When diagnosing psoriasis, it is necessary to immediately begin treatment of the disease, since psoriatic plaques can spread over the entire surface of the hair. Shampoos for psoriasis have proven to be very effective in this matter, improving the condition of the dermis of the scalp, relieving inflammation and itching.
Operating principle
Those who have experienced psoriasis should understand thisGetting rid of the disease cosmetically will not be possible, because the disease is associated with weakened immunity and hereditary retroviruses.The only thing that can be done is to fix the problem.
Let's find out what is psoriasis? This is a problem associated with skin regeneration. Usually, exfoliation of the upper layers of the dermis occurs after a month, and in the case of psoriasis, peeling of the skin occurs every 4-5 days. Therefore, keratinized scales accumulate, forming psoriatic plaques, the surface of which somewhat resembles beeswax.One or more lesions may form on a person's head and, when the disease is in an advanced stage, the entire head is covered with them.
You don't need to see a dermatologist or trichologist to determine if you have psoriasis or dermatitis. Psoriatic papules almost always have a clear outline, which becomes pink or reddish in color.
Don't comb your hair too hard, otherwise you won't eliminate flaking, but will only create wounds that germs can penetrate.
Exactlythanks to the action of shampoos:
- skin regeneration improves;
- itching and pain are eliminated;
- the skin is softened and hydrated;
- it turns out to be a light peeling, so the keratinized scales are quickly peeled off;
- the affected areas are reduced and new psoriatic plaques no longer form;
- the functioning of the sebaceous glands is normalized;
- fungi and other microorganisms living on the scalp are removed.
Important!Ordinary shampoos sold in cosmetic stores do not have a strong effect on the dermis, therefore they are ineffective in the fight against psoriatic manifestations. You need to look for an effective remedy in the pharmacy - it is mainly sold without a prescription.
Advantages and disadvantages
Among the advantages of medicated shampoos, which are designed to eliminate the symptoms of psoriasis, include:
- lightness and ease of use (the use of the products is practically no different from normal hair washing);
- impact not only on the skin, but also on the structure of the hair itself;
- fairly rapid effect within 2 weeks (if you follow the instructions);
- obstacle to the development of new papules;
- restoration of skin regeneration;
- clean the dermis from peeling.
Disadvantages of using shampoosthey are also significant. Many drugs can cause allergic reactions. It is rare to find products approved for use by pregnant women, nursing mothers and children.
Moreover,medicinal cosmetics against psoriasis:
- it's not cheap;
- can cause hair to dry out;
- Not suitable for every scalp;
- It is often addictive.
Contraindications
When using shampoos against psoriasis, you need to be extremely careful, because some of them contain powerful substances,which can penetrate the dermis and then be absorbed into the blood. Shampoos based on antifungal substances and hormonal agents are strictly contraindicated for pregnant women. They should not be used by people suffering from serious liver and kidney disease.
All other medicinal suspensions should be tested for allergic reactions. To do this, simply apply a few drops of antipsoriasis shampoo to the skin of the wrist or inside of the elbow and leave it to act for 10 minutes. Observe the reaction: in case of redness, swelling or itching it is better to discard the drug under consideration.
In some cases, the use of funds is prohibited:
- children;
- people with skin dermatitis;
- those who have ulcers in the places where the papules are located;
- people suffering from syphilis and malignant skin tumors.
Application rules
Before using any shampoo for scalp psoriasis, carefully read the instructions, especially the application method.
Tips for use:
- Some bottles need to be shaken before washing your hair.
- Most products are applied to damp hair. First wash your hair to cleanse the dermis of sebum, then dry the curls with a terry towel. When the skeins are slightly damp, spread the psoriasis shampoo on your head.
- When applying a healing suspension, try to apply the drug mainly to places where papules accumulate. Be sure to massage your scalp so that the product penetrates the deeper layers of the epidermis. Distribute the active formula on the dermis with your fingertips, just as you can scratch the irritated areas with your nails.
- Leave the shampoo to act for 5-7 minutes, then rinse with plenty of liquid. You can repeat the procedure using the selected medicinal cosmetics, but no more than 2 times.
- In the treatment of psoriasis, shampoos are used 2-3 times a week for 14 days.So the number of approaches should be reduced, used mainly once a week.
- It happens that the scalp gets used to the active ingredients present in shampoos. As a rule, this happens after two weeks. In this case, you should not immediately change the drug. It is best to wait a week or two and then resume therapy.
- It is recommended to purchase two shampoos: tar and medicinal. They must be alternated.
