Psoriasis or scaly lichen is a skin disease that belongs to chronic dermatoses, prone to systemic lesions and seasonal exacerbations. The disease has been known since ancient times. The works of doctors (contemporaries of Hippocrates) describe a skin disease with similar symptoms. At that time, it was proposed to treat dermatoses with drugs based on plants and other natural substances. Today, folk recipes are also used in the treatment of pathology.
Causes and symptoms of psoriasis
The difficulty of treating psoriasis is that doctors are not able to determine which pathogen causes skin damage. Experts' opinions were divided, but not a single assumption was officially confirmed.
The most common hypotheses for the development of psoriasis:
- genetic inheritance;
- viral nature (the most controversial theory)
- weakening of the body's defenses;
- fungal and staphylococcal infections;
- harmful ecology;
- immunopathology;
- mental disorders.
The disease is not contagious - it is not transmitted through contact. It is also not possible to catch psoriasis by airborne droplets.
It is easy to identify psoriasis - the signs of the disease have clear symptoms:
- itching on the affected skin;
- red plaques with a clearly defined border;
- When the dermis is damaged, new flaky spots appear.
The disease is rare in older people; damage to the dermis is most common in young people.
Prevention and diet
It is impossible to completely cure the pathology. Therapy is aimed at eliminating symptomatic manifestations and achieving long-term remission. One of the principles of getting rid of psoriasis is preventive manipulation and adherence to a dietary diet. The degree of attentive attitude towards the body is equal to the duration of remission of psoriatic rashes. To preventive recommendations:
- prevention of the addition of infectious pathological microflora;
- complete elimination of the negative effects of alcohol and tobacco;
- maintaining a proper balanced diet, without being overly enthusiastic about dietary nutrition;
- reduce the impact of ultraviolet radiation on the skin, especially in spring and summer;
- distribute rest and work schedules;
- avoid excessive nervous tension;
- take a complex of vitamins and minerals;
- exclude eating high-calorie foods and sweets, limit pasta in the diet.
Additional skin care tips to prevent relapse:
- it is necessary to moisturize the epithelium;
- care cosmetics must be hypoallergenic;
- crusts from psoriatic rashes can be softened and removed;
- the skin also needs rest, long-term treatment contributes to the depletion of the natural protective forces of the epidermis;
- adhere to a healthy lifestyle;
- annually organize holidays on the sea coast;
- preventive treatment of chronic pathological conditions.
It is completely impossible to get rid of psoriasis, but you can adhere to the rules of prevention and therapy to achieve a long phase of remission of the pathology. The disease belongs to the autoimmune category. These diseases cause the immune system to reject its own cellular structures. The epidermis with psoriasis becomes covered with scaly formations, which cause not only aesthetic discomfort, but also scare away others.
Drug effects on the disease
Psoriasis is a disease that affects the skin for reasons that even an experienced doctor cannot always determine, so it is recommended to treat the symptoms with medication using a combination of medications and additional measures. Medicines must be prescribed by a doctor - self-medication can lead to dangerous complications and rapid development of the disease.
Treatment with drugs occurs according to the following scheme:
- local (external) use of hormonal agents (Psoril, Cytopsor, Berestin);
- a diet that normalizes metabolic processes in the body;
- non-hormonal medications with a moisturizing, stopping cell division, restorative effect (Zinc, Solidol, Salicylic ointment);
- physiotherapeutic manipulations (ultraviolet irradiation of blood, excimer laser, cryotherapy);
- taking vitamin complexes (Aevit, Hepavit).
The disease can cause nervous disorders and neurasthenia; treatment is often supplemented with the help of psychologists. Below is a table with hormonal and non-hormonal drugs.
| Type | A drug | Has an effect |
| Non-hormonal agents | Neftesan | relieves itching and inflammation, relieves pain |
| Losterine | anti-inflammatory, exfoliating effect | |
| Daivonex | prescribed for vulgar psoriasis | |
| Antipsorin | relieves inflammation and irritation | |
| Hormonal agents | Hydrocortisone ointment | anti-allergenic, relieves itching, suppresses skin immunity |
| Ultralan | relieves itching, is anti-allergenic | |
| Lorinden | relieves pain and inflammation, suitable for hairy areas | |
| Flucinar | used in advanced cases |
Hereditary theory
World dermatology has been able to accurately establish one of the reasons for the appearance of psoriasis - this is a genetic predisposition. Today, 60% of all patients with psoriasis have a relative with the same problem. Such findings prompted scientists to study in more detail the theory of hereditary origin of lichen planus.
