Psoriasis causes many problems in the form of discomfort and aesthetic problems, and its localization on the head complicates treatment. The danger of this disease is also an increase in fungal infections. How is psoriasis treated and what are its symptoms?
Causes of scalp psoriasis
To date, there is no clear answer as to what causes scalp psoriasis. Experts have put forward several theories about the onset of the disease:
- Violations in the metabolic process, in this context, the cell life cycle is reduced from 40 days to 5 days. Therefore, there is a layer of dead tissue on the plaque.
- Genetic susceptibility. If one parent has a family illness, then there is a 25% - 75% chance that the child will have psoriasis if both parents have psoriasis.
- Thyroid dysfunction. Hormonal disturbances are often the cause of skin disorders.
- An autoimmune process in which the immune system recognizes epidermal cells as foreign.
Head psoriasis can also be aggravated by:
- stressful situations;
- Improper nutrition;
- Living in an ecologically poor area;
- smokes;
- drinking.
All experts are absolutely certain of one thing - the disease occurs under the influence of multiple causes, and eliminating them becomes the first step in remission.
scalp psoriasis
One of the complex forms of the disease is scalp psoriasis. This is because the treatment process is difficult due to the hairline, and the symptoms of the disease in the first stage resemble simple dandruff.
symptom
Scalp psoriasis is characterized by symptoms similar to those of the disease in other parts of the body. Manifestations of the following diseases can be distinguished:
- A single rash or large buildup of plaques on the surface of the skin.
- The lesions have sebum on the surface, causing the rash to appear yellow. Dead cells mixed with fat begin to form nodules.
- Scales, similar to dandruff, can build up on the hair.
- The course of the disease is accompanied by severe itching.
- In children, redness of the epidermis of the head, followed by moistening, is observed.
Because the lesions are on the surface of the skin, the disease does not reach the hair follicles, so it does not interfere with hair growth, and their loss remains at a normal level. This photo shows what psoriasis looks like, located on the scalp.
result
Scalp psoriasis can have unpleasant consequences:
- The disease is not a psychological inconvenience, but a discomfort. Often, patients may even fall into deep depression.
- Due to the constant itching and scratching, the disease is constantly causing painful sensations to the sufferer.
- In the erythrodermic form of psoriasis, hair follicles are affected, which can subsequently lead to baldness.
Therefore, the treatment of scalp psoriasis should be carried out in time.
important! Scalp psoriasis can spread to the face, neck and shoulders.
Treatment characteristics
Only a dermatologist will tell you how to cure psoriasis on the scalp after detailed examination and laboratory tests. The disease itself cannot go away; in the fight against it, it is necessary to use complex treatments, including the use of traditional and alternative medicine. Also, scalp psoriasis should be treated with physical therapy. Only in this case can treatment be successful.
Shampoo against psoriasis
During the treatment of psoriasis, the scalp requires special care and traditional cosmetic shampoos are not allowed. Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects should be considered when choosing a shampoo.
We can distinguish the main types of shampoos:
- Asphalt. They contain birch or juniper tar, which are great for relieving symptoms of the burning form of the disease, and are also effective against excessive peeling.
- Antifungal. Designed to destroy pathogenic fungal infections. In addition, the drug works well to soothe irritated epidermis.
- therapeutic. These shampoos contain ingredients like zinc or salicylic acid. This product has active moisturizing properties.
All of these tools should be used as directed.
lotion
Spray lotions are often used to treat scalp psoriasis. This is the most convenient because when sprayed, the drug does not leave impurities on the hair, and the solution is evenly rinsed over the entire skin surface. The most popular lotions are:
- A steroid drug that also includes salicylic acid. The tool sterilizes the skin very well and it also relieves itching effectively and quickly. The course of treatment is 3 weeks.
- Spray, containing only natural herbal extracts. Recommended for prolonged remission. The drug moisturizes the dermis well and eliminates itching.
- A non-hormonal solution whose active substance is zinc oxide. This ingredient works well to stop the inflammatory process and effectively fight fungal infections.
