Causes of psoriasis, its types and methods of treatment

Over the past decade, doctors have noted a sharp increase in the incidence of psoriasis.The disease is associated with internal inflammation, is a chronic process and does not allow complete healing.Treatment and prevention of complications involves medication, diet and the use of folk remedies on a natural basis.

Nature and history of psoriasis

The first mentions of the symptoms of a skin disease were found in the records 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 present on the body.In the Middle Ages, it was long considered a dangerous form of leprosy, therefore patients hid the inflammation to avoid forced treatment.

Psoriasis was first identified as a separate disease by the German dermatologist and scientist Ferdinant von Hebr in 1841. He conducted a comprehensive study with epithelial sampling and described in detail all stages and types of inflammatory processes.His disciple Jean Louis Alibert associated the disease with a specific form of arthritis.

Detailed study of psoriasis began in the 20th century.Thanks to better equipment and optics, doctors have learned that in case of illness, the processes of regeneration and exfoliation of the skin are accelerated by 8-10 times.They separated the pathology from dermatitis and proved 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 causes of the disease;the influence of immunity and heredity is taken into account.To date, hundreds of drugs have been developed for treatment, but no method permanently relieves the patient of the problem.

Main causes of psoriasis

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

Most dermatologists believe that autoimmune diseases are the main cause of the disease.For unknown reasons, the human immune system begins to attack its own skin cells, which causes an inflammatory process.They do not have time to mature and are torn off from the deepest layers, forming itchy plaques.

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

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

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

• hidden allergies to foods, medications, or environmental factors;
• infections and inflammatory foci in internal organs;
• disruption of metabolic processes affecting tissue regeneration;
• presence of parasites;
• psychosomatic.

Psoriasis is often hereditary.If both parents carry the gene, the risk of encountering a pathology increases by up to 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 manage to avoid painful manifestations through diet and a healthy lifestyle.But doctors identify several factors that can provoke exacerbations and frequent relapses:

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

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

Dangerous complications of psoriasis

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

The main problem with advanced psoriasis is the development of arthritis.It is diagnosed in 15-20% of patients at different stages and is accompanied by frequent relapses and painful inflammation of the joints.Most commonly, the process involves the fingers and toes, ankles, knees and hip joints.

Other complications of psoriasis include:

• erythroderma with large areas of skin lesions;
• decreased visual acuity;
• expansion of the ventricles of the heart;
• kidney diseases;
• chronic intestinal disorder.

With psoriasis, the risk of severe depression and mental pathologies increases by 2-3 times.The disease is not communicable and is not contagious, but people with a skin defect often avoid personal relationships and are embarrassed about their own bodies.They deliberately refuse 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, more like a rash.They quickly increase in diameter, reaching 7 to 8 cm, and begin to peel off.If psoriasis is left untreated, inflamed areas cover up to 50 to 60% of the body.

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

• They have sharp edges, are slightly thickened and raised above the skin, causing slight swelling and redness.The scales are light, almost silvery.
• Exfoliated particles are easily scraped off the surface, leaving the surface as if covered in wax.
• After removing the inflamed scales, a thin red film of new cells is visible, which glows in the light.
• When you try to peel off the film, droplets of blood appear (Auspitz phenomenon).

These are the main signs of psoriasis that help with self-diagnosis.The first manifestations are observed at the level of friction with clothing, after abrasions 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 can be located on the fingers and cover the elbows with scabs.In rare cases or in advanced forms, the process affects the forearm.
• On the head.The common form is diagnosed when particles and crusts appear on the scalp.The inflammation begins at the back of the head and gradually moves behind the ears, accompanied by a burning sensation and abundant dandruff resembling a crown.
• On the body.Drop-shaped, small plaques abundantly cover the abdomen, thighs and back.The problem often occurs after treating infections with antibiotics.
• On palms and soles.Palmoplantar psoriasis begins with a few small patches but quickly progresses to large areas covered with whitish skin.Sometimes itchy scabs appear only between the fingers.
• On the face.Rare form localized on the thin skin of the eyelids, around the lips with rashes on the cheeks.

