Causes of psoriasis, types and methods of treatment

Over the last decade, doctors have noticed a sharp increase in the incidence of psoriasis.The disease is associated with internal inflammation, is a chronic process and does not provide full recovery.Treatment and prevention of complications involves medications, diet and the use of folk remedies on a natural basis.

Nature and history of psoriasis

The first mentions of the symptoms of a skin disease were found in the annals 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 form 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 a thorough study with epithelial sampling 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.

The detailed study of psoriasis began in the 20th century.With the help of better equipment and optics, doctors have learned that during the disease the processes of skin regeneration and exfoliation are accelerated by 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 psoriasis.But doctors continue to search for the causes of the disease;the influence of immunity and heredity is taken into account.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 process of renewal of the upper layer of the dermis lasts 21-30 days.During this period, the cell is formed, grows, performs basic functions and dies, making room for a new one.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 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 away from the deeper layers, forming itchy plaques.

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

• decline in immunity;
• frequent colds, ARVI or flu;
• hormonal imbalance;
• thyroid diseases;
• constant hypothermia;
• work with chemicals;
• psychological problems, stress, disorders;
• use of drugs or alcohol.

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

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

Psoriasis is often hereditary.If both parents have the gene, the risk of contracting the disease increases by up 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 cause exacerbations and frequent relapses:

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

The appearance of psoriasis in most cases is a combination of several factors.It gets worse after suffering from bronchitis or tonsillitis, in the treatment of which antibiotics have been used.It is always associated with a decline in immunity and 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 of advanced psoriasis is the development of arthritis.It is diagnosed in 15-20% of patients in different stages and manifests itself with frequent relapses and painful inflammation of the joints.Most often, the process involves the fingers and toes, ankles, knees and hip joints.

Other complications of psoriasis include:

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

With psoriasis, the risk of severe depression and mental pathologies increases 2-3 times.The disease is not transmitted and is not contagious, but people with a skin defect often avoid personal relationships and are ashamed of their bodies.They deliberately refuse intimate life and visiting interesting places.A partial 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.Several spots appear 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 cover up to 50-60% of the body.

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

• They have sharp edges, are slightly thickened and raised above the skin, causing slight swelling and redness.The scales are light, almost silvery.
• 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 noticeable, which shines in the light.
• When you try to peel the film, droplets of blood appear (Auspitz phenomenon).

These are the main signs of psoriasis that help in self-diagnosis.The first manifestations are observed at the point of friction with clothing, after abrasions or thermal burns, similar to wounds that do not heal.But there are several options for placing papules on the patient's body:

• In my arms.Small lesions can occur on the fingers and scabs on the elbows.In rare cases or in 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 in the back of the head, gradually moves behind the ears, accompanied by a burning sensation and abundant, crown-like dandruff.
• On the body.Small, drop-shaped plaques abundantly cover the abdomen, thighs and back.The problem often occurs after treating infections with antibiotics.
• On the palms and soles of the feet.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.
• On the face.Rare form localized 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 newborns, 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 mistake them for a manifestation of atopic dermatitis.

Types and forms of the disease

Psoriasis is classified separately based on its characteristic signs and manifestations.Separation by form helps to correctly identify the root cause of the disease and select a treatment method:

• Simple, plaque or vulgar.The classic version appears on the skin with a large number of plaques.They are covered in silvery scales, are very scaly, itchy and can bleed if scratched.They often merge into one large formation on the back, abdomen, or legs.Characterized by regular relapses and joint complications.
• Dotted or drop-shaped.There are many small spots protruding on the body, no more than 1.5 cm in diameter.They resemble a rash and are rarely localized on the face and hands.When rubbed at the seams, clothes often come apart, 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.A flare-up is accompanied by swollen lymph nodes, high fever, exacerbation of internal diseases and requires medical treatment in a hospital setting.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, plaques secrete large amounts of inflammatory fluid.They become saturated with exudate, turning into a dense crust, causing severe pain to a 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 filmy effect or waxy sheen, and do not emit red drops after removal.It 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 initial stage does not cause intense peeling.

As the disease progresses, seborrheic psoriasis may be added to the above.This form is diagnosed when itchy patches appear on the scalp.It develops rapidly and spreads to the forehead, affecting the face.Patients mistake it for ordinary seborrhea, using a special shampoo.But upon 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 manifests itself 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 occurs with hidden inflammation, similar to ordinary dermatitis or lichen.

