Treatment of psoriasis

Psoriasis is a disease associated with a change in more than 50 genes and subsequent shifts in the processes of the body and metabolism.The sooner you can recognize these shifts, the faster you can adjust them.There are three main directions of violations:

• Violations of carbohydrate metabolism (diabetes),
• Changes in cholesterol (associated with damage to blood vessels - pressure, potency, heart attacks, strokes),
• The enhanced protective reaction of the immune system - the body fights with its own tissues, and not only with diseases or the microorganisms (bacteria) causing them.

It is important to learn how to live with psoriasis.By changing the lifestyle and choosing the appropriate diet, you can control the visual manifestations of the disease (the rash can completely abuse).Also, during the control of the disease, possible complications are eliminated, which can be caused by scaly deprivation of violations of carbohydrate and fat metabolism and the work of the immune system.

Methodological recommendations for psoriasis

Depending on the severity of the process of the disease, psoriasis is divided into light, moderate and severe shapes.For classification purposes, they evaluate:

• The area of affected skin as a percentage,
• Redness of the existing rash,
• Rash density,
• The number of scales.

The effect of the rash on the quality of life is also evaluated, because the imperceptible (hidden) rash is much less worried than damage on the face, palms and genitals.

The most suitable therapy of psoriasis is determined by the methodological recommendations approved in Latvia, in which the types of therapy are distinguished, best corresponding to a certain type and/or severity of scaly lichen.These methodological recommendations were developed under the guidance of prof.Y. Kisis and were officially accepted in Latvia in 2013.Methodological recommendations determine which drugs for the treatment of psoriasis are paid by the state.The full content of methodological recommendations can be found here.

Psoriasis therapy

Since psoriasis is a genetically determined general disease of the body, it is important to evaluate all possible processes that help improve the effect and prognosis of therapy.Simple treatment of the rash gives only a short -term and insufficient effect.The full treatment of psoriasis includes many factors with which the disease can be controlled:

• Caring for the upper layer of the skin - only the drugs and drugs prescribed by the doctor should be used, follow the instructions of the dermatologist, since pharmacy products may not be suitable for all types of psoriasis.Chronic inflammation of the skin contributes to the development of tumors.
• Diet - it is necessary to check for certain digestive disorders (i.e. metabolic disorders, for example, insufficient secretion of gastric juices or an allergic reaction to different food products), expressed in intolerance to various substances.There is a risk of diabetes.In order to avoid this, the patient should not take many calories at the same time, and should refrain from taking alcohol (impaired pancreas).
• Physical activity - versatile sports or physical activity can reduce the risk of heart (cardiological) disorders - rhythmic heart function contributes to lipid metabolism (lipids or fats participate in the process of creating the shell of blood vessels, and are also part of the binding substances of the skin cells).Studies have proven that sports people suffer from psoriasis much less.
• It is necessary to be aware of the factors that exacerbate psoriasis, both weather conditions and the change of seasons can cause adverse reactions (allergies, sensitivity).In the fall, it can be a temperature difference, and in the spring it can be pollen.

Methods for the treatment of psoriasis

Means for the treatment of scaly lichen are used both directly in the place of the rash and in general (for example, drugs for internal administration).To choose the most suitable treatment method, it is necessary to take into account not only the type and severity of psoriasis, but also the age, gender, occupation, general health and other factors.

Phototherapy for the treatment of psoriasis

The rudiments of phototherapy go back to the ancient Egypt of 2000 years ago, where a combination of extracts of photosensitizing plants was used to treat skin diseases (photosensitizing plants contain substances that increase sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation) and sunlight.Currently, this is one of the most widely used methods in the treatment of scaly lichen, which:

• Reduces the excessive activity of immunity (immunosuppressive effect),
• Reduces inflammation,
• Reduces excessive reproduction of cells (antiprorolifratic effects),
• It has antibacterial effects.

To treat psoriasis, the radiation of UVB and UVA of a narrow spectrum using special lamps is used.UVA/UVB therapy can be used for children and pregnant women, therapy is often combined with other treatment methods and medicines.

Laser therapy for the treatment of psoriasis

Laser therapy according to the principle of action is similar to UVB phototherapy of a narrow spectrum (length of ultraviolet waves NB-UVB 311 Nm), it is used to treat limited foci of psoriasis.

Cryotherapy for the treatment of psoriasis

Coldotherapy is mainly used to treat small foci.There are quite few publications on the use of this therapy, and its effectiveness is low, so it does not find wide application.

