Psoriasis on the head significantly reduces the quality of human life and requires a lot of effort and money to treat. The constant struggle with psoriasis symptoms and the feeling of not being like everyone else creates a special psychological problem. This burden is particularly difficult for young people who do not yet have a family of their own. After all, people around often perceive peeling on the head for lice or think that a person is unclean. In fact, scaly lichen is not contagious and occurs primarily as a hereditary disease.
Causes of the event
Scalp psoriasis occurs in children and adults. Its appearance, like its current one, is unpredictable. Scientists still do not understand why and for what specific reason the psoriatic rash appears on the human body and affects the scalp. They managed to establish that the appearance of psoriasis on the head and other parts of the body is preceded by a violation of the functions of the epidermis. This happens to the skin after exposure to an external irritant, for example after using a low-quality shampoo or body gel.
Subsequently, it became known that many factors contribute to the development of psoriasis, for example:
- incorrect nutrition;
- alcohol abuse;
- infectious skin diseases;
- general intoxication of the body;
- hormonal imbalance;
- endocrine disorders;
- weakening of immunity;
- allergic reactions.
This is not the whole list of what can affect the severity of the scalp disease.
Psoriatic elements on the scalp are formed, as in other localizations, in the upper layer of the epidermis, therefore they rarely stop the growth of individual hairs and cause their loss.
If you look at it, then all these and others, not named here, causative factors have one thing in common - the ability to negatively affect metabolic processes in the skin. But this is one of the main reasons that cause the abnormal proliferation of epidermal cells.
Symptoms of different types of the disease
The following forms of psoriasis can occur on the head:
- Vulgar - another name for plaque psoriasis, it is diagnosed in 90% of cases. It is characterized by the appearance of small papules and red spots on the scalp. Their surface is covered with dry silvery flakes that can be easily removed with your fingernails. The elements of the rash gradually increase, then merge into one and represent islets with a scaly gray surface.
- Pustular - exudative psoriasis, considered the most severe form of the disease, manifests itself in small blisters with yellow or transparent contents. The underlying skin is swollen and warm. If left untreated, it is possible that ulcers that have formed from open blisters may be infected with a bacterial infection.
- Drop-shaped - develops against the background of a streptococcal infection. The elements of the rash are teardrop-shaped and tend to enlarge.
What does psoriasis on the head look like at different stages
The initial stage of psoriasis on the head most often has symptoms similar to other dermatoses (there are coincidences with common dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, etc. ). Therefore, only a specialist can correctly diagnose the disease in order to subsequently choose an effective treatment direction.
At each stage of the development of psoriasis on the scalp, the following pathological changes are observed:
- A small itchy, papular rash appears. Its elements are rounded and red or pink. At this stage, a characteristic of psoriatic rashes is the formation of silvery scales on their surface, which flake off when combed. The inflammatory process is absent, so the patient with psoriasis is irritated only by itching and slight peeling of the skin.
- In the second stage of psoriasis, which in medicine is called progressive, the growing papules unite into single islands and cover most of the scalp. Itchy skin intensifies, which leads to scratching and inflammation. In the absence of proper treatment, an infection penetrates the skin through scratches and causes purulent pustules and yellow crusts to appear under the hair.
- In the stationary phase, when the drugs used have brought the desired effect, the psoriatic plaques cease to grow in size and the inflammation subsides. Due to the exfoliation of the whitish layer from the surface of the plaques, a lot of dandruff is observed in the hair, itching becomes less intense.
- After a while, the plaques on the scalp brighten, some disappear without a trace, stop itching. The elasticity returns to the skin. This is what psoriasis looks like in the remission stage.
If it is not possible to stop psoriasis in the progressing stage, the skin on the head thickens, as a result of which it is easily injured. Psoriatic plaques do not stop growing due to the appearance of new papules. When combing, huge flakes of dead skin are removed from their surface, which cannot be completely combed out of the hair.
Localization of skin disease
If the psoriatic plaques have arisen on the scalp and have affected the entire scalp, over time they can spread beyond the hair growth area to the smooth skin of the forehead, to capture the temple area. Psoriasis can appear on the back of the head and upper neck, on the skin behind the ears and on their lobes. This form of localization of the disease is called "psoriatic crown".
