When the first case of the disease occurs, many are not sure whether it is possible to wash with psoriasis, what and how often to carry out hygiene procedures. This is due to the fact that after bathing, irritation may intensify.
However, skin care under any circumstances is an important factor, including helping to quickly get rid of manifestations. In the case of psoriasis, there is a need to carry out hygiene procedures according to certain rules that will avoid negative effects.
Is it possible to take baths with psoriasis?
Therapeutic baths help improve the condition of the skin:
- moisturize the epidermis;
- promote the removal of harmful substances through the pores;
- neutralize itching and soreness of the affected areas.
This is exactly the effect that is necessary for psoriasis (squamous lichen). The disease affects the skin, hair and nails, and presents as red, dry spots that cause discomfort. Baths help primarily relieve symptoms and alleviate the patient’s condition.
Many doctors recommend taking baths for psoriasis.
Water procedures for dermatological diseases are recommended by many doctors; they will not harm. The main thing is to remember that they need to be carried out at a time when all the symptoms become less significant, since in the acute stages the epidermis is especially vulnerable.
How to properly take baths for psoriasis?
Water procedures for this type of dermatosis have their own characteristics. If you follow all the recommendations, you can achieve good results in treatment and significantly increase the period of remission.
- Temperature conditions. Water for manipulation should not exceed 36–38 degrees, which allows you not to overload the heart and vascular system.
- Hygiene before the procedure. In order for the healing solution to penetrate deeply into the skin and have an effective effect on the disease, it is important to prepare the body. You need to shower to remove dead cells.
- It is recommended to eat food no later than 1.5–2 hours before therapeutic baths.
- Duration of therapy. Water manipulations are carried out every other day, lasting 20 minutes. The number of sessions depends on the stage of the disease.
After the bath, apply moisturizer to your skin
After therapeutic baths, the affected areas must be lubricated with a medicine (determined by a dermatologist) or moisturizer. This will avoid tightness and dryness of the epidermis.
What baths are taken for psoriasis?
The advantage of treating psoriasis with water manipulations is that they can be prepared and taken at home. Let's take a closer look at the recipes for the most effective medicinal baths.
Salt baths: with magnesium, sea salt
With scaly lichen, the skin constantly cracks and flakes, resulting in itching and burning. Such symptoms are well eliminated by baths with salt. Sea and Epsom (magnesia) salts are suitable for their preparation.
You need to dilute 1 kg of salt in 10 liters of hot water. Pour the prepared solution into the filled bath.
It is important to completely immerse the body in water so that all affected areas are in the healing liquid.
The duration of one session is 15–20 minutes. This is enough to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.
After completing the procedure, it is recommended to take a warm shower and dry off (dry with a towel, but do not rub). Repeat manipulations every other day for 3 months.
Sea salt has healing properties
It is useful to combine sea or table salt with magnesia (magnesium sulfate).
In this case, you can achieve a good cleansing effect. Epsom salt is a warming agent that promotes intense sweating and removes toxins from the body through the pores. The main effect of salt procedures is antiseptic, healing and detoxification.
Soda baths
A solution with soda is considered an effective folk remedy against psoriasis. It soothes inflamed skin, softens injured areas, reduces irritation and itching. In addition, the substance helps eliminate toxins.
You need to dissolve 250–300 g of the substance in warm water. Next, completely immerse yourself in the prepared liquid and spend 20–25 minutes in it.
Also on the topic: Treatment of psoriasis in Russian sanatoriums
After soda baths, it is recommended not to wipe the skin, but to let it dry naturally. This will enhance the therapeutic effect.
A bath with soda will help you heal faster.
The number of water treatments is determined by the severity of the disease. Usually 10–15 sessions are enough for the disease to subside for a long time. Manipulations should be carried out once every 2 days.
Oatmeal baths
Oats contain a lot of fiber, which improves metabolic processes in the body and helps eliminate harmful substances. For baths for psoriasis, you can use oat straw, flakes or oats with husks. There are several effective folk recipes, the use of which helps reduce peeling and redness of the skin, soften the epidermis, lighten plaques, and relieve inflammation.
- Boil 300 g of oat straw in 10–12 liters of water. Strain the broth and pour into a warm bath. The course of treatment is from 14 to 30 days.
- Boil 1.5 liters of milk and brew 350 g of oatmeal in it, leave for 40 minutes. Pour the finished mixture into the bath. Repeat sessions once every 3-4 days for a month.
