Hyperkeratosis of the scalp: causes, treatment

Hyperkeratosis of the scalp is a very unpleasant phenomenon. Moreover, it is rarely an independent disease and most often indicates the presence of certain violations in the work of the body. So what are the causes of hyperkeratosis? Which specialist should I seek help with? What kind of treatment does modern medicine offer?

What is hyperkeratosis?

It's not a secret for anyone that the structure of the human skin is quite complicated. Cells of the epidermis on the skin surface are constantly divided - the old die and peel off, and in their place there are new ones.

But in some cases, for one reason or another, metabolism changes - people are seeing an increase in the synthesis of keratin protein, which accumulates in the upper, horny layer of the skin. The protein substance "glues" together skin scales, preventing them from normal separation. This is how the hyperkeratosis of the scalp develops.

As the disease develops, the thickness of the upper layers of the skin on the affected area increases, roughness and tuberosity appear on it. Naturally, hyperkeratosis is not only an aesthetic problem. After all, because of the accumulation of dead tissues, the basic functions of the skin are violated, in particular, sweating, getting rid of sebum, gas exchange, etc. As a result of such changes, epidermis atrophy eventually occurs, which is much more dangerous.

Internal causes of hyperkeratosis

In fact, hyperkeratosis of the scalp rarely occurs on its own. In most cases, such changes indicate abnormalities in the work of the whole organism. There are many causes of hyperkeratosis.

In some patients, some genetic diseases associated with the synthesis of keratin are found during the diagnosis. Often, hyperkeratosis occurs against a background of skin diseases: erythroderma, various types of lichen, as well as psoriasis. Sometimes a metabolic disorder in the skin layers is associated with liver or gallbladder disease. The risk factors are also diabetes, Sesari syndrome, as well as congenital pathologies, which are accompanied by ichthyosis.

In addition, dryness of the scalp and thickening of the stratum corneum can be observed against a background of deficiency of vitamins and minerals, in particular folic acid, tocopherol, retinol, zinc, etc.

Are there external risk factors?

Certainly, internal disorders can cause hyperkeratosis of the scalp. The reasons, nevertheless, are also external. In particular, thickening of the stratum corneum occurs if the person ignores the rules of personal hygiene and does not provide the scalp with appropriate care.

In addition, experts attribute to risk factors and improper selection of cosmetics. Some shampoos, masks and balms for the hair cause increased dryness of the skin or allergic reaction. In some patients, hyperkeratosis develops as a result of strong squeezing of the scalp for a long time - similar is observed with the constant wearing of rims, hairpins, hairpins and even too tight hats.

It is almost impossible to determine the cause of the development of this pathology independently. That is why, with the slightest suspicion of the presence of hyperkeratosis, you should seek help from a specialist.

Hyperkeratosis of the scalp: a photo and description of the main symptoms

It is worth noting that at the initial stages of signs of hyperkeratosis are not too obvious - many people confuse the disease with conventional seborrhea. First, the scalp becomes excessively dry. Accordingly, patients complain of dandruff. Violation of the basic functions of tissues affects the condition of the hair. In particular, they become thin, dull, brittle, you can see the split ends.

As the disease develops, the epidermal layers become denser and begin to intensively flake off. The skin becomes rough and bumpy to the touch. Patients report the appearance of hard pimples of a purple color.

Hyperkeratosis of the scalp leads to intense hair loss - alopecia in this case can be both partial and complete. In most cases, the disease affects other parts of the body. For example, often the patients are also noted keratosis of the skin of the palms, elbows, feet or knees. In the absence of treatment or at the beginning of therapy in the last stages of the disease, it is not possible to restore lost hair - baldness in this case is irreversible.

To whom to address with a similar problem?

Disease of the scalp (hyperkeratosis) can lead to extremely unpleasant consequences. That's why when you have the first signs, you should ask a specialist for help. First of all, you need to visit the dermatologist's office, which will conduct a primary examination, assign the necessary studies and, possibly, recommend to you other specialists.

Diagnosis in this case is not only to confirm the presence of hyperkeratosis, but to find the cause of this condition. Therefore, you will most likely need to pass blood tests and tissue samples from the affected skin areas, undergo ultrasound examination, etc. If you find any problems, you will need to undergo an additional examination from a trichologist, immunologist, hematologist or neurologist.

Treatment of hyperkeratosis with drugs

Only the doctor knows about what therapy requires scalp keratosis. Treatment in this case depends both on the causes of the development of the syndrome, and on its stage. For example, in the initial stages it will be enough to strengthen the body and proper care of the scalp. In particular, patients are prescribed preparations of fish oil - this remedy is taken orally, and they also treat affected areas of the skin. Positively on the condition of the skin will affect the reception of multivitamin complexes and probiotics, helping to restore the immune system.

Naturally, it is extremely important to eliminate the underlying cause of the disease. The therapy looks slightly different if the patient is diagnosed with hyperkeratosis of the scalp. Treatment includes the use of special hormonal ointments that eliminate inflammation, dryness and irritation of the skin, reduce the degree of compaction of the stratum corneum. In particular, such drugs as "Celestoderm", "Lokoid", "Sinalar", prednisolone ointment are considered quite effective.

Hardware methods of treatment

Certainly, some means of cosmetology and aesthetic medicine will also help to cope with such an unpleasant disease as hyperkeratosis of the scalp. How to treat this condition? First of all, patients are recommended various procedures for cleansing the scalp. For example, soft peels using salicylic, malic, citric acids help to cleanse the skin of the "glued" horny scales, improve blood circulation and nutrition of tissues, and accelerate the regeneration processes.

Methods of laser therapy are also considered quite effective. Unfortunately, such drugs are not so cheap, so not all patients are suitable.

Hyperkeratosis of the scalp: treatment at home

As already mentioned, such a violation is most often associated with some or other changes in the work of the body itself. Therefore, observing simple rules and following the recommendations of a doctor, you can get rid of such an ailment as hyperkeratosis of the scalp much sooner.

Treatment at home primarily involves proper scalp care. In this case, it is extremely important to choose high-quality shampoos and other care products - this is worth talking to your doctor. The condition of the skin is also positively affected by massage.

In addition, patients with a similar diagnosis are recommended to observe the basic rules of a healthy lifestyle - eat well, avoid physical exertion, often be outdoors, strengthen immunity, abandon bad habits. It is also important to establish the work of the gastrointestinal tract.

Traditional medicine

Now you know what the hyperkeratosis of the scalp is. Treatment, photos, causes and symptoms of the disease is in this article. But is it possible to get rid of it with the help of traditional medicine? To date, there are many recipes that help cope with the disease.

For example, to combat hyperkeratosis suitable ordinary potatoes. Clean it and grind it on a grater. The resulting gruel lay on the gauze bandage and attach to the lesion focus for about an hour. The procedure should be repeated at least three times a day until visible improvements appear.

Aloe vera juice is very effective. First cut off the young sheets and leave in the fridge for 5-7 days. After this time, the plant will be ready for use. Cut the leaves along and attach them to the affected area of the skin, fixing the gauze bandage on top. It is best to cover the head with a food film and wrap the towel around - so the effect of the plant will be maximum. The procedure should be performed before bedtime, since aloe should stay on the skin for at least 8-10 hours. A sutra wipe the skin with salicylic alcohol.

But do not forget that such improvised tools help only to accelerate the process of recovery. In no case should not abandon conservative treatment. Moreover, before using any traditional medicine, it is better to consult a doctor.