A disease such as psoriasis is a serious problem that indicates a malfunction of the entire body. It can appear at any age and cause significant discomfort. How to treat psoriasis on the body depends on the causes of its appearance. The main condition for a quick recovery is constant monitoring of the patient’s condition and compliance with the recommendations of the attending physician.
Causes
Psoriasis, or psoriasis, is an incompletely studied disease. Some scientists believe that it appears due to malfunctions of the immune system. Cells, whose function is to protect the body from pathogenic viruses and bacteria, penetrate the upper layers of the skin. There they secrete substances that trigger the inflammatory process. The result of such actions is increased cell division, which leads to the appearance of psoriatic plaques on the body.
Other scientists give a completely different answer to the question of why psoriasis may appear. They believe that the disease develops against the background of impaired division and maturation of epithelial cells. As a result, the body's defense structures “attack” the modified compounds, which causes psoriasis.
Several factors can lead to negative processes:
- Heredity. It is believed that there are genes that are responsible for the functioning of T-lymphocytes. It is these cells that trigger the development of psoriasis.
- Thin and dry skin. It has been noticed that in adults or children with this feature, psoriasis is much more common. Most likely, this is due to the protective properties of sebum.
- Exposure to the skin of aggressive substances. The disease sometimes occurs in those who are constantly in contact with various chemicals, detergents or cosmetics.
- Excessive hygiene. People who wash too often, using harsh washcloths and cosmetics, are more likely to suffer from psoriasis. This is due to the removal of the protective layer of the skin during hygiene procedures and trauma to the epidermis.
- Having bad habits. Smoking, drinking alcohol and drugs leads to disruptions in the functioning of the entire body.
- The presence of immunodeficiency in the form of HIV.
- Taking certain medications. Psoriasis can occur during treatment with beta blockers, anticonvulsants, antimalarials, and antidepressants.
- Infectious lesion of the skin. Signs of psoriasis usually appear after diseases caused by fungi and streptococci.
- Moving to a territory with a different climate. This factor is stressful for the body and can cause pathology.
- Stress. Emotional problems often precede the development of psoriasis.
- Permanent injury. Regular damage to the skin triggers inflammatory and other negative processes that precede psoriasis.
- Allergy. If a child or adult has an allergy that manifests itself as skin rashes, over time it can lead to psoriasis.
Most often, the development of pathology occurs when several unfavorable factors are combined.
Types of psoriasis
The nature and severity of rashes can be at different levels, which is why the disease is classified by type. Localization is also taken into account. Thus, the following types of pathology are most often distinguished:
- Plaque. The most common type, characterized by the appearance of plaques covered with grayish scales.
- Teardrop-shaped. It is diagnosed less frequently than plaque and is characterized by the appearance of small red and pink raised spots covered with scales.
- Pustular. When this form of the disease occurs, pustules form on the surface of the skin.
- Palmoplantar. Most often, the greatest concentration of rashes is localized in the corresponding parts of the body and the most effective medications may not have the desired effect.
- Exudative. The flakes of dead skin become saturated with yellowish secretions and stick together.
- Erythroderma. It is often a consequence of the rapid and rapid development of psoriasis to more serious forms. In this case, almost the entire surface of the skin is covered with spots and plaques. In this case, inflammation of the lymph nodes and an increase in body temperature are observed.
In addition to this classification, there is also a division according to the stages of development of the pathology:
- Progressive. Its presence indicates that psoriasis develops during the next exacerbation. The stage is characterized by the appearance of new plaques (primarily in the extensor parts of the limbs), the joining of reddened spots, and the formation of new skin flakes.
- Stable (stationary). The main characteristic is the cessation of reproduction and growth of new papules, as well as a decrease in redness on the skin.
- Regressive. During this period, peeling and redness almost completely stop, and the tissue begins to scar.
Drugs for the treatment of psoriasis do not always help with all types. Therefore, they should be selected according to the type of dermatosis.
Varieties
There are several forms of psoriasis, each of which is accompanied by certain symptoms:
- Plaque type. The most common form of psoriasis, which is diagnosed in more than 80% of patients . The clinical picture of the disease is typical - spots covered with light plaques are found throughout the body or in some areas. When the spots on the skin are traumatized, bleeding wounds appear. Foci of psoriasis quickly increase in size and can merge with each other.
- Palmoplantar type. This form manifests itself in skin lesions on the surface of the feet and hands. The disease is usually characterized by a chronic course and is aggravated by stress, disruption of the endocrine system, or after infections.
