Psoriasis of the scalp

In recent years, the prevalence of autoimmune diseases has increased dramatically.

A pathology such as scalp psoriasis (especially scalp psoriasis) can be attributed to the group of diseases involving autoimmune pathogenetic mechanisms. It increasingly affects not only elderly patients, but also young people.

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Causes scalp psoriasis

The following causes of scalp psoriasis development are identified:

1. Genetic predisposition.
2. Heredity.
3. Stress and strong emotional stress.
4. Tendency to develop allergies.
5. Location in ecologically unfavorable regions.
6. Professional overload..
7. Bad habits (alcoholism and smoking).
8. Unbalanced diet.
9. Frequent trauma to the scalp.
10. The effect of low air temperature on the head.

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Risk factors

Recently, a fairly strong connection can be traced between polluted atmosphere and scalp psoriasis. In addition, the use of various food dyes and additives, preservatives and hormones can be attributed to risk factors. Today, studies are being conducted on the interaction of genetically modified products on the human body and their connection with various autoimmune diseases.

According to statistical observations, psoriasis affects the scalp in half of all cases. At first, the disease affects the back of the head, gradually moving to other parts of the head.

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Symptoms scalp psoriasis

This disease is not infectious, but is considered incurable. Today, doctors can recommend various medications that only stop relapses and help achieve long-term remission.

The most common symptoms of scalp psoriasis are:

1. At first, the skin on the back of the head begins to peel slightly. However, the disease affects only certain areas of the head.
2. The flaking spreads throughout the head, and the skin begins to itch and scratch.
3. After a while, the itching becomes truly unbearable. The patient often scratches the skin until it bleeds and becomes sore.
4. Then the patient develops large red plaques. The skin becomes less elastic and rougher. The skin can be easily injured.
5. The plaques begin to peel actively. This leads to the appearance of gray scales with a silver tint. Over time, they can cover the entire scalp.
6. Without pathogenetic treatment, psoriasis gradually spreads beyond the hair growth.

Stages

The pathological process in psoriasis goes through several main stages:

1. Progression stage – a huge number of new plaques appear, and those that were there before spread to neighboring areas.
2. Stationary stage of the disease – new elements do not appear, but the disappearance of old plaques does not occur.
3. Regression stage – gradually all signs of the disease disappear, and plaques are replaced by pigmentation.

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Forms

There are two types of scalp psoriasis, which depend on the stage of the pathology:

1. Mild form of the disease – single small areas with plaques (so-called lesions) appear on the head. The skin is covered with small scales.
2. Severe form of the disease – the disease affects the entire surface of the scalp. The scales are very large.

Also, depending on when the exacerbation of the disease develops, summer, autumn, winter and spring types are distinguished.

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Complications and consequences

In addition to the physical discomfort caused by scalp psoriasis, patients also suffer psychologically. The pathology can cause severe depression. Because the plaques often itch, patients begin to scratch them, which leads to pain, injuries, nervous breakdowns, and severe emotional exhaustion.

Often, if psoriasis develops in the erythrodermic form, the pathological process also affects the hair follicles. If treatment is not started in time, this can lead to irreversible consequences, in particular, baldness.

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Diagnostics scalp psoriasis

In order to prescribe the correct course of treatment, it is necessary to make a correct diagnosis.

1. The initial stage of diagnosis of scalp psoriasis is based on interviewing the patient regarding his complaints, examining the damaged areas of the skin, and collecting anamnesis.
2. Next, the doctor identifies pathognomonic symptoms. The following clinical symptoms are called the psoriatic triad:
   • Stearin spots - if you scratch the papules a little, they first turn white, and then the scales separate from them.
   • Terminal film - if the scales are removed from the affected areas of the skin, the skin underneath them turns red and becomes shiny.
   • Auspitz's symptom - after scraping the affected areas of skin, pinpoint bleeding appears on them.
3. The Koebner phenomenon is one of the diagnostic features of scalp psoriasis. Approximately 10 days after the onset of the disease, a special rash appears on the affected areas, which is characteristic of psoriasis.
4. To diagnose the stage of regression of the disease, the doctor examines the plaques. Light rings should appear around them.
5. To clarify the diagnosis, instrumental diagnostic methods can be used.

Instrumental diagnostics

To diagnose scalp psoriasis, two instrumental methods are sometimes used:

1. Microscopic examination of scale particles.
2. Skin biopsy – this method is necessary to conduct a histological examination of scales and plaques.