Medicines for psoriasis

Any medications and drugs should be used only under the supervision of a dermatologist, carefully following the instructions of the doctor.Self -medication of psoriasis can exacerbate the disease, extend the course of therapy, and also create serious complications.

• Retinoids or synthetic derivatives of vitamin A. They have high therapeutic activity - they can affect immune cells, return the reproduction and development of keratinocytes (cells synthesizing keratin - protein that protects the epithelium from damage) within the norm.They can be consumed for a long time, and they are suitable for children.
• Cyclosporin A is an immunosuppressive medication.Its effectiveness in psoriasis is associated with its impact on the immune system and the ability to reduce the pathological enhanced reproduction of keratinocytes in the skin.
• The methotrexate is a medication that suppresses the metabolism (metabolism) of cells, it was originally used to treat cancer, but since the 1970s it has also been approved for the treatment of psoriasis.
• Wobenzym is an over -the -counter medication, available in the form of tablets.It has an anti -inflammatory, anti -reducing effect, normalizes the body's protective abilities, dilutes blood, which allows you to restore the level of digestive enzymes (enzymes) in the body to reduce the manifestations of chronic diseases, etc. Psoriasis.

Biological medicines against psoriasis

Biological medicines are viruses, serums, toxins, antitoxins, vaccines, blood and its components or other similar products used to treat or prevent the disease.They improve or restore the body's ability to deal with infection and other diseases.Typically, the molecules of the drugs are large, so they are introduced into the subcutaneous layer, muscles or vein.

Biological therapy is used when other methods for treating psoriasis of medium or high severity turned out to be ineffective.The cost of therapy is high, in comparison with other treatment methods.

Injections from psoriasis

For injections, corticosteroids are used - steroid hormones of a certain type used in medicine for various immunological and inflammatory diseases.Injections of such steroids are a suitable treatment for small damage, in a clearly distinguished body area, for example, the external surfaces of the hands or fingers.The effect is resistant, and a repeated injection may be needed only after a few months.

The latest methods of treating psoriasis

The latest therapy is associated with increased interaction between cells involved in the pathological process of psoriasis (lymphocytes, etc.) using signals of biologically active substances.Biological drugs either block pathological substances (antibodies) or contain receptors that block the pathological process.The use of this method is limited by its high cost and conditions of use (there should be no inflammatory processes or tumors, extremely detailed control of excluding factors, etc.).

Medicines paid by the state from psoriasis

The list of drugs compensated by the state includes certain medications for the treatment of psoriasis.More information about such medications and the amount of payment covered by the state can be found out at a consultation with a dermatologist.

Overcepture medicines for psoriasis

This group mainly includes skin care products.Such drugs are intended only for symptomatic care (i.e., care for the “visible part” of scaly lichen, without correcting metabolic processes, etc.) - they do not treat the process of psoriasis in the entire body.It is recommended to choose skin moisturizers that do not contain aromatic substances.

Shampoos from psoriasis

To care for the scalp, different shampoos containing salicylic acid, urea (urea), resin and corticosteroids are used.Shampoos with resin content reduce skin peeling, moisturize the skin, prevents its thickening and reduce itching.Salicylic acid shampoos help soften the scalp and remove scales.Shampoos containing corticosteroids are used for a short time to reduce swelling or redness.

Soap from psoriasis

It is recommended to avoid too aggressive detergents so as not to dry and irritate the skin.

Skin care with psoriasis

Lipids (intercellular binding in the skin) are one of the most important components of the skin, but ordinary detergents tend to degrease the skin, violating the development of a unique set of skin microbes (microbioms), which, along with the immune system, ensures the stability of the protective barrier of the skin and protects the body from the environment.When leaving the skin, it is important to avoid skin injury and not destroy the protective barrier.

The skin of patients with psoriasis is dry, scaly, contains many viruses.The presence of scales contributes to the development of psoriatic rash.Washing should be washed by therapeutic cosmetics that spare the fat layer of the skin - do not destroy, but purify and improve it.After washing the skin, it is always necessary to moisturize with the means prescribed by the dermatologist - cream, lotion, etc.

Caring for psoriasis nails

Nail damage is possible Y 80% of patients.It is recommended to cut the nails as short as possible to avoid the appearance of the fungus under the exfolved fingernail.It is necessary to use sparing detergents, after washing hands, it is always necessary to apply a moisturizer or lotion.Unsaturated fatty acids, B vitamins, vitamins A, D. are important for the health of the nails.

