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Causes of psoriasis, its types and treatment methods.

Psoriasis on the back of a girl

In the last decade, doctors have seen a sharp increase in the incidence of psoriasis.The disease is associated with internal inflammation, is a chronic process and does not provide complete recovery.Treatment and prevention of complications involves medication, diet, and the use of natural home remedies.

Nature and history of psoriasis.

The first mentions of the symptoms of a skin disease were found in the chronicles of 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 long considered a dangerous type of leprosy, so patients hid the inflammation to avoid forced treatment.

Psoriasis was first identified as a separate disease by the German dermatologist and scientist Ferdinant von Hebr in 1841. He conducted an extensive study with epithelial 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.

The detailed study of psoriasis began in the 20th century.With the help of better equipment and optics, doctors learned that during illness the processes of skin regeneration and exfoliation accelerate 8-10 times.They separated the pathology from dermatitis and demonstrated its autoimmune nature.

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

Main causes of psoriasis

In a healthy person, the renewal process of the upper layer of the dermis takes between 21 and 30 days.During this time, the cell forms, grows, performs basic functions and dies, making room for a new one.Under the influence of negative factors in psoriasis, the process is accelerated several times and lasts no more than 5-6 days.

Most dermatologists believe that the main cause of the disease is autoimmune disorders.For unknown reasons, the human immune system begins to attack its own skin cells, causing an inflammatory process.They do not have time to mature and break off from the deeper layers, forming itchy plaques.

Among the main causes and factors that provoke the development of the disease:

  • decreased immunity;
  • frequent colds, ARVI or flu;
  • hormonal imbalance;
  • thyroid gland pathologies;
  • constant hypothermia;
  • work with chemicals;
  • psychological problems, stress, disorders;
  • drug or alcohol consumption.

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

  • hidden allergies to foods, medications or environmental factors;
  • infections and inflammatory foci in internal organs;
  • alteration of metabolic processes that affect tissue regeneration;
  • presence of parasites;
  • psychosomatic.

Psoriasis is usually hereditary.If both parents have the gene, the risk of finding pathology increases to 50%.In most cases, the first manifestations of the disease are observed during puberty and the final formation of the body, from 15 to 20 years.

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

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

The appearance of psoriasis in most cases is a combination of several factors.It worsens after suffering from bronchitis or tonsillitis, in the treatment of which antibiotics were used.It is always associated with 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 move to the joints.The level of toxins in the blood constantly increases, disrupting metabolic processes.

The main problem with advanced psoriasis is the development of arthritis.It is diagnosed in 15 to 20% of patients at different stages and presents with frequent relapses and painful inflammation of the joints.Most often, the process involves the fingers, toes, ankles, knees and hip joints.

Other complications of psoriasis include:

  • erythroderma with extensive areas of skin lesions;
  • decreased visual acuity;
  • expansion of the ventricles of the heart;
  • kidney diseases;
  • chronic intestinal disorder.

With psoriasis, the risk of severe depression and mental pathologies increases by 2 to 3 times.The disease is not transmitted or contagious, but people with a skin defect often avoid personal relationships and are ashamed of their own bodies.They deliberately reject intimate life and visit interesting places.A biased attitude towards the problem reduces the circle of friends to a minimum.

Main symptoms and signs of psoriasis

An experienced dermatologist can easily distinguish the manifestations of the disease from other dermatitis.Various spots appear on the body, more like a rash.They quickly increase in diameter, reach between 7 and 8 cm and begin to break off.If psoriasis is not treated, the inflamed areas cover up to 50-60% of the body.

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

  • They have clear edges, are slightly thickened and raised above the skin, causing slight swelling and redness.The scales are light in color, almost silver.
  • The exfoliated particles are easily scraped off the surface, leaving the surface as if covered in wax.
  • After removing the inflamed scales, a thin red film of new cells is visible, which glows in the light.
  • When you try to remove 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 site of friction with clothing, after abrasions or thermal burns, which resemble non-healing wounds.But there are several options for placing papules on the patient's body:

Manifestations of psoriasis in different parts of the body.
  • In my arms.Small lesions may be located on the fingers and cover the elbows with scabs.In rare cases or in advanced forms, the process affects the forearm.
  • In the head.The common form is diagnosed when particles and scabs appear on the scalp.The inflammation begins at the back of the head, gradually moves behind the ears, accompanied by a burning sensation and profuse, crown-like dandruff.
  • In the body.Drop-shaped, small plates abundantly cover the abdomen, thighs and back.The problem usually occurs after treating infections with antibiotics.
  • In palms and soles.Palmoplantar psoriasis begins with a few small plaques but quickly develops into large areas covered with whitish skin.Sometimes itchy scabs appear only between the fingers.
  • In the face.A rare form located on the thin skin of the eyelids, around the lips with rashes on the cheeks.

