In the modern world, there are many medical and social problems that arise unexpectedly and have a specific course, one of which is the disease of civilization - psoriasis. The disease occurs in 1. 5 to 2% of the population of developed countries, is equally prevalent among both 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 based on a chronic recurrent inflammatory process of the skin (impaired maturation of keratinocytes) as a result of triggers. The localization of rashes is extremely diverse, the location of psoriasis can occur both in the oral mucosa and on the scalp, on the extensor surfaces of the extremities, on the nails or on the whole body.
Because psoriasis is a systemic disease, the lesion will also be characteristic of the cardiovascular, nervous, musculoskeletal, and other systems. In addition, in 80% of cases at the initial stage, the manifestation of the disease is the defeat of the scalp, so in this article we want to pay special attention to the identified localization of psoriasis.
Causes of psoriasis in the head
There are 2 types of psoriasis: early and late. The early type is genetically determined, where heredity plays an important role. It is known that the presence of the disease in one of the parents increases the risk of psoriasis in a child by 14%, and in both parents with psoriasis - by 40%.
There are more than 100 factors for the formation of paid lichen, the most common of which are:
- genetic
- viral
- infectious (tonsillitis) and allergic
- stressful (psychosomatic)
- endocrine
- metabolic disorders (lipids, enzymes)
- immune disorders.
Symptoms of scalp psoriasis
A characteristic element for psoriasis is a symmetrical flat height above the skin surface, even with rounded borders and increased roughness, combined with a large number of easily removable silver scales. The size of the debris can vary from 1 mm to 2 cm, and therefore the formations often coalesce to form plates of different configurations, which can reach 10 cm or even 20 cm.
The most common form of psoriasis is called "psoriatic crown" - the transition of neoplasms along the hairline to the smooth skin of the neck or temporal region. An obvious symptom common among patients with psoriasis of the scalp is itching.
Psoriasis is defined by three leading symptoms (psoriatic triad):
- "Stearin stain" - psoriatic plaque is removed with a glass slide, as a result of which the scales become thinner, which increases the snow-white color of the surface and resembles a drop of frozen stearin.
- "Terminal film" - a smooth transparent surface with more crumbs will be observed.
- "Blood clot" - the presence of small drops of blood during the crumb.
Stages of development of psoriasis
The psoriatic process consists of 3 next stages:
- I am progressive
- II stationary
- III regressive
Progressive stage
It is characterized by the formation of new papules with enlarged diameter. While leaving a narrow pink stripe along the periphery of the boards, the peeling process does not spread to healthy areas of the skin. The main symptom among patients is itching. Also, the progressive or acute stage of psoriasis is characterized by the presence of Koebner's phenomenon - the formation of new papules 7 days after skin damage. There is a psoriatic triad of symptoms.
Stationary
At this stage, there are no new elements of the rash, the appearance of itching is reduced or completely disappears. The diagnosis of psoriatic triad is problematic and Koebner's symptom is negative.
Regressive
During the regression phase, peeling decreases, plaques disappear, but hypopigmented spots appear. Psoriatic symptoms are not detected. It should be noted that even after the regression phase, "task boards" remain in 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 - less than 3% of affected area
- The prevalence of moderate - papular rash is between 3 and 10%
- severe - lesions are localized in more than 10% of the skin.
How to treat psoriasis on the head
There are various combined methods of drug and non-drug treatment of psoriasis aimed at minimizing lesions, improving the patient's quality of life and reducing the frequency of relapses.
Treatment of psoriasis depends on the degree of skin lesions, the form and age of the patient. If there are additional pathologies of organs and systems, they are corrected. Patients are prescribed a diet with limited intake of foods rich in salt, fat and fast carbohydrates.
Medical therapy
Effective remedies for the systemic treatment of psoriasis are:
- desensitization (30% sodium thiosulfate solution),
- sedatives (valerian infusion, tranquilizers),
- antihistamines,
- diuretic,
- vitamins (A, B1, B12, B6, E, C),
- hepatoprotectors,
- pyrogenic preparations,
- immunostimulating drugs,
In the general form of acute psoriasis, as well as in erythroderma, short-acting corticosteroids (triamsinalon) are prescribed.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (diclofenac sodium, voltaren, nimesulide) are indicated for damage to the musculoskeletal system (joints).
