One of the most common specific forms of the disease is psoriasis of the scalp.The malaise itself is not an infectious process, but, nevertheless, the disease proceeds in an inflammatory character.
Symptoms of psoriasis are very typical for fungal diseases - on the head are formed spots of red or pink, which have a different shape.
In addition to the formation of single or multiple rashes on the skin there is itching, burning and inflammation.
Causes of psoriasis
Why does psoriasis occur on the head, and what is it? Doctors still do not know why some people develop psoriasis of the head. Physicians periodically put forward new theories and refute the old. The causes of the development of the disease are often associated with a genetic predisposition, and the factors that cause their appearance include:
- Genetic complications - it is proved that parents with psoriasis, the probability of having children with this diagnosis is an order of magnitude higher.
- Violation of the formation and maturation of epidermal cells, according to one of the hypotheses, is the main reason for the development of the disease.
- There is also the assumption that the cause is not in the epidermis, but in the body's immunity, which produces the wrong factors that negatively affect the skin.
- Violation of the endocrine system, too, according to some scientists, contributes to the development of the disease.
The most likely cause of the development of psoriasis today is considered autoimmune processes in the body of a sick person.
Do hair fall out?
Often, patients suffering from an ailment are interested in the question - can hair loss in psoriasis be observed? It should be noted that mass baldness does not happen. If such a process occurs, then in an insignificant amount, since the hair follicles are deep and the disease does not strike them.
Is psoriasis contagious?
This fear is associated with the unusual appearance of psoriasis and its history. In ancient times, psoriasis was mistakenly considered a form of a terrible disease of leprosy. From the above reasons for the appearance of psoriasis it can be seen that this disease can not fall under the category of infectious diseases. Therefore, the answer to the question, whether it is possible to catch psoriasis, one - no.
Symptoms
Psoriasis of the scalp is accompanied by the appearance on the skin of a characteristic rash, represented by spots or more often plaques from pale pink to brownish-red. In most cases, the elements of the rash are infiltrated from a minimally palpable elevation above the level of healthy skin to a pronounced infiltration of more than 1 mm.
At the initial stages, there may be only a diffuse, without inflammatory manifestations and clear boundaries, abundant peeling in the form of dandruff. It has great similarity with other head dermatoses, which greatly complicates the differential diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis on the head.
The most typical symptom for psoriasis is the "psoriatic corona" - the process from the scalp to the smooth skin of the adjacent sections of the forehead, on the areas above the auricles and behind them, on the back surface of the ear lobes, the occipital region and the back surface of the neck.
Depending on the area and severity of symptoms, there are 3 degrees of damage to the scalp:
- Lightweight- its main manifestation is the appearance on the head of small single lesions, covered with thin scales of small sizes;
- Heavy- psoriasis affects the scalp completely, the scales are much larger, and they are much thicker than with mild disease.
Clinical studies show that in most patients it is impossible to single out a single factor that could explain the onset of the disease. Most often, a combination of several of these causes, which gives grounds for attributing psoriasis to polyethiologic disease.
The difference between psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis
Differential and diagnostic signs of psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis:
- For psoriasis, in contrast to diabetes, a more pronounced infiltration of the elements of the rash due to acanthosis and hyperproliferation of the epidermis.
- Eruptions in psoriasis often go beyond the scalp, on the forehead (the so-called "psoriatic crown"), on the neck, ears.
- Peeling in psoriasis is dry, with flakes more fatty.
- More pronounced itching is observed with diabetes.
It is also necessary to carefully examine and question the patient for damage to the nails and joints, the presence of which can speak in favor of psoriasis and significantly influence the further tactics of therapy.
Treatment of psoriasis of the scalp
When the psoriasis of the scalp was diagnosed, a set of measures is applied for treatment, including:
- general therapy;
- local treatment;
- physiotherapeutic procedures;
- Spa treatment.
In mild cases of psoriasis of the scalp and the absence of progression, in most cases, local preparations for treatment - shampoos, gels, ointments, tar, etc. In this case, the therapy is constantly progressive inflammatory process may require the use of a wider arsenal of pharmacological drugs of different groups and physiotherapy techniques.
How to treat psoriasis with medication?
