Causes of psoriasis, its types and treatment methods

Over the last decade, doctors have noticed a sharp increase in the incidence of psoriasis.The disease is accompanied by internal inflammation, is a chronic process and does not lead to complete recovery.Treatment and prevention of complications includes medication, diet and the use of natural-based folk remedies.

Nature and history of psoriasis

The first mentions of the symptoms of a skin disease are found in the annals of healers of ancient Egypt and India.It was described in detail by Hippocrates, who gave the name “psora” to the red plaques and papules on the body.In the Middle Ages, it was considered a dangerous type of leprosy for a long time, which is why patients hid the inflammation in order to avoid compulsory treatment.

Psoriasis was first identified as a separate disease in 1841 by German dermatologist and scientist Ferdinant von Hebr.He conducted an extensive study of epithelial samples 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 into psoriasis began in the 20th century.With the help of better equipment and optics, doctors have discovered that the processes of skin regeneration and peeling are accelerated 8 to 10 times during illness.They separated pathology from dermatitis and proved its autoimmune nature.

In recent years, the main factors that increase the risk of psoriasis have been identified.But doctors continue to search for the causes of the disease;The influence of immunity and heredity is taken into account.To date, hundreds of medications have been developed for treatment, but no single method permanently relieves the patient of the problem.

Main causes of psoriasis

In a healthy person, the renewal process of the upper layer of the dermis takes 21-30 days.During this time, the cell is created, grows, performs basic functions and dies to make room for a new one.Under the influence of negative factors in psoriasis, the process accelerates several times and lasts no more than 5-6 days.

Most dermatologists believe that the main cause of the disease is autoimmune diseases.For unknown reasons, the human immune system begins to attack its own skin cells, triggering an inflammatory process.They do not have time to mature and are torn out of the deeper layers, creating itchy plaques.

Among the main causes and factors provoking the development of the disease:

• decline in immunity;
• frequent colds, ARVI or flu;
• hormonal imbalance;
• pathologies of the thyroid gland;
• constant hypothermia;
• working with chemicals;
• psychological problems, stress, disorders;
• Drug or alcohol use.

Recent scientific developments suggest several hypotheses about the causes of the disease.They are based on observations from different patient groups:

• hidden allergies to foods, medications, or environmental factors;
• Infections and foci of inflammation in internal organs;
• Disruption of metabolic processes that impair tissue regeneration;
• presence of parasites;
• Psychosomatics.

Psoriasis is often inherited.If both parents carry the gene, the risk of developing pathology increases to 50%.In most cases, the first manifestations of the disease are observed during puberty and the final formation of the body - at the age of 15-20.

Many patients manage to avoid painful symptoms with the help of a diet and a healthy lifestyle.However, doctors identify several factors that can lead to exacerbation and frequent relapses:

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

In most cases, the occurrence of psoriasis is a combination of several factors.It worsens after bronchitis or tonsillitis, in the treatment of which antibiotics were used.It is always associated with a decrease in immunity and a weakening of the body.

Dangerous complications of psoriasis

Itching, burning and plaques on the skin are not the only manifestations.The inflammatory process can affect internal organs and systems and spread to joints.The content of toxins in the blood is constantly increasing and disrupting metabolic processes.

The main problem with advanced psoriasis is the development of arthritis.It is diagnosed in 15-20% of patients at various stages and progresses with frequent relapses and painful joint inflammation.Most often the process affects fingers and toes, ankles, knees and hip joints.

Other complications of psoriasis include:

• erythroderma with extensive skin lesions;
• reduced visual acuity;
• expansion of the heart chambers;
• kidney disease;
• chronic intestinal disorder.

With psoriasis, the risk of severe depression and mental illness increases two to three times.The disease is not transmitted and is not contagious, but people with a skin defect often avoid personal relationships and are ashamed of their own bodies.They consciously reject intimate life and visiting interesting places.A biased attitude to the problem reduces the circle of friends to a minimum.

Main symptoms and signs of psoriasis

An experienced dermatologist can easily distinguish the manifestations of the disease from other dermatitis.Several spots appear on the body, which are more like a rash.Their diameter rapidly increases, reaches 7–8 cm and begins to peel off.If psoriasis is not treated, the inflamed areas 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 thickened and protrude above the skin, causing slight swelling and redness.The scales are light, almost silver in color.
• Peeled particles are easily scraped off the surface, leaving the surface as if covered with wax.
• After removing the inflamed scales, you will notice a thin red film of new cells that glitters in the light.
• When you try to peel off the film, drops of blood appear (Auspitz phenomenon).