- Brew 5 tbsp in a thermos. l. oat flakes. When the infusion turns into a slurry, you need to pour it into warm water and take a bath for at least 20 minutes. During the procedure, it is recommended to rub oatmeal water into the affected areas.
Oatmeal contains a lot of fiber
Oatmeal has a gentle effect on the skin, so it can be used not only during periods of remission, but also during exacerbations of the disease.
Starch baths
Starch relieves swelling and inflammation, reduces flaking of affected skin, and eliminates itching. Baths based on it significantly improve the patient’s condition and prevent relapses of skin rashes for a long time.
Starch perfectly relieves itching and swelling of the skin
Add 800 g of starch to 2 liters of water at room temperature, mix thoroughly to form a homogeneous consistency. Dilute the prepared solution with water and completely immerse yourself in the prepared liquid for 15–20 minutes. Treatment duration is 12–15 procedures.
Turpentine
The main effect of turpentine baths is disinfection, rapid healing and restoration of the skin.
You will need salicylic acid (0.75 g), baby soap (30 g), turpentine emulsion (15 ml). Heat the ingredients and mix. Add the resulting consistency to hot baths, starting with 20 ml per 200 liters of water and increase to 175 ml (maximum dose).
Treatment is carried out for a month. Before manipulation, it is necessary to treat the genitals and wounds with Vaseline.
Turpentine will quickly heal the skin
Turpentine baths have a warming effect, which increases sweating and the release of harmful substances. After the procedure, it is better not to dry yourself, but to wrap yourself in a warm robe and drink hot herbal tea (chamomile, linden).
After 1–1.5 hours, you need to take a shower, dry your skin with a towel and lubricate the affected areas with a moisturizer or a decoction of sage and chamomile.
Hydrogen sulfide
The main task of hydrogen sulfide baths is to improve the condition of the skin, eliminate itching and pain, reduce peeling and relieve inflammation. Thanks to the active components, beneficial substances penetrate the body through the pores and have a positive effect on the functioning of the internal organs as a whole.
It is better to use purchased solutions of mineral water with hydrogen sulfide, they are sold in pharmacies.
The level of active substance content affects the concentration of water:
weak - with the amount of hydrogen sulfide from 10 to 50 mg/l; medium – from 50 to 100 mg/l; strong – from 100 to 250 mg/l; very strong - from 250 mg/l.
Start with small concentrations of 50 ml per medium bath. Take a bath for 10–15 minutes, then lightly dry your skin with a towel.
A hydrogen sulfide bath will quickly cure psoriasis
The course of such therapy is 15 procedures, which need to be carried out once every 2-3 days. It is recommended to repeat treatment after six months.
Baths with copper sulfate
In the treatment of scaly lichen, copper sulfate or copper sulfate plays an important role. This chemical helps stop inflammatory processes in the early stages, preventing them from spreading further. In addition, the product produces a local bactericidal effect, which allows you to disinfect cracked plaques.
Also on the topic: How to cure psoriasis?
Copper sulfate normalizes immune mechanisms and reduces the risk of contracting infectious diseases. Its use in psoriasis can speed up the healing process of wounds.
Copper sulfate has disinfecting properties
Baths with copper sulfate should be taken 2-3 times a week for 15-20 minutes. To do this, dissolve 3–4 tbsp in 150–200 liters of hot water. l. copper complex. Achieving maximum therapeutic effect requires at least 15 procedures.
Conifers
The high content of essential oils in pine needles improves blood circulation and tissue nutrition, and therefore harmful substances are removed from the body. In addition, aromatic compounds penetrate not only into the skin, but also into the respiratory tract, thereby calming the nerve endings and neutralizing pathogens.
The needles contain many healing oils
There are several options for preparing medicinal bath solutions:
- decoction of pine buds - simmer 100 g of prepared raw materials in 2 liters of water over low heat, then pour the liquid into a warm bath;
- mix pine needle extract (100 ml) in 0.25 liters of water, then dilute the mixture in the prepared bath and carry out the procedure (15 minutes);
- Place the felled pine branches in a bath and pour boiling water for 30 minutes, after which you pull out the raw materials and begin the session.
Water procedures with pine needles help well with psoriasis with pronounced manifestations on the feet and palms. The duration of treatment is 7–10 appointments, which are carried out once every 3 days.
Mud
Baths using medicinal mud are the most effective natural remedy in the fight against psoriatic manifestations. They have an antiseptic and regenerating effect.
