Choosing a shampoo for psoriasis of the scalp - a review of the best products

The condition of the skin can tell a lot about the health and condition of the body. If any dermatological disorders or pathologies occur on the scalp and adjacent areas, this causes discomfort, physical suffering and emotional stress. One of the diseases that this characteristic fits is psoriasis.

It is necessary to find out what kind of illness this is, where it comes from, why this disease occurs and what are the methods of treatment. The use of ointments and shampoos for psoriasis of the scalp is an additional, but very important component in the fight against the disease.

Why does psoriasis occur?

The causes of the disease and the mechanism of its triggering have not been studied. There are neurogenic, immune, genetic, allergic, and infectious hypotheses for the development of the disease. So far, the dominant genetic hypothesis is that some people have a predisposition to increased production, division and renewal of the main cells of the epidermis. The result is a paradoxical situation: the more new cells are produced, the stronger the inflammatory reaction around them, and the stronger and more multiple the skin injuries under the influence of the immune system, the more actively new cells are produced.

A violation of cellular immunity is considered one of the probable causes of the development of psoriasis. Cellular immunity protects the body from sick and infected cells. The process involves macrophages, T-lymphocytes, phagocytes - cells capable of capturing and destroying foreign agents. Failure of intracellular immunity leads to the development of psoriasis. Such disorders can be the result of stress, a sudden nervous breakdown, or an infectious disease. According to statistics, psoriasis is three and a half times more common in HIV patients.

Today, psoriasis is considered not as an independent disease, but as a systemic failure, in which skin rashes are only the “tip of the iceberg.” Along with dermatic lesions, there is a failure of the hormonal, metabolic, immune, and nervous systems.

How does psoriasis appear on the scalp?

Seborrheic psoriasis is considered as the initial phase of its more serious forms. The manifestation of the disease begins with damage to the scalp, when pink papules with a clearly defined border appear along the contour of hair growth. “Pimples” are raised above the skin and itch severely, sometimes unbearably. Depending on the development of the process, the following stages of seborrheic psoriasis are distinguished:

1. Initial stage. It is limited to the appearance of individual “pimples,” hemispherical papules with a smooth shiny surface. Sometimes such pimples are covered with a network of microscopic cracks. In terms of development time, the initial stage takes from 10 to 14 days.
2. Stage of progression. Characteristic for relapses of the disease. More and more rashes appear, which merge with each other, forming significant lesions with a rough, flaky surface.
3. Conservation or stabilization stage. No new rashes appear. The growth of old plaques stops. The rim of hyperemic skin around the plaques disappears. This phase speaks of effective therapy and correctly selected medications.
4. Regression stage. No new rashes appear, old ones noticeably fade, itching and flaking of the skin stop. Psoriatic plaques dissolve, and a rim of normal or lighter skin appears around them.

With pilaris psoriasis, plaques are localized on the back of the head, partings, near the ears, at the border of hair growth above the forehead. Psoriatic plaques are characterized by a triad of signs that make it possible to distinguish them from rashes of other nature:

• “stearin stain” - with the lightest scraping, silver or milky scales appear with a texture reminiscent of ground stearin;
• “terminal film” - with stronger scraping, the red, glossy, shiny surface of the papule becomes visible;
• “bloody dew” - when the surface of the papule is injured, tiny droplets of blood appear.

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Treatment options

It should be remembered that it is impossible to get rid of this disease forever. But under no circumstances should you neglect it, nor should you self-medicate. The most effective result will be if you are treated comprehensively , affecting not only the scalp in the form of ointments and shampoos, but also medicinal and preventive effects on all systems of the body and even by changing a person’s lifestyle.

1. Stress and psychological and emotional stress should be avoided;
2. Strictly adhere to the diet, eat well, regularly use vitamin supplements;
3. Quit alcohol and smoking;
4. Maintain a daily routine;
5. Do not stay in the open sun for a long time, do not get hypothermic;
6. Use sedatives, anti-inflammatory, antihistamines, and restorative drugs;
7. It is possible to use diuretics, immunomodulators and antidepressants, psychotropic drugs.