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Differential diagnosis

Psoriasis of the head is a rather insidious disease, as it is not always possible to diagnose it quickly. In the initial stages, patients often believe that they simply have skin irritation or dandruff. Sometimes even doctors confuse this pathology with seborrheic dermatitis or lichen.

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Treatment scalp psoriasis

Today, there are quite a lot of different methods for treating scalp psoriasis, but it is worth understanding that all of them only help to get rid of the symptoms and external signs of this disease. It is important to choose the right therapy that will allow you to forget about the unpleasant symptoms of psoriasis for a long time.

First of all, it is necessary to understand that this pathology should be treated with complex methods. It is necessary that during this process the patient's condition is always monitored by a doctor. Self-medication should not be done, as this can lead to an exacerbation of the disease and deterioration of health.

The main methods of combating scalp psoriasis are: medications, a special diet and physiotherapy. Among the main medications prescribed by the doctor, the following can be distinguished:

1. Popular corticosteroids - they help relieve inflammation.
2. General tonic and sedatives.
3. Ointments and sprays that are applied to the affected areas of the skin.

As a rule, such drugs are prescribed only when the patient is diagnosed with an advanced form of psoriasis. The main physiotherapeutic procedures include:

1. Exposure to ultraviolet rays.
2. Light therapy.
3. Erbium laser irradiation.

Medicines

Solcoseryl. This drug is designed to improve tissue regeneration and trophism. It is available in the form of gels and ointments. The active ingredient of the drug is deproteinized dialysate, which is extracted from the blood of young calves. It is used locally. It is applied to clean and dry skin, directly to the affected areas. It must be used at least three times a day to achieve an effective result. The course of therapy depends on the severity of the disease.

Very rarely, the use of this drug may cause allergies, marginal dermatitis, urticaria. Contraindicated in case of intolerance to its main component. If you are predisposed to allergies, apply with caution.

Lamisil. Antifungal drug. It is active against dermatomycosis pathogens (Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton tonsurans, Trichophyton violaceum), yeast-like fungi (Candida albicans), and versicolor lichen (Malassezia furfur). It is available in different forms, so you can choose a product that is easy to apply to the head. The active ingredient is terbinafine.

The course of therapy is individual, so it is worth listening to the recommendations of the attending physician. He will also determine the necessary dose of the drug. The main side effects from using the drug: abdominal pain, neutropenia, rash, allergy, headaches. Cannot be used if intolerant to the main substance that is part of the drug.

Xamiol. A drug with anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative action. It is produced in the form of a gel. The active ingredients of the drug are calcipotriol monohydrate and betamethasone dipropionate.

Before applying the gel to the skin, shake the bottle gently. Use a small amount of the product, lightly rubbing the gel into the skin on the affected areas of the head. Apply only once a day. The course lasts up to four weeks. Can be used repeatedly, but only under the supervision of a doctor.

In some cases, the use of Xamiol may lead to side effects: eye irritation, itching, allergic reactions. The drug is not recommended for use in diseases that are accompanied by calcium metabolism disorders, kidney and liver diseases, viral skin infections, under 18 years of age, intolerance to the main components.

Imizin. A popular antidepressant used to improve mood in patients with scalp psoriasis. Belongs to the group of tricyclic antidepressants.

It is usually taken at 0.05 mg per day, gradually increasing this dose to 0.2 g. If the antidepressant effect occurs, the dose may not be increased. The course of treatment is from four to six weeks, depending on the patient's condition. The drug is also discontinued gradually.

The main side effects of using the product include: sweating, dry mouth, increased heart rate, dizziness. The drug is not recommended for use in renal and hepatic insufficiency, diabetes, heart and vascular diseases, atherosclerosis, atony of the bladder, glaucoma.

Kartalin

This is a popular non-hormonal cream that is very often prescribed for scalp psoriasis. It contains only natural ingredients, so it is completely safe for the human body.

The active ingredients of the drug are: lysozyme, solid oil, bee honey, succession and chamomile extract, vitamin A, lavender oil, salicylic acid, eucalyptus oil.

The cream is often used to prevent psoriasis. It is effective in 94% of cases. Due to the fact that Kartalin does not cause skin atrophy, like known corticosteroids, it is often prescribed to relieve inflammation and eliminate itching.

This drug is non-toxic, it does not contain hormonal substances or synthetic components, so it can be used even to treat children (from three years old).

It has antipruritic, anti-inflammatory and exfoliating effects. This cream can be used for a fairly long period of time, as it is not addictive.

