Psoriasis causes many problems in the form of discomfort and aesthetic problems, and its location on the head increases the complexity of treatment. The danger of the disease also lies in the addition of fungal infections. How to treat psoriasis and what are its symptoms?
Causes of psoriasis on the head
To date, there is no clear answer as to what causes psoriasis to appear on the head. Experts proposed several theories about the appearance of the disease:
- Violations in metabolic processes, against the background of which the cell life cycle is reduced from 40 days to 5. Therefore, there is a layer of dead tissue on the plates.
- 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%.
- Dysfunction in the thyroid gland. Hormonal disturbances are often the cause of a dermatological disease.
- Autoimmune processes, during which the immune system recognizes epidermal cells as foreign objects.
Head psoriasis can also be aggravated by the following factors:
- stressful conditions;
- irrational nutrition;
- live in an area with poor ecology;
- of smoking;
- drinking alcohol.
All experts are absolutely sure of one thing: the disease occurs under the influence of various reasons, and its 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 simple dandruff.
Symptoms
Scalp psoriasis is characterized by symptoms similar to those of a disease located in other parts of the body. The following manifestations of the disease can be distinguished:
- Single eruptions or extensive accumulations of plaques appear on the surface of the skin.
- There is sebum on the surface of the lesions, which causes the rashes to take on a yellow tint. Dead cells, mixed with fat, begin to form tubercles.
- The scales, similar to dandruff, accumulate in 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 moisten.
Since the lesions are located on the surface of the skin, the disease does not reach the hair follicles, so hair growth is not affected and hair loss remains normal. The photo shows what psoriasis looks like, localized on the scalp.
Consequences
Scalp psoriasis can have unpleasant consequences:
- The disease brings not so much discomfort as psychological inconvenience. Often the patient may even fall into a deep depression.
- Due to constant itching and scratching, the disease constantly gives the patient a feeling of pain.
- With the erythrodermic form of psoriasis, the hair follicles are affected, which can subsequently lead to baldness.
Therefore, the treatment of psoriasis on the head must be carried out on time.
Important! Scalp psoriasis can spread to the face, neck, and shoulders.
treatment characteristics
Only a dermatologist, after a detailed examination and laboratory examination, will tell you how to cure psoriasis on the scalp. The disease itself cannot go away, in the fight against it, it is necessary to use complex therapy, which involves the use of traditional and alternative medicine methods. Also, psoriasis of the scalp should be treated with physical therapy. Only in this case, therapy can be successful.
shampoos against psoriasis
During the treatment of psoriasis, the scalp needs special care, which does not allow the use of conventional cosmetic shampoos. A hair wash should be selected 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 the destruction of pathogenic fungal infection. Also, the drug well relieves irritated epidermis.
- Therapeutic. This category of shampoos contains components such as zinc or salicylic acid. The products have active moisturizing properties.
All of these tools must be used in accordance with the instructions.
lotions
Spray lotions are often used in the treatment of scalp psoriasis. This is the most convenient, because when sprayed, the drug does not leave impurities on the hair, evenly irrigating the entire skin surface with a solution. The most popular lotions are:
- A steroid medication, which also includes salicylic acid. The tool disinfects the skin well, and also effectively and quickly relieves itching. The course of therapy is 3 weeks.
- Spray, which contains only natural extracts of herbs. Recommended for use to prolong remission. The drug well moisturizes the dermis and eliminates itching sensations.
- Non-hormonal solution, whose active ingredient is zinc oxide. The component stops inflammatory processes well and effectively fights fungal infections.
The sprays can also be used in other parts of the body, but after consultation with the treating specialist. It is not necessary to wash off the drug after application.
Home remedies
Alternative medicine recipes are quite popular in psoriasis therapy. They are completely natural and do not harm the patient. Also, these funds will not harm the wallet. The following most effective recipes can be identified:
- soda bath. Pour a full packet of baking soda into the bathroom. You should lie down in the water with your head tilted back so that the solution covers your head up to the forehead area. It is recommended to cover the ears with earplugs. The procedure lasts 30 minutes.
- It is also recommended to periodically wash the hair with tar or sulfur soap. To do this, grate the product on a fine grater and dissolve it in a small amount of water. Use as normal shampoo.
- salicylic oil. A very effective remedy for breakouts. You just need to moisten a cotton pad in the substance and lubricate the separations. It is necessary to process seven dismissals.
Many patients do not trust home remedies, but some of them can be more effective than even the most expensive pharmacy drugs.
Tip! Care must be taken to avoid recipes that use essential oils, burning substances and irritants.
scalp psoriasis
Scalp psoriasis is localized in the following areas:
- behind the ears;
- at the back of the head;
- on the mucous membranes;
- near the brow ridges;
- on the cheeks
Rashes in the facial area are especially noticeable, as they cannot be hidden by clothing. At the same time, the use of masking cosmetics is strictly prohibited.
Symptoms
The disease manifests itself as follows:
- First, light spots appear on the face.
- Then small dots appear in the middle, which quickly grow 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 photo you can see how psoriasis looks on the head.
Consequences
A skin ailment can cause unpleasant consequences:
- When combing the papules, scrapes and wounds are formed, which can become the focus of infection.
- The localization of rashes on the eyelids is the cause of the pathology of the eyeball.
- Psoriasis can cause inflammation in the joints and liver.
To prevent the development of concomitant ailments, it is necessary to carry out treatment on time.
characteristics of the therapy
The skin of the face is quite sensitive, so the patient's task is not only to get rid of the disease, but also to maintain external attractiveness. How to cure psoriasis on the head, a dermatologist will advise.
ointments
Ointment for psoriasis on the head is the most common remedy in the fight against the disease. There are two types of funds for local use:
- Hormonal ointments. They contain glucocorticosteroids, which quickly relieve the symptoms of the disease, therefore they are often used during an exacerbation.
- Non-steroidal ointments. These products contain herbal ingredients and one or two active substances such as zinc oxide or ichthyol. They have a softer 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 remedy.
Home 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 cream.
- You can also use sea buckthorn oil, applying it to the plates before going to bed. The tool disinfects and heals wounds well.
It is recommended to take decoctions from medicinal collections inside it.
General principles of therapy.
Since the disease requires a complex effect, there is little local treatment. It is necessary to get rid of psoriasis comprehensively, using all available means.
medical therapy
In the treatment of psoriasis, the following groups of drugs are used:
- 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 can not independently prescribe a drug, 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;
- magnet therapy;
- ultrasonic impact;
- mud treatment.
These methods are usually prescribed during the rest period of the disease, which helps to prolong the remission.
Diet
It has been proven that some products can not only exacerbate the disease, but also worsen the symptoms. Therefore, it is advisable to follow a diet that limits the consumption of the following foods:
- canned food;
- fatty foods;
- fast food;
- alcoholic products;
- coffee;
- red fruits and vegetables;
- confectionery.
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 sentence. It is only necessary to strictly observe complex therapy, and the disease will not make itself felt for a long time.