Causes of psoriasis, types and treatments

Over the past decade, doctors have noted a sharp increase in the incidence of psoriasis.The disease is associated with internal inflammation, which is a chronic process and cannot be fully recovered.Treatment and prevention of complications includes medication, diet and the use of folk remedies on a natural basis.

Nature and history of psoriasis

The first mentions of symptoms of skin diseases are found in the annals of healers in ancient Egypt and India.It was described in detail by Hippocrates, who gave the name “psora” to the red patches and bumps on the body.In the Middle Ages, it was long considered a dangerous type of leprosy, so patients hid the infection to avoid being forced to undergo treatment.

Psoriasis was first identified as a separate disease by the German dermatologist and scientist Ferdinant 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 research on psoriasis began in the 20th century. With the help of better equipment and optics, doctors learned that during the disease, the skin's regeneration and exfoliation processes are accelerated 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 cause of the disease;The influence of immunity and genetics is being considered.To date, hundreds of drugs have been developed for treatment, but no method can help patients solve this problem forever.

The main cause of psoriasis

In healthy people, the process of renewing the upper layer of the dermis takes 21–30 days.During this time, cells are formed, grow, perform basic functions and die, making way for new cells.Under the influence of negative factors in psoriasis, this process accelerates several times, taking no more than 5–6 days.

Most dermatologists believe that the main cause of the disease is an autoimmune disorder.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 are torn from the deeper layers, forming itchy patches.

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

• impaired immunity;
• frequent colds, ARVI or flu;
• hormonal imbalance;
• pathology of the thyroid gland;
• persistent hypothermia;
• working with chemicals;
• psychological problems, stress, disorders;
• use drugs or alcohol.

Recent scientific developments suggest several hypotheses regarding the cause of the disease.They are based on observations of different patient groups:

• Potential allergies to foods, medications, or environmental factors;
• infections and inflammatory foci in internal organs;
• Disruption of metabolic processes affects tissue regeneration;
• presence of parasites;
• psychology.

Psoriasis is often hereditary.If both parents have the gene, the risk of developing the disease increases by 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 old.

Many patients avoid painful manifestations with the help of a healthy diet and lifestyle.But doctors identify several factors that can cause the condition to worsen and to recur frequently:

• smoke;
• infectious skin diseases;
• side effects of certain medications;
• complications after vaccination;
• tanned;
• stressful situations.

The appearance of psoriasis in most cases is a combination of many factors.It gets worse after bronchitis or tonsillitis, during treatment with antibiotics.It is always associated with a decrease in immunity and weakness of the body.

Dangerous complications of psoriasis

Itching, burning, and plaques on the skin are not the only manifestations.The inflammatory process can affect organs and internal systems and move to the joints.The level of toxins in the blood constantly increases, disrupting metabolism.

The main problem with progressive psoriasis is the development of arthritis.It is diagnosed in 15–20% of patients at various stages and occurs with frequent recurrences and painful arthritis.Typically, this process involves the fingers and toes, ankles, knees, and hip joints.

Other complications of psoriasis include:

• erythema with large areas of skin damage;
• decreased vision;
• enlargement of the ventricles of the heart;
• kidney disease;
• chronic intestinal disorder.

With psoriasis, the risk of severe depression and mental illness increases 2–3 times.The disease is not contagious and not contagious, but people with skin diseases 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 will reduce friendship relationships to a minimum.

Main symptoms and signs of psoriasis

An experienced dermatologist can easily distinguish the manifestations of the disease from other inflammatory skin diseases.Some spots appear on the body, more like a rash.They quickly increase in diameter, reach 7–8 cm, and begin to peel off.If psoriasis is not treated, inflamed areas will cover up to 50–60% of the body.

