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Causes of psoriasis, its types and methods of treatment

Psoriasis on the back of a girl

In the last 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 provide full recovery.Treatment and prevention of complications includes medication, diet and use of natural folk remedies.

Nature and history of psoriasis

The first mentions of symptoms of skin disease are found in the annals of healers from 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 long considered a dangerous type of leprosy, so patients hid the inflammation to avoid forced treatment.

Psoriasis was first identified as a separate disease by the German dermatologist and scientist Ferdinand von Hebre in 1841. He conducted an extensive study with epithelial sampling and described in detail all stages and types of the inflammatory process.His follower, Jean Louis Aliber, associated the disease with a specific form of arthritis.

The detailed study of psoriasis began in the 20th century.With the help of better equipment and optics, doctors learned that during an illness, the processes of regeneration and exfoliation of the skin are accelerated 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 considered.To date, hundreds of drugs have been developed for treatment, but no method frees the patient from the problem forever.

The main causes of psoriasis

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

Most dermatologists believe that the main cause of the disease is autoimmune disorders.For unknown reasons, the human immune system begins to attack the skin's own cells, which provokes an inflammatory process.They do not have time to mature and break away from the deeper layers, forming itchy plaques.

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

  • decrease in immunity;
  • frequent colds, ARVI or flu;
  • hormonal imbalance;
  • pathologies of the thyroid gland;
  • permanent hypothermia;
  • working 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 of different groups of patients:

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

Psoriasis is often inherited.If both parents have the gene, the risk of encountering a pathology increases 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.

Many patients manage to avoid painful manifestations with the help of diet and a healthy lifestyle.But doctors identify several factors that can cause exacerbations and frequent relapses:

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

The appearance of psoriasis in most cases 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 decline in immunity and 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 the internal organs and systems and move to the 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 in various stages and proceeds with frequent relapses and painful inflammation of the joints.Most often, the process involves the fingers and toes, ankles, knees and hips.

Other complications of psoriasis include:

  • erythroderma with extensive areas of skin lesions;
  • reduced visual acuity;
  • enlargement of the ventricles of the heart;
  • kidney diseases;
  • chronic intestinal disorder.

With psoriasis, the risk of severe depression and mental pathologies increases 2-3 times.The disease is not transmitted and not contagious, but people with a skin defect often avoid personal relationships and are ashamed of their own bodies.They consciously refuse intimate life and visiting interesting places.A prejudiced 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 7–8 cm, and begin 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 raised above the skin, causing slight swelling and redness.The scales are light, almost silver in color.
  • The exfoliated particles are easily scraped off the surface, leaving the surface as if coated with wax.
  • After removing the inflamed scales, a thin red film of new cells is visible, which glistens 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 in self-diagnosis.The first manifestations are observed at the site of friction with clothes, after abrasions or thermal burns, resembling non-healing wounds.But there are several options for placing papules on the patient's body:

Manifestations of psoriasis on different parts of the body
  • In my hands.Small lesions can 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 common form is diagnosed when particles and crusts appear on the scalp.The inflammation starts from the back of the head, gradually passes behind the ears, accompanied by a burning sensation and abundant dandruff, resembling a crown.
  • On the body.With a teardrop shape, the small plaques abundantly cover the abdomen, thighs and back.The problem often occurs after treating infections with antibiotics.
  • On the palms and soles.Palmoplantar psoriasis starts with a few small plaques, but quickly develops into large areas covered with whitish skin.Sometimes the itchy crusts appear only between the toes.
  • On the face.A 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 long before puberty is increasing.In babies, the first papules are hidden in the skin folds in the groin, armpits and neck.They itch, cause discomfort and loss of appetite.Parents often confuse them with 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 choose a treatment method:

  • Simple, plain or vulgar.The classic version appears on the skin with a large number of plaques.They are covered with silvery scales, scaly, itch and may bleed when scratched.Often they merge into a large formation on the back, abdomen or legs.It is characterized by regular relapses and joint complications.
  • Dotted or teardrop shaped.Many small points 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 the seams rub, clothing often peels off, leaving open, inflamed skin that becomes susceptible to secondary infection.
  • Pustulous.A complex form in which up to 30–50% of the body is affected.Exacerbation is accompanied by enlarged lymph nodes, high fever, exacerbation of internal diseases and requires medical assistance in a hospital setting.It is divided into localized and generalized type of Tsumbusha.
  • Exudative.One of the most severe forms.It occurs in patients with endocrine pathologies and develops against the background of diabetes.In addition to peeling, the plaques release large amounts of inflammatory fluid.They are saturated with exudate, turning into a dense crust, causing severe pain to a person when touched or treated.
  • Parapsoriasis or Broca's disease.It has similar symptoms, but the plaques are more like eczema patches, do not have a film effect or waxy sheen, and do not emit red drops after removal.It can be accompanied by fever, weakness and deterioration of health.
  • Back or vice versa.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 in the initial stage do not cause intense peeling.

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

Separately, doctors distinguish nail psoriasis or onychodystrophy.It resembles the vulgar form and occurs with frequent relapses.It occurs in 90% of patients with psoriatic arthritis.It occurs in only 7% of children, but is difficult to treat.Symptoms include detachment of the lamina, the appearance of white spots, indentations 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 specialists describe the initial one, which in many patients proceeds with a hidden inflammation resembling ordinary dermatitis or lichen.

In the initial or early stage, the rash is almost invisible.Sometimes there is a slight peeling of the elbows or legs, which does not cause discomfort.The burning sensation decreases after applying a moisturizer or lotion.The spots are small in diameter and do not cause concern.