Recently, the number of children whose psoriasis appears well before puberty has increased.In babies, the first papules are hidden in the skin folds of the groin, armpits and neck.They itch, causing discomfort and loss of appetite.Parents often confuse them with a manifestation of atopic dermatitis.

Types and forms of the disease

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

• Simple, plate-shaped or vulgar.The classic version appears on the skin with a large number of plaques.They are covered in silvery scales, are very scaly, itchy and can bleed when scratched.They often merge into a large formation on the back, abdomen or legs.Characterized by regular relapses and joint complications.
• Dotted or teardrop shaped.Numerous small dots not exceeding 1.5 cm in diameter protrude on the body.They look like a rash and are rarely located on the face and hands.When rubbed with seams, clothing often comes loose, leaving open, inflamed skin that becomes infected with secondary infection.
• Pustular.A complex form in which up to 30 to 50% of the body is affected.An exacerbation is accompanied by enlarged lymph nodes, high fever, exacerbation of internal diseases and requires medical attention in a hospital setting.It is divided into localized and generalized Tsumbusha type.
• Exudative.One of the most serious forms.It occurs in patients with endocrine pathologies and develops against the background of diabetes.In addition to scaling, the plaques secrete large amounts of inflammatory fluid.They are saturated with exudate and turn into a dense crust, causing a person severe pain when touched or treated.
• Parapsoriasis or Broca's disease.It has similar symptoms, but the patches are more reminiscent of eczema spots, do not have a film effect or waxy sheen, and do not emit red drops after removal.May be accompanied by fever, weakness and deterioration in health.
• Reverse or inverse.A rare form is diagnosed in 1% of people.One of the manifestations is considered to be dark pigmentation in the armpits and inguinal folds, which at the initial stage does not cause intense peeling.

As the disease progresses, seborrheic psoriasis may be added to the above.This form is diagnosed when itchy spots appear on the scalp.It develops quickly and spreads to the forehead, affecting the face.Patients confuse it with ordinary seborrhea, using a special shampoo.But upon visual inspection, there is no greasy shine and abundant sebaceous secretions, the skin is dry, the scales shine in the light.

Separately, doctors distinguish nail psoriasis or onychodystrophy.It resembles the common form and occurs with frequent relapses.Occurs in 90% of patients with psoriatic arthritis.It occurs in only 7% of children, but is difficult to treat.Symptoms include plaque detachment, the appearance of white spots, bumps 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 first, which occurs in many patients with hidden inflammation, resembling ordinary dermatitis or lichen.

In the initial or early stage, the rash is almost invisible.Sometimes there is slight peeling in the elbows or feet, which 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 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 plates.
2. Stationary scene.New formations do not appear, but the disease progresses, negatively affecting the joints and internal organs.Unpleasant sensations intensify, the plaques merge into large spots on the body, appearing on the head, nails and soles of the feet.The skin appears inflamed, flaking and cell death does not stop.
3. Regression or resolution.The symptoms of psoriasis gradually diminish and disappear.The red spots disappear, leaving whitish areas on the skin.The patient returns to his usual lifestyle.

A separation into stages is necessary to select a treatment method.The most effective and powerful drugs are used in stationary 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 regression.

Methods for treating psoriasis

Doctors recommend starting treatment at the first signs of exacerbation and not causing 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 the factors that provoked a new wave of psoriasis: stress, smoking, overwork, lack of sleep.

Treating psoriasis is a difficult task at any time.Often the patient and doctor have to use numerous 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 that there are no internal inflammations, joint damage 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 also protect against bacteria, prevent secondary infections and dry out damp areas.

If the lesions are severe and the spots become larger, doctors prescribe hormonal ointments.Medicines for local treatment 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 the impaired regeneration process.Inflammation gradually subsides, cells are produced more slowly, and areas covered with film heal.Medicines may contain glucocorticoids.But they have a number of serious disadvantages:

• Many hormonal drugs are contraindicated for the treatment of children under 2 years old, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• 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 components can enter the bloodstream, 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 reduction in dosage.

During seasonal exacerbations of psoriasis, drugs intended to strengthen immunity and vitamin complexes can be used.They stimulate the body from the inside, eliminate dysbacteriosis and vitamin deficiencies and accelerate skin healing.The main task of these compositions is:

• elimination of toxins;
• support of joint tissues;
• improved well-being;
• acceleration of metabolism;
• liver cleansing.