The following signs help distinguish psoriatic plaques from lichen or allergies:

• They have clear edges, are slightly thick, and rise above the skin, causing mild swelling and redness.The scales are bright, almost silver in color.
• The exfoliating particles are easily peeled off the surface, making the surface appear to be covered with a layer of wax.
• After removing the inflamed scales, a thin red film of new cells is clearly visible, sparkling in the light.
• When you try to peel off the membrane, drops of blood will appear (Auspitz phenomenon).

These are the main signs of psoriasis to help you self-diagnose.The first manifestations are observed at the site of friction with clothing, after scratches or thermal burns, resembling non-healing wounds.But there are several options for placing papules on the patient's body:

• In my arms.Small lesions may be localized on the fingers and cover the scales at the elbow.In rare cases or in advanced forms, this process affects the forearm.
• On top.The common form is diagnosed when granules and crusts appear on the scalp.The inflammation begins at the back of the head, gradually moving behind the ears, accompanied by a burning sensation and abundant, crown-like dandruff.
• On the body.With a teardrop shape, small patches cover the abdomen, thighs and back.The problem often occurs after treating the infection with antibiotics.
• On the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.Palmar psoriasis starts with a few small patches but quickly develops into large patches covered with white 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 with psoriasis that appears before puberty has been increasing.In newborns, the first papules are hidden in skin folds in the groin, armpits and neck.They are itchy, cause discomfort and loss of appetite.Parents often mistake them for signs of atopic dermatitis.

Types and forms of the disease

Psoriasis is classified separately according to its characteristic signs and manifestations.Division by form helps to accurately determine the main cause of the disease and choose treatment methods:

• Simple, plaque-like or vulgar.The classic version appears on the skin with a large number of plaques.They are covered with silver scales, are very flaky, itchy and can bleed when scratched.They often form a large formation on the back, abdomen or legs.Characterized by frequent recurrences and joint complications.
• Dot or teardrop shape.There are many small dots no more than 1.5 cm in diameter protruding on the body.They resemble a rash and are rarely localized on the face and hands.When rubbing against the seams, the garment often peels off, leaving exposed skin, inflammation and secondary infection.
• pustules.A complex form, in which up to 30–50% of the body is affected.Severe condition is accompanied by swollen lymph nodes, high fever, exacerbation of medical diseases and requires medical care in hospital.It is divided into local and general Tsumbusha types.
• Secretion.One of the most serious forms.It occurs in patients with endocrine pathologies and develops against the background of diabetes.In addition to sloughing off, plaque also secretes large amounts of inflammatory fluid.They become saturated with secretions, turning into a dense crust, causing severe pain to a person when touched or treated.
• Parapsorosis or Broca's disease.It has similar symptoms, but the plaques are more reminiscent of birthmarks, do not have a waxy or filmy effect, and do not emit red droplets after removal.May be accompanied by fever, weakness and deterioration of health.
• On the contrary or vice versa.A rare form diagnosed in 1% of people.One of the symptoms is considered to be dark pigmentation in the armpits and inguinal folds, which in the early stages does not cause strong peeling.

As the disease progresses, seborrheic psoriasis may join the above diseases.This form is diagnosed when itchy spots appear on the scalp.It grows quickly and spreads to the forehead, affecting the face.Patients mistake it for ordinary seborrhea when using special shampoos.But upon visual inspection, there is no greasy shine and sebum secretion, dry, scaly skin shines in the light.

Doctors distinguish between nail psoriasis and nail dystrophy separately.It resembles the vulgar form and occurs with frequent recurrences.Occurs in 90% of patients with psoriatic arthritis.It occurs in only 7% of children but is difficult to treat.Symptoms include flaking, white spots, dents, and severe peeling.

Stages of psoriasis

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

In the initial or early stages, the rash is almost invisible.Sometimes there is slight peeling on the elbows or feet but does not cause discomfort.The burning sensation subsides after applying moisturizer or lotion.The spots are small in diameter and do not cause concern.

