Seborrheic psoriasis is a disease that develops as a result of a dysfunction of the immune system, which sends false signals to skin cells and thereby causes them to age too quickly. New cells are formed within a couple of days, while the normal duration of their growth is several weeks. The body is unable to shed excess cells, causing them to accumulate on the surface of the skin and form the characteristic patches of psoriasis.
Violations occur in any part of the body, but the scalp is the most common localization of excess accumulations of dead cells. Seborrheic scalp psoriasis can range from mild (small, reddish, rash-like bumps) to severe (dense, flaky patches). The disease often leads to discomfort, burning sensation, itching, and also to profuse dandruff. It can flow beyond the boundaries of the scalp and cover the forehead, neck and area behind the ears. The following factors lead to the spread of typical symptoms to new areas of the skin:
- stress;
- skin damage;
- taking certain medications;
- infectious diseases;
- too cold or dry air.
Differentiation
It should be borne in mind that flaking and pigmentation on the skin of the body is a slightly different disease than seborrheic psoriasis. A photo of the affected areas will help differentiate violations. The seborrheic variety of the pathology under consideration is less treatable, since the scalp is thicker and usually covered with hair, which prevents the thorough application of external agents. This disease is easier to prevent than to treat, and special shampoos and rinses can be used for this purpose.
Symptoms
Different patients may show different signs of pathology, but there are also typical symptoms of an autoimmune disease. Most often, seborrheic psoriasis of the scalp is characterized by incessant itching. Some people can safely ignore mild discomfort, but for other patients, the itching is simply unbearable, preventing them from living a normal life and preventing falling asleep at night. Scratching the head often causes bleeding and even temporary hair loss.
Other symptoms of the disorder include:
- reddish spots on the scalp;
- dandruff-like peeling;
- dry scalp;
- burning sensation or obvious soreness.
Symptoms of pathology are not always permanent;they may suddenly appear and then disappear.
OTC medicines
People with psoriasis suffer predominantly from itching. Although it can be difficult to resist, you must consciously resist the urge to scratch your head, as scratching flaky patches causes even more itching, bleeding and skin irritation.
Some shampoos relieve discomfort. Tar preparations slow down the growth of skin cells and reduce itching and inflammation. Tar, a by-product of coal mining, is one of the oldest remedies for psoriasis. The higher the content of this component in the shampoo, the more effective the treatment. Experts, however, do not recommend exceeding the established norm of 5% tar.
Salicylic acid promotes delicate exfoliation of dead skin cells and prevents excessive layering of keratinized epidermis. To increase its effectiveness, salicylic acid is usually prescribed in combination with other drugs, such as corticosteroids or tar shampoo.
Dedicated flaky scalp products are available under the following brand names:
- MG217;
- "Denorex";
- Zetar;
- Neutrogena T/Gel;
- D-Psoria.
Common OTC remedies work well for mild cases. If seborrheic psoriasis is advanced or has spread beyond the scalp, the effectiveness of these drugs is not guaranteed.
Dermatologist Visit
If tar shampoos and folk remedies do not alleviate the characteristic symptoms of pathology, you should consult a qualified doctor. Diagnosis of psoriasis is made on the basis of clear signs of the disease, identified during a thorough medical examination, and data from the medical history (sometimes family history) of the patient. When psoriasis is advanced or scaly patches spread to other parts of the body, dermatologists prescribe prescription drugs from pharmacies. The most popular topical products include:
- tazaroten ("Tazorak");
- calcipotriol (Dyvonex).
These drugs gradually slow down the abnormal cell growth associated with seborrheic psoriasis on the face and head. They also effectively cope with inflammatory processes. The greatest effectiveness of medicines is noted when they are applied to the skin freed from scales, into which healing substances penetrate much more easily.
Although the chemical composition of the above medicines varies, they can all cause similar side effects, including:
- deterioration of the patient's condition;
- skin redness;
- dermatitis.
Comprehensive approach
Creams and topical ointments quickly cure seborrheic psoriasis of the head, but it should be borne in mind that in especially neglectedcases, it is necessary to combine such medicines with medicines taken orally. With a holistic approach, psoriasis can be effectively treated throughout the body.
In rare cases, when the disease does not respond to standard therapy, doctors prescribe strong drugs in the form of tablets or injections, such as adalimumab (Humira). They are characterized by powerful side effects, so these drugs are used strictly according to the prescription of a dermatologist and for a limited period of time.
Traditional medicine
Not all people tend to go to the doctor, even when they clearly manifest seborrheic psoriasis. Home remedies can also work, but it is highly advisable to seek professional advice before attempting any alternative medicine.
According to the observations of some patients, itching can be significantly relieved by moistening the head with ordinary water during particularly severe attacks of skin irritation. Shampoos help best for those who always have clean, well-groomed and short hair. The longer the strands, the harder it is to treat seborrheic psoriasis.
Sometimes phototherapy is used as a means of getting rid of the characteristic symptoms of the disease. This method is based on the practice of portioned exposure of the skin to natural or artificial light.
Simple remedies
- Redness, flaking, itching and inflammation can be eliminated almost completely if applied regularly to the scalplotion with fresh aloe vera juice or coconut oil.
- Fish oil and all sorts of fish that should be eaten more often are also relatively effective.
Forecast
Unfortunately, seborrheic psoriasis is an unpredictable pathology. It can almost completely disappear, only to reappear after a while. In addition, the body is able to get used to some medications, as a result of which the effectiveness of the latter is noticeably reduced.
To relieve the symptoms of the disease and lead a fulfilling life, try to maintain a he althy diet, exercise regularly, and reduce stress whenever possible.
