Psoriasis causes many problems in the form of discomfort and aesthetic problems, and its location on the head complicates treatment. The danger of the disease lies in the addition of fungal infections. How to treat psoriasis and what are its symptoms?
Causes of psoriasis of the head
To date, there is no clear answer as to what causes psoriasis of the head. Experts put forward several theories about the onset of the disease:
- Disorders in metabolic processes, against which the life cycle of cells is reduced from 40 days to 5. Therefore, there is a layering of dead tissue on the plaques.
- genetic predisposition. If one of the parents suffers from a disease in the family, then the probability of developing psoriasis in a child is 25%, if both parents - 75%.
- Thyroid dysfunction. Hormonal disorders are often the cause of dermatological diseases.
- Autoimmune processes during which the immune system recognizes epidermal cells as foreign objects.
Head psoriasis can also be exacerbated by the following factors:
- stressful situations;
- irrational eating;
- living in an area with a bad ecology;
- smoking;
- I drink alcohol.
All experts are absolutely sure of one thing - the disease occurs under the influence of several causes and their elimination becomes the first step towards remission.
Scalp psoriasis
One of the complex forms of the disease is psoriasis of the scalp. This is due to the fact that due to the hairline the treatment process is difficult, and the symptoms of the disease in the early stages resemble ordinary dandruff.
Symptoms
Scalp psoriasis is characterized by symptoms similar to those of a disease localized in other parts of the body. The following manifestations of the disease can be distinguished:
- Single rashes or extensive plaque buildup appear on the skin surface.
- There is sebum on the surface of the lesions, which causes the rash to turn yellow. Dead cells mixed with fat begin to form tubercles.
- Dandruff-like scales build up on the hair.
- The course of the disease is accompanied by severe itching.
- In children, redness of the epidermis of the head is observed, which subsequently begins to get wet.
Because the lesions are located on the surface of the skin, the disease does not reach the hair follicles, so there is no disturbance in hair growth and their loss remains at a normal level. The photo shows what psoriasis located on the scalp looks like.
Consequences
Scalp psoriasis can have unpleasant consequences:
- The disease brings not so much discomfort as psychological discomfort. Often the patient may even become deeply depressed.
- Due to constant itching and scratching, the disease constantly gives the patient a feeling of pain.
- The erythrodermic form of psoriasis affects the hair follicles, which can lead to baldness.
Therefore, the treatment of psoriasis of the head should be carried out in a timely manner.
Important! Scalp psoriasis can spread to the face, neck and shoulders.
Characteristics of the treatment
Only a dermatologist after a detailed examination and laboratory examination will tell you how to cure scalp psoriasis. The disease itself cannot disappear, in the fight against it it is necessary to use a complex therapy, which includes the use of both traditional and alternative methods of medicine. In addition, scalp psoriasis should be treated with physiotherapy. Only in this case the therapy can be successful.
Shampoos against psoriasis
During the treatment of psoriasis, the scalp needs special care that does not allow the use of conventional cosmetic shampoos. Hair washing should be chosen taking into account the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect.
We can distinguish the main types of shampoos:
- tar. They contain birch or juniper tar, which well relieves the symptoms of the disease in the form of burning, and also effectively fights excessive peeling.
- Antifungal. Aimed at destroying pathogenic fungal infection. In addition, the drug well soothes irritated epidermis.
- Therapeutic. This category of shampoos contains components such as zinc or salicylic acid. The products have active moisturizing properties.
All these tools must be used in accordance with the instructions.
Lotions
Spray lotions are often used in the treatment of scalp psoriasis. This is most convenient, because when spraying the drug does not leave dirt on the hair, evenly irrigating the entire skin surface with a solution. The most popular lotions are:
- A steroid drug that also includes salicylic acid. The tool disinfects the skin well and also effectively and quickly relieves itching. The course of treatment is 3 weeks.
- Spray that contains only natural herbal extracts. It is recommended to prolong remission. The drug moisturizes the dermis well and eliminates itchy sensations.
- Non-hormonal solution whose active substance is zinc oxide. The component well stops inflammatory processes and effectively fights fungal infections.
