Causes, types and treatments of psoriasis

Over the past decade, doctors have noticed a sharp rise in the incidence of psoriasis.The disease is associated with internal inflammation and is a chronic process from which full recovery is not possible.Treatment and prevention of complications involve medications, diet, and the use of natural remedies.

The nature and history of psoriasis

The first mentions of symptoms of skin diseases are found in the chronicles of healers in ancient Egypt and India.This was described in detail by Hippocrates, who named the red patches and papules on the body "psora."In the Middle Ages, it was long considered a dangerous form of leprosy, so patients hid the inflammation to avoid forced treatment.

Psoriasis was first identified as a separate disease in 1841 by German dermatologist and scientist Ferdinant von Hebr.He conducted extensive research on epithelial sampling and described in detail all stages and types of inflammatory processes.His follower Jean-Louis Alibert linked the disease to a specific form of arthritis.

Detailed research into psoriasis began in the 20th century.With the help of better equipment and optics, doctors have learned that the process of skin regeneration and exfoliation is accelerated 8-10 times during illness.They separated the pathology from dermatitis and demonstrated its autoimmune nature.

In recent years, major factors that increase the risk of psoriasis have been identified.But doctors continue to search for the cause of the disease; immune and genetic influences are being considered.To date, hundreds of treatments have been developed, but none can permanently relieve patients' problems.

Main causes of psoriasis

In healthy people, the renewal process of the upper dermis takes 21-30 days.During this time, cells form, grow, perform basic functions, and die to make room for new cells.In psoriasis, under the influence of adverse factors, the process accelerates several times, lasting no more than 5-6 days.

Most dermatologists believe that the main cause of the disease is an autoimmune disorder.For unknown reasons, the body's immune system begins attacking its own skin cells, triggering an inflammatory process.They don't have time to mature and fall off from the deep layers, forming itchy patches.

The main causes and factors that trigger the development of the disease include:

• Decreased immunity;
• Frequent colds, ARVI, or flu;
• hormonal imbalance;
• Thyroid pathology;
• persistent low temperature;
• working with chemicals;
• Psychological problems, stress, disorders;
• Using drugs or alcohol.

Recent scientific developments have proposed several hypotheses related to the cause of the disease.They are based on observations of different patient groups:

• Hidden allergies to foods, drugs, or environmental factors;
• Internal organ infections and inflammatory lesions;
• Disruption of metabolic processes affecting tissue regeneration;
• presence of parasites;
• Psychosomatics.

Psoriasis is usually hereditary.If both parents have the gene, the risk of developing the disease increases to 50 percent.In most cases, the first manifestations of the disease are observed during adolescence and the period of final physical formation (15 to 20 years of age).

Many patients manage to avoid painful manifestations with the help of diet and a healthy lifestyle.But doctors have identified several factors that may contribute to worsening conditions and frequent relapses:

• smoking;
• Infectious skin diseases;
• side effects of certain medications;
• Complications after vaccination;
• tanning;
• Stressful situations.

In most cases, psoriasis occurs due to a combination of factors.When you have bronchitis or tonsillitis, the condition may worsen with antibiotic treatment.It is always associated with reduced immunity and physical weakness.

Dangerous complications of psoriasis

Itching, burning, and patchy skin are not the only symptoms.The inflammatory process affects the internal organs and systems and is transferred to the joints.Toxin levels in the blood increase, disrupting metabolic processes.

The main problem with advanced psoriasis is the development of arthritis.The disease is diagnosed in various stages in 15-20% of patients and is associated with frequent relapses and painful inflammation of the joints.Most commonly, the procedure involves the fingers and toes, ankles, knees, and hip joints.

Other complications of psoriasis include:

• Erythroderma with extensive skin lesions;
• decreased vision;
• Ventricular dilation;
• kidney disease;
• Chronic intestinal disease.

The risk of severe depression and mental illness increases 2-3 times with psoriasis.The disease is not spreadable and is not contagious, but people with skin defects tend to avoid relationships and feel embarrassed about their bodies.They deliberately refuse to live intimately and visit interesting places.Prejudiced attitudes towards issues can reduce your friend circle to a minimum.

Key signs and symptoms of psoriasis

An experienced dermatologist can easily distinguish this disease from other manifestations of dermatitis.Several spots appeared on the body, more like a rash.They rapidly increase in diameter, reaching 7-8 cm, and begin to peel off.If psoriasis is left untreated, inflamed areas will cover 50-60% of the body.