Sprays can also be used on other parts of the body after consulting a therapist. There is no need to wash off the medication after use.
folk remedies
Alternative medicine recipes are very popular in treating psoriasis. They are completely natural and will not harm the patient. Furthermore, these funds do not cause damage to the wallet. The most effective recipes can be identified as follows:
- soda water. Pour an entire packet of baking soda into the tub. You will need to lie on your back in the water with your head back so the solution covers your head up to the forehead area. It is recommended to cover the ears with earplugs. The process takes 30 minutes.
- Regular shampooing with tar or sulfur soap is also recommended. To do this, grind the product on a fine grater and dissolve it in a small amount of water. Use like normal shampoo.
- Salicylic acid oil. A very effective therapeutic breakthrough. You just need to moisten a cotton pad in the substance and lubricate the separate part. Seven separations need to be processed.
Many patients don't believe in folk remedies, but some of them are more effective than even the most expensive pharmacy drugs.
suggestion! Care should be taken to avoid recipes that use essential oils, burning and irritating substances.
scalp psoriasis
Scalp psoriasis is located in the following areas:
- behind the ear;
- on the back of the head;
- on the mucous membranes;
- near the eyebrows;
- on the cheeks.
Rashes are especially noticeable in the facial area because they cannot be hidden by clothing. At the same time, the use of masking cosmetics is strictly prohibited.
symptom
The disease manifests as follows:
- First, there will be light spots on the face.
- Then small dots appear in the middle, which quickly grow into pimples.
- These formations soon began to be covered in a thick layer of dead cells.
The formation of the rash is accompanied by severe itching. In the photo, you can see what psoriasis looks like on the head.
result
Skin diseases can lead to unpleasant consequences:
- When combing pimples, scratches and wounds form, which can become a source of infection.
- The localization of the eyelid rash is responsible for the pathology of the eyeball.
- Psoriasis causes inflammation of the joints and liver.
In order to prevent the development of concomitant diseases, it is necessary to perform treatment on time.
Treatment characteristics
The facial skin is quite sensitive, so the patient's task is not only to get rid of the disease, but also to remain attractive. How to cure psoriasis on the head, a dermatologist will advise.
ointment
Ointments for scalp psoriasis are the most common medications used to fight the disease. There are two types of funds used locally:
- Hormonal ointment. They contain glucocorticoids, which provide rapid relief of disease symptoms, so they are usually used when the condition worsens.
- Nonsteroidal ointment. These products contain herbal ingredients and one or two active substances, such as zinc oxide or fishy alcohol. They have less impact on the body, so you can use them for a long time.
When choosing an ointment, the severity of the course of the disease should be compared with the strength of the drug.
folk remedies
The following most effective recipes can be distinguished:
- Fatty solid alcohol and birch tar should be mixed evenly. Apply the lump to the lesion for 20 minutes. Then rinse and moisturize the skin with the cream.
- You can also use sea buckthorn oil and apply it to the patches at bedtime. This tool disinfects and heals wounds well.
It is recommended to take the decoction from the medicinal materials inside.
General principles of treatment
Because the disease requires complex effects, there are few topical treatments. It is necessary to use all available means to get rid of psoriasis completely.
medical treatement
In the treatment of psoriasis, the following groups of drugs are used:
- antihistamines;
- immunosuppressants;
- Intestinal adsorbents;
- antibiotic;
- Homeopathy.
Usually several groups of drugs are prescribed at a time, depending on the severity of the disease and the clinical situation.
important! You cannot prescribe medication for yourself, you should seek advice from a dermatologist first.
physiotherapy
Physical therapy is an integral part of fighting the disease. The following programs can be distinguished:
- Phototherapy;
- laser exposure;
- magnetic therapy;
- Ultrasonic shock;
- Slurry treatment.
Often, these methods are prescribed during the rest period of the disease, which helps prolong the remission period.
diet
Some products have been shown to not only aggravate the condition, but also the symptoms. Therefore, it is recommended to follow a diet that restricts the use of the following foods:
- canned food;
- high-fat foods;
- fast food;
- Alcoholic products;
- coffee;
- red fruits and vegetables;
- candy.
Protein foods and fiber-rich foods should be prioritized, steamed or baked in foil.
Although the course of the disease is complex, scalp psoriasis is not a word. It is only necessary to strictly adhere to the complex treatments, and the disease will not let itself feel for long.