The sprays can also be used on other parts of the body, but after consultation with the treating specialist. It is not necessary to wash off the drug after administration.
Folk remedies
Recipes of alternative medicine are quite popular in the treatment of psoriasis. They are completely natural and do not harm the patient. In addition, these funds will not damage the portfolio. The following most effective recipes can be identified:
- Soda bath. Pour a full packet of baking soda into the tub. You should lie in the water with your head tilted back so that the solution covers your head to the forehead area. The ears are recommended to be covered with earplugs. The procedure takes 30 minutes.
- It is also recommended to periodically wash your hair with tar or sulfur soap. To do this, grate the product on a fine grater and dissolve in a small amount of water. Use as a regular shampoo.
- salicylic oil. Very effective remedy for rashes. You just need to moisten a cotton swab in the substance and lubricate the sections. Seven sections need to be processed.
Many patients do not trust folk remedies, but some of them may be more effective than even the most expensive pharmaceutical drugs.
Advice! Care should be taken to avoid recipes with essential oils, burning and irritating substances.
Scalp psoriasis
Scalp psoriasis is localized in the following areas:
- behind the ears;
- on the back of the head;
- on the mucous membranes;
- near the superciliary arches;
- on the cheeks.
The rash on the face is especially noticeable as it cannot be hidden from the clothes. At the same time the use of masking cosmetics is strictly prohibited.
Symptoms
The disease manifests itself as follows:
- Light spots appear on the face first.
- Then small dots appear in the middle, which grow quickly and turn into papules.
- These formations soon begin to be covered with a thick layer of dead cells.
The formation of rashes is accompanied by severe itching. In the picture you can see what psoriasis of the head looks like.
Consequences
Skin disease can cause unpleasant consequences:
- Scratching the papules causes scratches and sores that can become a source of infection.
- The location of the rash on the eyelids is the cause of the pathology of the eyeball.
- Psoriasis can cause inflammation of the joints and liver.
In order to prevent the development of concomitant diseases, it is necessary to conduct timely treatment.
Characteristics of the therapy
Facial skin is quite sensitive, so the patient's task is not only to get rid of the disease, but also to maintain external attractiveness. A dermatologist will advise how to cure psoriasis of the head.
Ointments
Ointment for psoriasis of the head is the most common means of combating the disease. There are two types of funds for local use:
- Hormonal ointments. They contain glucocorticosteroids, which quickly relieve the symptoms of the disease, so they are often used during exacerbations.
- Non-steroidal ointments. These products contain herbal ingredients and one or two active substances such as zinc oxide or ichthyol. They have a milder effect 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 solidol and birch tar should be mixed equally. Apply the mass on the lesions for 20 minutes. Then rinse and moisturize the skin with a cream.
- You can also use sea buckthorn oil by applying it on the plates before going to bed. The tool disinfects and heals wounds well.
It is recommended to take decoctions of medicinal collections inside.
General principles of therapy
As the disease requires a complex effect, local treatment is small. It is necessary to get rid of psoriasis completely, using all available means.
Medical therapy
The following groups of drugs are used to treat psoriasis:
- antihistamines;
- immunosuppressive agents;
- enterosorbents;
- antibiotics;
- homeopathy.
Usually several groups of drugs are prescribed at once, depending on the severity of the disease, the clinical picture.
Important! You cannot prescribe medicine for yourself, you must first seek the advice of a dermatologist.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is an integral part of the fight against the disease. The following procedures can be distinguished:
- phototherapy;
- laser exposure;
- magnetic therapy;
- ultrasonic exposure;
- mud treatment
Usually such methods are prescribed during the rest period of the disease, which helps to prolong remission.
Diet
It has been proven that some products can not only exacerbate the disease, but also worsen the symptoms. It is therefore advisable to follow a diet that restricts the use of the following foods:
- canned foods;
- greasy food;
- fast food;
- alcoholic products;
- coffee;
- red fruits and vegetables;
- sweets.
Preference should be given to protein foods and foods rich in fiber, steamed or baked in foil.
Despite the complexity of the course of the disease, psoriasis of the head is not a verdict. It is only necessary to strictly follow the complex therapy and the disease will not be felt for a long time.