Mud procedures are difficult to carry out at home, since the main component is not sold in every pharmacy. Basically, therapy takes place in resort sanatoriums, beauty salons or directly at the site of mud formation (Anapa, Saki, Dead Sea).
Therapeutic mud is one of the most effective remedies for psoriasis
It is recommended to carry out manipulations with therapeutic mud for 15 days. The duration of 1 session can reach several hours.
Radon
When radium decays, a very rare type of gas is formed - radon. In microdoses, it has a beneficial effect on the general condition of the body, strengthens the immune system, and accelerates skin regeneration processes.
Therapeutic baths with such a chemical element are carried out exclusively in a hospital.
For 200 liters of water (35 degrees) use 100 ml of concentrated substance. The procedures last no more than 10 minutes, and the course of treatment is 10–12 procedures.
Radon in small quantities is good for the skin
Radon baths are used once a year and are used to treat chronic psoriasis. Therapy takes place in health centers or sanatoriums.
Herbal
Herbal baths are a powerful remedy against scaly lichen. With their help, you can remove inflammatory processes, as well as tone the body as a whole.
Among the herbs that are used for therapeutic procedures, the most effective are:
- sage;
- chamomile;
- series;
- celandine.
Plants can be arranged or used individually.
Celandine will help cure psoriasis
Baths with celandine are prepared using the oil or juice of the plant. A few spoons of concentrate are diluted in 1 liter of hot water and added to the bath. You can also combine the solution with a decoction of the string (3 tablespoons of herbs per 1 liter of boiling water). The procedure lasts no more than 20 minutes for 10 days. The main therapeutic effect is cleansing of plaques, reducing irritation, pain and itching.
Also on the topic: Treatment of psoriasis with folk remedies
Sage treatments are no less effective. The plant produces an astringent and antimicrobial effect, which makes it possible to use it for mild cases of the disease. Boil dry sage leaves (150 g) in 1.5 liters of water for 40–50 minutes. Pour the hot broth into a large container with warm liquid. The procedure time is 25 minutes. The number of sessions is 10–12, daily before bedtime.
In order to enhance the antibacterial and soothing effect, it is recommended to add chamomile decoction to the sage bath (50 g per 0.5 liter of water, boil for 40 minutes).
Possible options
The detergent market offers consumers a wide choice of products. It is sometimes difficult for a person with psoriasis to independently understand such abundance.
It is worth paying attention to the following products:
- Any baby shampoos and soaps. They are designed to moisturize baby's skin. Does not contain harmful components. Good for relieving itching. Soften the epidermis. Suitable for patients with psoriasis.
- Tar shampoos or soaps. Preparations based on this substance have anti-inflammatory, antipruritic and bactericidal effects. They lead to a decrease in the intensity of psoriasis, despite the specific but natural smell.
- Antifungal shampoos (Nizoral, Keto-plus, Mycozoral and others). They nourish the scalp well, prevent the attachment of fungus, and eliminate itching. They increase the effectiveness of therapy when psoriasis is localized on the scalp.
For a more accurate choice of detergent, you should consult your doctor. Otherwise, you can purchase a drug that will not bring the necessary benefit, and sometimes even harm.
Baths for children
Psoriasis develops slowly in a child. In the first stages, you can try to cure scaly lichen with folk remedies. To begin with, use herbal baths of sage, chamomile and string. They need to be carried out every other day for the first 1-2 weeks, then 3 sessions every 10 days, and if the symptoms begin to disappear, use them once every 7 days.
It is important to follow some rules when treating children with baths for psoriasis:
- the water should only be boiled so as not to provoke the appearance of new plaques and irritation;
- use of mineral water (3-4 bottles per 200 liters of boiled water);
- Use sea salt with caution, starting from 200 g per full bath, while it is safest to use Dead Sea salt;
- After water procedures, the child’s body does not need to be smeared with creams or lotions, this can reduce the effect of therapeutic manipulations.
In addition to baths with sea salt and mineral water, children can be bathed in pine solution. It is the extract that is available in pharmacies that is useful. Pour the contents of one bottle (25 ml) into a warm bath. Carry out the procedures for 10–15 minutes every other day for a month.
Pine extract is well suited for the treatment of psoriasis in children.
What baths are best to use for psoriasis in a child are prescribed by the doctor, and he also determines the main therapy.
If the children’s condition is normal and does not threaten to worsen, first you need to try to cure the pathology with gentle procedures (baths). Only if the symptoms remain unchanged should you start taking hormonal medications.