Content:
- Hereditary theory
- Infections and viruses as pathogens
- Metabolism theory
- Hormonal imbalance in pathogenesis
- Psychosomatics of the disease
- Hypothesis for impaired immunity
- Causes of relapse that can be prevented
On 5 April 2013, the WHO Secretariat compiled a report on research in this area. It was possible to establish the following: 1) if one of the parents is sick in the family, the risk of illness in the child is 14%; 2) if both parents in the family are affected, this risk increases to 41%; 3) if a sister or brother is sick – 6%. Moreover, psoriasis can appear even after several generations, “bypassing” the previous ones.
An important task for biochemists was to find out which gene is responsible for such heredity. A study of the patients' genomes identified nine gene loci that may be associated with psoriasis. However, the exact single gene that is responsible for the heredity of the disease has not been established.
What is known is that it is not the scaly lichen itself that is inherited, but only the predisposition to it. This means that a person whose relatives have encountered a similar problem will not necessarily suffer from psoriasis. Therefore, it cannot be considered an exclusively hereditary disease. For psoriasis to manifest itself, it will require additional pathogens, which can also be considered its causes.
In addition, the question remains open regarding the remaining 40% of patients - why did they get sick if no one in their family suffered from a similar problem? This task forces scientists to look further for the causes of scaly lichen.
Basic rules of treatment
Treatment at home leads to positive results, but subject to strict adherence to the recommendations and rules of alternative medicine. The patient must adhere to the following requirements:
- treatment is carried out until the symptoms of the disease disappear - 2-4 procedures will remain ineffective;
- fight the disease comprehensively - using drugs internally and externally;
- do not refuse the help of a doctor - combine folk remedies and pharmaceutical drugs if necessary;
- supplement treatment with diet;
- protect the skin from harmful external influences during the course of treatment (use protective cream, oil).
The use of home remedies must first be agreed with your doctor. If there are contraindications to the use of traditional methods, refuse treatment and turn to traditional medicine.
Before using any products, test for the body's tolerance of the active components. To do this, apply 3-5 drops of the prepared medicine to an area of the body that has increased sensitivity (elbow, crescent behind the ear, wrist) and wait 2 hours. If the body does not give alarm signals, it is allowed to use the product for external use.
Hormonal imbalance in pathogenesis
Patient statistics show that women are slightly more likely to develop psoriasis than men. Moreover, in the fairer sex with this problem, outbreaks of psoriasis symptoms are noticed mainly during the periods of ovulation and menstruation. Such features in the “behavior” of the disease prompted scientists to think about a hormonal factor in the development of the disease.
Indeed, when there are hormonal imbalances, patients often experience relapses: during pregnancy, menopause, taking hormonal medications, etc. This hypothesis is supported by the general statistics of the first manifestations of the disease. In women, initial symptoms occur at the age of 15 years, in men a little later - at 20-25 years. This is due to the fact that in the stronger sex, hormonal balance occurs later.
But this theory also met opponents in the form of scientists. The fact that changes in hormonal levels cause outbreaks of dermatosis today is beyond doubt among doctors, but this is considered the root cause of the disease. The hypothesis that hormones can cause psoriasis in a healthy person is excluded, since the first symptoms and relapses of the disease occur against the background of hormonal “calmness”.
Activated carbon against psoriasis
Activated carbon, which has the properties of removing toxins from the body, will help you quickly recover from illness at home. Some doctors believe that the disease is provoked by intoxication, so the removal of harmful substances helps to get rid of the signs of psoriasis.
The dosage of the drug is calculated based on body weight. One tablet is enough for 6-8 kg. It is recommended to divide the daily portion of activated carbon into 2 parts and take it in two doses - in the evening and in the morning. Drink plenty of liquid.
Treatment is carried out in two courses lasting a month. Break – 25 days. If there are complications, it will take up to four courses to completely get rid of the disease.
When treating with activated carbon, adhere to a diet - limit the consumption of fatty, salty, and spice-rich foods. Another requirement is to drink at least 2 liters of liquid (water, herbal infusions, tea) during the day.
Hypothesis for impaired immunity
Research into the genetic theory of the origin of psoriasis has revealed that all patients have impaired cellular immunity. This feature is also inherited, but can also arise due to gene mutations. Scientists have suggested that with a congenital or acquired predisposition, damaged skin may be subject to autoimmune aggression. That is, the body perceives the affected skin cells as hostile and attacks them.
