Psoriasis or scaly lichen is a recurrent dermatological disease. Affects various parts of the body. Psoriasis of the scalp is common. Exacerbation of the disease is accompanied by symptoms such as itching, the appearance of red rashes and excessive peeling of the skin.
Reasons for development
The causative agent and mechanism of development of paid lichen is unknown to science. It is likely that the pathology is associated with a violation of immunity. Because psoriasis is more common in people whose relatives suffer from the disease, researchers do not rule out an inherited link.
Scaly lichen can provoke:
- viral and bacterial infections;
- allergic reactions;
- endocrine system diseases;
- pathology of the digestive system;
- disruption of metabolic processes.
Causes of exacerbation of scalp psoriasis can be as follows:
- severe or prolonged stress;
- drink coffee, chocolate, cakes and sweets;
- bad habits - alcohol and smoking;
- mechanical damage to the skin;
- hypothermia;
- to take non-steroidal drugs, beta-blockers, lithium drugs.
In most patients, hair psoriasis occurs as a combination of several factors, so doctors consider it a polyetiological disease.
Diagnostics
A dermatologist is involved in determining the lichen. The initial stage of psoriasis can be determined by visual examination.
The main method of diagnosing psoriasis is the removal of the damaged area when using a glass slide, as well as the analysis of existing symptoms - events, psoriasis, called psoriatic triad.
The characteristic feature of the disease is the psoriatic triad - the presence of punctate bleeding, stearin stain and terminal film.
In advanced cases, scalp psoriasis can be confused with other skin diseases.
To clarify the diagnosis, a skin biopsy should be performed and blood given for analysis.
Treatment
In order to achieve stable remission in psoriasis, it must be treated comprehensively. These include: medications, use of special cosmetics, physiotherapy, visits to resorts, folk remedies and other activities.
Medications
There are various topical and systemic medications available to treat scalp psoriasis. The choice of medication depends on the stage of the disease, as well as the personal preferences of the patient and the doctor.
Mild and moderate psoriasis is treated with external drugs. The advantage of topical therapy is that there are fewer side effects. In severe cases, dermatologists use more toxic aggressive drugs, including systemic drugs.
Local therapy is used:
- maple resin;
- salicylic ointment;
- ichthyol ointment;
- preparations containing panthenol;
- antihistamines;
- glucocorticosteroids;
- Vitamin D analogues;
- ditranol;
- occlusive dressings with drugs;
- retinoids;
- calcineurin inhibitors;
- emollients.
The systemic therapy complex may include:
- antihistamines;
- anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drugs;
- retinoids;
- immunosuppressive calcineurin inhibitors;
- non-specific immunomodulators.
Cytostatic and corticosteroid medications are recommended in cases where other treatments for scalp psoriasis have failed. If the skin is infected, as well as if there are signs of concomitant diseases, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Treatment of psoriasis is often accompanied by the appointment of enterosorbents, sedatives and vitamins.
Formulation of systemic drugs: injection, powder, tablets, oral drops, spray or syrup.
Medical cosmetics
You can find an effective tool for the treatment of scalp psoriasis using special cosmetics.
The most popular are medicated shampoos. They gently, without side effects, clean the affected skin from the scales, soften, 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 a full effect to relieve pain and restore coverage.
Based on a number of measures that are a separate tool, you can determine the appropriateness of its use or opt for a more effective shampoo.
Shampoos for psoriasis can be divided into several conventional groups.
With zinc pirition
Activated zinc pyrite effectively fights harmful bacteria - streptococci and staphylococci, as well as some fungal species.
Field
Shampoos contain refined maple, pine, juniper or willow resin. It has a keratoplastic effect, prevents excessive cell proliferation, acts as an antiseptic.
With ketoconazole
Some medicines contain the antifungal agent ketoconazole. Although the instructions do not mention psoriasis, many patients report a positive effect after shampooing their hair 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 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 absence of clinical symptoms and at the beginning of remission. There are several ways to improve the patient's condition.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy - exposure of the skin to ultra-low temperatures (between -140 and -160 ° C). Organs and tissues are stressed, the chain of biochemical reactions is activated, various processes, including autoimmune processes, are regulated. Under the influence of liquid nitrogen, cell regeneration is enhanced, the formation of scales is blocked, psoriatic plaques disappear.
Contraindications: pathology of internal organs and blood vessels, exacerbation 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.
All of them are effective in the treatment of scalp psoriasis. Concentrated 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
It is recommended to continue the treatment of psoriasis in the sanatorium 2-3 months after taking the drug. It is important to know that you will not be able to visit the resorts during the exacerbation of the disease: the regression phase must come.
Spa therapy may include:
- Heliotherapy - sunbathing.
- Aerotherapy - stay in the fresh air.
- Thalassotherapy - treatment with seawater.
- Balneotherapy - procedures using mineral waters (alkaline, hydrogen sulfide, iodine-bromine, rhodonic, silica).
- Peloid therapy - the effect of therapeutic mud.
Many patients' condition improves after climate change. Staying at sea or relaxing at spas will help you forget about psoriasis for a long time.
Folk remedies
Traditional medicine prescriptions can be used to treat and prevent paid lichen. The advantage of natural substances is their relative safety for the body. You can use the following methods to reduce the frequency of exacerbations:
- Mix 1 tbsp. l. Baking soda with 4 tbsp. l. water, rub into scalp, wait until dry and rinse with lukewarm water. This solution has a emollient effect and relieves itching.
- Peel a ripe banana, grate it and rub it on the affected areas. After 20 minutes, rinse the mask with lukewarm water. Banana pulp eliminates inflammation and itching.
- Add 2-3 drops of tea tree oil to a part of the medicated shampoo, apply to hair, massage the scalp, take a shower after 5 minutes. Regular use of oil with antiseptic properties allows you to get rid of the manifestations of psoriasis.
- Dissolve sea salt in a little water, apply to damaged areas, leave on for 30-40 minutes, 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 - to get the consistency of sour cream. Lubricate psoriatic plaques with the mixture, rub gently and leave to act for 2 hours.
Traditional prescriptions should not replace basic medical treatment. They play a supportive role and are used in complex therapy, not alone.
Preventive recommendations
With psoriasis, you need to take good care of your skin. The hair brush should be soft, the movements during brushing should be smooth and neat. Thus, damage and infection of open wounds can be prevented.
Styling products, curlers and straighteners should be avoided. Do not use dyes as chemicals irritate the epidermis and can exacerbate the disease.
It would be good to get rid of bad habits. Alcohol and smoking have a negative effect on blood vessels, disrupt blood circulation, impair skin nutrition and reduce the effectiveness of therapeutic measures.
Doctors recommend reconsidering the diet and excluding smoked meat, 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, as this process triggers self-healing mechanisms.
Unfortunately, psoriasis cannot be completely cured because it is a chronic disease. However, with proper scalp care, you can minimize the number of relapses by following the above guidelines.