- After washing your hair, do not dry it with a hairdryer, and also use decoctions to rinse your hair.
Important point!If you have psoriasis, it is not recommended to use permanent dyes. They can only aggravate the situation, provoking the appearance of a large number of psoriatic papules.
Shampoo review
There is a whole list of shampoos that can get rid of papules.Their vector of action is different:
- aimed at cleaning from dead particles (based on tar, sulphur, salicylic acid);
- kill microorganisms, especially the pityrosporum fungus, staphylococci and streptococci (with the addition of zinc pyrithione, antifungal substances);
- relieve inflammation and pain (based on corticosteroids (hormones), so they are used only after consulting a dermatologist and trichologist);
- children's shampoos, which are used as a prophylaxis between the main courses of therapy.
So, what to wash your hair with psoriasis is up to you. But to assess the stage of psoriatic manifestations it is better to seek help from a trichologist or dermatologist, who will prescribe the optimal treatment.
Review of the most effective drugs:
- Shampoo designed to disinfect the skin. It perfectly fights not only bacteria, but also fungi. The drug contains zinc pyrithione and many other useful components. There are practically no contraindications for shampoo (they boil down only to individual intolerance to the drug). Apply the product several times to damp hair. The first effect is obtained after 14 days of active use, 2-3 times a day. The cost is quite high.
- The key component of this product is a hormone designed to remove the dry crust that has formed and relieve the inflammatory process (redness and itching). It is recommended to use it for preventive purposes, since it does not remove peeling, but only reduces the risk of exacerbation of the disease. The product should be applied to a dry head and left to act for approximately 15 minutes. It is best combined with a shampoo that has an exfoliating effect. Always be careful when using this shampoo. Cases cannot be ruled out in which there was an improvement after the first two weeks, then the situation worsened and the psoriasis manifested itself with double strength.
- A product containing juniper tar. A thick substance, when applied to the scalp, heals wounds formed during combing, kills fungi and relieves redness.
- Zinc pyrithione shampoo has been shown to be quite positive for psoriasis. It not only removes bacteria but also exfoliates dead skin cells at the same time. During a shampoo procedure, it is recommended to apply and then rinse the product 2 times. The cost of the product is relatively low.
- Shampoo based on tar and salicylic. The first remedy heals various wounds well and relieves inflammation, while the second dries, exfoliates and nourishes the dermis, as well as improves microcirculation of the skin. The cost of the first product is slightly more expensive than shampoo with the addition of salicylic acid.
- One of the most effective remedies. Its main substance is a representative of the imidazole group, which effectively fights fungi and any type of infection. In addition, cosmetics perfectly heal wounds and stabilize the sebaceous glands. If you feel a slight tingling sensation upon first use, do not discontinue therapy. But if the burning sensation is severe, you should stop the drug.
- In the line of shampoos designed to combat dandruff, psoriasis, lichens and seborrheic dermatitis, there are two products: with tar and zinc. The first drug cleans the scalp from flaking, improves the structure of the hair and stabilizes the production of subcutaneous sebum, called sebum. And the second is aimed at stabilizing the functioning of the sebaceous glands and fighting microbes.
- The active ingredient of this cosmetic is selenium disulfide, which has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the sebaceous glands. Also included is an infusion of burdock roots and cinnamon alcohol. The healing formula of the drug normalizes cell division and promotes their proper renewal. Also, after using this shampoo, your hair acquires a beautiful shine.
- Perhaps one of the cheapest means that successfully eliminates redness and itching, and also cleans the skin. The drug does not have an aggressive effect. The only contraindication is individual intolerance to birch tar.
- Antifungal drug. Its main components - a substance from the imidazole group and zinc pyrithione - are derived synthetically. According to user reviews, it helps to rid the skin of the dry crust that is located above the papules.
You should not think that medicinal cosmetics will immediately relieve you of the symptoms of psoriasis.It should take at least 2 weeks before you feel an improvement in your skin condition.
Remember!Psoriasis is an incurable disease that can recur due to hormonal imbalance, stress or a weakened immune system.
As,Shampoos for scalp psoriasis should be selected taking into account the condition of the skin and the degree of neglect of the disease.There are various options for medicinal cosmetics: based on antifungal substances, zinc pyrithione, selenium disulfide, tar, salicylic acid and corticosteroid (hormonal) drugs.
Experts recommend selecting shampoo according to the recommendations of a trichologist and dermatologist, as well as starting treatment in a timely manner to prevent the spread of papules.