In the initial or early stage, the rash is almost invisible.Sometimes light peeling is observed 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 stages of psoriasis is used:

1. Acute or progressive.The spots significantly increase in size and become 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. Stationary stage.No new formations appear, but the disease progresses, negatively affecting 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 of the feet.The skin appears inflamed, flaking and cell death does not stop.
3. Regression or resolution.The symptoms of psoriasis gradually decrease and disappear.The red spots resolve, leaving whitish areas on the skin.The patient returns to his usual lifestyle.

Phase separation is necessary to select a treatment method.The most effective and powerful drugs are used in stationary form, when there is the greatest 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 letting 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.

Treatment of psoriasis is a difficult task at any stage.Often the patient, together with the doctor, has to undergo numerous 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 remedies.They have different active ingredients, differ in 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 protect against bacteria, prevent secondary infections and dry moist areas.

If the lesions are severe and the spots grow, doctors prescribe hormonal ointments.Drugs 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's receptors and slow down the impaired regeneration process.The inflammation gradually decreases, cells are produced more slowly, and the areas covered by the film 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 breastfeeding.
• You must 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 the drug, treatment should be stopped 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 the healing of the skin.The main task of such compositions is:

• removal 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, triggering the cleansing of the tissues and intestines and supporting the immune defense.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 often occurs 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 soothe 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 severity of sensations during exacerbation.They are not used at home and require strict dosing.

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

The advantage of sanitary pads 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 suspension 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 effective in complex treatment during inflammation.Doctors recommend using them after a course of hormonal ointments for detoxification and healing.The highest quality according to patient reviews:

• Lotion containing fluoric, phenolic, acetic acid, borneol and plant 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 prescribed in the acute period to reduce inflammation, scaling and itching.Contains glucocorticosteroids, petrolatum, stearin, menthol oil.Allowed for the treatment of facial skin.
• Economical ointment based on natural raw materials.Composed of extracts of mint, echinacea, clover with the addition of scorpion venom.
• A folk remedy for the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris.Eliminates itching due to the contents of turmeric, sandalwood oil, neem, tulsi.
• Sulfur soap containing aloe extract, olive and palm oils moisturizes, restores lipid balance and heals wounds.
• An ointment that contains extracts of Sophora, holly, cork, mulberry bark and an antiseptic.Used for exacerbation 2 times a day.
• A safe cream from China, enriched with Sophora japonica juice and ash root, relieves dryness, flaking and itching.It can be applied to the face and scalp.

Before a course of treatment with drugs from China, you should definitely conduct an allergy test: some plant components in high concentrations cause irritation, aggravation and increase discomfort.

Traditional methods

There are several methods to treat psoriasis.After the acute process has resolved, therapy can be supplemented with folk remedies.In case of exacerbation, prescriptions 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 2 times a day.
• In a clean bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of baby fat and cream, add a little sea buckthorn oil.Treat the inflamed areas with the product morning and evening.

To treat psoriasis, you can take baths with the addition of useful ingredients: baking soda, sea salt, oat 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.The therapy is used for the following forms:

• 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 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 mined on the shores of the Dead Sea and in the resorts of Kuyalnik.They contain minerals that soothe and restore the skin.

Prevention of psoriasis

An important way to prevent exacerbation and relapse 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 fundamental principles:

• Up to 70-80% of the menu should consist of alkaline-forming foods (fruits and vegetables).
• Only 20-30% of the diet may consist of foods that increase acidity (meat, cereals, fish, whole milk).
• Fatty and carbohydrate foods, coffee, carbonated sweet drinks and alcohol are completely excluded.
• All dishes should be steamed, boiled or cooked without oil.
• Take meals in small portions to avoid overloading the intestine.

To prevent psoriasis it is important to stop smoking and drinking alcohol.It is necessary to monitor daily cleansing of the intestines, drink more clean water without gases and additives.

Answers to the most frequently asked questions about psoriasis

Can you get psoriasis?

This is the first misunderstanding that negatively affects communication with patients.The disease, in fact, is associated only with the functioning of the immune system and does not present viruses transmitted by contact.You can safely handle the patient's skin, wear their clothes or shoes.

Is it possible to swim during a flare-up?

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

Is it possible to completely cure psoriasis?

To date, no methods of treating psoriasis have been found that can completely relieve the patient of the problem.This is a chronic, incurable disease that manifests itself with frequent relapses and requires constant prevention.With proper nutrition, diet and a healthy lifestyle, it is possible only to reduce the number of exacerbations and reduce the severity of the course.

The causes and characteristics of psoriasis are actively studied by doctors from different countries.Many treatment methods have been developed that give 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.