These are the main signs of psoriasis that are helpful in self-diagnosis.The first manifestations are observed at the place where clothing is rubbed, after abrasions or thermal burns and resemble non-healing wounds.However, there are several ways to place papules on the patient's body:

• In my arms.Smaller lesions may be localized on the fingers and cover the elbows with crusts.In rare cases or in advanced forms, the process affects the forearm.
• On the head.The most common form is diagnosed when particles and crusts form on the scalp.The inflammation begins at the back of the head and gradually moves behind the ears, accompanied by a burning sensation and severe scaling that resembles a crown.
• On the body.Small, teardrop-shaped plaques generously cover the abdomen, thighs and back.The problem often occurs after treating infections with antibiotics.
• On the palms and soles of the feet.Palmoplantar psoriasis begins as a few small plaques but quickly progresses to large areas covered with whitish skin.Sometimes itchy crusts only appear between the fingers.
• In the face.A rare form, localized on the thin skin of the eyelids, around the lips, with rashes on the cheeks.

Recently there has been an increase in the number of children whose psoriasis appears long before puberty.In babies, the first papules are hidden in the folds of skin in the groin, armpits and neck.They itch and cause discomfort and loss of appetite.Parents often confuse it with a manifestation of atopic dermatitis.

Types and forms of the disease

Psoriasis is classified separately according to its signs and characteristic manifestations.Separation by form helps to correctly identify the main cause of the disease and select a treatment method:

• Simple, table-like or vulgar.The classic variant appears with a large number of plaques on the skin.They are covered in silvery scales, shed heavily, itch, and may bleed when scratched.They often merge into one large formation on the back, stomach or legs.Characterized by regular relapses and joint complications.
• Spotted or teardrop-shaped.Many small dots with a diameter of no more than 1.5 cm protrude on the body.They resemble a rash and are rarely localized on the face and hands.When rubbing against seams, clothing often comes off, leaving open, inflamed skin that becomes infected with a secondary infection.
• Pustular.A complex form affecting up to 30-50% of the body.An exacerbation is accompanied by enlarged lymph nodes, high fever and exacerbation of internal diseases and requires hospital medical care.It is divided into localized and generalized Tsumbusha types.
• Exudative.One of the most severe forms.It occurs in patients with endocrine pathologies and develops against the background of diabetes.In addition to exfoliation, plaques secrete large amounts of inflammatory fluid.They become saturated with exudate, turn into a dense crust and cause severe pain to a person when touched or handled.
• Parapsoriasis or Broca's disease.The symptoms are similar, but the plaques are more reminiscent of eczema patches, have no film effect or waxy sheen, and do not release red drops after removal.May be accompanied by fever, weakness and deterioration in health.
• Inverse or vice versa.1% of people are diagnosed with a rare form.One of the manifestations is considered to be dark pigmentation in the armpits and groin folds, which does not cause strong peeling in the initial stages.

As the disease progresses, seborrheic psoriasis can join the diseases mentioned above.This form is diagnosed when itchy patches appear on the scalp.It develops rapidly, spreading to the forehead and affecting the face.Patients confuse it with ordinary seborrhea by using a special shampoo.But on visual examination there is no oily sheen and abundant sebaceous secretions, the skin is dry, the scales shine in the light.

Doctors separately distinguish between nail psoriasis and onychodystrophy.It is similar to the vulgar form and occurs with frequent relapses.Occurs in 90% of patients with psoriatic arthritis.It only occurs in 7% of children but is difficult to treat.Symptoms include peeling of the panel, the appearance of white spots, dents and severe delamination.

Stages of psoriasis

In clinical practice there are several stages of the disease.They differ in the severity of symptoms, manifestations and nature of the course.Separately, many experts describe the initial disease that occurs in many patients with a hidden inflammation similar to common dermatitis or lichen.

In the initial or early stages, the rash is almost invisible.Sometimes there is a slight peeling of the elbows or feet, but this does not cause any discomfort.The burning sensation will subside after applying a moisturizer or lotion.The spots are small in diameter and are not a cause for concern.

