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Causes of psoriasis, types and methods of treatment

Psoriasis on the back of a girl

In the past decade, doctors have noted a sharp increase in the incidence of psoriasis.This 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 folk remedies.

Nature and history of psoriasis

The first mention of the symptoms of skin diseases is found in the history of ancient Egyptian and Indian healers.It was described in detail by Hippocrates, who gave the name "psora" to 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 extensive studies with epithelial sampling and described in detail all stages and types of the inflammatory process.His follower Jean Louis Alibert associated the disease with a certain form of arthritis.

Detailed studies of psoriasis began in the 20th century.With the help of better equipment and optics, doctors know that during illness, the process of regeneration and exfoliation of the skin is accelerated by 8-10 times.They separated 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 continue to search for the cause of disease;the influence of immunity and heredity is being considered.To date, hundreds of drugs have been developed for treatment, but there is not a single method that relieves the patient from the problem forever.

The main cause of psoriasis

In a healthy person, the renewal process of the upper layer of the dermis takes 21-30 days.During this time, cells are formed, grow, perform basic functions and die, making room for new ones.Under the influence of negative factors in psoriasis, the process accelerates several times, taking no more than 5-6 days.

Most dermatologists believe that the main cause of this disease is an autoimmune disorder.For unknown reasons, the human immune system begins to attack its own skin cells, which creates an inflammatory process.They do not have time to mature and are torn 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;
  • pathology of the thyroid gland;
  • persistent hypothermia;
  • working with chemicals;
  • psychological problems, stress, disorders;
  • drug or alcohol use.

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

  • hidden allergies to food, drugs or environmental factors;
  • infection and foci of inflammation in internal organs;
  • metabolic process disorders that affect tissue regeneration;
  • the presence of parasites;
  • psychosomatic.

Psoriasis is often inherited.If both parents have the gene, the risk of having the pathology increases to 50%.In most cases, the first manifestation of the disease is 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 cause frequent exacerbations and relapses:

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

The occurrence of psoriasis in most cases is a combination of several factors.It worsens after experiencing bronchitis or tonsillitis, in the treatment of antibiotics used.It is always associated with decreased immunity and body weakness.

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 15-20% of patients at different stages and occurs with frequent relapses and painful joint inflammation.Often, the process involves fingers and 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 disease;
  • chronic intestinal disorders.

With psoriasis, the risk of severe depression and mental pathology increases by 2-3 times.The disease is not contagious and not contagious, but people with skin defects often avoid personal contact and are ashamed of their own bodies.They deliberately reject intimate life and visit interesting places.A one-sided attitude towards problems 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.Some spots appear on the body, more like a rash.They quickly increase in diameter, reach 7-8 cm, and begin to peel off.If psoriasis is not treated, the inflamed area covers 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, almost silver in color.
  • Flaked particles are easily scraped from the surface, leaving the surface as if covered with wax.
  • After removing the inflamed scales, a thin red film of new cells appears, which sparkles 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 manifestation is observed at the site of rubbing with clothing, after abrasion or thermal burn, resembling a non-healing wound.But there are several options for placing 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 cover the elbow with a crust.In rare cases or in an advanced form, the process affects the forearm.
  • Above the head.The normal form is diagnosed when particles and crusts appear on the scalp.The inflammation starts at the back of the head, gradually moving behind the ears, accompanied by a burning sensation and abundant dandruff, resembling a crown.
  • On the body.With a drop-shaped shape, small plaques cover a lot of the stomach, thighs, and back.This problem often occurs after treating the infection with antibiotics.
  • On the palms and soles of the feet.Palmoplantar psoriasis starts with a few small plaques but quickly develops into large areas covered with whitish skin.Sometimes itchy crusts only appear between the fingers.
  • On the face.A rare form occurs in places on the thin skin of the eyelids, around the lips with a rash on the cheeks.

Recently, the number of children whose psoriasis appears long before puberty has increased.In babies, the first papules are hidden in skin folds in the groin, armpit, and neck.They itch, cause discomfort and loss of appetite.Parents often mistake them as a manifestation of atopic dermatitis.