- Teardrop-shaped. Skin formations look like dry spots in the form of red droplets. Such defects rise above the surface of the epidermis and can spread throughout the body. Most often develop after infections caused by streptococcus.
- Pustular. This type is characterized by the sudden appearance on the body of bubbles filled with a cloudy liquid. In addition, a person’s temperature rises, lymph nodes become enlarged, a deterioration in well-being and other signs of intoxication are observed.
- Onychodystrophy. Accompanied by nail damage. Characteristic dots and spots are found underneath them.
Hormonal ointments for psoriasis
Ointments of this group concentrate hormone-like substances - glucocorticosteroids, which give rapid positive dynamics in psoriasis. Their influence extends to the endocrine system, against the background of which the production of hormones slows down.
The main symptoms go away after 2-3 times of using the drugs. Hormonal drugs act as an ambulance, so they are often prescribed during an exacerbation when other drugs are not effective.
Medicines have a lot of side effects, including hormonal imbalance and addiction. They cannot be used for more than 1 week (unless the doctor has prescribed a different duration). Correctly selected dosage and frequency of application will help to avoid negative reactions.
No. 1. Hydrocortisone
Price – 40 rubles. According to many experts, this is the best remedy containing hydrocortisone acetate, which is advisable to use for psoriasis. The active component has anti-allergic, anti-edematous, anti-inflammatory properties. If the frequency of use is observed (up to 3 times a day), the development of psoriatic papules stops and the itching goes away. “Hydrocortisone” does not combine with certain groups of medications, as stated in the instructions.
No. 2. Akriderm
Price – 110 rubles. A combination drug based on betamethasone dipropionate. "Akriderm" acts as both a glucocorticosteroid, an aminoglycoside antibiotic and an antifungal agent. Among the main advantages is the rapid relief of itching, swelling, and inflammation. "Akriderm" has a vasoconstrictor effect and is used 2 times daily.
No. 3. Lorinden
Price – 470 rubles. An ointment containing flumethasone is introduced into therapy for psoriasis. It is most effective at the initial and middle stages of the disease. The active component (synthetic glucocorticosteroid) is famous for its anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antibacterial properties. The base is quite dense, so it moisturizes the epidermis and eliminates itching.
No. 4. Prednisolone
Price – 35 rubles. The basis is prednisolone, which delays the migration of leukocytes into the inflamed area and has an antipruritic effect. In therapeutic doses, the drug will relieve the main manifestations of the disease and stop the development of psoriatic papules. The frequency of use ranges from 1-3 times a day, it all depends on the severity of psoriasis.
No. 5. Celestoderm
Price – 270 rubles. A potent ointment for psoriasis, which is used to treat affected areas of the skin in adults no more than 2 times a day. The main substance is betamethasone (GCS). It reduces the permeability of blood channels, relieves itching, relieves inflammation and swelling.
No. 6. Flucinar
Price – 290 rubles. Reduces the manifestations of skin reactions due to anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects. Fluocinolone acetonide has an antipruritic effect and relieves irritation. The affected areas are treated with the medicine 1-2 times daily. For convenience, the drug is applied under a sterile bandage.
No. 7. Dermovate
Price – 530 rubles. A powerful anti-inflammatory drug containing clobetasol propionate. Relieves all symptoms of the disease, starting with swelling, ending with hyperemia, itching, inflammation. After applying the ointment, the bandage is fixed. The composition changes daily. In the presence of plaques, it is ineffective.
No. 8. King of Skin (Chinese Ointment)
Price – 280 rubles. The drug concentrates ketoconazole and clobetasol propionate. The components of Chinese ointment, when combined, relieve psoriasis in a short time. Among the expressed properties, we highlight the ability to soften papules, reduce the rate of their development, and eliminate the inflammatory process. The drug is famous for its strong bactericidal and antifungal properties. Quickly restores the skin when applied as a course.
No. 9. Daivobet
Price – 1300 rubles. An expensive drug based on betamethasone dipropionate in combination with calcipotriol. Substances inhibit cell division and relieve inflammation. The medicine partially suppresses the immune system, accelerating the onset of remission. When used strictly under the supervision of a specialist, in incorrect dosages it negatively affects the production of hormones. Apply daily provided that the papules have not affected more than 1/3 of the body.
No. 10. Sinaflan
Price – 60 rubles. The glucocorticosteroid gives a strong antipruritic effect and also has anti-inflammatory and anti-exudative effects. The properties are fully manifested due to the inclusion of sinaflan. It eliminates the manifestations of the disease when applied three times a day.