This assumption was supported by blood tests of patients and examination of the scales above the plaques. It turned out that the keratinized cells actually contain antigenic complexes, and antibodies to these complexes were found in the blood. In healthy people, this is not observed either in the blood or in the dermis.
Such analyzes suggest that disruptions in the immune system play an important role in the formation of the first foci of psoriasis. In complex drug treatment, taking this fact into account, antihistamines are used to reduce the aggression of the immune system towards its own cells. However, there are still a number of factors that influence the course of the disease and its relapses, which are not related to immunology, therefore, of all the theories considered, there is no one that was unanimously accepted.
Treatment of diseases with soda
The use of sodium bicarbonate is recommended to get rid of rashes on the scalp, hands, and other parts of the body. Traditional medicine advises to fight psoriasis by taking a bath with the addition of soda. The results of the manipulations are permanent relief from inflammatory processes on the skin, discomfort (itching, burning), and improved blood circulation.
Carrying out the procedure:
- Take a warm, soothing shower that prepares the skin for the procedure.
- Fill the bathtub with warm water.
- Add 450 g to the liquid. baking soda.
- Stir the solution until sodium bicarbonate is completely dissolved.
- Take a bath for half an hour.
Treatment with starch
It is recommended to treat the affected areas of the dermis on the body with starch-based lotions. Do not use the composition to treat diseases on the head or face - the product can cause peeling of the skin. Homemade medicine will help you quickly get rid of the rash and relieve discomfort.
Preparation and use:
- Mix starch and wheat flour in equal proportions.
- Add warm water to the bulk mixture; the mass should resemble semi-liquid sour cream.
- Leave for half an hour for the composition to swell.
- Apply to the affected areas of the dermis and leave for half an hour.
- Rinse and blot away any remaining moisture.
It is recommended to treat the disease at home daily; one procedure per day is enough. Course duration – 3 weeks. Combine with oral medications.
Treatment with starch and a decoction based on St. John's wort gives excellent results. It’s easy to prepare a remedy to influence the disease from the inside - grind 100 grams. plant materials (leaves, flowers of St. John's wort), brew with boiling water (1 l). Leave for 3 hours to infuse; it is recommended to wrap the container to obtain a concentrated medicine. Take 50 ml three times a day.
Baths for psoriasis
Many patients are interested in whether it is possible to take baths when rashes appear on the body and how to treat psoriasis with baths? To add to water, it is recommended to add components that have a soothing, antiseptic, and disinfectant effect on the skin.
Using soda
Soda baths can be taken in combination with drug therapy. To eliminate the main manifestations of the disease and cleanse the skin, dissolve 200 g of the product in warm water. The water in the bathroom should not be too hot. The optimal temperature is 38 - 39 degrees. The procedure time should be 20-25 minutes.
Use of sea salt
Therapy with salt is carried out similarly to the method with soda. Add 200 - 250 g of product to bathing water. After swimming, it is recommended to rinse with clean water, as salt can dry out and tighten the skin. To soften plaques after the procedure, they must be treated with a rich cream.
Herbal infusions
Herbs for baths are used in the form of decoctions. Plants can be used individually or combined. Let's look at a few popular recipes:
- Take 3 tbsp. l. chamomile, calendula, yarrow, wormwood and nettle, pour the ingredients into 6 liters of water, cook the product for 30-40 minutes over low heat. After this, the broth is filtered and added to the bathing water.
- 3 tbsp. l. celandine is brewed with a liter of boiling water and boiled for 10-15 minutes. After the decoction has infused for 2-3 hours, it is added to the bath.
- 200 g of birch buds and leaves are poured with three liters of water, simmered for half an hour over low heat, then filtered and used for a bath.
It is important to consider that the use of medicinal herbs and tinctures must be discussed with your doctor. Self-medication in severe cases of the disease may not only fail to produce results, but also provoke complications of the disease.
The use of bay leaves in the fight against psoriasis
Bay leaves are recommended to be used to get rid of lesions on the head and skin throughout the body. There are no restrictions on use - the composition is safe, does not cause complications or allergic manifestations.
Preparation, use:
- Grind 20 bay leaves with your hands.
- Bring water (500 ml) to a boil, pour in the pulp.
- Poison the mixture over low heat and simmer without removing the lid for a quarter of an hour.