Ointments, creams and lotions from psoriasis

In the process of psoriasis, three active stages are distinguished:

• The appearance of a new, bright red rash, among which large scales appear (progressive stage),
• The appearance of the rash stabilizes, and its surface is covered by smaller scales (stationary stage),
• The rash deepens, the scales are reduced and the shape of the rings (regressive stage) is taken.

For each stage, it is necessary to use the corresponding external funds.For the progressive stage, these are creams and water -based liquids, for stationary - more fat creams and pastes, and for progressive - fatty creams and ointments.These drugs serve as the main masses to which active medicines are added:

• Salicylic acid is used in combination with other therapeutic agents, as it removes scales, allowing the medication to penetrate into deeper layers.It is offered in a concentration of 2% to 10% and different forms, and is allowed to use if the area of psoriatic lesions does not exceed 20%, since in high doses it can have a toxic effect.Not suitable for patients with diabetes.
• Loemic acid is a keratolytic - a substance that removes large horn formations (dead cells).It is used for exfoliation of scales.An alternative drug, if it is necessary to cover more than 20% of the skin area, or for patients with diabetes.
• Corticosteroids are widely used to treat a limited psoriatic rash, since they narrow the blood vessels, suppress inflammation and itching, and slow down the reproduction of cells.
• The effect of resin -based preparations is based on the suppression of cell growth.Most often, such drugs contain the resin of birch (Oleumrusci) and pine resin (Pixlique), less often coal resin (Pixlithanthracis).
• The action of synthesized vitamin D3 (calcitriol, calcipotriol) is based on the effect on the immune system and a decrease in the reproduction of keratinocytes.
• Takrolimus and Pimecrolimus (topical calciuminein inhibitors) are effective in the treatment of psoriasis on the face, neck, genitals, bends.The drugs do not cause muscle relaxation, so they are suitable for prolonged use.
• Magnipsor ointment does not contain hormonal additives and toxic substances.Active substances are mineral components, Dead Sea salt, salicylic acid, tea tree oil, pumpkin, sea buckthorn, burdock roots, etc.

The choice of the drug is determined depending on the rash in the specific area of the body.

Folk methods and natural remedies against psoriasis

Before using any natural drugs, you should definitely consult a dermatologist, since in combination with the medications they can cause undesirable reactions.The action of these drugs has not been proven, and it is necessary to take into account that natural drugs can also cause allergic reactions.

• Aloe - has properties that reduce redness and peeling.
• Apple vinegar - used by ancient cultures as a disinfectant, can help reduce itching on the scalp.
• Chilean pepper contains capsaicin - it blocks the nerve endings responsible for the conductivity of the pain signal.The products containing it can reduce pain, inflammation, redness, peeling.
• A bath with the salt of the Dead Sea dissolved in warm water can remove scales in 15 minutes and reduce itching.After taking the bath, it is necessary to apply the skin moisturizing.
• Oats are considered the best natural soothing skin.A bath with the addition of oats in water can reduce itching and redness.
• Tea tree oil has antiseptic properties.Shampoos containing it fight with manifestations of psoriasis on the scalp.
• Turmeric or yellow ginger has anti -inflammatory and antioxidant properties.Kurkumin, which is part of it, can resist flashes of psoriasis.Turmeric can be used in capsules, in concentrated form, or added to food (various carry dishes, etc.).
• Flax seeds contain Omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and other important nutrients.Omega-3 fatty acids improve the operation of the immune system and skin condition.They relate to indispensable fatty acids, which the body cannot synthesize itself and can only be taken with food.Omega-3 is also contained in hemp seeds, walnuts, herbs and various fish.

Diet with psoriasis

Psoriasis is associated with the problems of the exchange of lipids (fats), carbohydrates (sugar), and sometimes gluten (grain), caused by congenital changes in the metabolism (genetic disorders).

The metabolism begins with the isolation of digestive enzymes (enzymes), the interaction of the totality of microbes (microbioms) of the intestinal tract with the body, and the absorption of nutrients by the body.To process substances and their use in processes, energy is necessary.

If the features of the body, digestion and metabolism are not studied, it is recommended to eat in small portions at least 4 times a day.It is recommended to use unsaturated fatty acids (Omega-3, etc.), B vitamins, vitamin D. For psoriasis, you should refuse to eat easily digestible carbohydrates-white bread, potatoes.Alcohol, nicotine and preservatives harm the flora of the intestinal tract - to care for it, moderate use of probiotic bacteria or probiotics (cultures of living organisms that favorably affect the digestive tract) is recommended.