Cytostatics (methatrexate, azathioprine) are used to treat complex forms of psoriasis.
In severe forms of psoriasis (index more than 15 units), cytostatics, tranquilizers and aromatic retinoids are added to therapy. Glucocorticosteroids are used in critically complex episodes of scalp psoriasis.
In mild forms of psoriasis (PASI index up to 15 units), hyposensitizing drugs, detoxification and antihistamines, as well as hepatoprotectants are used.
The use of topical treatment depends on the stage of the paid lichen:
- advanced - 1 - 2% salicylic ointment, corticosteroid creams and ointments
- stationary - 5 - 10% naphthalene ointment, 3% salicylic ointment, 2 - 5% sulfur-tar ointment, baths with chamomile decoction
- regressive - 3-5% salicylic ointment, 10-20% naphthalene ointment, 5-10% sulfur-tar ointment, psorkutan
Mercury-salicylic ointment, lotion and shampoo Psorix, Tar balm, zinc preparations are widely used for psoriasis of the scalp. Also, an integral part of the treatment of the disease are hot 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-drug treatment
Treatment of psoriasis is not just based on medication. The use of phototherapy also promotes rapid recovery and the onset of remission.
There are the following types of radiation exposure:
- Photochemotherapy (PUVA therapy) is a type of phototherapy with the use of photosensitizers. The mechanism involves the action of ultraviolet radiation on the surface of the skin to treat complex forms of psoriatic disease.
- Selective therapy is more effective in the treatment of exudative and simple forms of psoriasis, when there are few 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 have a superficial effect. The procedure is aimed at preventing malignant cell degeneration processes.
- 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, used only for skin lesions.
In addition, spa treatments have a positive effect. Known healing sources are Lake Kunigunda, the Crimean coast, the Black and Dead Seas.
Experimental methods
Scientists do not stop and continue to look for new effective ways to treat psoriasis, including the following.
Plasmapheresis
A gentle intoxication procedure that helps cleanse blood plasma of pathogenic components and toxins. After a procedure, as a rule, up to 30% of the blood is cleared. This manipulation is used in severe and complex cases of psoriasis. Plasmaphoresis course is conducted in 3-6 sessions with a one-week break.
The mechanism of this procedure is as follows: certain membranes filter the intercellular fluid and return it to the blood, while the beneficial components are preserved as much as possible and pathogenic toxins are destroyed.
Cryotherapy or "cold treatment"
Treatment of the disease is associated with the effect of ultra-low levels on the body. The acute effects of the cold help to activate the immune system and stimulate metabolism in general. This procedure has a complex effect on the whole body, as well as localizing the focus of skin lesions.
It should be noted that cryotherapy is not suitable for all patients. Due to the anatomical features of the location of blood vessels, some people experience spasms, swelling and sharp dilation of blood vessels, resulting in impaired blood circulation. In addition, some patients may be susceptible to allergic reactions such as cold urticaria.
Effects of cryotherapy:
- increase the body's defenses
- improved regeneration processes
- Negative symptoms disappear: itching, burning, peeling
- Improves metabolism in the skin
- prolongation of remission periods.
Immunobiological preparations
These are protein-based products that directly affect the immune system and prevent the development of concomitant diseases. In the case of a psoriatic process, the body is constantly replenished due to the high content of TNF-protein. These drugs block the effects of TNF, so the symptoms of the inflammatory process in psoriasis are reduced.
Ozone therapy
A new effective method for the treatment of psoriasis. It is known that ozone has detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet, immunomodulatory effects. The advantages of ozone therapy are ease of use, rapid effectiveness, reliability and 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 rate of detection of psoriasis, often with general regression and significant remission periods of up to 12 years.
The clinical picture of pediatric psoriasis is characterized by frequent damage to the skin under the hair. Girls get sick twice as often as boys, which is associated with endocrinopathies during adolescence. Children are characterized by a clear picture of the pathological process (significant inflammation and varying degrees of itching).
Symptoms of psoriasis in children under 10 years of age differ from adults. The localization of rashes occurs in atypical places such as the face, back of the head, genitals or deep parts of the subcutaneous folds. The initial mechanism of the disease is often acute infection (influenza, pneumonia), psycho-emotional stress.
