Causes of psoriasis, its types and methods of treatment

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

The nature and history of psoriasis

The first mentions of skin disease symptoms 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 red plaques and papules on the body.In the Middle Ages, it was long considered a type of dangerous 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 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.

Detailed study of psoriasis began in the 20th century.With the help of better equipment and optics, doctors found out that during the disease the processes of skin regeneration and exfoliation accelerate 8-10 times.They separated the 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 causes of disease;the influence of immunity and heredity is considered.To date, hundreds of drugs have been developed for treatment, but not a single method frees the patient from the problem forever.

The main causes of psoriasis

In a healthy person, the process of renewing the upper layer of the dermis takes 21-30 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, 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 triggers an inflammatory process.They do not have time to mature and break off from the deeper layers, forming plaques that itch.

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

• decrease in immunity;
• frequent colds, ARVI or flu;
• hormonal imbalance;
• pathologies of the thyroid gland;
• constant hypothermia;
• working with chemicals;
• psychological problems, stress, disorders;
• drug or alcohol use.

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

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

Psoriasis is often hereditary.If both parents have the gene, the risk of the 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 worsening and frequent relapses:

• smoking;
• 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 gets worse after being sick with bronchitis or tonsillitis, in the treatment of which antibiotics were 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 is constantly increasing, disrupting metabolic processes.

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

Other complications of psoriasis include:

• erythroderma with large areas of skin lesions;
• reduced visual acuity;
• enlargement 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 skin defects often avoid personal relationships and are ashamed of their own bodies.They deliberately refuse intimate life and visits to 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.Several spots appear on the body, more like a rash.They quickly increase 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 ringworm 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 off the surface, leaving the surface as if covered with wax.
• After removing the inflamed scales, a thin red film of new cells can be seen that 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 place of rubbing with clothes, after scratches 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 be localized on the fingers and cover the elbows with a crust.In rare cases or in advanced forms, the process involves the forearm.
• On the head.The usual form is diagnosed when particles and crusts appear on the scalp.The inflammation starts on the back of the head, gradually moves behind the ears, accompanied by a burning sensation and abundant dandruff, which resembles a crown.
• On the body.In the form of a drop, small plaques abundantly cover the abdomen, thighs and back.The problem often occurs after treating infections with antibiotics.
• On the palms and soles.Palmoplantar psoriasis starts with a few small plaques, but quickly develops into large areas covered with whitish skin.Sometimes itchy crusts appear only between the fingers.
• On the face.A rare form localized 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 the skin folds in the groin, armpit and neck.Itching, 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 according to its signs and characteristic manifestations.Separation by form helps to correctly identify the main cause of the disease and choose a treatment method:

• Simple, like a placard or vulgar.The classic version appears on the skin with a large number of plaques.They are covered with silvery scales, they are very scaly, itchy and can bleed when scratched.They often merge into a large formation on the back, abdomen or legs.It is characterized by regular recurrences and complications on the joints.
• Spotted or teardrop-shaped.Many small dots with a diameter of no more than 1.5 cm protrude on the body.They resemble a rash and are rarely localized on the face and hands.When rubbed against the sutures, the clothing often peels off, leaving open, inflamed skin that becomes infected with a secondary infection.
• Pustular.Complex form, in which up to 30-50% of the body is affected.Exacerbation is accompanied by an increase in lymph nodes, high temperature, worsening of internal diseases and requires medical care in a hospital environment.It is divided into localized and generalized Tsumbusha type.
• Exudative.One of the most difficult forms.It appears in patients with endocrine pathologies and develops against the background of diabetes.In addition to peeling, the plaques secrete large amounts of inflammatory fluid.They become saturated with exudate, turning into a thick 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 like eczema patches, have no film effect or waxy sheen, and don't drop red drops when removed.It can be accompanied by fever, weakness and deterioration of health.
• Inverse or reverse.A rare form is diagnosed in 1% of people.One of the manifestations is considered dark pigmentation in the armpits and inguinal folds, which in the initial stage do 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 ordinary seborrhea, using a special shampoo.But on visual inspection, there is no greasy shine and abundant sebaceous secretion, the skin is dry, the scales shine in the light.

Separately, doctors distinguish nail psoriasis or onychodystrophy.It resembles the vulgar form and occurs with frequent relapses.It occurs in 90% of patients with psoriatic arthritis.It occurs in only 7% of children, but it is difficult to treat.Symptoms include plate separation, white spotting, pitting and severe delamination.