The Kartalin cream is used for two to four months. Apply once or twice a day. After which the patient experiences a fairly stable remission, which can last up to four years. The cream has a viscous and fairly thick structure, as well as a dark brown color and a characteristic odor. In some cases, intolerance to the components may be detected, in which case you should immediately stop using the drug.

Ointments for scalp psoriasis

For external use in the treatment of scalp psoriasis, topical and keratoplastic agents are often used:

1. Salicylic 1-2% ointment - has good anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and keratolytic effects. Due to this, the scales peel off faster, and the skin heals.
2. Ointments with tar (Antraro-Bin, Tsigioderm, Psorax and others) – the main active substance (tar) has exfoliating and regenerating effects.
3. Ichthyol ointment has good anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antiseptic effects.
4. Naphthalan 10-20% ointment - thanks to this preparation, the skin recovers faster. It also has an analgesic effect.
5. Antihistamine ointments (Fenistil gel, Psilo-balm) – have antipruritic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
6. Ointments based on vitamin D3 (Psorkutan, Daivonex) help suppress the growth of keratoses, which significantly improves the protective functions of the skin.
7. Retinal ointment - scales stop maturing too quickly.

Salicylic ointment

Today, Salicylic ointment is used to solve many skin diseases and problems (rashes, acne, dermatitis, psoriasis). Due to its excellent qualities, this product has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. The keratolytic property of the ointment affects the scales, helping them to peel off faster.

The main task of Salicylic ointment for scalp psoriasis is to prepare the skin for the effects of other medications that are used in such cases. But it is worth understanding that this remedy alone will not be able to help completely get rid of the disease.

Before using Salicylic ointment, you should consult a specialist. In pharmacies today you can find a drug with different percentages of salicylic acid, but for psoriasis, you should pay attention to 1-2%.

Immediately before applying the ointment, you need to wash your hair thoroughly. This will cleanse the skin, make the plaques softer, and improve blood circulation in the deep layers of the skin.

Shampoos and lotions for scalp psoriasis

Recently, a variety of shampoos and lotions that are specially developed for the treatment of scalp psoriasis have become quite popular. Moreover, they are much easier and simpler to apply and wash off. But you need to understand that you cannot cure this disease with shampoos alone. Although they are necessarily included in complex therapy.

Among the most popular shampoos today we can highlight:

1. Friederm Zinc.
2. Friederm Tar.
3. Tegrin.
4. T/Sal.
5. Aloe Vera.
6. Ketozoral.
7. Sebozol.
8. Nizoral.

Sebozol is especially popular among the above-mentioned shampoos. Its active ingredient is ketoconazole. It has antifungal and antimicrobial action. It helps relieve scalp itching and thoroughly cleanse its surface from exfoliated scales.

To achieve an effective result, you can wash your hair with shampoo at least once a week (in advanced cases - twice a week). The course of therapy is at least four weeks.

Physiotherapy treatment

To improve the patient's condition, the following physiotherapy procedures are often recommended:

1. Ultraviolet irradiation.
2. Erbium laser irradiation.
3. Hydrotherapy.
4. PUVA therapy.
5. Plasmapheresis.
6. Hemosorption.

Sanatorium and resort treatment is also recommended, where patients are prescribed the following procedures:

1. Mud therapy.
2. Heliotherapy.
3. Bathing in hydrogen sulfide baths.

Folk remedies

Many patients stop their attention on various folk recipes that help get rid of scalp psoriasis. It is worth understanding that they cannot completely replace drug therapy, but only complement it.

Among the most popular recipes of traditional medicine it is worth highlighting:

1. Take 300 g of solidol or light Vaseline, add two whites of chicken eggs. Add one tablespoon of linden honey and celandine (in powder form). Apply the resulting ointment to the area of the skin affected by psoriasis.
2. Take one spoon of linden honey and one egg white. Add to any baby shampoo. Apply to head and rinse after 15 minutes.
3. A special oil compress made from olive and peanut oils. Rub your head with it after washing. To ensure a positive effect, put on a plastic cap or bag. It is best to use it before bed.

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Burdock oil

This oil gently and easily exfoliates the scales that appear with this disease. You can buy it at any drugstore. Burdock oil should be applied after washing your hair, preferably in the evening, before you decide to go to bed. You need to rub the oil in lightly with massage movements and then put on a shower cap.