The attending physician will definitely select an individual course, depending on the stage of the disease and the patient’s condition.

Antibiotics should be taken when there is an inflammatory process in the body.

Zinc and salicylic ointments are also used as prevention and assistance in treatment: “Antipsor”, “Elido”, “Solipsor”, “Akrustal”, “Katalin”.

What shampoos should be used for scalp psoriasis

For a medicinal shampoo for scalp psoriasis, it is not enough to be an ordinary “detergent”; it must also meet the following criteria:

• relieve pain syndrome;
• carefully cleanse sore skin and hair;
• easy to remove from hair; moisturize and nourish them;
• prevent the development of secondary infections, i.e. combine antimycotic, antibacterial, antimicrobial effects;
• have a minimum of side effects.

With psoriasis, plaques are layered on top of each other, single lesions merge, and affected areas grow. With total psoriatic processes, the skin becomes coarser and becomes covered with an armored crust. Shampoos for scalp psoriasis remove dead plaque scales, exfoliate dead microparticles of the epithelium, allowing oxygen to freely penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin.

Shampoos for scalp psoriasis are used with caution, following the instructions and recommendations of the doctor. Thus, Sebozol is not used in quantities exceeding 5 g, and is used no more than 1-2 times a week.

Shampoos for psoriasis combine antipruritic, analgesic, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects. Along with synthetic medications, they contain natural active ingredients and medicinal plants.

Super psori

Thus, the main active ingredients of Super Psori shampoo are naftalan oil and tar, magnesium salts, keratin, and extracts from medicinal plants. The drug is suitable for children, does not dry out the skin, and restores hair structure.

Among dermatologists, Etrivex is considered one of the best shampoos for scalp psoriasis. In addition to anti-inflammatory and antipruritic, it has a vasoconstrictor, anti-exudative effect, and prevents the production of atypical epidermal cells. But it contains potent components, and the use of this product requires familiarization with the instructions for use.

Sulsena

Sulsena is a line of anti-dandruff medications. Includes soap, shampoo, oil, paste. The main active ingredient is selenium disulfide (sulsen).

Shampoo Sulsen. It has a strong “medicinal” smell and orange color. It is used for scaly lichen, seborrheic psoriasis, itching of the skin, dysfunction of the sebaceous glands. Sulsen shampoo normalizes the renewal of epithelial cells, kills yeast, and reduces peeling processes due to the polyethylene granules it contains. Use as a regular hair cleanser. Foams very well and rinses hair.

Despite the fact that Sulsena has a neutral PH index, its use is undesirable during pregnancy and lactation.

Sulsena paste is used for psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and increased hair loss. Depending on the percentage of the active substance, it is used as a preventive and therapeutic agent. The drug reduces destructive processes, renews epithelial cells, and strengthens hair.

The paste is applied to damp, clean hair, left for 15 minutes, then washed off with clean warm water.

Before first use, it is advisable to test the product on a small area: the paste can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation.

Sulsena paste is not used during gestation and breastfeeding

Russian pharmaceutical companies produce Sulsen Retard cream lotion. Sulsen Retard is a dual action product: it not only removes external signs of the disease, but also relieves itching, stabilizes the functions of the sebaceous glands, and destroys pathogenic microorganisms that destroy the hair follicle. It is not as thin as shampoo and not as thick as paste. Apply for 2-3 minutes to clean, damp hair.

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Friederm

The group of local products used against psoriasis includes Friederm shampoos. The line consists of three types: Friederm Zinc, Friederm Tar, Friederm PH-Balance.

The first two include, respectively, zinc and tar, purified water, and synthetic components. Both types of Friederm shampoos are used for dandruff, but that’s where their similarities end.

Friderm Tar is an anti-dandruff shampoo for oily hair. It dries hair, removes excess oil, and copes with any type of dandruff. Used like regular shampoo. The light tar smell disappears after a few minutes.