The following signs can help distinguish psoriasis patches from lichen or allergies:

• They are clearly defined, slightly thickened and raised above the skin, causing slight swelling and redness.The scales are very light, almost silvery.
• The exfoliated particles are easily scraped off the surface, leaving the surface as if it were covered in wax.
• After the inflamed scales are removed, a thin red membrane of new cells can be seen that sparkles in the light.
• When you try to peel off the film, drops of blood will appear (Ospitz phenomenon).

These are the main symptoms of psoriasis and can help with self-diagnosis.The first manifestation is observed in areas that rub against clothing after an abrasion or thermal burn, similar to a non-healing wound.But there are several options for placing pimples on the patient's body:

• In my arms.Small lesions may be concentrated on the fingers and scabs may form on the elbows.In rare cases or in advanced forms, the process can affect the forearm.
• on the head.The common form is diagnosed when particles and crusts appear on the scalp.The inflammation starts at the back of the head and gradually moves behind the ears, accompanied by a burning sensation and a large amount of dandruff, like a crown.
• body.Small, drop-shaped patches engulf the abdomen, thighs, and back.This problem usually occurs after an infection is treated with antibiotics.
• Located on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.Palmoplantar psoriasis starts as small patches but quickly develops into large areas covered with white skin.Sometimes itchy scabs appear only between the fingers.
• face.A rare form that occurs as a rash on the thin skin of the eyelids, around the lips, and on the cheeks.

Recently, there has been an increase in the number of children developing psoriasis long before puberty.In babies, the first papules are hidden in the skin folds of the groin, armpits, and neck.They can be itchy, causing discomfort and loss of appetite.Parents often mistake this for a sign of atopic dermatitis.

Types and forms of disease

Psoriasis is classified separately based on its signs and characteristic manifestations.Distinguishing by form helps to correctly identify the cause and choose treatment:

• Simple, plaque-like or vulgar.The classic version appears as massive patches on the skin.They are covered with silvery scales that are very flaky, itchy, and bleed when scratched.They often coalesce into a large formation on the back, abdomen, or legs.It is characterized by regular recurrences and joint complications.
• Dot or teardrop shape.There are many small spots no more than 1.5 cm in diameter protruding from the body.They resemble a rash and rarely appear on the face and hands.Clothes often peel when the seams rub, leaving open, inflamed skin where secondary infections can develop.
• Pustules.A complex form in which up to 30-50% of the body is affected.The condition worsened with swollen lymph nodes, high fever, worsening of medical diseases, and required hospitalization.It is divided into local Tsumbusha type and systemic Tsumbusha type.
• Exudative.One of the most severe forms.It occurs in patients with endocrine diseases and in the context of diabetes mellitus.In addition to peeling, the plaques secrete large amounts of inflammatory fluid.They become saturated with exudate and turn into dense crusts that cause severe pain when touched or treated.
• Parapsoriasis or Broca's disease.It has similar symptoms, but the patches are more reminiscent of eczema spots, don't have a filmy effect or waxy sheen, and don't emit red droplets when removed.May be accompanied by fever, weakness, and worsening of health.
• The reverse or reverse side.A rare form is diagnosed in 1% of people.One of the manifestations is considered to be the development of dark pigmentation in the armpits and inguinal folds, which does not cause severe peeling in the initial stages.

As the disease progresses, seborrheic psoriasis may develop.This form is diagnosed when itchy spots appear on the scalp.It develops rapidly and spreads to the forehead, affecting the face.The patient mistook it for ordinary seborrhea and used a special shampoo.However, when observed with the naked eye, there is no greasy luster, abundant sebum secretion, dry skin, and scales shining brightly under the light.

Doctors differentiate between nail psoriasis and onychodystrophy, respectively.It resembles a vulgar form and often recurs.This occurs in 90% of people with psoriatic arthritis.The disease occurs in only 7 percent of children but is difficult to treat.Symptoms include detached boards, white spots, dents and severe delamination.

stages of psoriasis

In clinical practice, the disease has several stages.They differ in the severity of symptoms, presentation, and nature of the course.In addition, many experts describe the first condition, in which in many patients a hidden inflammation appears, similar to ordinary dermatitis or lichen.

In the initial or early stages, the rash is almost invisible.Occasionally, slight peeling may occur on the elbows or feet, but it does not cause discomfort.The burning sensation will lessen with the use of moisturizer or lotion.The diameter of these spots is small and is nothing to worry about.

