All about psoriasis - how to treat, causes and symptoms, types

Treatment program Doctors Prices Reviews For more than two thousand years, humanity has been trying to unravel all the mysteries of this severe dermatosis, but still much remains unknown. According to statistics, this disease affects 4 to 7% of the population; women and men are equally susceptible to it. The first signs of psoriasis usually appear during puberty and accompany a person throughout the rest of his life, sometimes subsiding and disappearing completely, sometimes intensifying.

Is it possible to cure psoriasis?

? Modern medicine has achieved a lot in the treatment of this chronic dermatosis and is able to provide the patient with a decent level of quality of life.

• How dangerous is psoriasis and does it need to be treated?
• Treatment methods for psoriasis Nutrition for psoriasis Pegano diet

Causes of psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic skin inflammatory process, which modern medicine classifies as autoimmune (associated with allergies to one’s own tissues). There are many causes of psoriasis and factors predisposing to the development of this dermatosis, and therefore a number of theories of its origin have been put forward.

Autoimmune

This is the main theory, since it is well established that the immune system actively reacts to certain types of skin exposure.
The skin of people suffering from psoriasis is very sensitive to mechanical, physical, and chemical influences. Not only epithelial cells, but also the entire immune system react to such influences. Cellular immunity is disrupted: the relationship between individual subtypes of lymphocytes responsible for the formation of a normal immune response. Thus, with psoriasis, the number of helper T-lymphocytes - assistants that regulate immunity - increases, while at the same time the number of suppressor T-lymphocytes, which suppress an overly strong immune reaction, decreases. Lymphocytes and some other cells produce cytokines - active substances that stimulate the immune response. Humoral immunity also suffers, an imbalance of antibodies (immunoglobulins) develops in the blood serum, and antibodies to the patient’s body tissues appear.

Inflammation begins against the background of activation of T-lymphocytes, but why they are activated has not been established. Research is also underway on how to suppress the autoimmune reaction without harming the patient.

Exchange

Imbalance in metabolism has a significant impact on the skin and immunity. Patients with psoriasis experience an acceleration of metabolism, the appearance of a large number of toxic free radicals and other toxins that support the inflammatory response. Metabolism is disrupted:

• protein
  – the CDSN predisposition gene stimulates the synthesis of the protein corneodesmosin, which sensitizes (allergenic) the body; The content of albumin proteins in the blood decreases and the content of globulins increases; this condition is called dysproteinemia and further enhances sensitization;
• fatty
  – the content of lipids and cholesterol in the blood increases; eating predominantly plant foods and a general reduction in daily caloric intake can reduce the activity of psoriatic inflammation;
• carbohydrate
  – almost always violated;
• exchange of vitamins and minerals
  – the content of vitamin C in the skin increases, the content of vitamins C, A, B6, B12, iron, copper and zinc in the blood decreases.

Infectious

This theory was relevant at the beginning and in the middle of the last century. The causative agents of psoriasis were considered to be certain bacteria (streptococci), fungi and viruses. These theories were not confirmed. But dermatologists note that any acute infectious process or the presence of a permanent source of infection can provoke relapses. The viral theory occupies a special place. Recent studies have revealed the influence of retroviruses (RNA-containing viruses - HIV, etc.) on the genetic apparatus with the formation of genes for psoriatic predisposition.

Genetic

Predisposition to autoimmune reactions is inherited. If someone close to you suffers from psoriasis, then the likelihood of developing this disease increases many times over. There are predisposition genes for psoriasis (local complexes PSORS1 - PSORS9, PSORS1 is especially active, it contains the genes HLA-C, HLA-Cw6, CCHCR1 and CDSN, which are responsible for the development of the disease). Genes influence metabolism, immunity and the development of autoimmune processes. But the presence of such genes does not at all guarantee the development of the disease. The influence of provoking factors is of great importance.

Neurogenic

Prolonged stress, high neuropsychic stress, disorders of the autonomic nervous system (innervating the walls of blood vessels and internal organs) can cause the development of psoriasis, causing an imbalance in the endocrine system, disruption of metabolic and immunological processes.

Endocrine

Endocrine disorders in psoriasis are common and mainly play the role of a provoking factor. A clear connection between them has not been proven. Dermatologists note that patients often exhibit dysfunction of the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, and pituitary gland. There are disturbances of the menstrual cycle in women and sexual function in men.

