The cause and methods of treatment of psoriasis on the head

Psoriasis is a chronic, non-infectious inflammatory skin lesion with a negative impact on the quality of life of patients ("Psora" from the Greek - scale). 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 leading researchers in medicine.

The cutaneous signs of psoriasis created confusion among people and among doctors, as leprosy was widespread at the time, with disastrous consequences. Psoriasis patients have been subjected to social pressures, have been shunned, have been forcibly isolated. In Europe, these people were forced to warn others of their arrival by ringing the bells. Attempts at treatment consisted in the use of manure, onions, sea salt, oil, urine, but all were ineffective and left psoriasis sufferers marginalized.

Psoriasis on the head

PREVALENCE OF PSORIASIS

The disease can occur at any age, but most often occurs in the 49 to 69 age group. The reported prevalence of psoriasis in countries ranges between 0. 09% and 11. 4%, making 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 disease that goes far beyond dermatological symptoms. Its psychological effects are similar to cancer, heart disease, diabetes. Plaques of psoriasis are often visible, which can adversely affect interpersonal relationships, academic or work success. Unsurprisingly, people with psoriasis have higher rates of depression with more suicidal thoughts.

Patients with psoriasis are also at risk of developing severe comorbidities which will complicate disease control and increase the risk of early death. Cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome are more common in patients with psoriasis.

Furthermore, psoriasis itself is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, tripling the relative risk of developing myocardial infarction. Severe psoriasis is also associated with an increased risk of mortality, with a reduction in life expectancy of 3, 5 and 4, 4 years for men and women, respectively, compared to people without psoriasis.

Posriasis on the scalp

CAUSE OF PSORIASIS ON THE HEAD

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

At present, the cause of the disease remains unknown. But in the course of research, scientists have identified factors that, with some degree of probability, can cause psoriasis.

The following points are highlighted:

  • Inheritance. There is no 100 percent chance that even if the mother and father are sick, their baby will necessarily have psoriasis. But in such a situation, the risk of contracting such a pathology is higher. It has also been noted that if one of identical twins is sick, the second twin is more likely to get sick than the normal risk in the population. This shows that this nosology has a genetic prerequisite.
  • Skin damage: Accidental knife cuts, cat scratches, mosquito bites, sunburn increase the risk of triggering another epidemic.
  • Infections: Staph, strep, and other infections can also act as triggers. Children often have streptococcal tonsillitis before the onset of skin psoriasis.
  • There are drugs that can trigger diseases, for example anti-malaria drugs, some anti-depression drugs.
  • Changing your HIV status to positive can also boost the development of psoriasis. Therefore, testing for HIV when psoriasis is suspected is not strange.
  • Stress. The most famous trigger for the laity. "It's all because of the stress" - every psoriasis patient has heard this phrase at least once. Some people doubt this sentence, but it has its justification. Scientists believe our immune systems can respond to emotional and mental pressures, as well as physical defects such as trauma and infection.
  • Excess weight negatively affects the whole body on a systemic level and if an obese person has a history of psoriasis, treatment is more difficult and often less effective.
  • I smoke. It has long been noted and it is no secret to anyone that cigarettes have a negative effect on the skin condition. Hence the likelihood of causing psoriasis, especially the head and hands are damaged.
  • Alcohol is one of the most common individual triggers of psoriasis.
  • Hormonal changes. The disease often occurs during puberty. Menopause can also cause psoriasis, but a decrease or even a complete regression of the plaques was noted during pregnancy.

SYMPTOMS OF PSORIASIS ON THE HEAD

In 50% of cases, psoriasis makes itself felt from the head. Psoriasis can appear anywhere on the head. Sometimes small easy-to-hide plaques develop 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 itself as follows:

Psoriasis on the head through a magnifying glass
  • Red spots on the scalp. Some spots may be subtle due to their fading, but there are also bright red elements that are easy to see.
  • Scales that detach from psoriatic skin. The condition of the scalp in this pathology can resemble ordinary dandruff. But there are differences, therefore, for example, with psoriasis, a silvery sheen is observed, and it can also be accompanied by itchy skin.
  • Dry scalp. The scalp can be so dry that the skin will crack and bleed, which will create conditions for the addition of an infection, the treatment of which in such a location presents some difficulties.
  • Itching. This is one of the most common symptoms. Someone experiences a slight itch, which the patient can forget in daily activities, and some experience such severe itching that work, study and even sleep are impossible.
  • Bleeding. Since scalp psoriasis 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 denser. This is why dermatologists tell their patients: "Try not to hurt the scalp".
  • Burn. The patient may literally describe his scalp 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 discomfort to the patient.

These clinical manifestations can rapidly escalate and collapse. This is an individual process. In one patient, the entire pathological process will end on a pale plaque under the hair, while the other will have many bright lesions all over the head. This is affected, among other things, by the triggers described above.

A series of problems that the patient may face:

  1. Skin manifestations visible to others. Living with psoriasis can make a person shy. Any aspect of social life can be stressful for these people, like holding hands on a date.
  2. Finance. Psoriasis treatment can be expensive. This is more true for diffuse psoriasis resistant to conventional therapy, for the treatment of which new drugs based on monocline 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, 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 oppressing 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 regimen will be difficult to be compatible with the standard pace of life.
  5. Living with a chronic illness. Psoriasis, like many other chronic conditions, requires a lot of voluntary effort. It is difficult for the patient, especially in the early stages, to cope with a number of additional problems that have "fallen on his head". This creates the conditions for depression to occur.
Head psoriasis diagnostics

DIAGNOSTICS OF PSORIASIS ON THE HEAD

The decision whether or not to see a doctor is up to the patient depending on the severity of the symptoms. However, the best solution, regardless of the location of the plaques, would be to visit a doctor. In order for further treatment to be as successful as possible, an accurate diagnosis must be made, even if the symptoms are mild.