Friederm Zinc reduces itching, destroys pathogenic microorganisms - bacteria and fungi. Zinc, which is part of the drug, provides an antiseborrheic effect.

Separately, we can highlight shampoos with miconazole, which have an antifungal effect.

Fungal psoriasis does not exist as such, but when scratching the plaques, a fungal or bacterial infection occurs. Shampoos against lichen for humans contain Miconazole or Ketoconazole - substances that suppress the growth of fungal colonies and prevent their reproduction.

Miconazole

Miconazole shampoo is transparent, without a distinct odor, and the texture is more like a gel than a regular shampoo. Acts on yeast-like fungi, suppressing the process of their reproduction. Miconazole shampoo is prescribed for psoriatic process with an associated fungal infection.

Manufacturers produce entire lines of antifungal agents. Thus, the Nizoral product line includes tablets and cream - an effective remedy for psoriatic nail lesions.

Shampoos for scalp psoriasis are used with caution, following the instructions and recommendations of the doctor.

Composition and beneficial properties

In case of a skin disease, the scalp requires careful care aimed at eliminating or alleviating symptoms. Shampoo against psoriasis has a number of advantages over conventional detergents:

• eliminates pain syndrome;
• softens the skin;
• reduces allergy symptoms (itching, flaking, redness);
• stops inflammatory processes;
• destroys pathogenic microflora.

Depending on the composition, there are several types of shampoos:

• hormonal - drugs with a pronounced therapeutic effect, the active ingredients of which are clobetasol propionate, betamethasone dipropionate;
• tar - contain tar (juniper, birch bark, coal tar);
• antifungal - the active components of the products are ketoconazole, miconazole, zinc pyrithione, ciclopirox, terbinafine, etc.;
• medicinal - include salicylic acid, zinc, ichthyol, naphthalan, and so on;
• cosmetics with healing effects - contain plant decoctions, vitamins, minerals and other biologically active components.

When using non-hormonal shampoos, to achieve a therapeutic effect, it is recommended to combine them with systemic medications and supplement therapy with physiotherapy. Medicines with glucocorticosteroids are allowed to be used only by the decision of the attending physician after undergoing a comprehensive examination.

Shampoos containing tar

Eliminates external manifestations of the disease, with their regular use the itching stops, the skin stops peeling. Shampoos with tar are selected individually, based on the characteristics of the disease clinic and the severity of the process.

Friderm Tar

Friderm Tar. The main active substance is tar obtained from coal. To treat psoriasis of the scalp, a small amount of the product is taken into the palm of your hand and rubbed into the skin, washed off with clean water. Then the second dose is taken, foamed on the hair, left for a few minutes, foamed again, and the hair is rinsed. To achieve stable remission, shampoo with Friederm tar is used for three months, twice a week.

Finnish shampoo with tar. The main component is juniper tar. Helps with psoriatic itching, relieves inflammation, stabilizes the functions of the sebaceous glands. An effective remedy for the prevention of psoriasis and treatment of the disease in the initial stages. The line includes Degtyarny shampoo 500 ml, Degtyarny XZ shampoo 250 ml, Village Tar shampoo.

Lush Swim

“Swim” from Lysh. Solid shampoo in the form of pucks. Sold without packaging, the texture resembles soap, and has a mild exfoliating effect. The main component is juniper tar. Other herbal ingredients include lavender and rose oil, which normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands, and calendula, which acts as a natural antiseptic.

Shampoos containing tar have a number of contraindications:

• diseases of the urinary system;
• individual intolerance to components;
• open wounds;
• dry, split ends, brittle hair.

Tar shampoo is not used during pregnancy and lactation. There is no data on its penetration into the bloodstream, but the ability of the main component to cause allergic reactions has been noted, which in turn implies the use of potent medications that are prohibited during gestation.

How does medicated shampoo work for scalp psoriasis?

If you notice the first signs of dermatosis: redness, papules and itching, immediately stop using regular shampoo. Cosmetics can worsen skin condition. Consult a dermatologist and continue to use shampoo prescribed by your doctor.

