Causes of psoriasis, its types and treatment methods

In the last decade, doctors have noticed a sharp increase in the incidence of psoriasis.The disease is accompanied by internal inflammation, it is a chronic process and does not ensure complete recovery.Treatment and prevention of complications includes medication, diet and the use of folk remedies on a natural basis.

The nature and history of psoriasis

The first mentions of the symptoms of a skin disease were 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 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 Ferdinand von Hebr in 1841. He conducted an extensive study by taking epithelial samples and described in detail all the stages and types of the inflammatory process.His follower Jean Louis Alibert linked the disease to a specific form of arthritis.

Detailed study of psoriasis began in the 20th century.With the help of the best equipment and optics, doctors learned that during the disease, the processes of skin regeneration and exfoliation are accelerated 8-10 times.They separated the pathology from dermatitis and proved its autoimmune nature.

In recent years it has become possible to identify the main factors that increase the risk of psoriasis.But doctors continue to search for the causes of the disease;the impact of immunity and heredity is being 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, leaving room for a new one.Under the influence of negative factors in psoriasis, the process is accelerated several times, taking 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, which provokes an inflammatory process.They do not have time to mature and detach from the deeper layers, forming itchy plaques.

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

• decrease in immunity;
• frequent colds, ARVI or flu;
• hormonal imbalance;
• pathologies 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 causes of the disease.They are based on observations of different groups of patients:

• hidden allergies to foods, drugs or environmental factors;
• infections and inflammatory foci in internal organs;
• disruption of metabolic processes affecting tissue regeneration;
• the presence of parasites;
• psychosomatic.

Psoriasis is often hereditary.If both parents have the gene, the risk of facing 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 diet and a healthy lifestyle.But doctors identify several factors that can cause frequent exacerbations and relapses:

• smoking;
• infectious skin diseases;
• side effects of some medicines;
• complications after vaccination;
• circus;
• 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 accompanied by a decrease in immunity and weakening of the organism.

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 pass to the joints.The level of toxins in the blood increases constantly, 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 appears with frequent relapses and painful joint inflammation.Most often, the process involves fingers and toes, ankles, knees and hip joints.

Other complications of psoriasis include:

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

With psoriasis, the risk of severe depression and mental pathologies increases by 2-3 times.The disease is not transmitted and not contagious, but people with skin defects often avoid personal relationships and are embarrassed about their bodies.They deliberately refuse intimate life and visiting interesting places.A one-sided attitude to the problem reduces the circle of friends to a minimum.

The 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 grow in diameter, reaching 7-8 cm and begin to peel 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 lichens 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.
• The exfoliated particles are easily scraped off the surface, leaving the surface as if it were covered with wax.
• After removing the inflamed scales, a thin red layer of new cells is visible, which shines 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 scratches or thermal burns, similar to non-healing wounds.But there are several options for placing papules on the patient's body:

• In my arms.Small lesions can be localized on the fingers and cover the elbows with crusts.In rare cases or in advanced forms, the process affects the forearm.
• In the head.The common form is diagnosed when flakes and crusts appear on the scalp.Inflammation begins at the back of the head, gradually moves behind the ears, accompanied by a burning sensation and abundant dandruff, resembling a crown.
• In the body.With a point-like shape, small plates cover the abdomen, thighs and back in abundance.The problem often appears after treatment of infections with antibiotics.
• On the palms and soles.Palmoplantar psoriasis starts with a few small plaques, but quickly develops into large areas covered with white skin.Sometimes itchy crusts appear only between the toes.
• In the face.A rare form localized on the thin skin of the eyelids, around the lips with redness on the cheeks.

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

Types and forms of the disease

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

• Simple, like tile or vulgar.The classic version appears on the skin with a large number of tiles.They are covered with silvery scales, are very flaky, itchy and may bleed when scratched.They often join in a large formation on the back, abdomen or legs.It is characterized by regular relapses and joint complications.
• Dotted or teardrop shaped.There are many small spots with a diameter of no more than 1.5 cm that protrude on the body.They resemble a rash and are rarely localized on the face and hands.When sutures rub, the 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.An exacerbation is accompanied by enlargement of the lymph nodes, high temperature, worsening of internal diseases and requires medical attention in a hospital setting.It is divided into localized and generalized Tsumbusha type.
• Exudative.One of the most severe forms.It occurs in patients with endocrine pathology and develops against the background of diabetes.In addition to peeling, plaques secrete large amounts of inflammatory fluid.They become saturated with exudates, turning into a dense crust, causing 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 eczema spots, do not have a film effect or waxy sheen, and do not leave red spots after removal.It can be accompanied by fever, weakness and deterioration of health.
• Conversely or vice versa.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 do not cause intense skin.

