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Causes, types and treatment methods of psoriasis

Psoriasis on a girl's back

In the past decade, doctors have observed a sharp increase in the incidence of psoriasis.The disease involves internal inflammation, is a chronic process, and does not ensure complete recovery.Treatment and prevention of complications include medication, diet and the natural use of folk remedies.

The nature and history of psoriasis

The first mention of the symptoms of the skin disease can be found in the annals of the healers of ancient Egypt and India.It was described in detail by Hippocrates, who gave the name "psora" to the red plaques and papules on the body.In the Middle Ages, it was considered a dangerous type of leprosy for a long time, so patients hid the inflammation to avoid forced treatment.

Psoriasis was first identified as a separate disease by the German dermatologist and scientist Ferdinand von Hebr in 1841.He carried out an extensive examination with epidermal sampling and described in detail all stages and types of the inflammatory process.His follower, Jean Louis Alibert, linked the disease to a specific form of arthritis.

Detailed examination of psoriasis began in the 20th century.With the help of better equipment and optics, doctors have learned that in case of illness, the processes of skin regeneration and exfoliation are accelerated by 8-10 times.They separated the pathology from dermatitis and proved its autoimmune nature.

In recent years, it has been possible to identify the main factors that increase the risk of psoriasis.But doctors are still looking for the causes of the disease;the influence of immunity and heredity is considered.To date, hundreds of drugs have been developed for treatment, but no single method frees the patient from the problem forever.

The main causes of psoriasis

In a healthy person, the renewal process of the upper layer of the dermis takes 21-30 days.During this time, the cell is formed, grows, performs basic functions and dies, giving way to a new one.As a result of the negative factors of psoriasis, the process accelerates several times, lasting at most 5-6 days.

Most dermatologists believe that autoimmune disorders are the main cause of the disease.For unknown reasons, the human immune system begins to attack its own skin cells, which triggers an inflammatory process.They don't have time to mature and break away from the deeper layers, forming itchy plaques.

Among the main causes and factors that trigger the development of the disease are:

  • decrease in immunity;
  • frequent colds, ARVI or flu;
  • hormonal imbalance;
  • pathologies of the thyroid gland;
  • permanent hypothermia;
  • work with chemicals;
  • psychological problems, stress, disorders;
  • drug or alcohol use.

The latest scientific developments suggest several hypotheses regarding the causes of the disease.They are based on observations of different groups of patients:

  • hidden allergy to food, drugs or environmental factors;
  • infections and foci of inflammation in internal organs;
  • disruption of metabolic processes affecting tissue regeneration;
  • presence of parasites;
  • psychosomatics.

Psoriasis is often inherited.If both parents have the gene, the risk of encountering the pathology increases to 50%.In most cases, the first manifestations of the disease are observed during puberty and the final formation of the body - between 15-20 years.

Many patients manage to avoid painful manifestations with the help of diet and a healthy lifestyle.However, doctors identify several factors that can cause exacerbations and frequent relapses:

  • smoking;
  • infectious skin diseases;
  • side effects of certain medications;
  • complications after vaccination;
  • tan;
  • stressful situations.

In most cases, the occurrence of psoriasis is a combination of several factors.It worsens after bronchitis or tonsillitis, which was treated with antibiotics.It is always accompanied by a decrease in immunity and a weakening of the body.

Dangerous complications of psoriasis

Itching, burning and plaques on the skin are not the only manifestations.The inflammatory process can affect internal organs and systems and can spread to the joints.The level of toxins in the blood is constantly increasing, disrupting metabolic processes.

The main problem of advanced psoriasis is the development of arthritis.It is diagnosed in 15-20% of patients at various stages and occurs with frequent relapses and painful arthritis.Most often, the process affects the fingers and toes, ankles, knees and hip joints.

Other complications of psoriasis include:

  • erythroderma with extensive skin lesions;
  • reduced visual acuity;
  • dilation of the chambers of the heart;
  • kidney diseases;
  • chronic intestinal disorder.

With psoriasis, the risk of severe depression and mental pathologies increases 2-3 times.The disease is neither contagious nor contagious, but people with skin defects often avoid personal contact and feel embarrassed about their own bodies.They deliberately refuse to live an intimate life and visit interesting places.A biased approach to the problem minimizes the circle of friends.

The main symptoms and signs of psoriasis

An experienced dermatologist can easily distinguish the manifestations of the disease from other forms of dermatitis.Many spots appear on the body, more like rashes.Their diameter increases rapidly, reaching 7-8 cm, and they begin to peel off.If psoriasis is not treated, the inflamed areas cover 50-60% of the body.