The following classification of psoriasis stages is used in the diagnosis:

  1. Acute or progressive.The spots significantly increase in size and are covered with dry particles of the epidermis.The patient is concerned about severe itching, burning, irritation and swelling of the skin at the site of the rash.A red border appears around the plaques.
  2. Stationary stage.New formations do not appear, but the disease progresses, negatively affecting the joints and internal organs.Unpleasant sensations intensify, plaques merge into large spots on the body, appear on the head, nails and feet.The skin looks inflamed, peeling and cell death do not stop.
  3. Regression or resolution.The symptoms of psoriasis gradually decrease and disappear.The red spots disappear, leaving whitish areas on the skin.The patient returns to his usual way of life.

The division into stages is necessary for choosing a treatment method.The most effective and powerful drugs are used in a stationary form, when there is the greatest danger of damage to internal organs, systems and joints.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.

Psoriasis treatment methods

Doctors recommend to start the therapy at the first signs of exacerbation and not to progress the disease to complications.In the initial stage, you can use non-hormonal means, supplement the course with a special diet and folk recipes.It is important to exclude the factors that provoke 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 there is no internal inflammation, damage to the joints and prevent the development of arthritis.

Drug therapy

The treatment of any form of psoriasis begins with the use of external means.They have different active ingredients, differ in composition and in the principle of impact on the epidermis.

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

If the lesions are severe and the spots grow, doctors prescribe hormonal ointments.Medicines for local treatment are selected individually after an 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 processes.Inflammation gradually decreases, cells are produced more slowly and the film-covered areas heal.Medicines may contain glucocorticosteroids.But 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 distinguished by a high price.

The use of hormonal ointments is allowed only under the supervision of a doctor.Active components can penetrate the blood, affect the adrenal cortex and suppress the production of cortisol.In case of overdose or long-term use of drugs, treatment should be discontinued gradually with a daily dose reduction.

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

  • removal of toxins;
  • joint tissue support;
  • improving well-being;
  • acceleration of metabolism;
  • cleansing the liver.

In psoriasis, agents are recommended that enhance the effect of the diet, cause cleansing of the tissues, intestines and support the immune defense.Depending on the form of the disease, they are used in a progressive stage or to prevent relapse in the form of a course of injections or tablets. 

Psoriasis often appears during stressful situations.To eliminate the provoking factor, doctors choose immunosuppressants.They normalize sleep, reduce irritability and anxiety, stop the inflammatory process.

Immunosuppressants relieve tension and soothe irritated skin receptors.They relieve burning and itching and also have an anti-rheumatic effect.They bind and remove substances that affect the joints, reducing the 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 decay 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 cleaning of skin plaques.

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

Chinese medicines for psoriasis

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

  • Lotion containing fluoric, phenolic, acetic acid, borneol and herbal extracts.
  • A Chinese ointment that, without hormones, quickly penetrates the skin, saturating it with extracts of thistle, lichen, rhubarb and Fulin mushroom.
  • A hormonal agent that is prescribed in the acute period to reduce inflammation, peeling and itching.Contains glucocorticosteroid, vaseline, stearin, menthol oil.Approved for the treatment of facial skin.
  • Inexpensive ointment based on natural raw materials.It consists of extracts of mint, echinacea, clover with the addition of scorpion venom.
  • A popular remedy for psoriasis vulgaris.Eliminates itching due to the content of turmeric, sandalwood oil, neem, tulsi.
  • Sulfuric soap containing aloe extract, olive oil and palm oil moisturizes, restores lipid balance and heals wounds.
  • Ointment that contains extracts of sophora, wood, cork, mulberry bark and antiseptic.It is used in case of exacerbation 2 times a day.
  • A safe cream from China, enriched with Japanese sophora juice and ash root, relieves dryness, flaking and itching.It can be applied to the face and scalp.

Before a course of treatment with drugs from China, you should definitely conduct an allergy test: some plant components in high concentrations provoke irritation, aggravation and increase discomfort.

Traditional methods

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

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

For the treatment of psoriasis, you can take baths with the addition of useful ingredients: sodium bicarbonate, sea salt, oat decoction, turpentine.The last component, based on pine tree resin, relieves inflammation, improves blood circulation, soothes and tones the skin.Up to 15 procedures with a break of 1-2 days are needed for improvement.

Alternative methods

In addition to medication, 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 in scalp lesions.Irradiation with light waves is carried out in a course of 5-6 procedures with a low, safe for the body frequency.Among the alternative methods that have been proven in psoriasis:

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

To reduce inflamed areas, mud is recommended, which is applied in the form of applications or taken in baths.The most effective compounds are obtained on the coast of the Dead Sea and the Kuyalnik resorts.They contain minerals that soothe and restore 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 reduce the level of allergens, eliminates intoxication and prevents dysbacteriosis.Its main principles:

  • Up to 70-80% of the menu should consist of alkali-forming 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, alcohol are completely excluded.
  • All meals should be steamed, boiled or baked without oil.
  • Eat 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 the daily cleaning of the intestines, to drink more clean water without gas and additives.

Answers to frequently asked questions about psoriasis

Can you get psoriasis?

This is the first misconception 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 transmitted by contact.You can safely handle the patient's skin, wear his 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 plaques with mud applications.

Is it possible to completely cure psoriasis?

To date, no psoriasis treatment methods have been found that can completely relieve the patient of the problem.It is a chronic and incurable disease that occurs with frequent relapses and requires constant prophylaxis.With proper nutrition, diet and leading 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 therapy, traditional medicine, detoxification and adherence to a strict diet.