Psoriasis causes a lot of problems in the form of discomfort and cosmetic problems, and its localization on the head adds to the complexity of treatment. The danger of the disease also lies in the possibility of a fungal infection. How to treat psoriasis, and what are its symptoms?
Causes of psoriasis on the head
To date, there is still no clear answer about what causes the appearance of psoriasis on the head. Experts have put forward several theories about the onset of this disease:
- Violation in metabolism, against the background that the cell life cycle is reduced from 40 days to 5. As a result, there is a layer of dead tissue on the plaques.
- genetic predisposition. If one of the parents has the disease in the family, then the probability of developing psoriasis in children is 25%, if both parents - 75%.
- Thyroid dysfunction. Hormonal disorders are often the cause of a dermatological disease.
- Autoimmune process in which the immune system recognizes epidermal cells as foreign.
Psoriasis of the head can also be aggravated by the following factors:
- stressful conditions;
- improper nutrition;
- live in an ecologically poor area;
- smoke;
- drink alcohol.
All experts are absolutely certain of one thing - the disease occurs under the influence of a number of reasons, and their elimination becomes the first step towards remission.
Scalp psoriasis
One of the more complex forms of the disease is scalp psoriasis. The cause is due to the hair roots, so the treatment process is difficult, the manifestation of the disease in the early stages is like simple dandruff.
Symptom
Scalp psoriasis is characterized by symptoms similar to those of the disease localized on other parts of the body. The following manifestations of the disease can be distinguished:
- A single rash or extensive patches of buildup appear on the surface of the skin.
- There is mucus on the surface of the lesion, which gives the rash a yellow color. Dead cells, mixed with fat, begin to form nodules.
- Scales, similar to dandruff, accumulate on the hair.
- The course of the disease is accompanied by intense itching.
- In children, the epidermis on the head becomes red, then begins to become wet.
Because the lesions are located on the surface of the skin, the disease does not reach the hair follicles, so it does not disrupt the hair growth process, and their shedding is still at a normal level. The photo shows what psoriasis looks like, localized on the scalp.
Result
Scalp psoriasis can have unpleasant consequences:
- The disease brings not too much discomfort as well as psychological inconvenience. Often the person may even fall into a state of depression.
- Due to the constant itching and scratching, the disease constantly brings the patient a painful feeling.
- With erythrodermic psoriasis, the hair follicles are affected, which can then lead to baldness.
Therefore, the treatment of psoriasis on the head needs to take place on time.
Important! Scalp psoriasis can spread to the face, neck, and shoulders.
Features of treatment
Only a dermatologist after detailed examination and testing can tell you how to cure psoriasis on the scalp. This disease by itself cannot go away, to combat it, it is necessary to resort to complex therapy, which includes the use of traditional and alternative medicine methods. In addition, scalp psoriasis needs to be treated with physical therapy. Only in this case can therapy be successful.
Shampoo against psoriasis
During the treatment of psoriasis, the scalp needs special care, it is not allowed to use conventional cosmetic shampoos. It is recommended to choose a shampoo that takes into account the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect.
We can distinguish the main types of shampoos:
- Tar. They contain birch or juniper sap, which soothes the symptoms of the disease in the form of burns, and also effectively combats excessive flaking.
- Anti-fungal. To destroy fungal infections. In addition, the drug soothes the irritated epidermis well.
- Therapy. This shampoo contains ingredients like zinc or salicylic acid. Products with active moisturizing properties.
All these tools should be used according to the instructions.
Lotion
Spray lotions are commonly used in the treatment of scalp psoriasis. This is the most convenient, because when spraying, the drug does not leave impurities on the hair, evenly watering the entire surface of the skin with the solution. The most popular lotions are:
- A steroid medication, which also includes salicylic acid. The tool disinfects the skin well, and effectively and quickly relieves itching. The course of treatment is 3 weeks.
- Spray form, contains only ingredients extracted from natural herbs. Recommended for use to prolong remission. The drug moisturizes well the dermis and eliminates the sensation of itching.
- The solution does not contain hormones, the active ingredient is zinc oxide. The composition well blocks inflammatory processes and effectively fights fungal infections.