Diagnostic functions
To diagnose the early stage of psoriasis, it is not enough for a dermatologist to examine the scalp for the presence of small itchy papules or psoriatic plaques. Such elements of the rash are characteristic of a number of other diseases, therefore, in addition to examining and interviewing the patient, differential diagnosis is mandatory.
This type of examination allows you to distinguish psoriasis on the head from other dermatoses, which are also a favorite site of localization of the scalp. It is worth mentioning here:
- seborrhea - is dandruff, a consequence of the improper work of the sebaceous glands;
- rosacea - is characterized by the appearance of papules and pustules on the red edematous skin, as in psoriasis;
- pityriasis versicolor - affects the hair follicles, causes papules around the hair.
When diagnosing psoriasis, the symptoms of the phenomena are also taken into account, united by the name "psoriatic triad". It includes three symptomatic phenomena:
- Stearin stain: when a papule or psoriatic plaque is scraped, its surface turns white, the scales peel off.
- Terminal film: the surface of the papule after removing the scales becomes pink and shiny.
- Spot bleeding - occurs after scraping and removing the scales from a single psoriatic papule or plaque.
In the process of diagnosis, the presence of Kebner's phenomenon is also taken into account, when about 15-20 days after the lesion of the skin, a psoriatic element is formed on the affected area. The symptom is characteristic of the progressive stage of psoriasis.
How to get rid of psoriasis on the head
The doctor draws up an effective treatment plan for psoriasis taking into account the patient's general state of health, the form of the disease and the severity of its course.
The general treatment regimen includes:
- the use of medicines for external and internal purposes (sometimes);
- compliance with nutritional rules;
- physiotherapy sessions;
- preventive hair care.
Scalp psoriasis is not dangerous, except for the pustular form of the disease, so some of the procedures prescribed by the doctor can be done at home.
What drugs in the pharmacy help
Preparations for the treatment of scalp psoriasis are prescribed taking into account the stage of development of the disease:
- Progressive phase. Prescribe daily washing of the head with a special shampoo with zinc, after which therapeutic lotion or salicylic ointment is applied to the scalp 2 times a day. Means relieve itching, inflammation, help exfoliate dead cells of the epidermis, strengthen the blood vessels of the skin.
- Stationary phase. Within 2-3 weeks, 5% lactic or salicylic acid is used to treat psoriatic plaques. Solutions soften the stratum corneum and promote its exfoliation, and also help other drugs to penetrate the affected epidermis. Among them, a cream based on mothballs improves local blood circulation, softens the skin and relieves inflammation. Non-hormonal ointments for psoriasis containing a synthetic analogue of vitamin D3, which stops the process of dividing epidermal cells, contributes to their normal maturation.
- The symptom relief phase (regression phase) is used to treat the scalp with juniper or birch tar based conditioners, shampoos, and ointments. The effect of these drugs is aimed at improving metabolic processes and blood microcirculation in the scalp. Purified tar has anti-inflammatory, absorbent, anti-itch and exfoliating effects.
In addition to drug treatment, for people with psoriasis on the scalp, homeopathic-type drugs help well during the time when the symptoms of the disease are relieved. For example, made on the basis of such substances:
- lanolin (animal wax), which softens the stratum corneum;
- berberine - relieves inflammation;
- Mahonia holly extract - prevents immature skin cell growth and peeling.
In severe psoriasis of the scalp, patients are prescribed to relieve inflammation with hormonal tablets, detergent droppers Magnesium sulfate, sodium thiosulfate, immunomodulatory drugs.
How to cure scalp psoriasis with folk remedies
Masks prepared on the basis of medicinal plants, liquid mixtures and decoctions for shampoo will help to remove psoriatic plaques from the skin.
Hormonal ointment with celandine
Ingrediants:
- freshly harvested celandine grass (preferably) - 1 tbsp. L. ;
- purified fat - 100 g.
How to cook: combine the ingredients, mix thoroughly, leave to infuse for 3 days in a dark and warm place.
Result: the product softens the horny layer of the scalp, eliminates itching and flaking, relieves inflammation.
How to use: apply the ointment in a thin layer on the plaques for no more than 5 consecutive days, since the composition contains an addictive hormonal component.