In a complex of general therapy, doctors can include such medications:
- Vitamin complexes and vitamins C, A and B group;
- Means of nonspecific immunotherapy: Pyrogenal, ATP, Aloe;
- Aromatic retinoids: Acetritin, Etretinat, Neotigazone;
- Cytostatics: Cyclosporine A, Methotrexate;
- Hemodeza solution;
- Enterosorbents: Enterosgel, Sorbeks;
- Monoclonal antibodies: Adalimumab, Ephalizumab, Timodepressin;
- Immunodulators: Decaris, Tactivine, Metiluracil, Leakadin, Splenin;
- Antihistamines: Cetirizine and others;
- NVPS - Indomethacin, Naproxen, Diclofenac;
- Sedatives;
- Calcined autograft.
Inclusion in the course of treatment of corticosteroids and cytotoxic drugs is advisable in severe psoriasis and a significant severity of symptoms on the scalp. Use them must be very cautious: such funds can provoke aggravation of the course of the disease.
Shampoo for psoriasis of the scalp
Is it possible to cure psoriasis on the head with shampoos? As a rule, the use of even a very effective shampoo is not enough. However, the use of special medicinal products in complex therapy is a necessary condition for the success of treatment.
- Friederm tar- medical dermatological shampoo containing purified coal tar.
- T / Gel by Neutrogenaalso contains tar, has the same properties as Friederm tar. It is this shampoo that has the most positive reviews.
- Shampoo "Tana tar"contains highly purified birch tar, a complex of bioadditives - provitamin B5, allantoin.
- Shkapan Sqwafan S Laboratory BiorgIt is designed for the hygiene of the scalp for acute desquamation (peeling). Contains salicylic acid, resorcinol, essential oil of red juniper.
- Cercioli S from Ducray- keratoregulating shampoo with the content of cortiol, salicylic acid, zinc thiosalicylate. Eliminates peeling, soothes itching. Can be used in combination with keratoregulating cream Curtiol S.
All these shampoos help to reduce the inflammatory process, remove or reduce the itching, but the use of only one shampoo is not effective - treatment should be comprehensive.
Ointments
Local treatment always helps to increase the effectiveness of medication. In the progressing stage of psoriasis, 2% salicylic and boron-salolidol ointment will be useful. If there is an exudative component and pronounced inflammation, then the appointment of creams and ointments with corticosteroids will be required.
Hormonalointments:
- Hydrocortisone;
- Lorinden;
- Lokoid;
- Prednisol;
- Advantan;
- Sinaflan;
- Travocort;
- Dermovate (the strongest).
Non-hormonalointments:
- Salicylic;
- Zinc;
- Salicylic-zinc paste;
- Zinocap.
These ointments have tar in the composition of birch, pine, juniper and carbonaceous. Can be produced both in the form of ointments and pastes.
Diet for psoriasis of the head
The food should be uniform. Portions of food should be small, on the principle of "less is better, but more often." The last meal should be no later than 1: 0, at night allowed to drink a glass of yogurt or kefir.
- It is necessary to completely abandon alcoholic beverages. Their use during the period of remission can provoke an exacerbation.
- It should be excluded from the diet of fatty, sharp and smoked dishes.
- Not recommended and sweets - cakes, cakes, chocolate, sugar - they must all be banned from psoriasis. Only a small amount of honey is allowed.
Of the drinks will be useful tea with sea buckthorn, rosehip or from the leaves of black currant.
Spa treatment
During the stay in the clinics you need to visit the following procedures:
- heliotherapy;
- mud treatment;
- hydrogen sulphide baths and bathing in hydrogen sulphide sources.
The course of treatment is conducted in the sanatoriums of Crimea, Pyatigorsk, Sochi, they help reduce the frequency of relapses and achieve a long-term remission.
PUVA-therapy
PUVA-therapy is a physiotherapeutic method of treatment, including the use of a photoactive drug (psoralen) and irradiation of the skin with long-wave UV radiation.
Sufficiently long experience of application and feedback of experts prove the effectiveness of PUVA therapy in the treatment of various dermatological diseases (including psoriasis), especially in the case of persistent flow and with ineffectiveness of other therapeutic methods. According to the statistical data, a positive effect is achieved in approximately 80-85% of cases.
The rules of hair care
To achieve a better state of hair and scalp, you must adhere to the basic rules of care, plus recommendations from a doctor:
- Wash your head with only a recommended special shampoo.
- Comb the hair with a comb of natural bristles.
- Systematically carry out the treatment of the scalp with disinfectant mixtures.
- Comb the hair very carefully, carefully, without injuring the scalp.
- Try to dry hair naturally, without using a hairdryer.
- In psoriasis of the head, complicated laying must be avoided, which requires the use of various packing means.
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