Types and forms of the disease

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

  • Brief, plaque-like or rough.The classic version appears on the skin with a large number of plaques.They are covered with silvery scales, very flaky, itchy and can bleed when scratched.They often merge into a large formation on the back, abdomen or legs.Characterized by frequent relapses and joint complications.
  • Dotted or teardrop-shaped.There are many small dots not more than 1.5 cm in diameter that stand out on the body.They resemble a rash and are rarely localized on the face and hands.When rubbed against seams, clothing often peels off, leaving open, inflamed skin prone to secondary infection.
  • Pustular.Complex form, where up to 30-50% of the body is affected.Severity is accompanied by enlarged lymph nodes, high fever, exacerbation of internal diseases, and requires medical treatment in a hospital setting.It is divided into local and general types of Tsumbusha.
  • Exudative.One of the worst forms.It occurs in patients with endocrine pathology and develops against the background of diabetes.In addition to peeling, the plaque secretes a large amount of inflammatory fluid.They become saturated with exudate, turning into dense crusts, causing severe pain to a person when touched or treated.
  • Parapsoriasis or Broca's disease.It has the same symptoms, but the plaque is more reminiscent of eczema spots, does not have the effect of a film or waxy sheen, and does not emit red droplets after removal.May be accompanied by fever, weakness and deterioration of health.
  • Reverse or reverse.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 early stages does not cause intense peeling.

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 mistake it for normal seborrhea, using a special shampoo.But upon visual inspection, there is no oily sheen and abundant sebum secretion, dry skin, scales shining in the light.

Separately, doctors distinguish nail psoriasis or onychodystrophy.It resembles an abusive form and occurs with frequent relapses.Occurs in 90% of patients with psoriatic arthritis.It occurs in only 7% of children, but is difficult to treat.Symptoms include plate detachment, the appearance of 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 most patients occurs with hidden inflammation, resembling dermatitis or common lichen.

In the early or early stages, the rash is barely visible.Sometimes there is a slight peeling on the elbows or legs, which does not cause discomfort.The burning sensation is reduced after using a moisturizer or lotion.The spots are small in diameter and do not cause concern.

When diagnosing, the following psoriasis stage classification is used:

  1. Acute or progressive.Visible spots increase in size and are covered with dry particles of the epidermis.Patients worry about severe itching, burning, irritation, and swelling of the skin at the site of the rash.A red border appears around the plaque.
  2. Stationary stage.New formations do not appear, but the disease develops, negatively affecting the joints and internal organs.Unpleasant sensations intensify, plaques merge into large spots on the body, appearing on the head, nails, and soles of the feet.The skin appears inflamed, peeling and cell death does not stop.
  3. Regression or resolution.Psoriasis symptoms gradually decrease and disappear.The red spot disappears, leaving a whitish area on the skin.The patient returns to a normal lifestyle.

Separation into stages is necessary to choose a treatment method.The most effective and efficacious medicine is used in stationary form, when there is the greatest danger of damage to internal organs, systems and joints.Therefore, the doctor's task is to quickly relieve the bitterness 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 worsening and not leading the disease to complications.At the initial stage, you can use non-hormonal agents, supplementing the course with a special diet and folk recipes.It is important to exclude factors that trigger a new round of psoriasis: stress, smoking, too much work, lack of sleep.

Psoriasis treatment is a difficult task at any level.Often, the patient, together with the doctor, has to go through many ointments, creams and formulations to find an effective therapy.It is not enough to quickly eliminate the external manifestations of the disease: it is necessary to ensure that there is no internal inflammation, damage to the joints, and to prevent the development of arthritis.

Drug therapy

Treatment of any form of psoriasis begins with the use of external drugs.They have different active ingredients, different in composition, and in the principle of their effect on the epidermis.

Preparations contain vitamins, minerals and oils that relieve discomfort and improve blood circulation in the capillaries.Zinc and phenolic acids also protect against bacteria, prevent secondary infections, and dry wet areas.

If the lesions are severe and the spots grow, the doctor prescribes hormonal ointment.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 skin receptors and slow down the affected regeneration process.The inflammation gradually decreases, the cells are produced more slowly, and the area covered by the film heals.Medicines may contain glucocorticosteroids.But they have some serious drawbacks:

  • 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 distinguished by a high price.

The use of hormonal ointment is only allowed under the supervision of a doctor.Active components can penetrate into the blood, affect the adrenal cortex, and block the production of cortisol.In case of overdose or prolonged use of the drug, treatment should be stopped gradually by reducing the daily dose.