When diagnosing, use the following psoriasis stage classification:

1. Acute or progressive.The spots significantly increase in size and are covered with dry granules of the epidermis.Patients are concerned about severe itching, burning, irritation, and swelling of the skin at the rash site.A red border appears around the plaque.
2. Fixed stage.New structures will not appear, but the disease will progress, negatively affecting joints and internal organs.Unpleasant sensations intensify, plaques coalesce into large spots on the body, appear on the head, nails and soles of the feet.The skin looks inflamed, peeling, and cells are dying.
3. Regression or resolution.Symptoms of psoriasis gradually lessen and disappear.The red spots disappear, leaving white areas on the skin.The patient returns to a normal lifestyle.

The selection of treatment methods needs to be done in stages.The most effective and effective drugs are used in a fixed form, when the risk of damage to the internal organs, systems and joints is greatest.Therefore, the doctor's task is to quickly alleviate the aggravation of the disease and achieve complete elimination of symptoms.There is no cure for this disease, so it is important to strive for long-term regression.

Psoriasis treatments

Doctors recommend starting treatment at the first sign of deterioration and not letting the disease develop into complications.In the initial stage, you can use non-hormonal preparations and supplement the course with special diets and folk recipes.It is important to eliminate the factors that trigger a new wave of psoriasis: stress, smoking, overexertion, lack of sleep.

Treating psoriasis is a daunting task at any stage.Often, patients and doctors must use a variety of ointments, creams, and preparations to find effective treatment.It is not enough to quickly eliminate the external manifestations of the disease: it is necessary to ensure that internally there is no inflammation, joint damage, and to prevent the development of arthritis.

drug treatment

Treatment for any form of psoriasis begins with the use of external treatments.They have different active ingredients, different compositions, and different principles of action on the epidermis.

These preparations contain vitamins, minerals and oils that relieve discomfort and improve blood circulation in the capillaries.Zinc and phenolic acids also protect against bacteria, preventing secondary infections and drying out moist areas.

If the lesions are severe and the spots are numerous, the doctor will prescribe hormonal ointments.Drugs for local treatment are selected individually after examination based on 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.Inflammation gradually decreases, cell production slows, and the area covered by the film heals.Medications may contain corticosteroids.But they have some serious disadvantages:

• Many hormonal drugs are contraindicated in the treatment of children younger than 2 years of age, and during pregnancy and lactation.
• Dosage must be strictly adhered to and instructions followed.
• They are known for their high prices.

The use of hormonal ointments is only allowed under the supervision of a doctor.The active ingredient can penetrate into the blood, affect the adrenal cortex, and inhibit the production of cortisol.In case of overdose or long-term use of the drug, the drug should be discontinued gradually and the dose should be reduced daily.

During seasonal exacerbations of psoriasis, immune-boosting drugs and vitamin complexes may be used.They stimulate the body from within, eliminate dysbiosis and vitamin deficiencies, and accelerate skin healing.The main tasks of such compositions are:

• eliminate toxins;
• joint tissue support;
• improve well-being;
• Speed up metabolism;
• Liver cleansing.

For psoriasis, therapies that enhance the effects of diet, trigger tissue, gut cleansing, and support immune defenses are recommended.Depending on the form of the disease, they are used in the progressive stage or in the form of injections or tablets to prevent recurrence. 

Psoriasis usually occurs during stressful situations.In order to eliminate predisposing factors, doctors choose immunosuppressants.They normalize sleep, reduce irritability and anxiety, stop inflammatory processes.

Immunosuppressants can relieve tension and soothe irritated skin receptors.They relieve burning and itching and also have anti-rheumatic properties.They bind and remove substances affecting the joints, reducing the severity of pain and sensation during exacerbations.They are not used at home and require strict dosing.

In the treatment of psoriasis, adsorbents stand out from traditional therapies.These are special medications that absorb toxins and breakdown products that are found in large amounts in the blood and intestines as the condition worsens.This reduces the risk of psoriatic arthritis, digestive disorders, and speeds the clearing of skin patches.

The advantage of adsorbents is that they are safe for the body and therefore can be used in the treatment of childhood diseases.They are used to extract biologics and hormone creams and to reduce the concentration of synthetic hormones in the blood.