Contraindications
Along with the beneficial properties and high therapeutic effect, baths for psoriasis have certain contraindications:
- pathologies of the heart and blood vessels (atherosclerosis, hypertension);
- problems with the endocrine system, in particular diabetes;
- fungal or infectious skin lesions;
- inflammation in the respiratory system, development of pulmonary tuberculosis;
- second trimester of pregnancy;
- tumors of malignant and benign origin.
If a person suffers from one of the listed diseases, exclude bath treatment.
Selection of cleaning products
Remember that there is no single and universal shampoo or soap for such patients.
Each organism is individual. Different cleansers are suitable for different skin types. Therefore, the selection process must be careful and gradual. It is often not possible to find a suitable drug the first time.
Characteristics that a specific liquid or solid detergent must have:
- nutrition and hydration of the skin;
- possessing beneficial properties (anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, antipruritic, antifungal);
- safety of the composition. Herbal shampoos and shower gels demonstrate effectiveness;
- tolerance by the human body. The fewer side effects and complications a detergent causes, the better for the patient;
- Possibility of daily use.
The selection of the drug is done with a doctor. He will assess the condition of the patient’s skin and advise what to buy.
With the right choice of medication and organization of a hygienic regime, you can greatly improve the patient’s well-being and skin condition, reduce the dose of medications and even avoid taking hormones.
Reviews
Mozayka “Sage and salt baths help me a lot. I alternate them - 1 week of 3 herbal treatments, then every other day I take baths with sea salt and magnesium. I am treated like this for a month, then I take a break of 40–60 days, sometimes more - I look at the condition. Basically, the plaques are almost invisible, there is no itching or pain.”
Mashenka “I periodically use baths with oat straw. The effect is immediate. After just 3 procedures, I see improvements in the form of reduced peeling, redness, and itching. The skin becomes softer, there is no tightness. I also take sage and soda baths. They help me a lot. I always try to follow the doctor’s recommendations.”
Yurchik “I was treated with copper sulfate baths, thanks to which the disease did not make itself felt for more than 5 years. Of course, there were a few plaques, but they didn’t bother me at all. Recently, psoriasis has made itself known again. To my regret, this time the vitriol did not help. I’m being treated with hydrogen sulfide baths - there are improvements, but so far insignificant.”
Therapeutic baths for scaly lichen have a positive effect on the patient’s general condition and also significantly improve his quality of life. Water procedures help reduce painful manifestations, up to the visual disappearance of signs of the disease. Thanks to baths, it is possible to increase periods of remission without damaging the body with hormonal drugs. The main thing is to choose the right procedure, taking into account all the characteristics of the body and the disease.
Beneficial and harmful properties of baths for patients
The steam room significantly affects the human epithelium. In winter and summer, during exacerbations, the skin of patients is especially vulnerable and susceptible. The steam room regulates body temperature, improving thermoregulation. To increase adaptive powers you need to train. To do this, you should pour cold water over the bath after heating.
High temperature increases the secretion of sweat, which removes toxins and decay products from the body. Thanks to this, blood circulation improves, metabolism accelerates, which leads to a faster progression of the disease.
The painful epithelium is saturated with nutrients and defensive substances. From the air and blood, oxygen enters the skin, which relaxes, softens, and begins to “breathe.” In addition, dead cells are rejected from pathological plaques, thereby accelerating the restoration of the epidermis.
Due to exfoliation of the affected skin, a person’s itching, burning, pain stops, and redness is eliminated. Stressful situations negatively affect the course of pathology, so the steam room relaxes the body, the nervous system, and relieves tension.
The effect of high humidity and temperature on the epidermis increases skin permeability, which improves the effectiveness of preparations for external use.
At the same time, the skin improves both outside and inside. Psoriatic arthritis can be successfully eliminated with a sauna or bathhouse with birch brooms. However, for this there must be low humidity, but increased temperature. Thanks to such measures, motor activity is restored in patients.
On this topic
- Psoriasis
Find out what blood tests you need to take for psoriasis
- Irina Nasredinovna Nachoeva
- September 24, 2020
The steam room also protects against the onset of complications of psoriasis for a long time. When the disease develops due to decreased immunity, the steam room strengthens the body’s defense system and has bactericidal properties on the affected skin.
Despite the presence of numerous beneficial qualities, a steam room is not suitable for every patient. The bath is strictly contraindicated for patients with progressive, acute psoriasis, with the pustular form of the pathology, psoriatic erythroderma, and also with weeping ulcers and ulcers. In addition, people with myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, skin fungus, or exacerbation of diabetes should not visit the steam room.
