Psoriasis of the scalp is a noninfectious disease of a presumably autoimmune nature, which is manifested by the appearance of red spots, and then grayish plaques with keratinization on the affected part.
Most often the disease occurs on the buttocks, as well as knee and elbow folds, much less often - on the scalp.
The prevalence of the disease is rather low, and is about 4% of the total population of the Earth.
Is psoriasis of the scalp?
First of all, people who are facing this pathology are concerned not only with the prospects of treatment and development of the disease, but also the question of whether psoriasis is dangerous for others. The answer is no, it is not dangerous, since non-infectious diseases, and, especially autoimmune nature (although this parameter is in question, but its probability is high) do not belong to the category of infectious diseases, because they are a consequence of the immune system damage inside the organism without the influence of any microorganisms.
Causes of psoriasis of the scalp
Let us dwell on the causes of the disease. A common cause is an autoimmune process, in which autoimmune cells are formed that damage healthy cells in the body. What can lead to such "behavior" of immune cells? Trigger factors can be many, but very often autoimmune diseases are closely related to genetics. Therefore, first of all, this factor should be taken into account - if there were precedents of psoriasis in the family, there is a possibility that it will repeat in descendants.
Further causes of psoriasis are not fatal and can be avoided:
- inflammatory processes in the body;
- severe stress ;
- hormonal disorders of any group of hormones;
- bad habits - smoking, alcoholism;
- treatment with toxic medicines;
- skin trauma - chemical.
Symptoms of psoriasis of the scalp
Before describing the symptoms, three stages of the disease development should be distinguished:
- Progressive stage. In the region of the head, new areas of lesion arise, while the old ones spread to the periphery.
- Stationary stage. Horny sites remain, but there is no appearance of new ones.
- The regressive stage. Eruptions are replaced with depigmented spots.
Also, it should be clarified that psoriasis of the scalp may be localized behind the ears, in the nape of the neck, forehead, at the back of the neck, on the parting of the scalp.
The severity of psoriasis of the scalp is divided into two forms:
- light form - scales small, the patient has several small foci;
- severe form - psoriasis affects the whole head.
The disease begins invisibly - there is a rounded spot of pink hue with scales, which tends to grow and keratinize.
Gradually, the symptoms may manifest by itching and flaking, as well as irritation of the skin. Because of itching and scratching, cracks and wounds occur. This causes the corresponding unpleasant sensations. The patient notes that gradually the affected area grows, and the plaques become more pronounced and large.
Seborrheic psoriasis of the scalp is characterized by the fact that the disease is accompanied by a plentiful formation of white flakes resembling dandruff. The reason for this is exfoliation of the epithelial cells.
Treatment of psoriasis of the scalp
In the treatment of psoriasis, there are effective 4 methods of treatment - general, local, physiotherapeutic and sanatorium-resort.
The patient is prescribed sedatives,
Diet for psoriasis of the scalp
Diet in psoriasis is designed to improve the acid-base balance in the body.
The food should be dominated by the following products:
- fruits - apples, bananas, melons, citrus fruits;
- fruit juices - grape, pear;
- vegetable stew.