The following signs help distinguish psoriasis plaques from lichen or allergies:

  • Their edges are clean, slightly thickened and raised above the skin, causing slight swelling and redness.The scales are light, almost silver.
  • Peeled particles are easily scraped off the surface, leaving the surface as if coated with wax.
  • After the inflamed scales are removed, a thin red film of new cells is visible, which glistens in the light.
  • When you try to peel off the film, drops of blood appear (Auspitz phenomenon).

These are the main signs of psoriasis that help in self-diagnosis.The first manifestations are observed at the place of rubbing with clothing, after abrasions or thermal burns, reminiscent of non-healing wounds.But there are several options for placing the papules on the patient's body:

Manifestations of psoriasis on different parts of the body
  • In my arms.Small lesions can be localized on the fingers, and the elbows are covered with crusts.In rare cases or advanced forms, the process affects the forearm.
  • On the head.The common form is diagnosed when particles and crusts appear on the scalp.The inflammation begins at the back of the head, gradually extending behind the ears, accompanied by a burning sensation and abundant, crown-like dandruff.
  • On the body.Small plaques in teardrop-shaped form abundantly cover the abdomen, thighs and back.The problem often occurs after the infection is treated with antibiotics.
  • On the palms and soles.Palmo-plantar psoriasis starts with a few small plaques, but quickly develops into large areas covered with whitish skin.Sometimes an itchy crust appears only between the fingers.
  • On the face.A rare form that is localized on the thin skin of the eyelids, around the lips, with rashes on the cheeks.

Recently, there has been an increase in the number of children who develop psoriasis well before puberty.In babies, the first papules are hidden in the skin folds of the groin, armpits and neck.They itch, causing discomfort and loss of appetite.Parents often confuse them with the manifestation of atopic dermatitis.

Types and forms of the disease

Psoriasis is classified separately according to its signs and characteristic manifestations.Isolation by form helps to correctly identify the main cause of the disease and to choose a treatment method:

  • Simple, tacky or vulgar.The classic version appears with a large number of plaques on the skin.They are covered in silvery scales, very scaly, itchy and may bleed when scratched.They often merge into one large formation on the back, abdomen or legs.It is characterized by regular relapses and joint complications.
  • Spotted or teardrop shaped.There are many small dots on the body, up to 1.5 cm in diameter.They resemble a rash and are rarely localized on the face and hands.When rubbing against seams, clothing often peels off, leaving open, inflamed skin that becomes infected with a secondary infection.
  • Pustular.A complex form in which up to 30-50% of the body is affected.Exacerbation is accompanied by enlarged lymph nodes, high fever, aggravation of internal diseases, and requires medical care in hospital conditions.It is divided into localized and generalized Tsumbusha type.
  • Exudative.One of the most severe forms.It occurs in patients with endocrine pathologies and develops against the background of diabetes.In addition to peeling, plaques secrete a large amount of inflammatory fluid.They are saturated with secretions and turn into a thick crust, which causes severe pain to a person when touched or handled.
  • Parapsoriasis or Broca's disease.It has similar symptoms, but the plaques are more reminiscent of eczematous spots, they do not have a film effect, waxy shine, and do not emit red droplets even after removal.It can be accompanied by fever, weakness and deterioration of health.
  • Inverse or reversed.The rare form is diagnosed in 1% of people.One manifestation is dark pigmentation in the armpits and inguinal folds, which does not cause intense peeling in the initial stages.

As the disease progresses, seborrheic psoriasis may join the above.This form is diagnosed when itchy spots appear on the scalp.It develops quickly and spreads to the forehead, affecting the face.Patients confuse it with the usual seborrhoea, using a special shampoo.But on visual inspection, there is no oily shine and abundant sebum secretion, the skin is dry, the scales shine in the light.

Separately, doctors distinguish nail psoriasis or onychodystrophy.It resembles the vulgar form and occurs with frequent relapses.It occurs in 90% of patients with psoriatic arthritis.It occurs in only 7% of children, but is difficult to treat.Symptoms include disc detachment, white spots, dents, and severe delamination.

Stages of psoriasis

In clinical practice, the disease has several stages.They differ in the severity of the symptoms, their manifestations and the nature of the course.Separately, many experts describe the first, which occurs in many patients with a hidden inflammation that resembles the usual dermatitis or lichen.

In the initial or early stages, the rash is almost invisible.Sometimes a slight peeling occurs on the elbows or legs, which does not cause discomfort.The burning sensation decreases after applying a moisturizing cream or body lotion.The spots are small in diameter and are not a cause for concern.