When diagnosing, the following classification of psoriasis stages is used:

1. Acute or progressive.The spots noticeably increase in size and become covered with dry particles of the epidermis.The patient is worried about severe itching, burning, irritation and swelling of the skin at the site of the rash.A red border appears around the badges.
2. Stationary stage.No new growths appear, but the disease progresses and negatively affects the joints and internal organs.The unpleasant sensations increase, the plaques merge into large spots on the body and appear on the head, nails and soles of the feet.The skin looks inflamed, the peeling of the skin and cell death do not stop.
3. Regression or solution.The symptoms of psoriasis gradually decrease and disappear.Red spots dissolve, leaving whitish areas on the skin.The patient returns to his usual lifestyle.

To select a treatment method, a classification into stages is required.The most effective and effective drugs are used in stationary form when the risk of damage to internal organs, systems and joints is greatest.Therefore, the task of doctors is to quickly relieve the exacerbation and achieve complete elimination of symptoms.The disease cannot be cured, so it is important to aim for long-term regression.

Treatment methods for psoriasis

Doctors recommend starting therapy at the first signs of an exacerbation and not allowing the disease to progress to complications.At the initial stage, you can use non-hormonal agents, supplement the course with a special diet and folk recipes.It is important to exclude factors that triggered a new round of psoriasis: stress, smoking, overwork, lack of sleep.

Treating psoriasis is a difficult task at any stage.Often the patient, together with the doctor, has to go through many ointments, creams and formulations in search of an effective therapy.It is not enough to quickly eliminate the external manifestations of the disease: it is necessary to ensure that internal inflammation and joint damage do not occur and prevent the development of arthritis.

Drug therapy

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

The preparations contain vitamins, minerals and oils that relieve discomfort and improve blood circulation in the capillaries.Zinc and phenolic acid provide additional protection against bacteria, prevent secondary infections and dry out damp areas.

If the lesions are severe and the spots grow, doctors prescribe hormonal ointments.Drugs for local treatment are selected individually after the examination, taking into account the patient's age, his health characteristics and possible contraindications.

Ointments and creams contain synthetic hormones that act on skin receptors and slow down the disrupted regeneration process.The inflammation gradually subsides, cells are produced more slowly, and areas covered with film heal.Medicines may contain glucocorticosteroids.However, they have a number of serious disadvantages:

• Many hormonal drugs are contraindicated for the treatment of children under 2 years of age, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• It is necessary to strictly adhere to the dosage and follow the instructions.
• They are characterized by a high price.

The use of hormonal ointments is only permitted under medical supervision.Active components can penetrate the blood, affect the adrenal cortex and suppress the production of cortisol.In case of overdose or prolonged use of drugs, treatment should be stopped gradually with a daily dose reduction.

During seasonal exacerbations 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 task of such compositions is:

• removal of toxins;
• support of joint tissue;
• improving well-being;
• acceleration of metabolism;
• Liver cleanse.

For psoriasis, agents are recommended that enhance the effect of the diet, trigger the cleansing of tissue and intestines, and support immune defense.Depending on the form of the disease, they are used in a progressive stage or to prevent relapses in the form of injections or tablets. 

Psoriasis often occurs in stressful situations.To eliminate the provoking factor, doctors select immunosuppressants.They normalize sleep, reduce irritability and anxiety, and stop the inflammatory process.

Immunosuppressants relieve tension and calm irritated skin receptors.They relieve burning and itching and also have an anti-rheumatic effect.They bind and remove substances that affect the joints, thereby reducing pain and the severity of sensations during an exacerbation.They are not used at home and require strict dosage.

In the treatment of psoriasis, sorbents stand out among traditional remedies.These are special drugs that absorb toxins and degradation products that occur in large quantities in the blood and intestines during an exacerbation.This reduces the risk of developing psoriatic arthritis and digestive disorders and accelerates the cleaning of skin plaques.

The advantage of sorbents is that they are harmless to the body, therefore they can be used for medical treatment of diseases in children.They are used in the withdrawal of biological active ingredients and hormone creams and reduce the concentration of synthetic hormones in the blood.

