cases, the dermatologist uses more toxic, more aggressive medications, including systemic medications.
Local therapy uses:
- Birch tar;
- salicylic ointment;
- ichthyol ointment;
- Panthenol-containing preparations;
- 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, which have an immunosuppressive effect;
- nonspecific immunomodulators.
Taking cytostatics and corticosteroids is advised in cases where other methods of treating scalp psoriasis have failed. If a skin infection occurs, as well as manifestations of accompanying 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: injection, powder, tablets, oral drops, spray or syrup.
Medical cosmetics
You can find an effective remedy for the treatment of psoriasis of the scalp with the help of special cosmetics.
The most popular are medical shampoos. Gently, without side effects, cleanses the affected skin of horny scales, softens it, reduces inflammation, and also removes itching.
Decide what to wash your hair with psoriasis should be based on the effects of shampoo. They must have the full effect of removing pain and restoring the sheath.
Based on a set of measures that have a specially taken tool, you can determine the suitability 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 psoriasis is not mentioned in the instructions, many patients notice 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 cannot constantly wash your hair with such shampoos - the course of treatment is regulated.
Physiotherapy 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 the beginning of remission. There are several methods that can improve the patient's condition.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy - skin exposure to ultra low temperatures (from -140 to -160 ° C). Organs and tissues are under stress, a chain of biochemical reactions is triggered and various processes, including autoimmune, are regulated. Under the influence of liquid nitrogen, cell regeneration is intensified, the formation of scales is blocked, psoriatic plaques disappear.
Contraindications: pathology of internal organs and blood vessels, worsening of chronic diseases, cold intolerance, claustrophobia.
Phototherapy
Phototherapy - spectral irradiation of psoriatic plaques with ultraviolet rays. The procedure has immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects, 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. A concentrated beam of light 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 spas during the worsening of the disease: the regression phase should come.
Spa therapy may include:
- Heliotherapy - sunbathing.
- Aerotherapy - staying in the fresh air.
- Thalassotherapy - seawater treatment.
- Balneotherapy - procedures using mineral waters (alkaline, hydrogen sulfide, iodine-bromine, rhodon, silicate).
- Peloid therapy - the effect of therapeutic mud.
The condition of many patients improves after climate change. Staying at sea or relaxing 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. l. baking soda with 4 tbsp. l. water, rub into the scalp, wait for it to dry and rinse with warm water. This solution has a softening effect and relieves itching.
- Grind a ripe banana with peel in a blender, spread the mixture on the areas affected by psoriatic plaques and rub into the skin. After 20 minutes, rinse the mask with warm water. Banana pulp relieves inflammation and itching.
- Add 2-3 drops of tea tree oil to a portion of medicated shampoo, apply to 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 the sea salt in a little water, apply on the affected areas, leave for 30-40 minutes, and then rinse. This procedure can be repeated several times during the day.
- Mix salt in equal proportions with white or blue clay, add a little apple cider vinegar - so as to obtain the consistency of sour cream. Apply the mixture to psoriatic plaques, rub lightly 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 hair brush should be soft and the movements when combing smooth and neat. In this way, damage and infection of open wounds can be avoided.
Styling products, curlers and straightening irons should be avoided. Do not use coloring, because chemicals irritate the epidermis and can lead to worsening of the disease.
It would be nice to get rid of bad habits. Alcohol and smoking negatively affect blood vessels, disrupt blood circulation, worsen skin nutrition and reduce the effectiveness of therapeutic measures.
Doctors recommend revising the diet and excluding smoked meats, chocolate, pickles, white bread, tomatoes, spicy foods, fizzy drinks, as well as strong coffee and tea.
It is important to avoid stress and maintain a healthy daily routine. Adequate sleep is the key to good health, because this process triggers the mechanisms of self-healing.
Unfortunately, psoriasis cannot be completely cured because it is a chronic disease. However, with proper scalp care, by adhering to the above rules, you can reduce the number of recurrences to a minimum.