The right product:

• relieves pain;
• will reduce peeling and moisturize the epidermis;
• promotes rapid regeneration of damaged skin;
• will minimize itching or completely eliminate it.

The healing properties of shampoo are determined by its unique composition.

According to the method of influence they can be divided into groups:

• antifungal agents;
• medicinal shampoos. Usually contain a drying agent: zinc or ketoconazole;
• products with tar.

Shampoo with tar is contraindicated for kidney pathologies.

Shampoos with antifungal effect

Treatment of psoriasis of the scalp occurs with the help of a complex of medications. Shampoos against lichen for humans are freely available in pharmacies, but their use must be agreed with a doctor, and they are used according to the instructions.

The therapeutic effect of antifungal hair detergents is ensured by the active substances included in their composition:

1. Cyclosporamine – disinfects, suppresses mycotic infections. Products containing this substance eliminate itching and inflammation.
2. Octopirox (Piroctone Olamine). The substance is destructive to fungal spores, inhibits its reproduction and destroys cells. Penetrating into the nucleus of a microorganism, it replaces the control functions of chromosomes. Acts on fungi, mold and bacteria. Octopirox protects the scalp from toxins and enhances the viability of epidermal cells. Octopirox does not contain highly toxic substances, it does not enter the bloodstream, and does not have systemic effects on the body.
3. Ketoconazole. Synthetic substance. Component of most antimycotic shampoos. Penetrates the membrane membranes of the microorganism, disrupting the integrity of its structure and life cycle.
4. Selenium sulfide. Acts on the pathogen, slowing down the division of its cells. Sulfide selenium eliminates both the external manifestations of the disease and its causes.
5. Zinc pyrithione. Complex of active substances. Slows down the development of epithelial cells, prevents proliferation - the growth of tissues that the body does not need.

Nizoral

It has an unusual orange color for shampoo, a specific “pharmacy” smell, and foams well.

The active substance ketoconazole is effective against dermatophytes and yeast fungi, including the genus Candida.

There was no penetration of the active substance into the blood plasma when applied to the scalp, but it is determined when the drug gets into the entire body. The development of systemic reactions is unlikely, but there is a possibility of the development of allergic processes.

Nizoral is used as a shampoo for psoriasis accompanied by fungal infection in adults and children.

Nizoral occupies a leading place in the group of antifungal and antipsoriatic agents and is considered one of the best shampoos for psoriasis.

Contraindications

Some types of medicated shampoos contain potent ingredients. Therefore, before use, you need to study the instructions with contraindications for use.

Main contraindications:

• pregnancy and breastfeeding. Active substances penetrate into the bloodstream through the layers of the epidermis and can affect the development of the fetus;
• liver and kidney pathologies;
• childhood. For psoriasis, you can use gentle shampoos for scalp psoriasis intended for children;
• there are ulcers next to the papules;
• oncology;
• syphilis.

If there are no contraindications, then you need to monitor the skin's reaction after washing. If swelling and redness occur, you must stop using the shampoo and adjust the treatment with your doctor.

Shampoos with healing effect

Such drugs have a prolonged effect - they not only eliminate external signs, but also act on the cause of the disease. As a result, psoriatic plaques disappear, the affected areas shrink, itching disappears, and skin regeneration processes intensify.

Etrivex

Therapeutic shampoo for psoriasis on the head. With its use, old plaques regress, new ones do not appear; itching and burning stop; inflammatory processes are minimized or disappear completely.

Etrivex contains glucocorticosteroids - artificially synthesized hormones. This component determines the possibility of using shampoo during exacerbations or relapses of the disease.

The instructions for use of Etrivex shampoo describe in detail the indications and contraindications, dosage and frequency of use. It is applied to dry scalp, left for 15 minutes, then rinsed off.

Etrivex is part of a group of local potent antipsoriatic drugs. It is used from the age of 18, and only a doctor’s prescription becomes the basis for earlier use.

Clobex Shampoo

Powerful shampoo for psoriasis. Tslobex is included in the category of medical medicinal shampoos. The composition is based on glucocorticosteroids, so treatment is limited to four weeks.

