In the modern world, there are many medical and social problems that arise unpredictably and have a specific course, one of them is the disease of civilization - psoriasis. This disease occurs in 1. 5 - 2% of the inhabitants of progressive countries, spreads equally between men and women and manifests itself regardless of the age of the patient.
What is psoriasis or psoriasis?
Psoriasis or psoriasis is a genetically determined skin pathology, which is based on a chronic recurrent inflammatory process of the skin (alteration of keratinocyte maturation) caused by the influence of triggering factors. The localization of rashes is extremely multifaceted, the location of the foci of psoriasis can occur both on the oral mucosa and on the scalp, extensor surfaces of the limbs, nails, or throughout the body.
Since psoriasis is a systemic disease, the lesion will also be characteristic of the cardiovascular, nervous, musculoskeletal, and other systems. Also, the manifestation of the disease in 80% of cases in the initial stages is the defeat of the scalp, so in this article we want to pay special attention to the specific localization of psoriasis.
Causes of psoriasis on the head
There are 2 types of psoriasis onset: early and late. The early type is genetically determined, heredity plays an important role here. It is known that the presence of the disease in one parent increases the risk of psoriasis in a child by 14%, and with psoriasis in both parents - by 40%.
There are more than 100 factors for the appearance of scaly lichen, the most common among them:
- genetic
- viral
- infectious (tonsillitis) and allergic
- stressful (psychosomatic)
- endocrine
- metabolic disorders (lipids, enzymes)
- immunological disorders.
Symptoms of psoriasis of the scalp
A characteristic element of psoriasis is a symmetrical flat elevation on the skin surface with even rounded edges and increased roughness, combined with a large number of easily removed silvery scales. The size of the rashes can vary from 1 mm to 2 cm, and therefore the formations often merge and form plates of different configurations, which can reach 10 cm or even 20 cm.
A frequent occurrence in psoriasis is the so-called "psoriatic crown", the transition of neoplasms to the smooth skin of the neck or the temporal region along the hairline. A pronounced symptom that is widespread among psoriasis patients of the scalp is itching.
Psoriasis is defined by three main symptoms (psoriatic triad):
- "Stearin stain" - a psoriatic plaque is scraped off with a glass slide, as a result of which the scales become thinner, which enhances the snow-white color of the surface and resembles a frozen drop of stearin .
- "Terminal film": With further scraping, a smooth translucent surface will be observed.
- "Blood dew": the presence of small drops of blood when scraping.
Stages of development of psoriasis.
The psoriatic process consists of 3 subsequent stages:
- i progressive
- II stationary
- III regressive
progressive stage
It is characterized by the formation of new papules enlarged in diameter. The exfoliation process does not extend to healthy areas of the skin, leaving a narrow pink stripe along the periphery of the plates. The main symptom among patients is itching. Also, for the progressive or acute stage of psoriasis, the presence of the Koebner phenomenon is characteristic - the formation of new papules 7 days after skin injury. There is a psoriatic triad of symptoms.
Stationary
At this stage, there is no appearance of new elements of the rash, the manifestation of itching decreases or disappears altogether. The diagnosis of the psoriatic triad is problematic and the Koebner symptom is negative.
Regressive
In the regression stage, scaling decreases, the plaques disappear, but hypopigmented spots are formed. Psoriasis symptoms are not detected. It is worth noting that even after the regression stage, "duty plates" remain in the area of the scalp, knees and elbows.
Stages of the disease according to the degree of damage.
Depending on the area of the lesion, there are 3 stages of psoriasis:
- mild - the affected area is less than 3%
- medium: the prevalence of papular rashes is 3-10%
- severe: the lesions are located in more than 10% of the skin.
How to cure psoriasis on the head.
There are several combined methods of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment of psoriasis aimed at minimizing lesions, improving the patient's quality of life and reducing the incidence of relapses.
The treatment of psoriasis depends on the degree of skin lesions, the shape and the age of the patient. If there are additional pathologies of organs and systems, they are corrected. Patients are prescribed a diet with a limited intake of foods rich in salt, fat, and fast carbohydrates.
medical therapy
Effective means for systemic therapy of psoriasis are as follows:
- desensitizer (30% sodium thiosulfate solution),
- sedatives (valerian infusion, tranquilizers),
- antihistamines,
- diuretic,
- vitamins (A, B1, B12, B6, E, C),
- hepatoprotectors,
- pyrogenic preparations,
- immunostimulating drugs,
In the common acute form of psoriasis, as well as in erythroderma, short-acting corticosteroids (triamcinolone) are prescribed.
With damage to the musculoskeletal system (joints), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Diclofenac sodium, Voltaren, Nimesulide) are indicated.
For the treatment of complicated forms of psoriasis, cytostatics (metatrexate, azathioprine) are used.
In severe forms of psoriasis (index above 15 units), cytostatics, tranquilizers and aromatic retinoids are added to therapy. In critically complicated episodes of scalp psoriasis, glucocorticosteroids are used.