Diagnostics

Psoriasis has a very characteristic clinical picture, so diagnosis is usually not difficult. If you scrape off the papules (plaques), then 3 main phenomena are observed:

1. Stearin stain - with slight scratching, the peeling intensifies, and the rash becomes similar to a crushed drop of stearin.
2. Terminal film - if you remove the scales from the surface of the plaque, it will have a shiny, moist surface.
3. Bloody dew - if you scratch the terminal film, pinpoint droplets of blood appear on it.

In some cases, a piece of dead skin is taken for analysis for differential diagnosis.

Symptoms of psoriasis

The main symptoms of psoriasis are skin rashes. But there are other signs as well. The very first manifestations usually appear in adolescence or childhood against the background of hormonal disorders, vegetative-vascular dystonia and prolonged stress.

The disease begins with a feeling of constant fatigue and mood disturbances. Characteristic are small, pinkish formations (papules) rising above the surface, powdered with whitish peeling on top. They are surrounded by a brighter, raised rim.

Elements of the rash grow and unite into large plaques of bizarre shapes. The base of the papule is an inflammatory infiltrate. Based on the nature of the rash, psoriasis is divided into:

• point
  – elements no more than 1 mm in diameter;
• teardrop-shaped
  – papules-droplets up to 2 mm in size;
• coin-shaped
  – round papules-coins up to 5 mm in size.

Ulcerative rash

Guttate rash

Coin rash

Characteristic features of the rash:

• stearic stain
  - if scraped, the surface of the papule;
• terminal film
  - having thoroughly cleaned the surface of the papule from scales, we will see a transparent film;
• bloody dew (Auspitz phenomenon)
  - after scraping the film and violating its integrity, we will see small bloody droplets protruding on the surface.

Photo of psoriasis on the legs, what psoriasis looks like on the legs

Photo 1. Psoriasis of the feet.

Photo 2. Psoriasis on the legs.

Photo 3. Symptoms of psoriasis: itching.

Photo 4. Symptoms of psoriasis: deterioration of nails.

Photo 5. Psoriasis on the heels.

Photo 6. Cracks on the heels from psoriasis.

To see what psoriasis looks like on the legs, you can look at photos of rashes on medical websites. Detailed photos of psoriasis on the feet will allow you to examine the shape, appearance and structural features of the psoriatic plaque.

Stages of psoriasis

There are three stages of the disease:

1. progressive
   - the first elements of the rash appear, their number increases, and more and more new areas are captured; rashes also appear when scratching itchy skin or exposing it to some external irritating factors (Koebner phenomenon); in the initial stage of psoriasis, papules begin to merge into large plaques;
2. stationary
   - there are no new elements, and those that appeared earlier do not regress;
3. regressing
   - the rash turns pale and its base becomes less dense; the rash gradually regresses, the process often begins from the central part, so the plaques may have the appearance of rings; if plaques in psoriasis resolve from the periphery to the center, then they simply gradually decrease in size and a white ring forms around them - Voronov’s pseudoatrophic rim; where the rash was, white areas devoid of pigment remain - psoriatic leukoderma.

Occasionally, papules at all three stages of development are present on the skin at the same time. There are also summer and winter forms with a predominance of exacerbations in summer or winter.

Psoriatic erythroderma

Psoriatic erythroderma often begins with fever, redness and thickening of the skin:

Is psoriasis contagious?

Numerous studies have confirmed that this is not a contagious disease. If infectious pathogens take part in its development, then only through a general effect on metabolism, immunity and the genetic apparatus.

Patients often ask:

• How is psoriasis transmitted?
  Psoriasis is not transmitted from person to person.
• Is psoriasis inherited?
  The answer is again negative, but there is a hereditary predisposition in the form of metabolic characteristics and the functioning of the immune system, which is passed on to close relatives.

What is psoriasis

Psoriasis is one of the oldest diseases of mankind, which today affects 4 to 7 percent of the world's population. The disease is the most studied, but remains a mystery, still surrounded by myths and all kinds of prejudices and prejudices.

Psoriasis translated from ancient Greek means “itchy condition.” This is a non-infectious (unlike streptoderma) chronic disease that affects not only the skin and nails, but also the joints, spine, liver and kidneys, immune and endocrine systems, which is more correctly called psoriatic disease.