During diagnosis, the following classification of psoriasis stages is used:

  1. Acute or progressive.The spots noticeably increase in size and are covered with dry particles of the epidermis.The patient is concerned about severe itching, burning, irritation and swelling of the skin at the site of the rash.A red border appears around the plaques.
  2. Standing stage.New formations do not appear, but the disease progresses, negatively affecting the joints and internal organs.Unpleasant sensations intensify, plaques merge into large spots on the body, appear on the head, nails and soles.The skin looks inflamed, peels and cell death does not stop.
  3. Regression or resolution.Psoriasis symptoms gradually decrease and disappear.Red spots disappear, whitish areas remain on the skin.The patient returns to his usual lifestyle.

To choose a treatment method, it must be divided into stages.The most effective and powerful drugs are used in a stationary form, when the risk of damage to internal organs, systems and joints is greatest.Therefore, the task of doctors is to quickly alleviate the exacerbation and completely eliminate the symptoms.The disease cannot be cured, so it is important to strive for long-term regression.

Psoriasis treatment methods

Doctors recommend to start therapy at the first signs of aggravation and not to progress the disease into complications.At the initial stage, you can use non-hormonal drugs, supplement the course with a special diet and folk recipes.It is important to rule out the factors that triggered a new round of psoriasis: stress, smoking, overwork, lack of sleep.

Treating psoriasis at any stage is a difficult task.Often, the patient must go through many ointments, creams and preparations together with the doctor in order to find an effective therapy.It is not enough to eliminate the external manifestations of the disease quickly: it is necessary to ensure that there are no internal inflammations, joint damage, and the development of arthritis must be prevented.

Drug therapy

The treatment of any form of psoriasis begins with the use of external remedies.They have different active ingredients, they differ in their composition and the principle of their effect on the epidermis.

The preparations contain vitamins, minerals and oils that relieve discomfort and improve blood circulation in the capillaries.Zinc and phenolic acid also provide protection against bacteria, prevent secondary infections and drying out of moist areas.

If the lesions are severe and the spots grow, doctors prescribe hormonal ointments.Medicines intended for local treatment are selected individually after the examination, taking into account the patient's age, health characteristics and possible contraindications.

Ointments and creams contain synthetic hormones that act on skin receptors and slow down the damaged regeneration process.The inflammation gradually decreases, the cells are produced more slowly, the areas covered with the film heal.Medicines may contain glucocorticosteroids.But they have several serious disadvantages:

  • Many hormonal drugs are contraindicated for the treatment of children under 2 years of age, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
  • It is necessary to strictly adhere to the dosage and follow the instructions.
  • They are characterized by a high price.

The use of hormonal ointments is allowed only under the supervision of a doctor.Active components can penetrate the blood, affect the adrenal cortex and suppress the production of cortisol.In case of overdose or long-term use of the drugs, the treatment should be stopped gradually by reducing the daily dose.

During seasonal exacerbations of psoriasis, immunity-enhancing drugs and vitamin complexes can be used.They stimulate the body from the inside, eliminate dysbacteriosis and vitamin deficiency, and speed up the healing of the skin.The main task of such compositions:

  • removal of toxins;
  • joint tissue support;
  • improving well-being;
  • acceleration of metabolism;
  • liver cleansing.

Remedies for psoriasis are recommended that enhance the effect of the diet, trigger the cleansing of the tissues and intestines, and support the immune system.Depending on the form of the disease, it is used in the form of injections or tablets in a progressive stage or to prevent relapse. 

Psoriasis often occurs in stressful situations.In order to eliminate the provoking factor, doctors select immunosuppressants.They normalize sleep, reduce irritability and anxiety, and stop the inflammatory process.

Immunosuppressants relieve tension and soothe irritated skin receptors.They relieve burning and itching and also have an anti-rheumatic effect.They bind and remove substances that affect the joints, reducing pain and severity of sensations during exacerbation.They are not used at home and require strict dosing.

In the treatment of psoriasis, sorbents stand out among the traditional remedies.These are special drugs that absorb toxins and decay products that are found in large quantities in the blood and intestines in case of exacerbation.This reduces the risk of psoriatic arthritis, indigestion and accelerates the clearing of skin plaques.

The advantage of sorbents is that they are safe for the body, so they can also be used in the medical treatment of children's diseases.It is used to withdraw biological agents and hormonal creams and reduce the concentration of synthetic hormones in the blood.