In mild cases of psoriatic disease (PASI index up to 15 units), hyposensitizing, detoxifying and antihistamine drugs, as well as hepatoprotectors, are used.
The use of topical treatment depends on the stage of the lichen scaly:
- progressive - 1 - 2% salicylic ointment, corticosteroid creams and ointments
- stationary - 5 - 10% naphthalene ointment, 3% salicylic ointment, 2 - 5% sulfur and tar ointment, baths with chamomile decoction
- regressive - 3-5% salicylic ointment, 10-20% naphthalan ointment, 5-10% sulfur-tar ointment, psorkutan
Salicylic mercury ointment, lotion and shampoo Psoriks, tar balm and zinc preparations are very popular for psoriasis of the scalp. Also an integral part of the treatment of the disease is warm baths once every 2-3 days. In the winter form of psoriasis, therapy is based on the use of ointments in combination with ultraviolet radiation.
Non-pharmacological treatment
Psoriasis treatment is based not only on drugs. The use of phototherapy methods also contributes to a speedy recovery and the onset of remission.
There are the following types of radiation exposure:
- Photochemotherapy (PUVA therapy) is a type of phototherapy in combination with the use of photosensitizers. The mechanism lies in the action of ultraviolet radiation on the skin surface to treat complicated forms of psoriatic disease.
- Selective therapy is most effective in the treatment of exudative and simple forms of psoriasis, when there is a small number of rashes. The course of therapy consists of 20-30 sessions, the effectiveness is 80%.
- Narrow band therapy: used in the presence of superficial psoriasis, the rays do not penetrate deep into the skin balls, but only have a superficial effect. The procedure aims to prevent the processes of malignant degeneration of cells.
- Narrow Spectrum UVB Treatment – This type of therapy significantly reduces the occurrence of side effects such as redness and burning. The course of the procedure is 20-30 sessions, it is used only for skin lesions.
Also, a positive impact comes from the spa treatment. Known sources of healing are Lake Kunigunda, the Crimean coast, the Black and Dead Seas.
Experimental methods
Scientists do not stop and continue to search for new effective methods of treating psoriasis, among which are the following.
Plasmapheresis
A gentle intoxication procedure that helps cleanse the blood plasma of pathogenic components and toxins. After a procedure, as a rule, up to 30% of the blood is removed. This manipulation is used in severe and complicated cases of psoriasis. The course of plasmaphoresis is carried out in 3-6 sessions, with a break of a week.
The mechanism of this procedure is as follows: certain membranes filter the intercellular fluid and return it to the bloodstream, while maximally preserving beneficial components and destroying pathogenic toxic substances.
Cryotherapy or "cold treatment"
The therapy of the disease is due to the effect of ultra-low grades on the body. The strong effect of cold helps activate the immune system and stimulate metabolism in general. This procedure has a complex effect on the whole body and local, aimed at the focus of skin lesions.
It is important to note that cryotherapy is not suitable for all patients. Due to the anatomical features of the location of the vessels, some people experience spasms, swelling and a strong expansion of the vessels, as a result of which blood circulation is disturbed. Also, some patients may be susceptible to allergic reactions such as cold urticaria.
Effect of cryotherapy:
- increase the body's defenses
- improved regeneration processes
- Negative symptoms disappear: itching, burning, peeling.
- improves metabolism in the skin
- prolong remission periods.
Immunobiological preparations
These are protein-based products that act directly on the immune system and prevent the onset of concomitant diseases. In the presence of a psoriatic process, the body is constantly replenished due to an excessive amount of TNF protein. These drugs inhibit the effects of TNF-a, thus reducing the symptoms of the inflammatory process in psoriasis.
ozone therapy
A new effective method for the treatment of psoriasis. Ozone is known to have detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet, and immunomodulatory effects. The advantages of ozone therapy are ease of use, rapid efficacy, reliability and the complete absence of side effects.
Features of the treatment of psoriasis in children and adolescents
It should be noted that psoriatic disease is less common in children than in adults. The explanation is the low degree of detection of psoriasis, frequent common cases of regression and significant periods of remission of up to 12 years.
Characteristics of the clinical picture of childhood psoriasis are frequent lesions of the skin under the hair. Girls get 2 times more sick than boys, which is associated with endocrinopathies that occur during adolescence. Children are characterized by a pronounced picture of the pathological process (significant inflammation and varying degrees of itching).
In children under 10 years of age, the manifestation of psoriasis symptoms differs from adults. The localization of rashes occurs in atypical places such as the face, the back of the head, the genitals, or deep sections of the subcutaneous folds. The trigger mechanism for the onset of the disease is usually an acute infection (flu, pneumonia), psycho-emotional stress.
In most children, the first signs of lesions appear on the scalp and are accompanied by redness, peeling of scales. Even in the most severe cases of scalp psoriasis, hair loss is not common.