Main features
The first manifestation of psoriasis is the appearance on the skin of small round papules that have a red or pinkish color. They are covered with scales called psoriatic plaques. Papules are located symmetrically. Most often the extensor surfaces, scalp and lower back are affected. But pathological changes can be observed on any part of the body, including the mucous membranes. The size of papules ranges from several millimeters to centimeters.
Pathologically changed areas of psoriasis are covered with a scaly coating, which can be easily removed. It consists of dead skin cells. Scales begin to form first in the center of the papule, and then spread closer to the edges. The skin around the formations does not change.
If the scales are removed, a bright red shiny surface appears. This is explained by the exposure of blood vessels, which are covered with thinned epidermis.
Immunosuppressants
This group is an effective medicine for psoriasis; the principle of action is based on artificial suppression of the immune system. Due to this, cellular mycosis is reduced during the development of the disease, which makes it possible to achieve remission more quickly.
Methotrexate
The drug shows high efficiency, as evidenced by positive reviews from satisfied users. However, the product should only be used under medical supervision, as various side effects may occur if used incorrectly.
It is advisable to take methotrexate only in case of serious damage to the dermis, nails, scalp, and also in case of vulgar, atypical and pustular forms of the disease. Complications from Methotrexate include the following:
- impairment of kidney and liver function;
- headache;
- during pregnancy there is a high probability of premature birth;
- dizziness;
- nausea and vomiting;
- digestive problems;
- manifestations of allergies.
The drug is used to treat psoriasis and other forms of skin lesions. Its cost is in the range of 200-500 rubles , depending on the concentration of the active substance. Even with short-term use without the advice of a specialist, serious complications can occur.
Cyclosporine Hexal
Cyclosporine Hexal
Tablets for psoriasis have an immunosuppressive effect. The medicine is used for various skin diseases. In childhood, it is better to avoid taking it; the risk group also includes pregnant and lactating women. Cyclosporine is combined with other medications, which increases the effectiveness of therapy. The cost is up to 1000 rubles , although it is realistic to find a price of 800 rubles per package.
Severity
Having studied photos and videos of psoriasis manifestations posted on thematic forums, you can see that the disease can have different stages of severity:
- Mild or initial stage. It is characterized by the presence of single rashes, mild itching, absence or slight development of plaques. In this case, the inflammatory process is almost invisible. Less than 3% of the skin is affected by negative changes.
- Moderate degree. Pathological processes are observed on 10% of the skin. All symptoms are pronounced and cause discomfort to the patient.
- Severe degree. More than 10% of the skin is affected. Pathologically changed areas become covered with scales, swell, become inflamed, and itch.
Treatment with drugs
Currently, there is no treatment that can completely eliminate this problem. However, there are many medications and supportive treatments that can reduce the progression of the pathology. So, to get rid of psoriasis, any means are used in combination.
Essential Medicines
To treat or relieve the disease, medications are used for oral administration, as well as in the form of injections and ointments. The most effective in this case are ointments for external use containing:
- glucocorticosteroid hormones, which have an anti-inflammatory effect and reduce the activity of the immune system;
- vitamin D;
- activated zinc. Helps relieve inflammation, relieves redness and reduces itching.
The most effective remedies for psoriasis for external use:
- zinc ointment (a Russian remedy relieves inflammation and has a drying effect);
- skin cap (spray dries and reduces redness);
- Kartalin, Antipsoriasis (improves skin condition due to natural ingredients);
- naftaderm (relieves pain, promotes rapid tissue healing);
- Daivobet (improves the condition of the skin of the palms and soles).
Zinc ointment
Skin Cap
Kartalin
Daivobet
Hormonal medications also show excellent results from use, including:
- Hydrocortisone, Prednisolone (relatively weak ointments).
- Fluorocort, Afloderm, Lorinden (medicines of relatively high activity).
- Flucinar, Sinaflan, Betamethasone, Dermovate (potent drugs).
Prednisolone
Fluorocort
Flucinar
Hormonal drugs reduce lesions, relieve redness and stop the division of abnormal cells.
Auxiliary ointments
Medicines containing solid oil and tar are currently very popular. Moreover, these components are used separately for treatment. Among the best ointments for external use containing grease:
- antipsor;
- Magnipsor;
- cytopsor.
Treatment
It is necessary to treat psoriasis taking into account the severity of the disease and the general condition of the patient. The reasons that led to the development of pathology must be taken into account.