Chinese remedies for psoriasis

Chinese herbal preparations have proven themselves effective in the complex treatment of inflammation.Doctors recommend using them after a course of hormonal ointments for detoxification and healing.Highest quality according to patient reviews:

• Lotion with fluorine, phenol, acetic acid, borneol and herbal extracts.
• A Chinese ointment that quickly penetrates the skin without hormones and saturates it with extracts of blackthorn, lichen, rhubarb and fulin mushroom.
• A hormonal agent prescribed in the acute phase to relieve inflammation, scaling and itching.Contains glucocorticosteroid, petroleum jelly, stearin, menthol oil.Approved for the treatment of facial skin.
• Inexpensive ointment based on natural raw materials.Consists of extracts of mint, echinacea and 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 and tulsi.
• Sulfur soap with aloe extract, olive and palm oil moisturizes, restores lipid balance and heals wounds.
• An ointment containing extracts of sophora, holly, cork, mulberry bark and an antiseptic.Used 2 times a day for exacerbations.
• A safe cream from China, enriched with the juice of Sophora japonica and ash root, relieves dryness, flaking and itching.Can be applied to face and scalp.

Before treatment with medicines from China, you should definitely carry out an allergy test: some herbal components in high concentrations cause irritation, aggravation and worsen the symptoms.

Traditional methods

There are different methods for treating psoriasis.After the acute process has subsided, therapy can be supplemented with folk remedies.In case of exacerbation, recipes with medicated solid oil are often used:

• Mix equal parts liquid honey and fat, add ground oak bark and a raw egg.The resulting mixture is applied to the body twice a day.
• In a clean bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of fat and baby cream and add a little sea buckthorn oil.Treat inflamed areas with the product morning and evening.

To treat psoriasis, you can take baths with the addition of useful ingredients: sodium bicarbonate, sea salt, oat decoction, turpentine.The last component, based on pine resin, relieves inflammation, improves blood circulation, soothes and tones the skin.Improvement requires up to 15 procedures with a break of 1-2 days.

Alternative methods

In addition to medication, the patient may be offered light treatment or photochemotherapy PUVA.In 90-95% of cases it is possible to significantly improve the condition of the skin and stop the process.The therapy is used in the following forms:

• exudative;
• vulgar;
• palmoplantar.

The use of PUVA is effective for scalp lesions.Irradiation with light waves is carried out in 5-6 procedures at a low frequency that is harmless to the body.Among the alternative methods that have proven effective for psoriasis:

• selective phototherapy;
• narrow wave;
• mud therapy;
• Plasmapheresis.

To reduce inflamed areas, mud is recommended, applied in the form of applications or taken in baths.The most effective compounds are mined on the shores of the Dead Sea and in the resort towns of Kuyalnik.They contain minerals that soothe and regenerate the skin.

Prevention of psoriasis

An important way to prevent exacerbation and relapse of the disease is proper nutrition.The Pegano diet, specially developed by a doctor, helps to reduce allergen levels, eliminate intoxication and prevent dysbiosis.Its main principles:

• Up to 70-80% of your diet should consist of alkaline-forming foods (fruits and vegetables).
• Only 20-30% of the diet should consist of foods that increase acidity (meat, grains, fish, whole milk).
• Fatty and carbohydrate-containing foods, coffee, sweet carbonated drinks and alcohol are completely excluded.
• All dishes should be steamed, boiled or baked without oil.
• Take meals in 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 intestinal cleansing and drink more clean water without gas and additives.

Answers to frequently asked questions about psoriasis

Can you get psoriasis?

This is the first misunderstanding that negatively affects communication with patients.In fact, the disease is only related to the functioning of the immune system and there are no viruses that are transmitted through contact.You can safely touch the patient's skin, wear his clothes or shoes.

Can you swim during an exacerbation?

Doctors recommend daily baths or warm showers, which relieve discomfort and burning and reduce flaking.The procedure can be supplemented with a bath in a solution of sea salt or starch or by treating the plaques with mud applications.

Is it possible to completely cure psoriasis?

To date, there are no treatment methods for psoriasis that can completely relieve the patient of the problem.This is a chronic and incurable disease that recurs frequently and requires constant prevention.With proper nutrition, diet and a 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 treatment methods have been developed that provide good results but do not guarantee complete recovery.In case of exacerbation, it is necessary to combine drug therapy, traditional medicine and detoxification and follow a strict diet.