Recently, the number of children whose psoriasis appears long before puberty has increased.In babies, the first papules hide in the skin folds of the groin, armpits and neck.They itch, causing discomfort and loss of appetite.Parents often confuse them with a manifestation of atopic dermatitis.

Types and forms of the disease.

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

  • Simple, plate-like or vulgar.The classic version appears on the skin with a large number of plates.They are covered in silvery scales, are very scaly, itchy and can bleed when scratched.They often merge into one large formation on the back, abdomen, or legs.Characterized by regular relapses and joint complications.
  • Dotted or teardrop-shaped.There are many small spots no more than 1.5 cm in diameter protruding from the body.They look like a rash and are rarely located on the face and hands.When rubbed at the seams, clothing often comes 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.An exacerbation is accompanied by enlarged lymph nodes, high fever, exacerbation of internal diseases and requires medical attention in a hospital.It is divided into localized and generalized Tsumbusha type.
  • Exudative.One of the most serious forms.It occurs in patients with endocrine pathologies and develops against the background of diabetes.In addition to peeling off, the plaques secrete large amounts of inflammatory fluid.They become saturated with exudate and turn into a dense crust that causes severe pain to the person when touched or treated.
  • Parapsoriasis or Broca's disease.It has similar symptoms, but the plaques are more reminiscent of eczema spots, do not have a film effect or waxy shine, and do not emit red droplets after removal.It may be accompanied by fever, weakness and deterioration in health.
  • Inverse or inverse.A rare form is diagnosed in 1% of people.One of the manifestations is considered to be dark pigmentation in the armpits and inguinal folds, which in the initial stage does not cause intense peeling.

As the disease progresses, seborrheic psoriasis can be added to the previous ones.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 common seborrhea and use a special shampoo.But upon visual inspection, there is no greasy shine or abundant sebum secretion, the skin is dry and the scales shine in the light.

Separately, doctors distinguish nail psoriasis or onychodystrophy.It resembles the vulgar form and presents 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 plaque detachment, white spots, dents, and severe delamination.

Stages of psoriasis

In clinical practice, there are several stages of the disease.They differ in the severity of symptoms, manifestations and the nature of the course.Separately, many experts describe the initial one, which in many patients presents with latent inflammation, resembling common dermatitis or lichen.

In the initial or early stage, the rash is almost invisible.Sometimes there is slight peeling on the elbows or feet, which does not cause discomfort.The burning sensation decreases after applying a moisturizer or lotion.The spots are small in diameter and do not cause concern.

When diagnosing, 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 plates.
  2. Stationary stage.New formations do not appear, but the disease progresses and negatively affects the joints and internal organs.The unpleasant sensations intensify, the plaques merge into large spots on the body, appearing on the head, nails and soles.The skin looks inflamed, peeling, and cell death does not stop.
  3. Regression or resolution.The symptoms of psoriasis gradually decrease and disappear.The red spots disappear, leaving whitish areas on the skin.The patient returns to his usual lifestyle.

Separation into stages is necessary to select a treatment method.The most effective and powerful drugs are used in a stationary form, when there is a greater danger of damage to internal organs, systems and joints.Therefore, the task of doctors is to quickly relieve the exacerbation and achieve complete elimination of symptoms.The disease cannot be cured, so it is important to strive for long-term regression.

Treatment methods for psoriasis.

Doctors recommend starting therapy at the first signs of exacerbation and not making the disease progress to complications.At the initial stage, you can use non-hormonal agents, supplement the course with a special diet and folk recipes.It is important to exclude the factors that provoked a new round of psoriasis: stress, smoking, overwork, lack of sleep.

Treating psoriasis is a difficult task at any stage.Often the patient, together with the doctor, has to go through many ointments, creams and formulations in search of effective therapy.It is not enough to quickly eliminate the external manifestations of the disease: it is necessary to ensure that there are no internal inflammations, damage to the joints, and prevent the development of arthritis.

Drug therapy

Treatment of any form of psoriasis begins with the use of external remedies.They have different active ingredients, differ in composition and in 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 protect against bacteria, prevent secondary infections and dry wet areas.

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

Ointments and creams contain synthetic hormones that act on the skin receptors and slow down the impaired regeneration process.The inflammation gradually decreases, cells are produced more slowly, and the areas covered by a film heal.Medications may contain glucocorticosteroids.But they have a number of serious disadvantages:

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

The use of hormonal ointments is allowed only under the supervision of a doctor.The active components can penetrate the blood, affect the adrenal cortex and suppress the production of cortisol.In case of overdose or prolonged use of drugs, treatment should be discontinued gradually with a daily dose reduction.