Drug therapy
For psoriasis, complex drug therapy is prescribed, which involves taking the following drugs:
- Sedatives. You can cure psoriasis in the early stages if you normalize your sleep, get rid of a bad mood and do not forget about proper rest. This is facilitated by sedatives. They are prescribed in the form of tablets - Persen, solutions - Novopassit. Tinctures prepared using medicinal herbs - valerian, motherwort - are considered to be quite effective sedatives. Their price is also pleasantly pleasing.
- Antibiotics. They are prescribed only in severe cases when a secondary infection has joined the main disease. They can be used both in tablets and in injections.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - Ibuprofen, Naproxen.
- Antihistamines. They help fight itching that occurs during the acute course of the disease, prevent the appearance of new rashes, and relieve redness.
- Hyposensitizers. The patient is indicated for injection of calcium gluconate.
- Monoclonal antibodies. Drugs from this group affect the human immune system. Prescribed in extreme cases due to the large number of complications.
- Enterosorbents. They help quickly cleanse the intestines of toxins, which has a positive effect on the functioning of the entire body.
- Hepatoprotectors. These medications improve metabolic processes and have a positive effect on the liver.
- Digestive enzymes. They improve the process of digesting food, which helps the body absorb the nutrients that come with food.
- Vitamins. Psoriasis requires comprehensive treatment. Therefore, patients are advised to take vital vitamins (A, C, PP, group B and others).
- Homeopathic remedies. A homeopath may recommend a remedy for psoriasis such as Psoril. It can be bought at any pharmacy. This is a pretty good drug with positive reviews.
Traditional medicine recipes
The use of folk remedies for psoriasis should be combined with a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. Only in this case can a positive result be achieved using one of the recipes:
- Application of propolis. In an enamel container, bring 210 g of butter to a boil. Turn off the heat and add 20 g of grated propolis. The mixture is constantly stirred for 25 minutes. Cooled ointment is applied in the form of compresses to areas with rashes. The skin is pre-treated with hydrogen peroxide. The compress is fixed with a gauze bandage and kept for several days.
- Boiled egg ointment. To prepare an effective medicine for psoriasis, 3-4 yolks are placed in a heated frying pan without oil. They are constantly stirred until an oily substance appears. After this, the yolks are removed from the heat and used to treat the affected areas of the body.
- Bath for psoriasis. This treatment method is ideal for use at home . It is necessary to use 1.6 kg of salt, which is dissolved in warm water. You need to lie in such a bath for about 20-25 minutes. After the procedure, you should not dry yourself immediately. You need to let the body dry. It is recommended to wash the next time only after a few hours, so this procedure is best done in the evening before bed.
Application of herbs
Traditional medicine suggests using various medicinal herbs to prepare infusions and decoctions that are used to treat skin affected by psoriasis. To obtain a medicinal product, take 1 tablespoon of plant material and pour 210 ml of boiling water. After 15 minutes, the resulting infusion can be used to treat skin lesions.
For psoriasis it is recommended to use:
- chamomile;
- St. John's wort;
- calendula;
- oak bark
Pharmacy ointments
Ointments for psoriasis may be hormonal or not contain hormones. The former are prescribed in severe cases, since they negatively affect the functioning of the heart, kidneys, and endocrine system. Only a doctor should prescribe them.
Non-hormonal ointments are less effective but safer. For mild to moderate psoriasis, they will help improve skin condition.
Popular ointments include:
- Salicylic. Softens the upper layers of the epidermis and facilitates the removal of psoriatic plaques.
- Zinc. Helps eliminate inflammation, itching and burning.
- Naftalan. Eliminates redness, peeling and discomfort on the surface of the skin.
Application of gels
When using gels for psoriasis, you must remember that they are more evenly distributed over the surface of the skin. Such preparations for external use are absorbed more quickly into the epidermis, which explains their effectiveness.
For psoriasis, it is recommended to use the following gels:
- containing hormones (Flucinar, Xamilion);
- antihistamine action (Fenistil, Psilo-balm);
- gels with herbal ingredients (Zosterin);
- with a wound-healing effect (Solcoseryl, Bepanten);
- with antifungal action (Lamisil).
Creams
The creamy structure of preparations for external use makes them easier to apply and eliminates the appearance of a greasy film that stains clothes. The most popular products from this group are:
- Picladol;
- Super psori;
- Zorka (cream for animals, but can also be used to treat people);
- Sophora.
What is the best remedy for psoriasis today?