Chinese remedies for psoriasis

Chinese herbal preparations are well proven in the complex treatment of inflammation.Doctors advise to use it after a course of hormonal ointment for detoxification and recovery.The highest quality according to patients:

  • Lotion containing fluoride, phenol, acetic acid, borneol and herbal extracts.
  • Chinese ointment that quickly penetrates the skin without hormones, saturating it with extracts of nettle, lichen, rhubarb and fulin mushroom.
  • A hormonal agent prescribed during the acute period to reduce inflammation, peeling and itching.Contains glucocorticosteroid, petrolatum, stearin, menthol oil.Approved for the treatment of facial skin.
  • Inexpensive ointment based on natural ingredients.It consists of extracts of mint, echinacea, and clover, with the addition of scorpion venom.
  • A popular remedy for psoriasis vulgaris.Eliminates itching due to the content of turmeric, sandalwood oil, neem and tulsi.
  • The sulfur soap containing aloe extract, olive and palm oil hydrates, restores the lipid balance, and heals wounds.
  • Ointment containing extracts of sophora, holly, cork, mulberry bark and disinfectant.It is used for exacerbation 2 times a day.
  • Enriched with Sophora japonica juice and ash tree root, this safe cream from China relieves dryness, flaking and itching.It can be used on the face and scalp.

Be sure to do an allergy test before treatment with medicines from China: high concentrations of some plant components cause irritation, aggravation and discomfort.

Traditional methods

There are different methods for treating psoriasis.After the acute process is over, the therapy can be supplemented with folk remedies.In case of aggravation, prescriptions prescribed with medical solid oil are often used:

  • Mix liquid honey and fat in equal proportions, add ground oak bark and a raw egg.The resulting mixture is applied to the body twice a day.
  • In a clean bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of fat and baby cream, add a little sea buckthorn oil.Treat inflamed areas with the product in the morning and evening.

You can bathe with the addition of ingredients useful for the treatment of psoriasis: sodium bicarbonate, sea salt, oat decoction, turpentine.The last component, based on pine resin, relieves inflammation, improves blood circulation, soothes and tones the skin.Improvement requires a maximum of 15 procedures with a break of 1-2 days.

Alternative methods

In addition to medications, the patient may be offered light therapy or PUVA photochemotherapy.In 90-95% of cases, the condition of the skin can be significantly improved and the process can be stopped.The therapy is used in the following forms:

  • exudative;
  • vulgar;
  • palmoplantar.

The use of PUVA is effective for scalp lesions.Irradiation with light waves is carried out during 5-6 procedures at a low frequency, which is safe for the body.Among the alternative methods proven in psoriasis:

  • selective light therapy;
  • narrow wave;
  • mud therapy;
  • plasmapheresis.

It is recommended to use mud in the form of an ointment or in a bath to reduce inflamed areas.The most effective compounds are mined on the coast of the Dead Sea and in the resorts of Kuyalnik.They contain minerals that soothe and restore the skin.

Psoriasis prevention

Proper nutrition is an important way to prevent the aggravation and relapse of the disease.The Pegano diet, specially developed by a doctor, helps to reduce the level of allergens, eliminate poisoning and prevent dysbacteriosis.Its main principles:

  • 70-80% of the menu should contain alkaline-forming foods (fruits and vegetables).
  • Only 20-30% of the diet can contain foods that increase acidity (meat, grain, fish, whole milk).
  • Fatty and carbohydrate foods, coffee, sweet carbonated drinks and alcohol are completely excluded.
  • All food must be steamed, boiled or fried without oil.
  • Take food in small portions so as not to overload the intestines.

In order to prevent psoriasis, it is important to quit smoking and drinking alcohol.It is necessary to pay attention to the daily bowel cleansing, to drink more clean water without gas and additives.

Answers to frequently asked questions about psoriasis

Can you get psoriasis?

This is the first misconception that negatively affects communication with patients.In fact, the disease is only related to the functioning of the immune system and does not have viruses transmitted by contact.You can safely treat the patient's skin, wear his clothes or shoes.

Is it possible to swim during an exacerbation?

Doctors recommend daily baths or warm showers, which relieve discomfort and burning, and reduce peeling.The procedure can be completed by bathing in a sea salt and starch solution, or by treating the plaques with mud.

Is it possible to completely cure psoriasis?

To date, no treatment method has been found for the treatment of psoriasis that can completely rid the patient of the problem.It is a chronic and incurable disease that occurs with frequent relapses and requires continuous prevention.With proper nutrition, diet and a healthy lifestyle, only the number of exacerbations and the severity of the course can be reduced.

The causes and characteristics of psoriasis are actively studied by doctors in different countries.Many treatment methods have been developed that give good results, but do not guarantee complete recovery.In case of worsening, it is necessary to combine drug therapy, traditional medicine, detoxification and adherence to a strict diet.