The drug is applied directly to the lesions, while avoiding any contact with the face, eyes and lips.

Clobex is not used during gestation and breastfeeding periods and is not used in patients under 18 years of age.

Tslobex has a powerful vasoconstrictor, antiexudative, antipruritic effect, and is effective in the treatment of severe forms of psoriasis pilaris.

Side effects and contraindications

Most formulations carefully cleanse hair and affected skin; dermatologists rarely record negative reactions.

In some patients with increased sensitization of the body, allergies and increased psoriatic manifestations are possible.

When using tar shampoos, local irritation is occasionally noticeable

Formulations with active ingredients for the treatment of psoriasis are prohibited from being used in the following cases:

• pregnancy;
• allergy to the components of the product;
• lactation period;
• age of the patient: not all types of cleansing emulsions are suitable for children.

Correct use of shampoo against psoriasis on the head improves the condition of problem areas and reduces the negative symptoms of the disease. The selection of a cleansing composition and the development of an individual treatment regimen are carried out by a dermatologist after examining the patient.

Cosmetic shampoos

Cosmetic shampoos for psoriasis are used in the stage of stable remission or to prevent the disease. Contain fragrances, flavors and other cosmetic ingredients. They are not used as first-choice drugs in the treatment of psoriasis.

Friederm Balance

Used for minor flaking, dandruff, and small areas of inflammation. It acts gently, and since it does not contain aggressive substances, neither the microflora nor the acid-base balance is disturbed.

Ecoderm

Does not cause allergic reactions, soothes, cleanses and nourishes the scalp and hair. It does not affect any external manifestations of psoriasis, much less its causes.

Mode of application

General rules for cleansing the scalp and hair with psoriasis:

• moisten the hair generously with warm water (hot liquid dries out the epidermis);
• Apply a small amount (about a teaspoon) of the composition to your hair, gently lather, and treat all areas;
• after 5 minutes, rinse your hair, repeat the procedure (hold the product for no more than a minute);
• Rinse your hair well and completely rinse off the cleansing emulsion. You should not rub the affected areas; it is important to act delicately.

ON A NOTE! Medicinal, tar, and cosmetic varieties are suitable for cleansing the scalp 2–4 times a week; baby shampoos are allowed for daily use.

Shampoos containing zinc

Shampoos with zinc have a quick healing effect, stimulate the activation of regenerative processes, eliminate old plaques and prevent the appearance of new ones.

Zinc-based shampoos equally destroy fungi and bacteria, eliminate swelling and stop inflammatory processes; The scalp takes on a healthy appearance, its elasticity and firmness are restored.

Therapeutic shampoos with zinc are used for recurrent psoriasis and are used 2-3 times every 7 days.

The list of shampoos with zinc includes:

1. Lybriderm zinc. After several applications, the skin cell restoration mechanism is launched. The drug moisturizes the skin and gives it a healthy appearance. Libriderm zinc suppresses fungal infections, removes dandruff, and relieves inflammation.
2. Friderm with zinc. It has a very pleasant creamy consistency and has no odor. It contains zinc and gum, which prevents hair loss and enhances the effect of zinc. The drug is used for psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and lichen.
3. Skin cap. The same applies to a number of shampoos containing zinc. Skin-cap is a dermatological drug used for initial forms of psoriasis and its relapses. Skin cap is used as a regular hair cleanser; time frame for use – 2 times a week for 14-30 days.

Regular use of the drug allows you to completely get rid of itching and inflammation.

All preparations with zinc are safe to use, have no contraindications and have a relatively low, “budget” cost.

Shampoos with salicylic acid

Shampoos with salicylic acid are used in the treatment of hair psoriasis. Such drugs have a drying and cleansing effect on the skin.

Salicylic acid has a complex of qualities necessary for the treatment of psoriasis and seborrhea, eliminating dandruff:

• creates an acidic environment unfavorable for the life of fungi and bacteria;
• softens the skin, exfoliates dead scales;
• reduces the production of sebaceous gland secretions;
• stops hair loss;
• starts the regeneration process;
• dries out the skin.