During seasonal exacerbations of psoriasis, drugs to increase 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 tasks of the composition are:

  • toxin removal;
  • joint tissue support;
  • increased well-being;
  • acceleration of metabolism;
  • liver cleansing.

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

Psoriasis often occurs during stressful situations.To eliminate the provoking factor, the doctor chooses immunosuppressants.They normalize sleep, reduce irritability and anxiety, stop the inflammatory process.

Immunosuppressants relieve tension and calm irritated skin receptors.They relieve burning and itching and also have an antirheumatic 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 dosage.

In the treatment of psoriasis, sorbents stand out among traditional medicines.This is a special drug that absorbs toxins and breakdown products, which, during exacerbations, are found in large quantities in the blood and intestines.This reduces the risk of psoriatic arthritis, digestive disorders, and accelerates the clearing of skin plaque.

The advantage of the sorbent is that it is safe for the body, so it can be used in the medical treatment of diseases in children.It is used in the production of biological agents and hormone creams and reduces the concentration of synthetic hormones in the blood.

Chinese medicine for psoriasis

Preparations based on Chinese herbs have proven themselves well in complex treatment during inflammation.Doctors advise using it after a course of hormonal ointments for detoxification and healing.Top quality according to patient reviews:

  • Lotion containing fluoric, phenolic, acetic acid, borneol and herbal extracts.
  • A Chinese ointment that, without hormones, quickly penetrates the skin, saturates with extracts of blackthorn, lichen, rhubarb and fulin mushrooms.
  • Hormonal agents prescribed in the acute period to reduce inflammation, peeling and itching.Contains glucocorticosteroids, petrolatum, stearin, menthol oil.Approved for facial skin treatment.
  • Inexpensive ointment based on natural raw materials.Consists of extracts of mint, echinacea, clover with the addition of scorpion venom.
  • A popular remedy for the treatment of abusive psoriasis.Relieves itching due to the content of turmeric, sandalwood oil, neem, tulsi.
  • Sulfur soap containing aloe, olive and palm oil extracts moisturizes, restores lipid balance, and heals wounds.
  • Ointment containing extracts of Sophora, holly, cork, mulberry bark, and antiseptic.Used for exacerbation 2 times a day.
  • Safe cream from China, enriched with Sophora japonica juice and ash tree root, relieves dryness, peeling and itching.Can be applied to the face and scalp.

Before the course of treatment with medicines from China, you should definitely conduct an allergy test: some herbal components in high concentrations cause irritation, aggravation and increased discomfort.

Traditional method

There are different methods of treating psoriasis.After the acute process has been resolved, therapy can be supplemented with folk remedies.In cases of exacerbation, prescriptions with medicinal solid oils are often used:

  • Mix melted honey and grease in equal proportions, add ground oak bark and raw eggs.The resulting mixture is used on the body 2 times a day.
  • In a clean bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of grease and baby cream, add a little sea buckthorn oil.Treat the inflamed area with the product in the morning and evening.

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

Alternative Methods

In addition to medication, patients 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.Therapy is used for the following forms:

  • exudative;
  • coarse;
  • palmoplantar.

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

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

To reduce the inflamed area, mud is recommended, which is used in the form of application or taken in the bath.The most effective compounds are mined on the shores of the Dead Sea and the resort of Kuyalnik.It contains minerals that soothe and restore the skin.

Prevention of psoriasis

An important way to prevent the aggravation and relapse of the disease is proper nutrition.The Pegano diet, specially developed by doctors, helps to reduce the level of allergens, eliminate hangovers, and prevent dysbacteriosis.The main principle:

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

To prevent psoriasis, it is important to stop smoking and drinking alcohol.It is necessary to monitor bowel cleansing every day, 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, this disease is only associated with the functioning of the immune system and does not have a virus that is transmitted through contact.You can safely handle the patient's skin, wearing his clothes or shoes.

Is it possible to swim during an exacerbation?

Doctors recommend a daily shower or warm bath, which relieves discomfort and burning and reduces peeling.This procedure can be supplemented by bathing in a solution of sea salt, starch, or treating plaque with the application of mud.

Is it possible to cure psoriasis completely?

Until now, no treatment method for psoriasis has been found that can completely relieve patients from the problem.This is a chronic and incurable disease that occurs with frequent relapses and requires constant prevention.With proper nutrition, diet, and leading a healthy lifestyle, it is only possible to reduce the number of exacerbations and reduce the severity of the course.

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