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

  • elimination of toxins;
  • joint tissue support;
  • improved well-being;
  • acceleration of metabolism;
  • liver cleansing.

For psoriasis, remedies are recommended that enhance the effect of the diet, causing the cleansing of tissues and intestines and supporting immune defenses.Depending on the form of the disease, they are used in a progressive stage or to prevent relapses in the form of injections or tablets. 

Psoriasis usually appears during stressful situations.To eliminate the provoking factor, doctors select immunosuppressants.They normalize sleep, reduce irritability and anxiety, stopping the inflammatory process.

Immunosuppressants relieve tension and calm the receptors in irritated skin.They relieve burning and itching and also have an antirheumatic effect.They bind and remove substances that affect the joints, reducing pain and the severity of sensations during exacerbation.They are not used at home and require a strict dosage.

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

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

Chinese remedies for psoriasis

Chinese herbal preparations have proven effective in complex treatments for inflammation.Doctors recommend using them after treatment with hormonal ointments to detoxify and heal.The highest quality according to patient opinions:

  • Lotion containing fluorine, phenolic, acetic acid, borneol and herbal extracts.
  • A Chinese ointment that, without hormones, quickly penetrates the skin, saturating it with extracts of blackthorn, lichen, rhubarb and fulin mushroom.
  • A hormonal agent that is prescribed in the acute period to reduce inflammation, peeling and itching.Contains glucocorticosteroid, petrolatum, stearin, menthol oil.Allowed for the treatment of facial skin.
  • Inexpensive ointment based on natural raw materials.It consists of extracts of mint, echinacea and clover with the addition of scorpion venom.
  • A popular remedy for the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris.Eliminates itching thanks to the content of turmeric, sandalwood oil, neem, tulsi.
  • Sulfur soap containing aloe extract, olive and palm oil moisturizes, restores lipid balance and heals wounds.
  • Ointment containing extracts of Sophora, holly, cork, mulberry bark and an antiseptic.It is used for exacerbations 2 times a day.
  • A safe cream from China, enriched with Sophora japonica juice and ash root, relieves dryness, peeling and itching.It can be applied to the face and scalp.

Before starting treatment with medicines from China, it is imperative to perform an allergy test: some plant components in high concentrations cause irritation, aggravation and increase discomfort.

Traditional methods

There are different methods to treat psoriasis.Once the acute process has resolved, the therapy can be complemented with home remedies.In case of exacerbation, recipes with solid medical 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 2 times a day.
  • In a clean bowl mix 2 tablespoons of baby fat and cream, add a little sea buckthorn oil.Treat inflamed areas with the product in the morning and evening.

To treat psoriasis, you can take baths with the addition of useful ingredients: baking soda, sea salt, oatmeal decoction and turpentine.The last component, based on pine resin, relieves inflammation, improves blood circulation, soothes and tones the skin.Improvement requires up to 15 procedures with a break of 1-2 days.

Alternative methods

In addition to medications, the patient may be offered light treatment or PUVA photochemotherapy.In 90-95% of cases, it is possible to significantly improve the condition of the skin and stop the process.The therapy is used for the following ways:

  • exudative;
  • vulgar;
  • palmoplantar.

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

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

To reduce inflamed areas, mud is recommended, which is applied in the form of applications or taken in baths.The most effective compounds are extracted on the shores of the Dead Sea and in the resorts of Kuyalnik.They contain minerals that soothe and restore the skin.

Psoriasis prevention

An important way to prevent exacerbation and relapse of the disease is proper nutrition.The Pegano diet, specially developed by a doctor, helps to reduce the level of allergens, eliminates intoxication and prevents dysbacteriosis.Its fundamental principles:

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

To prevent psoriasis, it is important to stop smoking and drinking alcohol.It is necessary to control daily intestinal cleansing, drink more clean water, without gases or additives.

Answers to frequently asked questions about psoriasis

Can you get psoriasis?

This is the first error that negatively affects communication with patients.In fact, the disease is associated solely with the functioning of the immune system and does not have viruses transmitted by contact.You can safely handle the patient's skin, wear their 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 complemented by bathing in a solution of sea salt, starch or treating the plates with mud applications.

Is it possible to completely cure psoriasis?

To date, no treatment method for psoriasis has been found that can completely alleviate the patient's problem.It is a chronic and incurable disease that has frequent relapses and requires constant prevention.With proper nutrition, diet and a healthy lifestyle, it is only possible to reduce the number of exacerbations and reduce the severity of the course.

Doctors in different countries are actively studying the causes and characteristics of psoriasis.Many treatment methods have been developed that give good results, but do not guarantee a complete recovery.In case of exacerbation, it is necessary to combine drug therapy, traditional medicine, detoxification and follow a strict diet.