For psoriasis, remedies are recommended that enhance the effect of diet, triggering the cleansing of tissues, intestines and supporting immune defense.Depending on the form of the disease, they are used at a progressive stage or to prevent relapses in the form of injections or tablets. 

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

Immunosuppressants relieve tension and soothe irritated skin receptors.They relieve burning and itching and additionally have an antirheumatic effect.They bind and remove substances that affect the joints, thereby reducing pain and 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 breakdown products, which, during an exacerbation, are found in large quantities in the blood and intestines.This reduces the risk of developing psoriatic arthritis, digestive disorders and accelerates the cleansing of skin plaques.

The advantage of sorbents is that they are safe for the body and therefore can be used in the medical treatment of diseases in children.They are used in the removal of biological agents and hormonal creams and reduce the concentration of synthetic hormones in the blood.

Chinese remedies for psoriasis

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

• Lotion containing fluoric, phenolic, acetic, borneol and plant extracts.
• A Chinese ointment that, without hormones, quickly penetrates the skin, saturating it with extracts of blackthorn, lichen, rhubarb and fulin mushroom.
• A hormonal agent prescribed during the acute period to reduce inflammation, scaling and itching.Contains glucocorticosteroids, petroleum jelly, stearin and menthol oil.Authorized for the treatment of facial skin.
• Inexpensive ointment based on natural raw materials.Consists of extracts of mint, echinacea, clover with added scorpion venom.
• A folk remedy for the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris.Eliminates itching due to the content of turmeric, sandalwood oil, neem, tulsi.
• Sulfur soap containing aloe extract, olive and palm oils moisturizes, restores lipid balance and heals wounds.
• An ointment that contains extracts of Sophora, holly, cork, mulberry bark and an antiseptic.Used for exacerbation 2 times a day.
• A sour cream from China, enriched with Sophora japonica juice and ash root, relieves dryness, flaking and itching.Can be applied to face and scalp.

Before treatment with drugs from China, you should definitely carry out an allergy test: some plant components in high concentrations cause irritation, aggravation and increase discomfort.

Traditional methods

There are different methods to treat psoriasis.After the acute process is resolved, therapy can be supplemented with folk remedies.In case of exacerbation, medical solid oil prescriptions are often used:

• Mix liquid honey and fat in equal proportions, add ground oak bark and one raw egg.The resulting mixture is applied to the body 2 times a day.
• In a clean bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of baby fat and cream, 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, oatmeal 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 medications, the patient may be offered light therapy or PUVA photochemotherapy.In 90-95% of cases it is possible to significantly improve the condition of the skin and stop the process.Therapy is used for the following forms:

• exudative;
• vulgar;
• palmoplantar.

The use of PUVA is effective for scalp lesions.Light wave irradiation is carried out during 5-6 procedures at low frequency, which is safe for the body.Among the alternative methods that have proven effective for psoriasis:

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

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

Psoriasis prevention

Proper nutrition is an important way to prevent exacerbation and relapse of the disease.The Pegano diet, specially developed by a doctor, helps reduce the level of allergens, eliminate poisoning and prevent dysbacteriosis.Its main principles:

• Up to 70-80% of the menu should consist of alkalizing 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 baked without oil.
• Eat your 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 intestinal cleansing daily, drink more clean water without gases and additives.

Answers to frequently asked questions about psoriasis

Can you get psoriasis?

This is the number one misconception that negatively affects communication with patients.In fact, the disease is associated only with the functioning of the immune system and does not involve viruses transmitted by contact.You can safely handle the patient's skin, wear their clothes or shoes.

Is it possible to swim during an exacerbation?

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

Is it possible to completely cure psoriasis?

To date, no methods of treating psoriasis have been found that completely relieve the patient of the problem.This is a chronic, incurable disease that occurs with frequent relapses and requires constant prevention.With proper nutrition, a proper 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 actively studied by doctors in different countries.Many treatment methods have been developed that give good results, but do not guarantee complete recovery.In case of exacerbation, it is necessary to combine drug treatment, traditional medicine, detoxification and follow a strict diet.