If a disease, in this case psoriasis, has settled in the human body, it will never be possible to get rid of it. Yes, this fact is disappointing, the disease is extremely unpleasant, its symptoms are annoying. Moreover, when psoriatic plaques, which have an extremely unaesthetic appearance, are located not on the body, but on the head, and it is almost impossible to hide them from others. A small relief is that scalp psoriasis is highly treatable therapeutically. And if it is impossible to expel the disease from the body completely, then to reduce its symptoms to a minimum, to constantly keep it in remission is within the power of every patient.
Causes of occurrence
Psoriasis, not excluding psoriasis of the scalp , is today one of the most common inflammatory skin disease characterized by temporary periods of remission and relapse. The disease is not contagious, however, it belongs to the multifactorial types of skin diseases, therefore, no person can be guaranteed to avoid the risk of getting psoriasis. There are a number of main factors that, according to experts, can provoke the onset of psoriasis on the head, neck, upper and lower limbs, and torso.
The first conclusion reached by scientists is that psoriasis is a genetically determined disease, and the impetus for its development is various external factors, or negative processes occurring inside the body. The onset of the disease can be triggered by:
Viral or infectious diseases
Disorders or pathological changes in the digestive system
Weakened immunity
Stress or a state of constant nervous tension
Disorders in the endocrine system
Skin trauma – cuts, burns, stitches after head surgery
Effects of low temperatures on the scalp
Allergic reaction to chemical and physical irritants (cosmetics for hair care, unfavorable ecology, psycho-emotional stress, etc.)
Tobacco smoking and alcohol
Improper nutrition
The essence of the problem lies in the fact that due to the disruption of the normal course of processes in certain organs and systems of the human body, the cells of the epidermis begin to divide much faster than necessary. As a result, scaly layers, seals, irritations form on the surface of the skin, and then inflammation begins in certain areas, accompanied by severe itching, redness, and peeling of the skin.
Symptoms of the disease
At the initial stage of development, psoriasis of the scalp is characterized by mild symptoms. Exfoliation of the skin gradually becomes more noticeable, which is very similar to severe dandruff. Soon, mild irritation, itching, nodular seals appear in some small areas. Then, inflammation of the skin joins these symptoms, the itching becomes much stronger, and the skin becomes covered with cracks, erosions, abrasions when scratching.
Further, either under the hair, or on the earlobes, behind and above the auricles, on the back of the head or forehead, the main signs of psoriasis appear – large red plaques with a silvery-gray scaly surface. At the slightest mechanical effect, the skin in the lesions is easily damaged, burning and painful sensations appear.
If you do not deal with the treatment of the disease at this stage, the psoriasis of the head begins to progress, the plaques grow, join together, forming large areas of skin lesions, up to the formation of the so-called “helmet” covering the entire epidermis under the hair.
Treatment of psoriasis, in any of its manifestations, should be carried out only after the exact identification of the cause of the disease and under the constant supervision of a dermatologist. Self-treatment of scalp psoriasis is not allowed.