Medication alone is not enough to cure psoriasis on various parts of the body. The greatest result will be given only by an integrated approach. Therefore, you need to know all the possible ways to treat a dermatological disease.
Principles of psoriasis treatment
Before starting the fight against psoriasis, you need to consider that it is incurable. Therapy is aimed at combating symptoms, restoring the protective functions of the body and the ability to establish a stable clinical remission.
The principles of treatment consist of several areas:
- drug therapy;
- physiotherapy (used in combination with other forms of treatment);
- unconventional alternative treatment;
- traditional medicine.
When treating psoriasis, it is very important to take into account the individual characteristics of each organism. What works effectively for one patient does not always work for another. Each patient diagnosed with psoriasis requires serious thoughtful treatment and special attention.
Drug therapy for psoriasis
External facilities
Topical preparations are used to eliminate the inflammation, itching, swelling and other symptoms of psoriasis. These include:
- ointments;
- cream;
- lotions;
- sprays;
- gels.
Such funds should be used for mild and moderate forms of the disease. In severe forms, in most cases, such drugs are used in conjunction with other strong drugs. In this case, the doctor must determine the severity of the disease, take into account the individual intolerance of a particular drug. External remedies can be used in patients of any age.
In medical practice, ointments and creams are widely used, which are divided into hormonal and without hormones. It is better to use non-hormonal drugs, as they do not have side effects. However, in some cases, such drugs are unable to defeat the disease. Then hormonal medications should be used, which perform the following actions:
- are used purposefully, act only on lesions;
- ointments suspend the development and spread of lesions;
- penetrate into the deep layers of the epidermis;
- eliminate itching, flaking;
- relieve symptoms of allergic reactions.
For treatment, drugs of the group of glucocorticosteroids are also used, which have the following properties:
- remove the inflammatory process;
- eliminate itching and flaking;
- slow down the process of cell division.
Steroids can have both strong and moderate effects. In severe forms of psoriasis, drugs of strong action are prescribed, in stages of mild course - softer drugs. Topical corticosteroid treatments include:
- Hydrocortisone acetate. The ointment is applied to the skin surface in a thin layer. The course of treatment is 6 to 14 days. If this is not enough, the course is extended to three weeks.
- Fluocinolone acetonide. It is used for all stages of psoriasis. With mild and moderate severity of the course of the disease, it is used as the main remedy, with severe form - as an auxiliary.
- Prednisolone Ointment. The course of treatment is 2 weeks. It is applied in an even layer only on the inflamed areas, on which it is not recommended to apply bandages.
Despite the effectiveness of treatment with hormonal drugs, unfortunately, their use can cause side effects. They have a strong effect not only on the epidermis, which subsequently loses its color and becomes thinner, but also when using them, there is a risk of a recurrence of the disease. When treating with hormones, an addiction to the drug develops, as a result of which other means cannot help. Due to the duration of the use of steroids, muscle weakness, a decrease in blood pressure and weight, and a lack of appetite appear. Steroid medications are sold in pharmacies without a prescription and are not recommended for long-term use.
The pharmaceutical industry has a variety of hormone-free psoriasis treatments that are great at fighting symptoms without harming the body.
All non-hormonal drugs are divided into several groups:
Indifferent ointments (they do not contain active ingredients).
Salicylic ointment. It has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, softens the skin, accelerates the process of exfoliation of stratum corneum. The ointment contains salicylic acid, which quickly removes the affected areas. The ointment should be applied pointwise, as allergies may occur.
Zinc Ointment. The antiseptic has a drying and protective effect, is able to relieve inflammation. The composition includes zinc oxide. It is undesirable to use the ointment for more than 30 days, as an addictive effect may develop.
Zinc pyrithione. The drug is based on zinc pyrithione, which copes well with the inflammatory process, has antimicrobial and antifungal effects.
- Tar ointments. The preparations include pine and birch tar. These include anthrasulfonic, anthraminic ointments and Colloidin, which are able to relieve inflammation, restore damaged skin and have a disinfectant effect. Ointments containing tar should be started with small doses. If allergic reactions do not occur, the dosage can be increased.
- Ointments containing grease. These ointments are considered the most effective among non-hormonal agents.
- Ointments containing vitamins. Retinol palmitate. Ointment with vitamin A. It has a healing effect, restores and normalizes metabolic processes in tissues. Calcipotriol with vitamin D, have an inhibitory effect on the cells of the stratified epithelium (keratinocytes). Cannot be combined with salicylic acid ointments.
- Products containing oil. Naphthalene ointment. The composition of the ointment contains Naftalan oil - a substance with a very unpleasant odor, but with unique actions. Promotes the rapid restoration of the skin, has antimicrobial, antipruritic and absorbent effect.
Oral drugs
One of the ways to relieve the symptoms of the disease is to use the tablet form of drugs. It is the tablets that are able to provide the body with the necessary components. Treatment with pills is much more effective than topical drugs. Tablet preparations can only be prescribed by a doctor, taking into account the age and physiological characteristics of the patient. Psoriasis tablets are divided into two groups:
- hormonal - the most effective means, the use of which allows you to achieve positive results in a short time, but they can cause a lot of side effects;
- non-hormonal - perform the function of complementing the action of essential drugs.
The onset of psoriasis is promoted by internal causes that are responsible for the violation of metabolic processes in the body.