Traditional Chinese medicine for treating psoriasis

It turns out that Chinese herbal preparations have good results in complex treatment during inflammation.Doctors recommend using them after a course of hormonal creams for detoxification and healing.Highest quality according to patient reviews:

• The lotion contains fluoride, phenol, acetic acid, borneol and herbal extracts.
• A hormone-free herbal ointment that quickly penetrates the skin, saturating it with extracts of blackthorn, lichen, rhubarb and fulin mushrooms.
• A hormonal medication used in the acute phase to reduce inflammation, peeling, and itching.Contains glucocorticoids, petroleum jelly, stearin, and peppermint oil.Facial skin treatments are allowed.
• Inexpensive ointment based on natural ingredients.Contains peppermint, echinacea, clover extracts, and added scorpion venom.
• Popular treatments for psoriasis vulgaris.It gets rid of itching due to the presence of turmeric, sandalwood oil, neem, tulsi.
• Sulfur soap with aloe vera extract, olive oil and palm oil moisturizes, restores lipid balance and heals wounds.
• An ointment containing acacia, wintergreen, cork, mulberry bark extracts and antiseptics.For exacerbation of the condition, take 2 times a day.
• A safe cream from China, enriched with the sap of acacia and ash tree roots, to relieve dryness, flaking and itching.Can be applied to face and scalp.

Before embarking on a course of treatment with Chinese medicines, be sure to perform an allergy test: some herbal ingredients in high concentrations can cause irritation, aggravation and increased discomfort.

traditional method

There are different ways to treat psoriasis.After the acute process is over, folk remedies can be supplemented.When the condition worsens, medical solid oil prescriptions are often used:

• Mix liquid honey and fat in equal proportions, add grated oak bark and raw eggs.Apply the resulting mixture to the body twice a day.
• In a clean bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of fat and baby cream, add a little sea buckthorn oil.Use this product on inflamed areas morning and night.

To treat psoriasis, you can add useful ingredients to your bath: sodium bicarbonate, sea salt, oatmeal soup, turpentine.The last ingredient is based on pine resin, which relieves inflammation, improves circulation, soothes and conditions the skin.Improvement requires up to 15 surgeries with 1-2 days of rest in between.

Alternative method

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

• exudative;
• vulgar;
• Palm soles.

The use of PUVA is effective for scalp injuries.Light wave irradiation is performed at low frequency for 5-6 treatments, which is safe for the body.Alternative methods that have been shown to treat psoriasis include:

• selective phototherapy;
• narrow wave;
• mud therapy;
• Plasmapheresis.

To reduce inflamed areas, it is recommended to use mud, either as a smear or as a bath.The most potent compounds are mined along the Dead Sea coast and at the Kuyanik resort.They contain minerals that soothe and restore the skin.

Prevent psoriasis

An important way to prevent disease progression and recurrence is proper nutrition.The Pegano diet was specifically developed by doctors to help reduce allergen levels, eliminate toxins and prevent dysbiosis.Its main principles:

• 70-80% of the food on the menu should contain alkaline foods (fruits and vegetables).
• Only 20-30% of the diet can contain foods that increase acidity (meat, grains, fish, whole milk).
• Fatty and carbohydrate foods, coffee, sweet carbonated drinks and alcohol are completely excluded.
• All dishes should be steamed, boiled or grilled without oil.
• Eat small, frequent meals to avoid overtaxing your intestines.

To prevent psoriasis, it is important to quit smoking and drinking alcohol.It is necessary to monitor daily intestinal cleansing and drink more clean water that is free of gases and additives.

Frequently Asked Questions About Psoriasis

Can you get psoriasis?

This is the first misconception that negatively affects communication with patients.In fact, this disease is related only to the function of the immune system and not to the virus transmitted through contact.You can safely handle the patient's skin, wear his clothes or shoes.

Can I swim while my condition is getting worse?

Doctors recommend taking a daily bath or warm shower to relieve discomfort and burning and reduce peeling.This process can be supplemented by bathing in sea salt, starch solutions or treating the plaque with mud.

Is it possible to completely cure psoriasis?

To date, no psoriasis treatment has been found that can completely relieve patients' problems.It is a chronic and incurable disease that relapses frequently and requires constant prevention.With proper nutrition, diet, and a healthy lifestyle, it is possible to reduce the number of exacerbations and lessen the severity of the disease's course.

Doctors in different countries are actively studying the causes and characteristics of psoriasis.Many treatments have been developed that can produce good results but do not guarantee complete recovery.If the condition worsens, it is necessary to combine drug treatment, traditional Chinese medicine, detoxification, and adhere to a strict diet.