Salicylic acid allows you to get rid of acne and pimples in a short time. The drug is safe and does not cause any side effects.

Similar products with salicylic acid are used for oily skin. After several uses, the hair stops sticking together. They become fluffy and the greasy shine disappears.

General therapy

General drug treatment includes:

• antihistamines;
• sedatives;
• hyposensitizing medications;
• immunomodulators;
• nonspecific immunotherapy drugs;
• corticosteroid drugs;
• cytostatic drugs;
• aromatic retinoids;
• calcified autologous blood;
• hemodez solution (injected drip into a vein);
• vitamin complexes.

Corticosteroid and cytostatic drugs are prescribed only for severe forms of the disease. If psoriasis is accompanied by an infection, antibiotic therapy will be required. For excessive irritability, anxiety, and the development of social phobia, psychotropic drugs are prescribed.

Shampoos with salicylic acid

Psoril shampoo with a “telling” name is recognized as one of the best remedies in the treatment of hair psoriasis.

Psoril

Quickly acts against any type of dandruff, including those caused by psoriasis. Active ingredients: salicylic acid, zinc pyrithione, piroctone olamine. And, in addition, the components include extracts of chamomile and burdock and panthenol.

Derkos Vichy

A line of anti-dandruff products produced in France. Includes women's and men's shampoos with salicylic acid. The manufacturer promises to relieve the patient of dandruff and oily seborrhea in exactly 30 days.

Bioderma Node K

Creamy thick shampoo, released for the treatment of scalp psoriasis, dandruff, severe flaking. The detergent does not dry out hair and can be used for all hair types. In the treatment of psoriasis, Bioderma Node K is used three times a week for a three-week course.

Biorga Squafan

Suitable for the treatment of advanced and acute forms of psoriasis. The composition includes juniper oil, known for its therapeutic and restorative effect.

General recommendations for the use of shampoos for psoriasis

To achieve maximum therapeutic effect, you must follow the instructions:

1. Rub in with your fingertips without scratching the skin.
2. You should not dye your hair if a person has psoriasis in the scalp.
3. It is not advisable to use a hair dryer after washing with medicated shampoos.
4. It is recommended to use special rinses.
5. Doctors advise alternating shampoos to get rid of psoriasis (tar and medicinal, etc.).

It must be remembered that only a dermatologist should recommend a detergent, since improper use and treatment of psoriatic manifestations can cause an exacerbation of the disease.

There are no universal means of combating psoriasis, but by using an integrated approach, including using shampoos used for psoriasis in the scalp, long-term remission can be achieved.

Baby shampoos

Shampoo for psoriasis for children is suitable for both treatment and prevention. Its effect is weak, and there are no potent substances in its composition.

Jhonson's Baby

Well moisturizes the skin, restores its water balance, firmness and elasticity. The scales of the papules peel off, but the papular rashes themselves are not injured.

Hipp

Can even be used for newborns. It contains extracts and extracts of medicinal plants that soften and moisturize delicate skin. The product is suitable for daily use.

Me and mom

Another product where the main component is herbal ingredients. It not only moisturizes the skin well, but also helps remove toxins. Used for children who have crossed the three-year threshold of life.

There are many cleaning agents that help fight psoriasis. Before purchasing, the pros and cons, advantages and disadvantages are assessed; The composition is studied to ensure the absence of harmful substances.

And it is best to coordinate the choice with your doctor, dermatologist or trichologist, get recommendations and only then begin treatment.

Local treatment

External agents include:

• keratoplasty ointments: naphthalan, ichthyol, salicylic, sulfur-tar;
• Glucocorticosteroid ointments are used only in severe cases.

Shampoos can increase the effectiveness of treatment (but only with complex therapy; they will not provide the desired result on their own):

• tar (Algopix);
• with ketoconazole (Nizoral, Ketozoral, Sebozol, Perhotal);
• children's (Me and mom, Karapuz).