The oil should be washed off in the morning. At the same time, the hardened crust of psoriatic plaques is washed off with it. After the horny inflammations have been removed, the result obtained should be consolidated. For this, three applications with burdock oil are carried out, to which hormonal components and lotion are added.

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Aloe

Aloe is often used to treat scalp psoriasis, but you should not expect instant results. Moreover, this medicinal plant must be used in combination with medications. The most popular recipe with this plant for psoriasis therapy is the following.

Take 25 g of aloe juice, 25 g of calamus root, 25 g of celandine juice, 25 g of linseed oil, 25 g of table vinegar, 20 g of nettle juice. All ingredients must be thoroughly mixed and brewed in 1.5 cups of hot boiled water. It must be infused for up to three hours, after which the tincture can be applied to the affected areas of the skin in the form of compresses. Keep on the head for up to three hours.

Masks for scalp psoriasis

Various masks used to treat scalp psoriasis contain a variety of ingredients. The most popular are tar and some essential oils.

To prepare a tar-based mask, you need:

1. Take three tablespoons of regular hair mask.
2. One fly in the ointment (birch).
3. Dimexide (one spoon).
4. Castor or burdock oil (two spoons).
5. Two ampoules of vitamin E and A (bought at the pharmacy).
6. Ten drops of tea tree essential oil.
7. One spoon of honey or coarse sea salt (your choice).

This mask should be applied to the head every day, keeping it on the hair for at least one hour. Due to its composition, the mask helps to get rid of peeling.

To soften the plaques a little and get rid of the scales, masks based on essential oils (eucalyptus, tea tree, rosemary, cypress) are used. To prepare such a remedy, you need to take two tablespoons of coconut oil, one tablespoon of grape and almond oils, one teaspoon of honey (cognac will also do) and two drops of lavender and rosemary essential oils.

It is recommended to warm the mixture in a water bath, and then, after cooling, apply it to the affected scalp. After applying the mask, wrap your head in film and a towel and leave for two hours.

Herbal treatment

Medicinal herbs often help to get rid of the main symptoms of scalp psoriasis. Here are some effective recipes:

1. Take 300 g of celandine and grind it in a meat grinder. Squeeze the juice out of the mixture you have obtained. Add 30 ml of red wine to the juice and wet your head with the product. Leave the mixture for at least a quarter of an hour, then rinse thoroughly.
2. A special alcohol infusion based on celandine. To prepare it, you need to mix ½ liter of alcohol with half a glass of dried celandine. The infusion should be kept in a dark place for about two hours, after which it can be used.
3. Black elderberry tincture – pour 450 ml of hot boiled water over the flowers of this plant and let it sit for 1.5 hours. Drink half a glass an hour before meals.

Diet for scalp psoriasis

A proper and balanced diet will help patients with scalp psoriasis improve metabolic processes in the body and make exacerbations less frequent.

Basic principles of nutrition:

1. The specialist must individually determine which foods are suitable for the patient and which are not. They must be excluded from the diet.
2. It is important to completely give up alcohol and alcoholic beverages.
3. Food should be taken frequently, but in small portions.
4. Avoid fried, smoked and fatty foods.
5. Reduce the use of salt if possible.
6. Avoid foods with high levels of preservatives, colorants, emulsifiers, leavening agents and stabilizers.
7. Completely eliminate citrus fruits from your diet.
8. Try to add less sugar and premium flour to your food.
9. Eat more plant foods.
10. Add low-fat dairy products to your diet.
11. Add more cereals (especially buckwheat).
12. Add more vegetable oils.

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Prevention

To prevent relapses of the disease, it is necessary to carry out basic preventive measures:

1. Observe hygiene rules.
2. Quit smoking.
3. Do not drink alcohol.
4. Try to avoid stressful situations.
5. Rest more.
6. Take vitamins.
7. Follow a special diet for psoriasis.

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Forecast

Unfortunately, it is currently impossible to completely cure scalp psoriasis (as well as other forms of this disease). With the help of special medications, diet, physiotherapy, and traditional medicine recipes, it is only possible to maintain the patient's normal condition and prevent relapses. With properly selected treatment, the prognosis is favorable.

Scalp Psoriasis and the Army

Patients with scalp psoriasis may be called up to different parts of the army depending on the form and severity of the disease. Thus, a conscript may be sent to the reserve, receive a mark of "unfit" or "partially fit".

1. 70% of patients have a limited form of psoriasis. Such conscripts do not serve. They receive a military ID and are sent to the reserve.
2. 20% of patients have a widespread form - such conscripts are unfit for military service.

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