Psoriasis or scaly lichen is a chronic non -infectious skin disease characterized by the appearance of rashes and peeling.According to statistics, pathology occurs in 3% of the population of the planet.It can affect not only the skin, but also hair and nails.Psoriasis is not an infectious disease, so it does not pose a danger to others.It often occurs in people aged 15 to 45 years.
The causative agents of psoriasis are leukocytes that are produced by the body of a affected person.The disease is not transmitted in the following ways:
- through sweat and saliva;
- for sexual intercourse;
- while caring for patients;
- through blood;
- when using common household items with the patient.
There are 2 forms of psoriasis - non -lamp and pustular.With a non -lane form, a stable course of the disease and damage to almost the entire surface of the body are observed.Doctors include erythrodermic and vulgar psoriasis to this type.
Pustular form includes ladown-landscape psoriasis, annular pustular, herpetiform impetigo and palmoplater psoriasis.
Take 3 stages of development of the disease:
- Progressive.There are new rashes, accompanied by severe itching.
- Stationary.The appearance of rashes ceases, psoriatic plaques begin to heal.
- Regressive.Around the foci there are pseudo -active rims, in the center of large plaques there are healthy areas of the skin, but hyperpigmentation resembles psoriasis.
Depending on the degree of severity, 3 stages of psoriasis are distinguished:
- Light.The rash covers less than 3% of the skin.
- Average.Brown from 3 to 10% of the skin.
- Heavy.Psoriatic plaques cover more than 10% of the skin, joint lesions are possible.
Depending on the shape of the rash, psoriasis can be point, haloid or monetary.
Seek medical help when such unpleasant signs appear:
- convex plaques red with scales mainly on knees and elbows;
- itching;
- strong peeling, resembling dandruff;
- cracks on the skin;
- blisters on the feet and palms;
- Nail deformation, relaxation.
Reasons
Experts distinguish the following causes of psoriasis:
- metabolic disorders;
- genetic predisposition;
- neurological disorders;
- reduced immunity after the diseases;
- frequent stresses;
- excessive hygiene;
- thin dry skin;
- smoking and abuse of alcohol;
- taking some medicines;
- Infectious diseases.
Psoriasis progress may affect climatic conditions.Dry and hot weather enhances rashes or, conversely, weakens them.
Since 2004 around the world, the International Psoriasis Day has been celebrated on October 29.
Since psoriasis is a systemic disease, it affects not only the skin, but also the joints, spine, tendons, immune, endocrine and nervous systems.In most cases, thyroid gland, liver and kidneys suffer.
Psoriasis is characterized by the appearance of such symptoms:
- strong weakness;
- chronic fatigue;
- depressive state;
- pink-red homogeneous rash;
- deterioration in the appearance of nails;
- pronounced inflammatory process;
- unpleasant smell from cracks;
- submarine hemorrhages;
- swelling;
- stiffness of movements;
- joint pain;
- joint deformation;
- shortening the fingers.
With psoriatic arthritis, swelling of the fingers and legs is possible, causing pain and creating difficulties with the choice of comfortable shoes.In this case, you should seek help from an orthopedist.He will select special shoes.
Psoriasis - photo of the initial stage on the hands
Initially, smooth rounded small spots appear on the hands.They are distinguished by clear boundaries.A few days later, the spots begin to be covered with scales, which exfoliate and disappear.Then the pathology progresses, the rashes increase and apply to other areas of the skin.In addition, patients notice swelling of the joints, inflammation and redness of the skin near nails.If you damage the papule, then drops of blood will appear on it.
Diagnostics
In order to correctly diagnose, the doctor focuses on the clinical manifestations and complaints of the patient.Information about the diseases of close relatives present pathologies and lifestyle of a person is also important.Additional diagnostic methods include:
- A general blood test, showing an increase in the rate of erythrocyte settlement and the presence of inflammation with pustulous psoriasis, erythroderma or arthropathy.
- Biochemical analysis demonstrates an increase in the amount of proteins.
- Checking the level of cholesterol and blood sugar.
- Urine analysis that reveals changes in the water-salt balance.
- Calais analysis showing the presence of infection in the intestines and infection with helminths.