Therefore, you need to turn to stronger drugs:
- Methotrexate. Tablets that can significantly slow down the process of cell division. Applied for pustular and erythrodermic psoriasis. It is widely used to treat psoriatic arthritis. However, it has many side effects.
- Meglumine sodium succinate. A new generation drug with a wide spectrum of action. Used for severe psoriasis and is only available with a prescription.
Alternative treatments
Drug-free methods and approaches are used as alternatives. Recommended:
- visit thermal springs;
- take a course of Garra Rufa fish peeling (ichthyotherapy);
- to undergo therapeutic mud sessions;
- fresh water hydrotherapy;
- plasmapheresis;
- massage course.
However, these methods are effective only in combination with traditional methods of treatment.
Physiotherapy for psoriasis
Physiotherapy is an important part of psoriasis treatment. At the initial stage of the disease, physiotherapy cannot be used. These methods begin to be used when the symptoms of the disease decline, and they are carried out in a hospital.
Physical methods of exposure include:
- UV irradiation;
- puva therapy;
- ultrasound application;
- laser treatment;
- laser chemotherapy;
- magnetotherapy (application of a static magnetic field);
- exposure to cold (cryotherapy);
- electrosleep;
- X-ray therapy.
Diet therapy for psoriasis
Diet plays an important role in the treatment of psoriasis. Therefore, it is necessary to know what food should make up the patient's diet. Proper nutrition restores bowel function, helps relieve painful symptoms, strengthens the immune system and protects the body from new relapses.
The list of products that have a negative effect on the condition of the skin and hair:
- Smoked and salted foods. The components contained in products affect the functioning of the digestive tract, can negatively affect the condition of the epidermis.
- Citrus fruits. A large amount of essential oils is found in the colored peel (zest) of fruits, therefore juices made by an industrial method negatively affect the patient's condition.
- Nuts. They are a strong allergen.
- Fatty foods.
- Alcoholic drinks. They disrupt the work of the liver, which cannot cope with the purification of the blood from toxic substances, which adversely affects the state of the dermis.
- Chocolate and cocoa-containing foods are powerful allergens.
- Products with a high content of dyes.
The diet for psoriasis must include:
- vegetables and fruits;
- cereals;
- dairy products;
- fish;
- chicken meat;
- greens.
Psoriasis requires drinking plenty of fluids. You need to drink up to two liters per day.
Traditional medicine recipes for psoriasis
Effective treatment of psoriasis is possible by means of traditional medicine. These can be homemade products for internal use:
- medicinal decoctions and infusions;
- tablets and powders;
- means with many components.
Flaxseed infusion. Helps cleanse the body of toxic substances, slows down the development of the disease. Pour 20 g of seeds into a thermos, pour boiling water (250 ml). Before going to bed, drink activated charcoal (2 tablets). In the morning on an empty stomach, drink a tincture, eat seeds.
Bay leaf decoction. Effective at the first signs of psoriasis. Pour boiling water over chopped bay leaves. Leave to cool and strain.
Chaga birch mushroom. The active ingredients contained in chaga restore the condition of the epidermis. Pour the mushroom (100 g) with hot water (1 l) overnight. In the morning, grind the mushroom with a blender into a mixture resembling gruel in density. Bring the broth to 40 degrees, pour the chopped mushroom. Insist for three days.
For external use are used:
- homemade ointments;
- shampoos;
- collection of medicinal herbs.
For more effective treatment, herbal ointments should be applied to the affected areas of the body.
Propolis ointment. Grind 20 g of propolis and add 350 g of butter. Heat in a water bath. Strain. Apply to the places of localization of plaques. Store in a refrigerator.
Birch buds ointment. Grind birch buds (100 g). Mix with tar (180 g) and ash (50 g). Stir until smooth. Rub into the affected area, wrap with cling film.
Home therapy baths are also useful for psoriasis. Mix the string and celandine (100 g each) and pour three liters of water. Dissolve sea salt. Let it brew for an hour. Pour into warm bath water.
For a healing procedure, you can apply blue clay, combining it with sea salt. After taking such a bath, the skin becomes very soft.
Effective remedies for treatment
Treatment of psoriasis on the elbows should be carried out in a complex, which includes the following:
- taking vitamins;
- dieting;
- external treatment;
- physiotherapy;
- phototherapy.
Local medications (ointments, creams) are used to treat a disease on the knees. Perhaps the appointment of sedatives and antihistamines for complex treatment. With profuse bleeding, anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed.
Treatment of psoriasis on the palms and feet is quite problematic. This is primarily caused by constant irritation of these parts as a result of rubbing with clothing and frequent washing. If treatment with external agents does not give a positive result, then ultraviolet radiation is prescribed.
Treatment of psoriasis during remission
After the period of remission has begun, all recommendations must be followed in order to maintain this state and prevent the disease from recurring. To prevent psoriasis from making itself felt for a long time, you need to take into account that:
- You cannot interrupt the course of treatment, but continue to take the prescribed drugs.
- Do not use new drugs other than those prescribed.
- It is necessary to eliminate the symptoms of infectious diseases in time.
- During remission, try not to injure the skin.
- Avoid nervous breakdowns.
- Do not overuse sunbathing.
- Avoid contact with chemicals.
- Try to wear only natural materials.
- Observe skin care.
During this period, all recommended methods and means should be applied to prevent further progression of the disease.