Mustard mask for scalp psoriasis
Ingrediants:
- mustard powder - 2 tbsp. L. ;
- hot water - 2 tbsp. L. ;
- vegetable oil - 2 tbsp. L. ;
- chicken yolk - 1 pc. ;
- sugar - 2 tsp
How to cook: add the sugar to the yolk, mixed with the mustard powder, butter and water while whipping.
How to use: apply a mixture of psoriasis on the scalp, rubbing, put on a cellophane cap, warm the head with a towel. The procedure should take at least 15 minutes. The skin will pinch at first and then begin to burn. After the mask, the head is washed with warm water with tar shampoo. Repeat the procedure every 2-3 days as long as the exacerbation lasts.
Result: the mask reduces itching, causes blood flow to the scalp, improves the local metabolic process and helps soften and exfoliate the stratum corneum.
Decoction to rinse the hair after washing
Ingrediants:
- amaranth seeds - 2 tsp;
- amaranth leaves - 1 tsp;
- boiling water - 750 ml.
How to cook: put the seeds in an enameled bowl, pour boiling water over them, simmer for 5 minutes, add the leaves of the plant, put on the stove for 30 minutes. Effort.
How to use: rinse the hair after washing with medicated shampoos.
Result: hair with psoriasis is easier to comb, becomes soft and silky. In addition, the broth relieves inflammation, strengthens local immunity.
Nutritional rules
When treating psoriasis on the head, it is important to include foods that are a source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (mackerel, sardines, herring, game, flaxseed, spinach) in the menu. You should also eat cereals and cereal soups (buckwheat, oatmeal, rice), vegetable stews (beets, cabbage, potatoes), berries and fresh fruits, juices, herbal teas, dairy products.
It is recommended to cook food by boiling, baking and stewing. It is best to eat gradually, but 5-6 times a day. Excessively salty, spicy, smoked and fried foods, as well as sweets and alcohol, are prohibited.
How is psoriasis of the head treated with physiotherapy?
Such an effective treatment as physiotherapy for psoriasis is prescribed at all stages of the disease, with the exception of exacerbations.
Methods applied:
- Electrosleep - improves a person's psychological state.
- PUVA therapy - relieves inflammation, improves the condition of the scalp.
- Phototherapy - normalizes the metabolic processes of the skin, helps prolong remission.
- Physiotherapy sessions bring the desired result only with regular and correct procedures.
Hair care
When treating psoriasis of the scalp, it is recommended to use cosmetic cleansers and hair masks with a therapeutic effect:
- Shampoo with birch tar and juniper.
- Healing oils for use in the form of masks (burdock, castor, amaranth, stone, mothballs, currant, sesame).
With psoriasis, the head can be washed every day, the main thing is not to damage the skin until it bleeds during washing.
Lifestyle correction
Since psoriasis is often exacerbated by stress, a good mood helps to combat its manifestations on the head, which every day comes only to people who lead an active and healthy lifestyle.
Healthy sleep is a guarantee of a good mood, so after a hard day, you can take peony or motherwort tincture at night.
Also, psoriasis in the head area is afraid of proper nutrition, so you should take the preparation of a therapeutic diet seriously. To this end, you can consult a dietician.
The course of psoriasis in childhood and the characteristics of therapy
Scalp psoriasis in children proceeds the same way as in adults, with exacerbations and remissions. For the treatment of papules and psoriatic plaques on the head of a child, the doctor selects drugs taking into account the age of the little patient and the presence of concomitant dermatological diseases. The initial stage of the pathology is easier to treat, so all the procedures recommended by the doctor are carried out at home.
In the event that the psoriatic elements occupy most of the head, doctors suggest parents to hospitalize the child. Inpatient treatment is carried out:
- calcium gluconate - relieves itching, swelling, inflammation;
- vitamins A, E, D and group B: strengthen general and local immunity;
- with a restless night of sleep, a sleeping pill is prescribed.
During the treatment period, you should take care of the child's aching scalp with the help of the funds prescribed by the doctor.
Can psoriasis be cured permanently?
Until now, there was no such remedy that could completely cure a person of psoriasis. The most effective drugs that drugs can offer a patient to temporarily eliminate the psoriatic rash are drugs in different dosage forms with anti-inflammatory, antipruritic and exfoliating effects. Vitamin D3 has proven its effectiveness, which slows down pathological changes in the skin, as well as a number of physiotherapeutic procedures.