Therapy for childhood psoriasis is based on the use of medicinal ointments and creams; in severe episodes, a combination with other medications is used. This approach allows you to reduce the negative manifestation of the disease and contributes to a speedy recovery.
How to treat psoriasis on the head at home.
In the fight against dry scalp in psoriasis, various base creams, lotions, herbal shampoos, water-based emulsions are used, which not only relieve skin inflammation, but also help relieve symptoms of psoriasis.
The most popular home remedies for psoriasis are creams, salicylic ointments and special shampoos.
creams
Use non-hormonal agents based on natural ingredients. The active ingredients can be varied, the most common of them:
- zinc - quickly removes dryness and inflammation of the skin, has antiseptic properties, has an antibacterial effect
- vitamin D - used to treat simple forms of psoriatic disease, relieves such unpleasant symptoms as peeling and itching, and also helps to improve regeneration
- urea and naftalan - have a tonic and soothing effect on the skin
- herbal extracts - have disinfecting properties, eliminate hypersensitivity and exacerbation of the inflammatory process
- floralizin - promotes rapid recovery, relieves unpleasant manifestations of psoriasis
- urea and beeswax - suitable for sensitive skin that needs hydration and nutrition, restores the protective barrier
Salicylic ointment in the fight against psoriasis.
Salicylic acid, derived from willow bark, is the active ingredient in salicylic ointment and has anti-inflammatory and regenerating properties. The advantage of salicylic ointment compared to hormonal drugs is the absence of side effects.
Positive properties of salicylic ointment:
- fights inflammation - eliminates itching and redness
- antiseptic action - eliminates pathogenic microorganisms
- keratoplastic effect - prevents the appearance of purulent foci, promotes the regeneration process.
- destroys horny substance - exfoliates crusts.
Salicylic-zinc ointment is also widely used in the treatment of psoriasis and is no less effective.
shampoos
There are the following types of shampoos for the treatment of scalp psoriasis:
- Based on birch tar. Tar helps to gently cleanse the skin from the stratum corneum, impurities, eliminates itching and burning, and has antifungal properties.
- Antifungal - the main active ingredient, ketoconazole, eliminates the reproduction of a fungal infection and promotes wound healing on the skin.
- Composed of salicylic acid, ketoconazole, zinc. This spray shampoo eliminates the inflammatory process, softens the skin and has an antiseptic effect.
- Healing. Normalizes the secretion of subcutaneous fat, strengthens hair, relieves inflammation.
It is also important to remember that when washing psoriasis hair, you should use only warm water, not hot. It is necessary to minimize the use of hair dryers, rollers and ironing.
Treatment of home remedies for psoriasis.
Lotions based on celandine, aloe vera, chamomile and apple cider vinegar are excellent for treating psoriasis. A bandage moistened with a solution is applied to the lesions. This procedure reduces inflammation, kills pathogens and improves metabolism in the skin.
No less effective are kefir and mud masks, which also act as part of traditional medicine. Such masks additionally moisturize the hair, have an anti-inflammatory effect and improve blood circulation in the scalp.
Which product is better?
For the treatment of psoriasis of the scalp, it is best to use mild, gentle, fragrance-free products. Regular cleansing and moisturizing are the foundation of proper hair and skin care for psoriasis. It is important that the products used help to normalize the balance of nutrients, restore the affected areas of the skin, maintain the pH of the scalp and moisturize the stratum corneum of the epidermis.
All these effects and more are characteristic of the products of the Fitomarket online store. Here you can choose not only the most suitable means and methods of high-quality care for psoriasis of the scalp, but also get the right advice on the right drugs for you.
Frequently asked questions
Can psoriasis be cured with zinc ointment?
Zinc ointment has an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and enveloping effect, promotes the formation of a protective layer on the surface of the skin. If you lubricate the affected areas daily with zinc ointment, the positive effect will come quickly, but this remedy is not capable of completely curing psoriasis, since the treatment must be complex.
Can scalp psoriasis be cured with hydrogen peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide, releasing active oxygen, performs mechanical cleansing and removes toxic substances on damaged skin, but, as in the case of zinc ointment, it will not work to cure head psoriasis with this component alone.
Is psoriasis contagious?
Psoriasis is not transmitted, since it has a non-infectious character, so it is not worth avoiding contact and communication with people suffering from this disease.
Is scalp psoriasis dangerous?
If left untreated, psoriasis can lead to serious complications and even death. Do not forget that psoriatic lesions can spread to the deep layers of the skin, as well as to other organs and body systems (nails, cardiovascular system, musculoskeletal system, etc. ).
How to distinguish psoriasis from dermatitis
It is known that seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp never affects smooth skin and is characterized by the absence of an infiltration process, unlike seborrheic psoriasis, which forms a "psoriatic crown", moving towards smooth areas of the skin of the scalp. the forehead and neck. . It is also worth noting the hereditary factor in the appearance of psoriasis.