Stages of psoriasis

In clinical practice, there are several stages of the disease.They differ in severity of symptoms, manifestations and nature of the flow.Separately, many experts describe the initial, which in many patients occurs with hidden inflammation, similar to ordinary dermatitis or ringworm.

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 is reduced after applying a moisturizing cream 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, negatively affecting the joints and internal organs.Unpleasant feelings intensify, plaques merge into large spots on the body, appear on the head, nails and soles.The skin looks inflamed, it peels and the cell death does not stop.
3. Regression or resolution.The symptoms of psoriasis gradually decrease and disappear.The red spots recede, leaving whitish areas on the skin.The patient returns to his usual way of life.

To choose a treatment method, it is necessary to divide it into phases.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 remove the exacerbation and achieve complete elimination of symptoms.The disease cannot be cured, so it is important to strive for long-term regression.

Methods of treating psoriasis

Doctors recommend starting therapy at the first signs of exacerbation and that the disease does not develop into complications.In the initial phase, you can use non-hormonal means, supplement the course with a special diet and folk recipes.It is important to rule out the factors that caused 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 an effective therapy.It is not enough to remove the external manifestations of the disease quickly: it is necessary to ensure that there are no internal inflammations, damage to the joints and prevent the development of arthritis.

Drug therapy

The treatment of any form of psoriasis begins with the use of external drugs.They have different active ingredients, they differ in composition and principle of action on the epidermis.

The preparations contain vitamins, minerals and oils that relieve ailments and improve blood circulation in the capillaries.Zinc and phenolic acid additionally protect against bacteria, prevent secondary infections and dry damp 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 disturbed regeneration process.The inflammation gradually decreases, cells are produced more slowly, and the film-covered areas heal.Medicines may contain glucocorticosteroids.But they have a number of 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 characterized 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 cortex of the adrenal gland 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, drugs to strengthen 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:

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

Medicines are recommended for psoriasis 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, they are used in the progressive phase or to prevent relapse in the form of injections or tablets. 

Psoriasis often occurs during stressful situations.In order to eliminate the provoking factor, doctors choose immunosuppressants.They normalize sleep, reduce irritability and anxiety, stopping the inflammatory process.

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

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

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

Chinese remedies for psoriasis

Chinese preparations based on plants have proven themselves well in complex treatment during inflammation.Doctors advise you to use them after a course of hormonal ointments for detoxification and treatment.Highest quality according to patient reviews:

• Lotion containing fluorine, phenolic, acetic acid, borneol and plant extracts.
• Chinese ointment that, without hormones, quickly penetrates the skin, saturating it with extracts of thorn, lichen, rhubarb and fulin mushroom.
• A hormonal agent that is prescribed in the acute period to reduce inflammation, peeling and itching.Contains glucocorticosteroid, vaseline, stearin, menthol oil.Allowed for facial skin treatments.
• Cheap grease 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.Removes itching due to the content of turmeric, sandalwood oil, neem, tulsi.
• Sulfuric 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 antiseptic.It is used for exacerbations twice a day.
• Safe cream from China, enriched with Japanese Sophora juice and ash root, relieves dryness, peeling and itching.It can be applied to the face and scalp.

Before the 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 different methods for treating psoriasis.After the acute process is resolved, the therapy can be supplemented with folk remedies.In case of exacerbation, prescriptions with medicinal solid oil are often used:

• Mix liquid honey and fat in equal proportions, add ground oak bark and raw egg.The resulting mixture is applied to the body 2 times a day.
• In a clean bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of lard and baby cream, add a little sea buckthorn oil.In the morning and in the evening, treat inflamed areas with the preparation.

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

Alternative methods

In addition to medication, 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 in scalp lesions.Irradiation with light waves is carried out in the course of 5-6 procedures at a low frequency, which is safe for the body.Among the alternative methods that have been proven for psoriasis:

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

To reduce inflamed areas, it is recommended to apply mud in the form of applications or take in baths.The most effective compounds are mined on the shores of the Dead Sea and Kuyalnik resorts.They contain minerals that soothe and renew 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 intoxication and prevent dysbacteriosis.Its main principles:

• Up to 70-80% of the menu should consist of alkaline-forming 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 monitor daily bowel cleansing, drink more clean water without gases 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, the disease is only related to the functioning of the immune system and does not have viruses transmitted by contact.You can safely handle the patient's skin, wear his 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 completed by bathing in a solution of sea salt, starch or treating plaques with mud applications.

Is it possible to completely cure psoriasis?

To date, no psoriasis treatment methods have 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 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 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 exacerbation, it is necessary to combine drug therapy, traditional medicine, detoxification and follow a strict diet.