Acupuncture from psoriasis

Acupuncture is widely used to treat psoriasis in China and other Asian countries.During therapy, a needle is introduced into the skin, with a diameter of no more than the hair of the head.As a result of the injection in the body, adenosine, endorphins, serotonin, etc. are released in the body. Substances with painkillers, so this method can be used for psoriatic arthritis.

The influence of the seasons on psoriasis

When the temperature of the external environment changes, the metabolism changes, and the skin begins to lack fatty acids, and the protective barrier of the skin is weakened.As soon as a lack of vitamin D occurs in the skin, it becomes dry, is restored worse and is more susceptible to environmental effects - prerequisites for the outbreak of chronic skin diseases (dermatoses) appear.

Heating in the winter season, artificial ventilation, the need for clothes, sweating, being in a crowd with different microflora worsen the physiology and self -regulation of the skin.With the advent of spring, the skin barrier becomes weaker than in the fall, and spring allergens - flowering trees, flower pollen, herbs easily overcome it.

In a small percentage of patients with psoriasis (up to 20%), the skin condition worsens from UV rays.The summer type of psoriasis is characterized by a lack of antioxidants that could protect the skin from enhanced free radicals that appeared as a result of solar radiation, and rash in places affected by the sun.

Realizing the exacerbations caused by the change of seasons, the manifestations of the disease can be controlled by resting in resorts.

Resorts for the treatment of psoriasis or balneotherapy

The favorable impact of climate therapy throughout the world has been described for 200 years, and is associated with certain geographical regions and specific places located in them.The effect of resort therapy is primarily associated with the ability to take a break from daily stress and avoid factors that worsen the condition of the skin (for example, dry air due to central heating).It is also possible to adjust the mode and rhythm of power.

Certain procedures can make up for the amount of water in the skin, exfoliate the old skin, slow down the propagation of cells and inferior cell cycles.

The most important resort for the treatment of psoriasis is the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth (360 m below the sea level), it has a high concentration of natural minerals, and the evaporation of minerals filter UVB-rays (as in phototherapy).In the studies, it is noted that patients sunbathing and swimming in the salts of the Dead Sea have an improvement in psoriasis in 83% of cases, only sunbathing - in 73% of cases, only swimming in the Dead Sea - in 28% of cases.

Balneotherapy (a set of various therapeutic actions aimed at moisturizing dry skin) occupies a special place in the long -term treatment of psoriasis, but is not recommended for patients with increased photosensitivity (summer type of psoriasis) and high risk of skin cancer.This type of therapy is not used for acute treatment or short -term therapy.

Prevention of psoriasis

In order to avoid exacerbation or development of a skin disease, many factors must be taken into account - both a change in lifestyle and different classes: different classes:

• Physical activity (exercises, etc.),
• Rest in the resorts,
• Avoid stress,
• Limit the use of coffee, cocoa, alcoholic beverages and smoking,
• Thoughtful nutrition (avoid too fatty foods),
• Avoid hypothermia,
• Limit the use of household chemicals and cosmetics,
• Improve metabolism (drink more fluids, etc.),
• Control vitamin D, folic acid and lipids by the doctor,
• Use Omega 3/6,
• And other actions prescribed by the attending dermatologist.

Will we cure psoriasis?

No, since medicine has not yet found the opportunity to change the human genetic code.The disappearance of the rash means the suspension of the process of the disease.An experienced doctor can help choose the lifestyle that is most suitable for the characteristics of the patient (diet, physical activity, skin care) and the necessary treatment regimen.

The early diagnosis and the correct lifestyle, skin care and therapy extend life (statistical data indicate that patients with psoriasis in whom the disease appeared in childhood is difficult to reach the age of 60, mainly due to diseases of the circulatory and vascular system).

Where to treat psoriasis?

Human skin is its largest organ, and proper care of it prevents the further development of the disease (pathological process).Symptoms of psoriasis are initially manifested on the skin.The functional state of the skin and nails is directly related to the course of therapy (both local and internal), the effectiveness of which is evaluated by an expert by the condition of the skin - a dermatologist.

Treatment of psoriasis is very difficult.It is not difficult to diagnose (determining the type of scaly lichen), namely its understanding and consideration of laws.Only highly qualified doctors can recognize patterns after the analysis of the data.

The doctors of our clinic own knowledge about the microsymptomatics of the disease (small, difficult to make it possible and previously unreleased symptoms), which allows them to recognize the disease already at the initial stage.In the process of treatment, doctors determine the connection of a skin disease with the body, its activity and metabolic disorders.Our experts are also well versed in the features of scaly lichen in children.