- Infuse, leaving the lid on, for a rich, concentrated decoction, wrap the container in a towel.
- Filter, use gauze cloth for this (roll in 3 layers).
Take the product twice a day - after waking up and before going to bed. Dosage for one dose – 80 ml. Exceeding the recommended amount of fluid is prohibited - this will not affect the effectiveness of psoriasis treatment. Duration of treatment is a week. The fastest way to treat psoriasis is to supplement the intake of laurel decoction with starch-based lotions. Even an advanced disease, accompanied by complications, will go away in 3-5 days (but the result is individual for each patient).
Infections and viruses as pathogens
The infectious theory of the disease was one of the first to appear; it began to be studied about two centuries ago. Scientists of the 19th century were confident in the fault of pathological microorganisms and diligently tried to determine which of them were responsible for this disease. This explanation seemed the most obvious, since psoriasis in patients can suddenly appear and also unexpectedly go into remission. And today among scientists there are supporters of this idea.
Adherents of the infectious theory believe that pathogens send an impulse to the autonomic region and endocrine system, affecting their functions. Such changes disrupt the body’s normal ability to respond to environmental influences and adapt to it. As a result, if we add another provoking factor, skin cells die not in 30 days (which is natural for them), but in 4-5 days, which is why a group of keratinized cells appears on the hands, head, face or the rest of the body. inflammation.
For many years, doctors have studied fungi and bacteria, trying to find the relationship between them and the root cause of the disease. But among the pathological organisms known to medicine, there is no one that could become a “trigger” of this dermatosis. Today, the infectious theory of the appearance of scaly lichen is not considered as the main one, but is not completely rejected. There is still some connection between psoriasis attacks and infections.
It has been established that tonsillitis, ARVI, streptococci, tonsillitis and other infections often accompany the first outbreaks of lichen planus, and in the remission stage it provokes a relapse. But most doctors are inclined to believe that infections only provoke the manifestation of an existing disease.
The theory about the viral nature of the disease was also one of the first to emerge. However, this assumption has completely collapsed since medicine discovered that psoriasis is not transmitted from person to person. However, there are viruses that persist in the body for years, reduce immunity and can cause psoriasis if the immune system of the skin has been damaged. In practice, there are cases of blood transfusion to a healthy person from a patient, even though the healthy body does not become infected with lichen planus.
Treatment with ointment based on laurel leaves
Another affordable and effective medicine that can cure psoriasis on the head or skin forever is an ointment made from laurel leaves. Preparation of the composition:
- Warm Vaseline (50 g) in a water bath.
- Add laurel leaves crushed into a paste to the preparation.
- Leave in a warm place for 3-5 days, stir regularly.
Apply the product to the affected areas of the skin or hair. It is first recommended to rinse the dermis, remove moisture, and wait until it dries. After use, do not rinse off for an hour.
Apply once a day. Duration of treatment – 2 weeks. Recommended for complications, rapid spread of rashes, discomfort on the dermis. It is prohibited for use by children, with allergic skin reactions, and by pregnant women.
How to treat psoriasis on the body
Curing psoriasis completely is a difficult task, since the nature of the disease is chronic and treatment in most cases is only symptomatic. When the first symptoms occur, it is very important to immediately consult a dermatologist (or in the case of arthritis, a visit to a rheumatologist is also recommended), who has extensive experience and knows exactly how to treat psoriasis on the body. American and European scientists are constantly trying to improve the treatment regimen and have already achieved some success. However, the price of imported drugs in Russia is quite high, and therefore you need to be prepared for expensive treatment, which often turns out to be more effective than budget ones.
During complex treatment, topical ointments, tablets and vitamins are mainly used, and a healthy lifestyle is maintained with the level of anxiety minimized. UV therapy has also proven itself well, especially in the treatment of inverse psoriasis, which also occurs in intimate places. 10 daily sessions of ultraviolet irradiation in the dermatovenerologic department, together with other medications, are enough to bring about a remission form of the disease, and to a greater extent this applies to such types of disease as psoriasis in the navel, under the arms and on the knee-elbow folds.
When using medications, you need to remember that the layer of skin covered with psoriasis is already very sensitive, and long-term use of any topical drug leads to thinning and discoloration of the skin, which increases the risk of complications in the form of relapse. This mainly concerns the treatment of psoriasis in the intimate area, where the skin is thin and requires special handling. Therefore, experts advise not to self-medicate, but to consult a doctor who has an idea of how to remove psoriasis without any consequences. Let's look at each of the treatment methods in more detail below.