One of the innovative drugs for getting rid of such dermatological illnesses in patients is today recognized as the “Vectical” ointment (Russian pronunciation - “Vetstitsal”) from the Canadian laboratory “GALDERMA”. The drug is new, doctors insistently pay attention to its careful use, but at the same time, they note a stable healing effect. This remedy for psoriasis is now rightfully registered as the best ointment.
Features of the product are as follows:
- The composition of the product is based on vitamin D and calcitriol.
- 85% of the subjects and a total of 800 people suffering from various types of psoriasis, after 18 weeks of daily use, all manifestations of the disease decreased by 50-70%.
- It has not been tested on children, so they cannot use this product until they are 18 years old.
- The product continues to undergo its final testing.
- The main warning from the manufacturer is that you cannot:
- being in the sun for too long;
- use ointment together with diuretics;
- apply to people diagnosed with calcium metabolism disorders.
But this drug removes plaques well, leaving no spots, darkening or thin scars. The effect after using this medicine lasts for several years.
To summarize, we can confidently say that the treatment of psoriasis does not have one panacea for all cases and for all people. Each patient will receive an individual approach. The disease has not yet been fully studied enough to allow everyone to be vaccinated at once, as was once done against smallpox. Moreover, note that smallpox was also treated for a long time in methods and methods of treatment. The most important and comforting thing is that psoriasis can be suppressed for some time. Sometimes, even with the right approach to therapy, it is possible to prolong remission up to 7 years.
Skin care recommendations
If you have psoriasis, you need to take more careful care of your body and follow these recommendations:
- The areas where the plaques are located must be protected from injury. During hygiene procedures, you should not rub them with a washcloth or rub them vigorously with your hand.
- Showers should be preferred (with the exception of medicinal baths).
- All folds on the body after taking a shower should be blotted with a towel or soft cloth.
- Before swimming in a pond, the affected areas of the body should be covered with Vaseline.
- When psoriasis worsens, it is best to avoid exposing your skin to sunlight.
Hormonal pills
Hormonal-type medicine shows excellent results, but its use must be taken as carefully and responsibly as possible. For severe skin psoriasis, such tablets alleviate the patient’s condition after just a few days of use, eliminating symptoms.
Metipred
Metypred tablets 4 mg No. 30 in bottle.
The medicine is a synthetic glucocorticosteroid drug that relieves inflammation and reduces the manifestations of allergies. The drug suppresses the immune system, reducing the intensity of cellular mycosis. Metypred helps with eczema, psoriasis, lupus erythematosus and other types of skin ailments. The cost of the medicine starts at 200 rubles , in some pharmacy kiosks the price reaches 400 rubles , much depends on the dosage.
The drug should be taken only when prescribed by the attending physician. Despite the fact that this is an effective and gentle medicine for psoriasis, self-administration poses a health hazard, and even at a small stage serious side effects occur.
Betamethasone
This drug for psoriasis is taken orally, like other hormonal-type tablets. Betamethasone is used for lesions of the head, for example, as a result of vulgar, guttate, pustular psoriasis. The medicine is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation. A specialist may refuse to prescribe tablets to patients who have previously been diagnosed with problems with the cardiovascular system, psycho-emotional disorders, or severe fungal infections.
The duration of treatment is determined by the attending physician, depending on the characteristics of the disease. The price of the medicine is relatively low : 130-400 rubles . You can purchase the product at a pharmacy or order it through the manufacturer’s official website.
Where to go for help
Psoriasis is usually diagnosed and treated by a dermatologist. In case of a complicated course of the disease, you may need to consult a rheumatologist, psychotherapist, immunologist, endocrinologist and other specialists.
Psoriasis is a serious disease, the treatment of which should take into account the general condition of the body. Despite the wide variety of drugs for this disease, its therapy takes a long time . Quite often, psoriasis recurs, so even after recovery, one must not forget about prevention.
Types of drugs
Therapeutic therapy should be comprehensive, that is, some remedies eliminate the cause of exacerbations, others are aimed at reducing clinical manifestations, and others increase the protective functions of the body. Statistics show that the likelihood of successful treatment is very low. One drug can help hundreds of patients eliminate unpleasant symptoms, while another hundred do not experience any results after taking it. For treatment the following are used:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- enzymes, sorbents;
- drugs against allergic manifestations;
- retinoids;
- vitamins;
- immunomodulators;
- hepatoprotectors;
- biological products;
- immunosuppressants.
These medications for psoriasis are intended for internal use; the attending physician prescribes them after a complete diagnosis of the body, taking into account the individual characteristics of the body and the stage of the disease.