When diagnosing psoriasis, it is necessary to immediately begin treatment of the disease, as psoriatic plaques can spread over the entire surface of the hair. Shampoos for psoriasis have proven to be quite effective in this matter, improving the condition of the scalp dermis, relieving inflammation and itching.
Operation principle
Those who have experienced psoriasis should understand thatIt will not be possible to eliminate the disease in a cosmetic way, as the disease is associated with weakened immunity and retroviruses, which are hereditary.The only thing that can be done is to cure the problem.
Let’s find out what psoriasis is? This is a problem that is associated with skin regeneration. Typically, exfoliation of the upper layers of the dermis occurs after a month, and in the case of psoriasis, skin peeling occurs every 4-5 days. Thus, keratinized scales accumulate, forming psoriatic plaques, the surface of which is somewhat reminiscent of beeswax.One or several lesions can form on a person's head and, when the disease is advanced, the entire head becomes covered with them.
It is not necessary to go to the dermatologist or trichologist to determine whether you have psoriasis or dermatitis. Psoriatic papules almost always have a clear outline, which becomes pink or reddish.
Do not comb your hair too hard, otherwise you will not get rid of flaking, but will only create wounds into which germs can penetrate.
Exactlythanks to the action of shampoos:
- improves skin regeneration;
- 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 removed;
- the affected areas are reduced and new psoriatic plaques no longer form;
- the functioning of the sebaceous glands is normalized;
- fungi and other microorganisms that live 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 combating psoriatic manifestations. You need to look for an effective remedy in a 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 (using the products is practically no different from normal hair washing);
- impact not only on the skin, but also on the hair structure itself;
- fairly quick effect in 2 weeks (if you follow the instructions);
- obstacle to the development of new papules;
- restoration of skin regeneration;
- cleaning the dermis from peeling.
Disadvantages of using shampoosare also significant. Many medications can cause allergic reactions. It is rare to find products approved for use by pregnant women, breastfeeding women and children.
What is more,medicinal cosmetics against psoriasis:
- It is not cheap;
- can cause dry hair;
- Not suitable for all scalps;
- often addictive.
Contraindications
When using shampoos against psoriasis, you need to be very careful, as some of them contain potent substances,which can penetrate the dermis and then be absorbed into the blood. Shampoos based on antifungal and hormonal substances are strictly contraindicated for pregnant women. They should not be used by people who have severe liver and kidney disease.
All other medication suspensions should be tested for allergic reactions. To do this, simply put a few drops of anti-psoriasis shampoo on the skin of your wrist or the inside of your elbow and leave it to act for 10 minutes. Observe the reaction: in case of redness, swelling or itching, it is best to discard the test medicine.
In some cases, the use of funds is prohibited:
- children;
- people with skin dermatitis;
- those who have ulcers in places where papules are located;
- people with syphilis and malignant skin tumors.
Application rules
Before using any shampoo for scalp psoriasis, you should carefully read the instructions, especially the method of application.
Usage Tips:
- Some bottles must be shaken before washing your hair.
- Most products are applied to damp hair. First you wash your hair to cleanse the sebum from the dermis, and then dry your curls with a terry towel. When the skeins are slightly damp, spread the psoriasis shampoo over your head.
- When applying a healing suspension, try to apply the medicine mainly to places where papules accumulate. Make sure to massage your scalp so that the product penetrates the deeper layers of the epidermis. On the dermis, distribute the active formula with your fingertips, as you may scratch irritated areas with your nails.
- Leave the shampoo on for 5–7 minutes and 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 to 3 times a week for 14 days.Then the number of approaches should be reduced - used mainly once a week.
- It turns out that the scalp gets used to the active ingredients found in shampoos. As a rule, this happens after two weeks. In this case, you should not immediately change the medicine. It is best to wait a week or two and then resume therapy.
- It is recommended to purchase two shampoos: tar and medicinal. They need to be alternated.
- After washing your hair, do not dry your hair with a hairdryer, and also use decoctions to rinse your hair.
Important point!If you have psoriasis, it is not advisable to use permanent dyes. They can only aggravate the situation, causing the appearance of a large number of psoriatic papules.
Shampoo Review
There is a whole list of shampoos that can eliminate papules.Its action vector is different:
- intended for cleaning dead particles (based on tar, sulfur, salicylic acid);
- kill microorganisms, in particular the fungus pityrosporum, staphylococci and streptococci (with the addition of zinc pyrithione, antifungal substances);
- relief of inflammation and pain (based on corticosteroids (hormones), therefore they are used only after consultation with a dermatologist and trichologist);
- baby shampoos, which are used as prophylaxis between the main courses of therapy.
So, it's up to you how to wash your hair with psoriasis. 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 medicines:
- Shampoo developed 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 to the shampoo (they are reduced only to individual intolerance to the drug). Apply the product several times to damp hair. The first effect is achieved after 14 days of active use, 2 to 3 times a day. The cost is quite high.
- The main component of this product is a hormone designed to remove the dry crust that has formed and alleviate the inflammatory process (redness and itching). It is advisable to use it for preventive purposes, as it does not remove flaking, but only reduces the risk of the disease worsening. The product should be applied to a dry head and left for about 15 minutes. It is best to combine it with shampoo that has an exfoliating effect. Always be careful when using this shampoo. Cases cannot be excluded when improvement occurred after the first two weeks, and then the situation worsened and 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 fungus and relieves redness.
- Zinc pyrithione-based shampoo has proven to be very positive for psoriasis. It not only removes bacteria but also exfoliates dead skin cells at the same time. During a wash, it is recommended to apply and then rinse the product twice. The cost of the product is relatively low.
- Tar and salicylic shampoos. The first remedy heals various wounds well and relieves inflammation, and the second dries, exfoliates and nourishes the dermis, and also improves skin microcirculation. 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, you should not cancel therapy. But if the burning sensation is severe, you should discontinue the medicine.
- In the line of shampoos developed to combat dandruff, psoriasis, lichen and seborrheic dermatitis, there are two products: with tar and zinc. The first medicine cleanses flaking scalp, improves hair structure 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 substance 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 medicine normalizes cell division and promotes their correct renewal. Furthermore, after using this shampoo, your hair acquires a beautiful shine.
- Perhaps one of the cheapest remedies that successfully eliminates redness and itching, as well as cleanses the skin. The drug does not have an aggressive effect. The only contraindication is individual intolerance to birch tar.
- Antimycotic medication. Its main components - a substance from the group of imidazoles and zinc pyrithione - are synthetically derived. According to user reviews, it helps rid the skin of the dry crust that sits on top of the papules.
You don't need to think that medicinal cosmetics will instantly alleviate the symptoms of psoriasis.It should take at least 2 weeks for you to feel an improvement in your skin condition.
To remember!Psoriasis is an incurable disease that can recur due to hormonal imbalance, stress or a weakened immune system.
That's why,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 several options for medicinal cosmetics: based on antifungal substances, zinc pyrithione, selenium disulfide, tar, salicylic acid and corticosteroid (hormonal) medications.
Experts recommend selecting shampoo in accordance with the recommendations of a trichologist and dermatologist, as well as starting treatment in a timely manner to prevent the spread of papules.