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 ordinary seborrhea, using a special shampoo.But after visual inspection, there is no oily sheen and abundant sebaceous secretions, the skin is dry, the scales shine in the light.

Separately, doctors distinguish nail psoriasis or onychodystrophy.It resembles the vulgar form and appears 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, scratches and severe delamination.

Stages of psoriasis

In clinical practice, the disease has several stages.They differ in the severity of symptoms, manifestations and nature of the course.Separately, many experts describe the initial one, which in many patients appears with hidden inflammation, resembling dermatitis or ordinary lichen.

In the initial or early stage, the rash is almost invisible.Sometimes there is a light skin on the elbows or legs, which does not cause discomfort.The burning sensation is reduced after applying a moisturizing cream or lotion.The spots are small in diameter and do not cause discomfort.

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

1. Acute or progressive.The spots increase significantly in size and are covered with dry particles of the epidermis.The patient is worried about severe itching, burning, irritation and swelling of the skin at the site of the rash.A red border appears around the tiles.
2. Stationary phase.New formations do not appear, but the disease progresses, negatively affecting joints and internal organs.Unpleasant sensations intensify, 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 solution.The symptoms of psoriasis gradually decrease and disappear.The red spots disappear, leaving white areas on the skin.The patient returns to his usual lifestyle.

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

Psoriasis treatment methods

Doctors recommend starting therapy at the first signs of deterioration and preventing the disease from progressing into complications.In the initial stage, you can use non-hormonal agents, complete 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, must 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 is no internal inflammation, damage to the joints and prevent the development of arthritis.

Drug therapy

Treatment of any form of psoriasis begins with the use of external means.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 moist 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 skin receptors and slow down the damaged regeneration process.The inflammation gradually decreases, the cells are produced more slowly and the film-covered areas heal.Medicines 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.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, the treatment should be stopped gradually with a daily dose reduction.

During seasonal exacerbations of psoriasis, medications 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 task of such compositions is:

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

For psoriasis, drugs are recommended that increase the effect of the diet, promoting the cleansing of tissues, intestines and supporting the immune defense.Depending on the form of the disease, they are used in a progressive phase or to prevent relapse in the form of a course of injections or tablets. 

Psoriasis often appears during stressful situations.To eliminate the provoking factor, doctors choose immunosuppressants.They normalize sleep, reduce nervousness and anxiety, stopping the inflammatory process.

Immunosuppressants relieve tension and soothe 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 irritation.They are not used at home and require strict dosage.

In the treatment of psoriasis, sorbents are distinguished among traditional remedies.These are special drugs that absorb toxins and decomposition products, which during an irritation 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 themselves well in complex treatment during inflammation.Doctors advise their use after a course of hormonal ointments for detoxification and healing.The highest quality according to patient ratings:

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

Before a course of treatment with medicines from China, you should definitely do an allergy test: some herbal ingredients in high concentrations provoke irritation, aggravation and increase discomfort.

Traditional methods

There are different methods for treating psoriasis.After the end of the acute process, therapy can be supplemented with folk remedies.In case of deterioration, prescriptions with solid medicinal 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 container, mix 2 spoons of fat and baby cream, add a little milk thistle oil.Treat inflamed areas with the product in the morning and evening.

To treat psoriasis, you can take a bath with the addition of useful ingredients: sodium bicarbonate, sea salt, oatmeal decoction, 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.Therapy is used for the following forms:

• exudative;
• vulgar;
• palmoplantar.

The use of PUVA is effective for scalp lesions.Light wave radiation is carried out in a course of 5-6 procedures with 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 inflamed areas, clay is recommended, which is applied as an application or taken in the bath.The most effective compounds are mined on the shores of the Dead Sea and the resorts of Kuyalnik.They contain minerals that soothe and regenerate the skin.

Prevention of psoriasis

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

• 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, cereals, fish, whole milk).
• Foods with fat and carbohydrates, 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 alcohol.It is necessary to monitor daily bowel cleansing, drink more clean water without gas and additives.

Answers to frequently asked questions about psoriasis

Can you get psoriasis?

This is the first misunderstanding that negatively affects communication with patients.In fact, the disease is only related to the functioning of the immune system and there are no viruses that are transmitted through contact.You can safely treat the patient's skin, put on his clothes or shoes.

Is it possible to swim during an irritation?

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

Is it possible to completely cure psoriasis?

To date, no treatment method for psoriasis has been found that can completely relieve the patient of the problem.This is a chronic and incurable disease that occurs with 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.

The causes and characteristics of psoriasis are being 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 deterioration, it is necessary to combine drug therapy, traditional medicine, detoxification and adhere to a strict diet.