In most children, the first signs of lesions appear on the scalp and are accompanied by redness and peeling of the scales. Even in the most severe cases of scalp psoriasis, hair loss is not common.
Treatment of childhood psoriasis is based on the use of medicated ointments and creams, in severe episodes it is used in combination with other drugs. This approach allows to reduce the negative manifestations of the disease and promotes rapid recovery.
How to treat psoriasis at home
In the fight against dry scalp in psoriasis, various basic creams, lotions, herbal shampoos, water-based emulsions are used, which not only eliminate the inflammation of the skin, but also help relieve the 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 different, the most common of which are:
- Zinc - quickly eliminates dryness and inflammation of the skin, has antiseptic properties, has antibacterial effect.
- Vitamin D - is used to treat simple forms of psoriatic disease, eliminates unpleasant symptoms such as peeling and itching, as well as helps to enhance regeneration.
- urea and naphthalene - have a tonic and soothing effect on the skin
- plant extracts - have disinfectant properties, eliminate sensitivity and exacerbation of the inflammatory process.
- floralizine - promotes rapid healing, eliminates the unpleasant manifestations of psoriasis.
- urea and beeswax - suitable for sensitive skin in need of hydration and nourishment, restores the protective barrier.
Salicylic ointment in the fight against psoriasis
Salicylic acid from willow bark is an active ingredient in salicylic ointment and has anti-inflammatory and restorative properties. The advantage of salicylic ointment over hormonal drugs is the absence of side effects.
Positive properties of salicylic ointment:
- Fights inflammation - eliminates itching and redness
- antiseptic effect - eliminates pathogenic microorganisms
- keratoplastic effect - prevents the formation of purulent foci, promotes the recovery process.
- Destroys horny substance - erodes bark.
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 maple tarThe resin helps to gently cleanse the skin of the stratum corneum, impurities, eliminates itching and burning, has antifungal properties.
- Antifungal - the main active ingredient of ketoconazole eliminates the proliferation of fungal infections and helps to heal skin wounds.
- Contains salicylic acid, ketoconazole & zincThis spray shampoo eliminates the inflammatory process, softens the skin and has an antiseptic effect.
- Healing. Normalize the secretion of subcutaneous fat, strengthen hair, eliminate inflammation.
Also, remember that when washing your hair with psoriasis, you should use only warm water, not hot. The use of hair dryers, curlers and ironing should be minimized.
Treatment of psoriasis with folk remedies
Lotions based on celandine, aloe vera, chamomile, apple cider vinegar are excellent for the treatment of psoriasis. A bandage moistened with a solution is applied to the wounds. This procedure reduces inflammation, kills pathogens and improves metabolism in the skin.
Kefir and mud masks, which act as part of traditional medicine, are no less effective. Such masks additionally moisturize the hair, have anti-inflammatory effect, improve blood circulation in the scalp.
Which product is better?
For the treatment of psoriasis of the scalp, it is better to use soft, delicate, odorless products. Regular cleansing and moisturizing is the basis 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 level of the scalp and moisturize the stratum corneum of the epidermis.
All these effects and more are typical for the products of the online store Fitomarket. Here you can not only choose the most suitable means and methods for high-quality care for psoriasis of the scalp, but also get the right advice on the right medication for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Psoriasis Be Treated With Zinc Ointment?
Zinc ointment has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, enveloping effect, helps to form a protective layer on the skin surface. If you lubricate the affected areas with zinc ointment every day, the positive effect will come quickly, but this tool is not able to completely cure psoriasis, because the treatment must be complex.
Can you treat scalp psoriasis with hydrogen peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide releases active oxygen, mechanically cleanses and removes toxins from damaged skin, but as with zinc ointment, treating psoriasis with this component alone will not work.
Is Psoriasis Infectious?
Psoriasis is not transmitted because it is non-infectious in nature, so it is not worth avoiding contact and contact with people with this disease.
Is psoriasis of the scalp dangerous?
When left untreated, psoriasis can cause serious complications and even death. Keep in mind that psoriatic lesions can spread to the deeper layers of the skin, as well as other organs and systems of the body (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" that moves to the smooth areas of the forehead and neck. . Hereditary factors are also a factor in the development of psoriasis.