It appears as spots of various sizes in different places of the body, which can itch, flake, become inflamed, rise above the skin, can decrease and disappear, and appear again.

Psoriasis not only reduces the quality of life, but also traumatizes the psyche and causes depression. The social unacceptability of the disease due to its incomprehensibility and lack of understanding leads to social isolation and sexual loneliness.

Types of psoriasis

The nature of the rashes, their location, damage to other organs and systems in this chronic dermatosis can be different. Based on these symptoms, several types of the disease are distinguished.

Simple (vulgar, plaque)

The most common. Its symptoms are papules of a characteristic bright pink color, covered with white scales. Plaque psoriasis is divided into the following forms:

• mild
  – if the lesion covers no more than 3% of the skin; in the progressive phase, the papules increase, but then quickly undergo reverse development;
• moderate severity
  - the rash occupies from 3 to 10%; papules are large, merge into plaques;
• severe
  – the lesion affects more than 10%; The rashes are numerous, merging, forming a wide variety of shapes.

Mild form of psoriasis

Moderate psoriasis

Severe form of psoriasis

Vulgar psoriasis occurs in the form of relapses followed by remissions, but there is also a continuous course.

Elbow psoriasis

This is one of the manifestations of a mild form of plaque inflammation. A distinctive feature of psoriasis on the elbows is the constant presence of one or more “duty” plaques on the extensor side of the elbow joints. If these elements are injured, an exacerbation begins.

Elbow psoriasis

Guttate psoriasis

In the development of guttate psoriasis, bacterial (most often streptococcal) and viral infections are of great importance. Occurs in childhood. Inflammation begins after an infection. Streptococci secrete toxins (antigens - substances foreign to the human body) that bind to tissue proteins. Antibodies are produced to them and autoimmune inflammation develops.

The beginning is acute. Small red tear papules with a flaky surface appear on the skin of the extremities (less commonly the body and face). When injured, small erosions and ulcers form in the area of ​​the rash, increasing the risk of infection.

Onset of development of guttate psoriasis in childhood

Psoriasis quickly takes a subacute and chronic course. Relapses are replaced by remissions, spontaneous recovery or transition to the adult form of the disease is possible.

Palmoplantar psoriasis

It develops in those who do physical labor, is accompanied by severe itching and almost always causes complications on the nails. There are subspecies:

• plaque-fan-shaped
  - with large elements on the palmar and plantar surfaces, covered with white scales merging into fan-shaped plaques; This type of psoriasis is more common on the hands;
• circular
  - ring-shaped flaky elements on the palmar and plantar surfaces;
• callous
  - characterized by the proliferation of rough epithelium with the formation of calluses;

A separate subtype is pustular psoriasis on the palms and soles of Barber. The areas under the thumbs of the extremities become covered with blisters and pustules (with purulent contents), and severe itching appears. The ulcers merge, then dry out, forming crusts. In other places on the body, characteristic psoriatic elements develop. The disease often spreads to the nails.

Psoriasis on the legs is maintained and aggravated by varicose veins, in which case the rash will be mainly in the area of ​​the legs.

Nail psoriasis

Nail damage can be either independent or a complication. Characteristic symptoms:

• small dimples of varying depths appear on the nail plate; similar nail lesions occur with other dermatitis, but with psoriatic lesions they are deeper and slightly painful when pressed;
• spontaneous slow painless separation of the nail (onycholysis);
• subungual hemorrhages on the toenails, especially if the patient wears tight shoes;
• trachyonychia - clouding and irregularities on the nail plate; a depression forms in the middle of the nail and the nail becomes spoon-like (koilonychia).

Acute form of complication of the disease on the nails

Sometimes the periungual fold is affected, with inflammation spreading to other tissues (psoriatic paronychia).

Psoriasis of the scalp

Here the disease occurs independently or as part of a general pathological process. Characterized by weeping and the formation of crusts on part or the entire surface of the head. Hair growth is not affected: psoriasis on the scalp does not impair the function of the hair roots. But wetting creates a threat of infection with subsequent damage to the hair follicles.

Skin lesions on the scalp with psoriasis

It proceeds in waves, then subsiding with the disappearance of the crusts, then exacerbating again and is accompanied by severe itching, often leading patients to neurosis.