When making a diagnosis, the following classification of psoriasis stages is used:

1. Acute or progressive.The spots significantly increase in size and are covered with dry granules 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 patches.
2. Fixed phase.New formations do not appear, but the disease gradually progresses, negatively affecting the joints and internal organs.The feeling of discomfort increases, the plaque merges into large spots on the body, appearing on the head, nails, and soles of the feet.The skin looks inflamed, peeling, and cells die constantly.
3. Regression or resolution.Symptoms of psoriasis gradually decrease and disappear.The red spots disappear, leaving white areas on the skin.The patient returns to a normal lifestyle.

The division into stages is necessary to choose a treatment method.The most effective and potent drugs are used in fixed form when there is the greatest risk of damage to internal organs, systems and joints.Therefore, the task of doctors is to quickly relieve the exacerbation and completely eliminate the symptoms.The disease cannot be cured, so it is important to strive for long-term remission.

Psoriasis treatment methods

Doctors advise starting treatment at the first signs of severity and not letting the disease progress into complications.In the early stages, you can use non-hormonal agents, supplementing the course with a special diet and folk recipes.It is important to exclude the factors that provoke a new episode of psoriasis: stress, smoking, overwork, lack of sleep.

Treating psoriasis is a difficult task at any stage.Often, patients along with their doctors go through a variety of ointments, creams and formulations in search of effective treatment.It is not enough to quickly eliminate the external manifestations of the disease: it is necessary to ensure the absence of internal inflammation, damage to the joints and prevent the development of arthritis.

Drug treatment

Treatment of any form of psoriasis begins with the use of external treatments.They have different active ingredients, differ in their composition and principle of action on the epidermis.

Preparations containing vitamins, minerals and oils help relieve discomfort and improve blood circulation in the capillaries.Zinc and phenolic acid also protect against bacteria, prevent secondary infections and dry wet areas.

If the damage is severe and the spots are growing, the doctor will prescribe hormonal ointment.Topical treatment drugs 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 impaired regeneration processes.Inflammation subsides, cell production slows, and membrane-covered areas heal.The medicine may contain glucocorticosteroids.But they have some serious disadvantages:

• Many hormonal drugs are contraindicated for treatment in 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 ingredients can enter the blood, affect the adrenal cortex and inhibit cortisol production.In case of overdose or prolonged use of the drug, treatment should be gradually discontinued and the daily dose reduced.

During seasonal exacerbation of psoriasis, drugs to strengthen immunity and vitamin complexes can be used.They stimulate the body from the inside, eliminate dysbiosis and vitamin deficiency, and accelerate skin healing.The main tasks of such works are:

• remove toxins;
• joint tissue support;
• improve health;
• speed up metabolism;
• liver cleansing.

For psoriasis, remedies are recommended aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the diet, activating the process of cleansing the tissues, intestines and supporting immune defense.Depending on the form of the disease, they are used in advanced stages or to prevent recurrence in the form of injections or tablets. 

Psoriasis often occurs in stressful situations.To eliminate the irritating factor, doctors choose immunosuppressive drugs.They normalize sleep, relieve discomfort and anxiety, stop inflammatory processes.

Immunosuppressants reduce stress and soothe irritated skin receptors.They reduce burning and itching sensations and also have anti-rheumatic effects.They bind and remove substances that affect the joints, reducing pain and severity of sensation as the disease worsens.They are not for use at home and require strict dosages.

In the treatment of psoriasis, sorbents stand out among traditional treatments.These are special drugs that help absorb toxins and decay products; during exacerbations, they are found in large quantities in the blood and intestines.This reduces the risk of developing psoriatic arthritis, digestive disorders and speeds up the process of clearing skin plaques.

The advantage of the adsorbent is that it is safe for the body, so it can be used in medicine to treat diseases in children.They are used in removing biological agents and hormonal creams and reduce the concentration of synthetic hormones in the blood.