With psoriatic arthritis, radiography and magnetic resonance tomography can be prescribed to check the state of the spine.To detect the fungus, a test with potassium oxide is carried out.Pregnant women need to take an analysis of prolactin to clarify whether psoriasis is caused by a genetic factor or its development is associated with hormonal changes.
How to treat psoriasis?
Treatment of psoriasis in adults consists in the use of external drugs, taking drugs, vitamin-mineral complexes and biologically active additives.The leather healing process can be accelerated using physiotherapeutic procedures, hirudotherapy, therapeutic starvation or diet.
Medication for psoriasis
The traditional treatment of psoriasis is the use of the following medicines:
- antihistamines;
- hepatoprotectors;
- enzyme preparations;
- Enterosorbents.
- antibacterial drugs of cephalosporin, penicillin and macrolides;
- non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs;
- immunomodulators;
- Biological products.
In severe stages of pathology, hormonal drugs are prescribed.
Creams and ointments from psoriasis
External therapy consists in the use of various creams and ointments:
- Retinoids.The proliferation of epithelial cells inhibits, improve the condition of membrane cell structures and normalize the processes of keratinization.
- Solidol -based creams.With regular use, the metabolism in the skin is quickly restored, soften the skin, relieve inflammation and itching, and help get rid of peeling.
- Oil mixtures.Accelerate resorption of the inflammatory process, reduce pain, improve blood circulation and metabolism.
- Degty -based preparations.They have an antiseptic effect, have a cleansing and restoring effect, heal wounds on the skin.
- Corticosteroids.Adjust protein and carbohydrate metabolism.Positively affect the work of the kidneys, the normal course of pregnancy and the body's perception of stress.
- Keratolytic agents.Designed to moisturize the stratum layer of the epidermis.Keratolytics provide normal skin moisture and prevent exacerbations.The most common are Lokasalen, Belosalik, ointment based on salicylic acid and urea.
- Vitamin complexes D They help reduce the rate of proliferation of skin cells, slows down pathological changes in the epidermis.
Among non -hormonal ointments, preference should be given to such drugs:
- Zinc ointment.It has an anti -inflammatory effect, dry the skin well.
- Salicylic ointment.It has a soft effect, removes the inflammatory process.
Diet with psoriasis
Compliance with the diet in psoriasis is aimed at improving metabolism, stimulating the body's defenses, reducing the number of exacerbations of the disease and reducing the intensity of rashes on the skin.The doctor John Pegano developed a special diet for people with psoriasis.It is aimed at reducing the formation of autoimmune bodies and normalizing the work of the intestine.
Experts recommend using the following products:
- millet;
- legumes;
- cottage cheese;
- low -fat varieties of meat;
- chicken eggs;
- sea fish;
- carrot;
- pumpkin;
- asparagus;
- white cabbage;
- beet;
- zucchini;
- vegetable oil;
- almond;
- Seeds of flax, sunflower and pumpkin.
It is necessary to exclude the following products from the diet:
- meat offal;
- sugar;
- honey;
- smoked meats;
- sausages;
- citrus;
- rice;
- carbonated drinks;
- alcohol;
- Products with artificial additives.
Subject to the diet, the condition of the skin improves, the intensity of relapse decreases, discomfort and itching disappears.Therapeutic nutrition helps to reduce overweight, normalizes the activity of the digestive tract, and stimulates immunity.
Traditional medicine
Quite often, patients treat psoriasis at home with the help of folk remedies.One of the proven products cream based on birch tar.It should be prepared according to this scheme:
- Connect 25 g of tar and 10 g of petroleum jelly.
- Add 5 g of boric acid, 15 g of honey, 1 egg protein and 5 g of fish oil.
- Mix thoroughly to a creamy consistency.
- Place in a dark container.
Apply to the affected areas of the skin 1 time per day.
Well established in the fight against psoriasis on the legs of Propolis:
- Take 15 g of propolis.
- Add 100 g of warm butter.
- Stir well.
- Add 3 capsules of vitamin A.
To impregnate in the resulting mixture and attach to rashes.
It is useful for psoriasis to take a bath with the addition of a broth of yarrow.It is prepared according to the following scheme:
- Combine 90 g of grass and 3 l of water.