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

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

TREATMENT OF PSORIASIS ON THE HEAD

Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for this disorder. Therapy is needed throughout life and is aimed at maintaining remission. Furthermore, the care of psoriasis patients 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;
  • Maintain a positive psychological state of the patient.

DIET FOOD

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

The link between alcohol and psoriasis is unclear, but experts say people who drink less respond to treatment and that psoriasis remissions last after stopping alcohol abuse. Also, some antipsoriatic drugs are not compatible with alcohol.

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

SHAMPOO

Hair makes the treatment of scalp psoriasis particularly difficult. Few people agree to remove their hair to more effectively resolve the clinical manifestations of the disease, especially considering 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 disease. Therefore, tar shampoos are used, the effectiveness of which in the fight against psoriasis of the scalp has been noted for a long time.

Tar has a "soothing" effect on the epidermis of the scalp, inhibiting the formation of scales. In addition, shampoos with phenolic acid are used, as it has a keratolytic effect (destroys dense horny scales). 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 don't wash their hair every day, so it would be best for them to apply the solution to their hair before going to bed 2-3 times a week, followed by a hair wash 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 of hyperkeratic properties. And for patients who complain of difficulty separating scales from hair, applying ointment before showering can help resolve this situation.

Coal tar

CARBON PASS

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

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

TIPS FOR CARING FOR PSORIASIS OF THE HEAD

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

  1. Use moisturizing lotions. Skin manifestations of the disease are noticeably worse when the skin is dry, so it is important to keep the skin moist. Specialized cosmetic ointments, lotions or, for example, regular petroleum jelly can help with this.
  2. Take care of the skin with psoriatic plaques. When washing your hair, never forcibly peel off any scales that are adherent to the skin, as you can only spread the process to nearby healthy tissues.
  3. Be careful when cutting your nails. Cases are described when accidental damage to the nail growth zone with manicure scissors resulted in the appearance of new skin elements.
  4. Find the right shampoo for you that does not flake the skin to use on the scalp in remission. Or simply continue to use tar, only with a lower concentration, for daily care.
  5. Climate can also play a role. It is noted that cold has a negative effect on patients, provoking the development of plaques. Sunny weather causes the skin manifestations to regress, but not always.
  6. Dermatological consultation
  7. Use a humidifier. This can keep the skin moist and eliminate dry air, which is harmful to psoriasis patients.
  8. Do not take drugs that can harm your skin. Your doctor should be made aware of all medications you are taking, even those you deem harmless. For example, for the treatment of depressive conditions, preparations containing lithium salts can be used, which are contraindicated for patients with psoriasis.
  9. Avoid all types of skin damage: scratches, cuts, bumps. Injury to the skin can cause a condition called Koebner's phenomenon (when psoriatic elements develop along the line of skin damage). Be careful when shaving. Try to avoid acupuncture, avoid getting body tattooed, and do everything you can to prevent insect bites.
  10. Try to appear in the sun, but in moderation. Ultraviolet rays from sunlight slow the growth of skin cells, so getting moderate doses of UV is helpful (30 minutes at a time is enough). Excessive exposure to the sun, paradoxically, can cause psoriasis. Also, be aware that some medications can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays.
  11. Patients with psoriasis should reduce their level of anxiety. Of course, this is easier said than done, but you can try relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.
  12. Estimate the amount of alcohol you drink. The link between alcohol and psoriasis is unclear, but scientists still believe it can make symptoms worse, especially in men. Alcohol is known to be dangerous when combined with some psoriasis medications.
  13. Balance your diet and try to lose weight. If it is difficult for you to do it yourself, seek the help of specialists who can assess in which direction it is worth working best.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE CONTROL OF PSORIASIS EMOTIONS ON THE HEAD

By monitoring the progress of psoriasis, you can help the patient to better control his disease and take the necessary measures in time, 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 epidemic. A digital camera, a smartphone or just a piece of paper will help you with this, where you can record all the changes that occur with the license plates. It is also worth recording where the changes initially appear and in what sequence they increase. For such introspection, the doctor will praise you and know that you are determined. Over time, by analyzing the recordings, patterned situations can be identified, for example, an outbreak always begins with a plaque in the occiput.
  • Whenever psoriasis regresses or progresses, try to find out what it is. Maybe the weather has changed? Outside of medicine? Are you taking a new drug? Recently damaged skin? Such triggers can be individual, which makes it difficult for the doctor to understand without patient introspection (for example,Exacerbation of psoriasis on the headan attack causes a certain type of coffee).

Although the disease is not transmitted by contact, the appearance of patients frightens those who do not know. Beauty salons are afraid to provide services, some taxi drivers do not want to transport these people, it is difficult to find a job. Not to mention the creation of a family and the fear that their children are doomed to the same suffering prevents them from having children.

There have also been reports of people with psoriasis being denied access to the Olympic-size swimming pool in response to collective complaints from other athletes. The management had to refuse these people, despite having perfectly understood that this pathology is not dangerous in an infectious sense.

It is difficult for them to engage in daily activities, as the burden of psychological pressure is high and a person needs social contact. For these reasons, societies for the protection and support of psoriasis patients are being formed in many countries. Businesses are employed to educate strangers about the disease.

People should be judged by their actions, actions and not by their appearance. Indeed, among patients with such a nosology there are doctors, policemen, firefighters, athletes and many other highly professional, for whose actions not only their relatives, but also their country can be proud of them.