For a medical history, symptoms and diagnosis, treatment methods for erythrodermic psoriasis, read the article - psoriatic erythroderma.
How to take methotrexate for psoriatic arthritis, drug analogues? See here - methotrexate for psoriasis.
What is psoriatic joint arthropathy, where does it come from, read here - psoriatic arthropathy.
Hormonal topical therapy
This therapy is based on suppressing the activity of the immune system using glucocorticosteroid hormones. This method of treatment is quite controversial, since long-term use causes side effects in the form of decreased performance of the endocrine and cardiovascular systems. Popular hormonal remedies for psoriasis on the body:
- Belosalik. The price of the drug varies from 300 to 800 rubles, depending on the volume. This medicine reduces the feeling of itching and burning, which promotes rapid healing of plaques. Belosalik is taken up to 3 times a day for a course of no more than 3 weeks.
- Advantan. This is a well-proven medicine that has a regenerating and anti-inflammatory effect. Its price averages about 600 rubles for a standard 20 g. The ointment is applied 2 times a day for a course of 2 weeks.
- Hydrocortisone. The cost of the drug is low and quite affordable - about 30 rubles. It has an antipruritic effect, helps reduce swelling and inflammation of the skin in the first stage of the disease. 3-4 applications per day for 2-3 weeks are enough for the main symptoms of psoriasis to almost disappear.
Hormonal ointments or lotions often help well in the early stages of treating psoriasis on the body, but, due to the characteristics of their composition, they cause an addictive effect with prolonged use.
Non-hormonal therapy
Since scaly lichen occurs due to autoimmune causes, it makes sense to treat it with the help of pharmaceutical vitamin formulations in combination with local non-hormonal ointments. To improve the effect in stationary conditions, internal injections are made based on substances such as pyridoxine, calcium gluconate, vitamin D, etc. The introduction of a multivitamin complex into the body improves the functioning of the immune system and accelerates the healing process of skin wounds. Non-hormonal ointments have no side effects, and help treat psoriasis as effectively as hormonal ones, but only with multi-component therapy. Consider a list of the most common topical medications that do not contain hormones:
- Phytocream Akrustal. The cream, consisting of natural ingredients, has a pleasant smell and has a calming and regenerating effect. Price – about 800 rubles. In the absence of allergies, it is recommended to apply the product once a day; the course of treatment depends on the severity of the disease, on average 5-8 weeks.
- Salicylic ointment. The product costs about 30 rubles, it has an antipruritic and drying effect. The ointment is used to remove crusts and prevent the appearance of weeping spots; it should be used 2 times a day until the plaques are completely eliminated.
- Zinc ointment. Just like salicylic ointment, it is inexpensive and has an adsorbent and disinfectant effect. It is applied in a thin layer 2-3 times a day until the oozing plaques are completely healed.
Vitamin injections are most often carried out in a hospital setting, where doctors will tell you how to deal with psoriasis, taking ointments and vitamins at the same time without the risk of complications.
UFO therapy and general recommendations
It is now becoming popular to treat psoriasis with light irradiation. Light therapy has an effective therapeutic effect on the affected surface of the body, reducing the activity of T cells and preventing their proliferation. Thus, UV rays help stop the spread of psoriatic plaques and promote healing of existing itchy raised patches. Light treatment is carried out in hospitals on average 7 days in a row, the number of courses varies depending on the form of the disease and treatment tactics.
Ultraviolet radiation can also be received outdoors by being in the hot sun for no more than 25 minutes, otherwise there is a risk of getting a burn or heat stroke.
Treatment of psoriasis with medications will be more effective if you follow a healthy lifestyle: proper nutrition, limiting alcohol, sugar, flour, and some dairy products. A moderate diet helps the body direct all its energy to fight its own cells, without being distracted by heavy digestion of food. Doctors recommend avoiding strong stress and emotions, as strong experiences weaken the body’s immunity. Only complex therapy will have maximum effect in the fight against psoriasis on the body.
Reviews of irradiators for psoriasis have been tested by time and experience, see here - irradiators for the treatment of psoriasis.
Seborrheic form of psoriasis, causes and treatment, read here - seborrheic psoriasis.
Eye psoriasis: causes, symptoms and types of disease, read here - eye psoriasis.