Chinese psoriasis medicine

Preparations made from Chinese herbs have proven effective in the complex treatment of inflammatory processes.Doctors recommend using them after a course of hormonal ointments for detoxification and healing.Highest quality according to patient reviews:

• Lotion contains fluoric, phenolic, acetic acid, borneol and herbal extracts.
• A Chinese ointment, without hormones, quickly penetrates the skin, saturating it with extracts of blackthorn, lichen, rhubarb and Fulin mushroom.
• A hormonal agent is prescribed in the acute phase to reduce inflammation, peeling and itching.Contains glucocorticosteroids, Petrolatum, Stearin, peppermint oil.Facial treatments are allowed.
• Inexpensive ointment based on natural ingredients.Includes extracts of mint, echinacea, clover with the addition of scorpion venom.
• A popular remedy for the treatment of vulgar psoriasis.Eliminates itching due to the content of turmeric, sandalwood oil, neem, tulsi.
• Sulfur soap contains aloe vera extract, olive oil and palm oil to help moisturize, restore lipid balance and heal wounds.
• An ointment containing extracts of Sophora, holly, cork, mulberry bark and antiseptics.Used to treat exacerbations twice a day.
• A safe cream from China, enriched with Sophora japonica juice and ash root, helps relieve dryness, peeling and itching.Can be applied to the face and scalp.

Before a course of treatment with Chinese medicine, you should definitely conduct an allergy test: some herbal ingredients in high concentrations cause irritation, aggravation and increased discomfort.

Traditional method

There are many different methods to treat psoriasis.After the acute process has resolved, therapy can be supplemented with folk remedies.In cases of severe illness, prescriptions with medical snake oil are often used:

• Mix liquid honey and shortening in equal proportions, add ground oak bark and raw eggs.The resulting mixture is applied to the body 2 times a day.
• In a clean bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of baby oil and cream, add a little sea buckthorn oil.Treat inflamed skin with the product morning and evening.

To treat psoriasis, you can take baths with the addition of useful ingredients: sodium bicarbonate, sea salt, oatmeal decoction, turpentine.The last ingredient, based on pine resin, reduces inflammation, improves blood circulation, soothes and tones the skin.Improvement required up to 15 procedures with 1–2 days off.

Alternative method

In addition to medication, patients may receive light treatment or PUVA phototherapy.In 90–95% of cases, the condition of the skin can be significantly improved and the process stopped.Therapy is used for the following forms:

• secretion;
• gross;
• palmoplantar.

The use of PUVA is effective for lesions on the scalp.Irradiation with light waves is performed in a process of 5–6 procedures at low frequencies, safe for the body.Among the proven alternatives for psoriasis:

• selective phototherapy;
• narrow wave;
• mud therapy;
• plasma filtration.

To relieve inflamed areas, it is recommended to use mud, applied as a topical application or bath.The most effective compounds are mined on the shores of the Dead Sea and the Kuyalnik resorts.They contain minerals that soothe and restore the skin.

Prevention of psoriasis

An important way to prevent exacerbations and relapses of the disease is proper nutrition.The Pegano diet, specially developed by doctors, helps reduce the level of allergens, eliminate toxicosis and prevent dysbiosis.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 grilled without oil.
• Divide meals into 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 plenty of clean water without carbonation and additives.

Answers to frequently asked questions about psoriasis

Could you have psoriasis?

This is the first misconception that negatively affects communication with patients.In fact, this disease is only related to the activity of the immune system and there is no virus transmitted by contact.You can safely handle the patient's skin, their clothes or shoes.

Is it possible to swim during an exacerbation?

Doctors recommend daily baths or warm baths to relieve discomfort, burning, and peeling.This procedure can be supplemented by bathing in a solution of sea salt, starch or treating plaques with mud.

Can psoriasis be completely cured?

To date, there is no psoriasis treatment that can completely help patients solve this problem.This is a chronic disease, difficult to treat, recurs frequently and requires continuous prevention.With proper nutrition, diet and 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 treatments have been developed that provide good results but do not guarantee complete recovery.In severe cases, a combination of drug treatment, traditional medicine, detoxification and strict diet compliance is required.