Psoriasis causes many problems in the form of discomfort and cosmetic problems, and its location on the head adds to 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 the appearance of psoriasis on the head. Experts present several theories about the onset of the disease:
- Violations in metabolic processes, against which the cell life cycle is reduced from 40 days to 5. Therefore, there is a layer of dead tissue on the plaques.
- genetic predisposition. If one of the parents suffers from a disease in the family, 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 skin disease.
- Autoimmune processes, during which the immune system recognizes epidermal cells as foreign objects.
Psoriasis of the head can also be aggravated by the following factors:
- stressful conditions;
- irrational nutrition;
- living in a zone of poor ecology;
- smoke;
- drink alcohol.
All specialists 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 scalp psoriasis. This is due to the fact that because of 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 a disease located in other parts of the body. The following manifestations of the disease can be distinguished:
- Single rashes 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 hue. The dead cells, mixed with the fat, begin to form tubercles.
- Scales, similar to dandruff, accumulate on the hair.
- The course of the disease is accompanied by intense itching.
- In children, redness of the epidermis of the head is observed, which later begins to get wet.
As 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 its loss remains at a normal level. The photo shows what psoriasis looks like, located on the scalp.
Consequences
Scalp psoriasis can have unpleasant consequences:
- The disease brings not so much discomfort as psychological discomfort. Often the patient can even fall into a deep depression.
- Due to the constant itching and scratching, the disease constantly gives the patient a feeling of pain.
- With the erythrodermic form of psoriasis, hair follicles are affected, which can lead to baldness.
Therefore, treatment of psoriasis on the head must take place on time.
Important! Scalp psoriasis can spread to the face, neck, and shoulders.
Treatment features
Only a dermatologist, after a detailed examination and laboratory examination, will tell you how to cure scalp psoriasis. 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. In addition, scalp psoriasis should be treated with physical therapy. Only in this case can therapy 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. Hair washing 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. Intended for the destruction of pathogenic fungal infection. In addition, the drug well soothes the 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 to treat scalp psoriasis. This is the most convenient, since when sprayed, the drug does not leave impurities in the hair, evenly irrigating the entire surface of the skin with a solution. The most popular lotions are:
- A steroid medication, which also includes salicylic acid. The tool disinfects the skin well and also relieves itching effectively and quickly. The course of therapy is 3 weeks.
- Spray, which contains only natural herbal extracts. Recommended for use to prolong remission. The drug moisturizes the dermis well and eliminates itching sensations.
- Non-hormonal solution, the active substance of which is zinc oxide. The component well stops inflammatory processes and effectively fights fungal infections.
Sprays can also be used on other parts of the body, but after consultation with the treatment specialist. It is not necessary to wash off the drug after application.
Folk 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 bring harm to the wallet. The following most effective recipes can be identified:
- Soda bath. Pour a full packet of baking soda into the bath. You need to lie down in the water with your head thrown back so that the solution covers your head up to the forehead area. It is recommended that the ears are 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 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 dividers. It is necessary to process seven dismissals.
Many patients do not trust folk remedies, but some of them can be more effective than more expensive pharmaceutical drugs.
Advice! Care must be taken to avoid recipes with essential oils, burning substances and irritants.
scalp psoriasis
Scalp psoriasis is located in the following areas:
- behind the ears;
- at the back of the head;
- on the mucous membranes;
- close to the superciliary arches;
- on the cheeks.
Rashes on the facial area are especially visible 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 by a thick layer of dead cells.
The formation of rashes is accompanied by intense itching. In the photo you can see what psoriasis on the head looks like.
Consequences
A skin disease can cause unpleasant consequences:
- When combing the papules, scratches and sores form, which can become a source of infection.
- The location of rashes on the eyelids is the cause of the pathology of the eyeball.
- Psoriasis can cause inflammation in the joints and liver.
To avoid the development of concomitant diseases, it is necessary to carry out treatment in time.
Features of 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, so 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 more gentle effect on the body, so you can wear them for a long time.
When choosing an ointment, the severity of the course of the disease must be compared with the strength of the remedy.
Folk remedies
The following most effective recipes can be distinguished:
- Fat solidol and birch tar should be mixed equally. Apply the putty to 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.
General principles of therapy
As 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 cannot 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;
- magnetotherapy;
- ultrasonic impact;
- mud treatment.
Typically, these methods are prescribed during the rest period of the disease, which helps to prolong remission.
Diet
It is proven that some products can not only worsen the disease, but also worsen the symptoms. Therefore, it is advisable to follow a diet that limits the use of the following foods:
- canned food;
- fat food;
- 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 aluminum foil.
Despite the complexity of the course of the disease, psoriasis on the head is not a sentence. It is only necessary to strictly observe complex therapy, and the disease will not be felt for a long time.