- Insist 1.5 hours.
- Boil over low heat for 20 minutes.
- Leave for 1 hour.
- Strain and pour into the bath.
Take a bath for less than 15 minutes every other day.The course of treatment consists of 10-15 procedures.
You can treat psoriasis on the hands with St. John's wort cream.For its preparation, the following actions should be performed:
- Mix 25 g of St. John's wort flowers and celandine root;
- Add 10 g of flowers calendula and propolis.
- Pour 150 ml of vegetable oil.
- Keep the product in the refrigerator.
Apply the cream three times a day to psoriatic plaques.
It is useful to lubricate the rashes of celandine juice.It is enough to tear out the plant with the root, grind it, squeeze the juice and apply abundantly to each spot.Treatment should last the whole season.
You can cope with the disease with the help of an ordinary infusion:
- Take 25 g of dry raw materials and place in enameled dishes.
- Pour 250 ml of boiling water.
- Cover and leave for 1 hour.
- Filter.
- Squeeze.
- Add boiling water to return the initial volume.
Drink the resulting infusion ¼ cup at least 4 times a day before meals.It improves the work of the digestive organs, the gall bladder and liver and normalizes the metabolism.
What to do with psoriasis of nails?
- Boil 5 chicken eggs.
- Grind yolks and fry without oil in a pan for 30-40 minutes.
- Squeeze the oil from the resulting mixture with gauze.
Apply oil to the affected areas of nails every day.
It has proven itself with psoriasis of nails a decoction based on a bay leaf:
- Take 20 sheets.
- Pour 300 ml of boiling water.
- Cook for 15 minutes.
Drink a decoction of 60 ml three times a day for 7 days, then take a 3-day break and repeat the course.
Lubricate the nails affected by the disease with coconut oil in combination with olive oil and oatmeal.You can cook it according to this scheme:
- Heat in a microwave oven 100 ml of coconut oil.
- Add 50 ml of olive oil and 100 g of oatmeal.
- Insist the product for 3-5 days.
- Keep refrigerated.
Process damaged areas several times a day.
For nail treatment, it is useful to use sea salt.It is enough to add 40 g of salt in 1 liter of warm water and drip a few drops of iodine.Then you should lower the nails into the bath for 10-15 minutes.After the procedure, dry your hands and apply a nourishing cream.
How to treat psoriasis on the head?
With psoriasis on the head, healers recommend using linseed oil, apple cider vinegar, birch tar, baking soda and chicory root.You can prepare a therapeutic ointment according to the following scheme:
- Mix 40 g of tar and 40 g of castor oil.
- Add 60 g of honey and 1 egg protein.
- Mix thoroughly.
Apply to the affected areas daily.It is useful to wash your hair with tar shampoo.It gives the hair silkiness and makes them more well -groomed in appearance.
Effectively for psoriasis on the head, rinse the hair with apple cider vinegar, diluting it with water in proportions 1: 3.
You can remove inflammation and itching using wood ash.It is enough to take a couple of branches of rosehip or oak bark and burn them.The resulting powder should be mixed with a small amount of petroleum jelly, and then lubricate psoriasis in the hairy part.
An effective tool in the fight against the disease on the head is a mask of aloe juice:
- Grind through a meat grinder 1 sheet.
- Squeeze the juice using gauze.
- Add 10 g of camphor alcohol and tar, 1 egg.
- Mix thoroughly.
Apply the mixture to the head, fix it with a plastic bag and put on a hat.After 30 minutes, rinse the mask and rinse your hair with tar shampoo, and then rinse the grass decoction.
Prevention
With a tendency to psoriasis, you should adhere to the following recommendations:
- Refuse the use of hard washcloths during swimming.
- Periodically wash your hair with therapeutic shampoos, treat with lotions and balms.
- After a bath or shower, moisturizing creams apply to the body.
- Normalize the level of humidity in the room.
- Avoid any skin damage.
- Refuse solid soap.
- Do not contact chemical agents, always wear protective gloves when using household chemicals.
- Massage to improve blood circulation and fast regeneration of the skin.
- Follow diet.
- Refuse smoking and taking alcohol.
- It is more often in the fresh air and go out into nature.
- Spend the summer at sea or in the health resort.