The spray can also be used on other parts of the body, but only after consulting a treating specialist. It is not necessary to wash off the medicine after applying it.
Folk methods of treatment
Alternative medicine formulations are quite popular in therapy against psoriasis. They are completely natural and do not harm the patient. In addition, these funds will not bring damage to the wallet. The following most effective recipes can be identified:
- Bath soda. Pour a full pack of baking soda into the tub. You need to lie down in the water, tilt your head back so that the solution covers the forehead area. Ears should be covered with earplugs. The procedure takes place in 30 minutes.
- You should also wash your hair periodically with a soap containing tar or sulfur. To do this, grind the product on a fine grinder and dissolve it in a small amount of water. Use as normal shampoo.
- salicylic oil. A very effective remedy for acne. You just need to moisten a cotton ball in this substance and lubricate the cracks. It is necessary to handle seven divisions.
Many patients do not trust folk remedies, but some of them can be more effective than even the most expensive pharmacy drugs.
Give advice! Care should be taken to avoid formulas that use essential oils, flammables and irritants.
Scalp psoriasis
Psoriasis of the scalp is localized in the following areas:
- behind the ears;
- on the back of the head;
- on the mucous membrane;
- near super-secret domes;
- on the cheek.
Rashes on the face are especially noticeable, as they cannot be hidden by clothing. At the same time, the use of cosmetics as a mask is strictly prohibited.
Symptom
Symptoms of the disease are as follows:
- First, light spots appear on the face.
- Then in the middle appeared small dots, they quickly grew and turned into papules.
- These formations soon begin to be covered with a thick layer of dead cells.
The formation of a rash is accompanied by intense itching. In the photo you can see what psoriasis on the head looks like.
Result
Skin diseases can cause unpleasant consequences:
- When brushing papules, scratches and wounds are formed, which can become a source of infection.
- Localization of the rash on the eyelids is the cause of ocular pathology.
- Psoriasis can cause inflammation of the joints and liver.
To prevent the development of concomitant diseases, it is necessary to carry out timely treatment.
Features of therapy
Facial skin is quite sensitive, so the patient's task is not only to recover from illness but also to maintain external attractiveness. How to cure psoriasis on the head, a dermatologist will advise.
Ointment
Ointment for psoriasis on the head is the most popular remedy in the fight against this disease. There are two types of funds for local use:
- Hormonal ointment. They contain glucocorticosteroids, which quickly relieve the symptoms of the disease, so they are often used during acute exacerbations.
- Non-steroidal ointment. 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, it is advisable to compare the severity of the disease process with the strength of the remedy.
Folk methods of treatment
The following most effective recipes can be distinguished:
- Fatty solids and birch resin should be mixed well. Apply volume on lesions for 20 minutes. Then wash and moisturize the skin with cream.
- You can also use sea buckthorn oil, applied to patches of skin before going to bed. Good sterilization and wound healing tools.
It is recommended to take a decoction from the inner potion collections.
General principles of therapy
Since the disease requires a complex impact, there is little local treatment available. It is necessary to get rid of psoriasis in a comprehensive way, using all available means.
Medical therapy
In the treatment of psoriasis, the following groups of drugs are used:
- antihistamines;
- immunosuppressive agents;
- absorbents;
- antibiotics;
- homeopathy.
Usually several classes of drugs are prescribed at the same time, depending on the severity of the disease, the clinical picture.
Important! You can not prescribe the drug yourself, you should first consult a dermatologist.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy is an integral part of the fight against this disease. The following procedures can be distinguished:
- lights;
- laser exposure;
- acupuncture therapy;
- ultrasonic impact;
- Sludge treatment.
Most often, such methods are indicated during the remission of the disease, which prolongs the period of remission.
Diet
It has been proven that certain products can not only aggravate the disease, but also worsen the symptoms. Therefore, it is advisable to follow a diet that restricts the use of the following foods:
- Canned food;
- fatty food;
- fast food;
- alcoholic products;
- the coffee;
- red fruits and vegetables;
- candy.
Preference should be given to protein-rich foods and high-fiber foods, steamed or baked in foil.
Despite the complexity of the course of the disease, psoriasis of the head is not a sentence. Just by strictly observing complex therapy, the disease will not go away on its own for a long time.