How to treat psoriasis on the head
Psoriasis is a chronic, noncommunicable disease that affects the skin. Another name for the disease is scaly lichen. Psoriatic plaques can be located anywhere on the human body, more often in places subject to friction. But sometimes they can occur on the scalp, causing physical and psychological discomfort to the patient. I want to eliminate the symptoms of the disease as soon as possible, and patients are wondering what is the best way to treat psoriasis on the head.
Development reasons
The causes of psoriasis are not well understood. Recently, more often they rely on the autoimmune theory. We are talking about the pathological production in the body of substances that have a protective function, the action of which is directed to healthy tissues. Genetic predisposition and disruption of the endocrine glands, in particular the liver, are of some importance.
Symptoms
It is not difficult to diagnose psoriasis. Characteristic red, very dry, raised spots appear on the skin.
Plaque
Also common, simple psoriasis. It looks like red spots with grayish dry scales. When these scales are scraped off, the skin underneath them bleeds easily.
Teardrop
The spots become red, swollen, like drops; strew large surfaces. Often appear after a streptococcal infection.
Pustular psoriasis
Bubbles or pustules with a clear liquid form on the surface of the skin. This is a severe form of psoriasis.
Scalp psoriasis treatment
There is no way to cure scalp psoriasis forever. The goal of therapy is to relieve symptoms, improve skin condition and prolong the period of remission between exacerbations.
Medicines
1. Medicines based on steroid hormones. They come in the form of an ointment or lotion. They are applied directly to psoriatic elements:
- Belosalik;
- Diprosalik;
- Soderm;
- Vipsogal; and etc.
2. Non-hormonal topical agents. The composition of a cream or shampoo includes, as a rule, zinc, salicylic acid, tar. The task of the drug is to relieve inflammation and itching, moisturize the skin:
- Zinocap;
- Naftaderm;
- Friderm Tar;
- Squafan.
3. Cytostatics - substances that block cell reproduction:
Methotrexate
4. Immunosuppressants. Medicines that lower immunity, thereby suppressing the development of psoriasis:
Cyclosporine
Methotrexate and Cyclosporin are used to treat severe psoriasis when topical treatment is ineffective.
In the complex therapy of psoriasis, the following are also used:
- preparations of B vitamins, vitamin D;
- hepatoprotectors (Phosphogliv, Phosphogliv Forte);
- enterosorbents.
The role of drugs for liver protection (hepatoprotectors), in particular Phosphogliv, should be written separately.
Due to the common causes of liver damage and psoriasis - systemic inflammation - liver damage and psoriasis often run together and intensify the negative impact on each other, forming a "vicious circle". Thus, using the hepatoprotector with anti-inflammatory activity Phosphogliv, you can achieve:
- improving the quality and effectiveness of treatment (including UFO);
- reducing the area of skin lesions;
- reducing the degree of inflammation on the skin.
Thus, Phosphogliv affects the increase in the speed of reduction of psoriasis symptoms. Also, when taking Phosphogliv, the number of relapses of psoriasis decreases.
All this, of course, significantly increases the quality of life of patients with psoriasis.
Therefore, we recommend that you adhere to the prescriptions of Phosphogliv by your doctor and do not refuse to buy the drug, which, at first glance, seems redundant and illogical in the prescribed treatment.
Physiotherapy
- Ultraviolet phototherapy. Small doses of ultraviolet light have a healing effect on scalp psoriasis.
- PUVA therapy. Combination of ultraviolet therapy and taking medications containing photoactive substances.
Ointments
The simplest and most inexpensive - salicylic-zinc or ordinary zinc ointment - are sold in any pharmacy and are very helpful in treating scalp psoriasis.
Folk remedies
Natural essential oils are often used to treat psoriasis with folk remedies:
- ylang-ylang;
- myrrh;
- chamomile;
- geraniums;
- oregano.
A few drops of oil are added to burdock oil, applied to the scalp and washed off after 30-40 minutes with a regular shampoo.
Two to three times a day, you can apply to the affected lesions:
- linseed oil;
- sea buckthorn oil.
Diet for psoriasis
Diet with exacerbation of psoriasis excludes:
- alcohol;
- citrus;
- spices and seasonings;
- nuts, especially peanuts;
- fatty meat and smoked meats;
- honey;
- chocolate;
- fruits and vegetables containing red pigment, such as strawberries, tomatoes.
Should be included in the diet:
- seasonal vegetables and fruits;
- vegetable oils;
- protein - lean meat, fish, chicken;
- cereals - buckwheat, oatmeal, pearl barley, etc.
Prevention
In order to prevent the appearance of scalp psoriasis, it is useful to:
- Avoid prolonged exposure to the scorching sun, do not burn.
- Consult a doctor in time if you suspect any disease.
- Pick up a special shampoo for hair and scalp care at the pharmacy.
- Eat a diet that minimizes potential food allergens.
- Avoid stress.
Video
FAQ
The onset of psoriasis raises many questions. Among the most common are the following.
Does hair fall out?
No, hair in psoriasis does not fall out, since the hair follicles are located in the deeper layers of the skin and the disease does not affect them.
Is psoriasis contagious?
No, it is impossible to get infected with psoriasis. This disease is non-infectious.
What is the difference between psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis?
Psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis do have similarities in clinical manifestations.
The main differences are:
- in psoriasis, the rash often extends beyond the scalp, forming the so-called psoriatic crown;
- rashes with psoriasis are brighter, raised above the level of the skin;
- itching with seborrheic dermatitis is more pronounced;
- scales in seborrheic dermatitis are not as dry as in psoriasis.
Conclusion
Psoriasis is a chronic incurable disease, but, despite this, improving the quality of life with the help of modern medicines is possible and affordable for the patient. Follow the doctor's recommendations, do not forget to protect the liver with Phosphogliv, and be sure: psoriasis is not a sentence!
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