Seborrheic psoriasis

Seborrhea is a condition caused by a malfunction of the skin glands that produce sebum. Viscous sebum is produced, which irritates the skin and contributes to the development of inflammation - dermatitis.

Seborrheic psoriasis quickly spreads to the entire head, covering it in the form of a cap and accompanied by severe itching. In the areas behind the ears, weeping sometimes develops and infection occurs. Covered with dandruff and continuous crusts, the head sometimes looks like a psoriatic crown.

Psoriasis on the face

Typically, psoriasis on the face is localized in the area of ​​the nasolabial triangle, eyelids, above the eyebrows, and in the areas behind the ears. The merged elements of the rash form large areas of redness and swelling. If there is a malfunction of the sebaceous glands, the process is often accompanied by weeping, the formation of crusts, and an increased risk of infection.

The first symptoms of psoriasis on the face

Psoriasis on the genitals

This is not an isolated process. Along with damage to the genital organs, there are characteristic psoriatic rashes throughout the body, so identifying the disease is not difficult.

Psoriasis on the penis in men and the labia majora in women, as well as on the adjacent skin areas, manifests itself in the form of oval, pink, scaly papules slightly raised above the skin. There is practically no itching. Sometimes the process spreads to the mucous membranes and takes the form of vulvovaginitis in women and balanoposthitis in men.

Atypical psoriatic rashes can be observed in obese people in the folds located next to the genitals (inguinal, intergluteal). Here, areas of intense red color with a mirror-like surface are formed without signs of peeling due to constant wetting.

Guttate psoriasis

If you find small red spots all over your body or in some areas, check it out - it could be guttate psoriasis.

How dangerous is psoriasis and does it need to be treated?

Advanced stage

The danger is that psoriasis can take a widespread, severe form, with rashes occupying more than 10% of the skin. This stage of the disease is severe, recurs, the elements of the rash become injured and become wet, and infection often occurs. Only timely treatment for psoriasis can stop the process of its spread.

Sometimes the disease is complicated by inflammation in the joints with the formation of psoriatic polyarthritis, against which the function of the joints can be significantly impaired.

Against the background of a systemic autoimmune process, which has a significant impact on the patient’s condition, other autoimmune diseases often develop (rheumatoid arthritis, some types of arthrosis, Crohn’s disease, etc.), as well as severe cardiovascular pathology, diseases of the digestive system, and neurological reactions.

If treatment for psoriasis is not started on time, the patient’s condition will become more complicated and lead to disability.

There is also a complication such as psoriatic erythroderma, which develops with improper or insufficient treatment of psoriasis, as well as with exposure to various irritating factors on the inflamed skin. The skin acquires a bright pink color with a clear demarcation of the affected areas from healthy ones, small and large lamellar peeling. This patient requires emergency medical care.

Is there a cure for psoriasis?

Yes, and quite successfully, but complete recovery cannot be guaranteed.

Find out how to get rid of psoriasis in a course of therapy of 10 sessions

At-risk groups

If someone, even a distant relative, gets sick, then there is a possibility that each of you is a carrier, but not a single doctor can tell you what exactly will be the trigger that will trigger the manifestation of the disease. The disease psoriasis will make itself felt - if not even in this generation, then in the next.

For example, take two identical twins - genetically they are both carriers. But one of them lives without manifestations, but the second has them in the most severe form.

There are no gender advantages - both women and men get sick. It usually appears by the age of 15-20, but if the danger has passed, do not rush to rejoice - symptoms can appear at a more mature age. The only thing that can be reassuring is that the severity will no longer be so acute.

IMPORTANT:
People with thin, fair skin prone to dryness need to be extremely attentive to their health - they are the ones at risk.

Treatment methods

Autoimmune inflammation requires individually selected complex therapy, lifestyle changes, nutrition, and elimination of all bad habits. Modern medicine has proposed three basic principles for the successful treatment of psoriasis:

• strict adherence to the prescribed therapy algorithms;
• regular monitoring of the effectiveness of therapy;
• timely correction of prescribed therapy if it is insufficiently effective.

Nutrition for psoriasis

There is no special diet for psoriasis, but nutrition is of great importance. Therefore, when prescribing complex treatment, nutritional recommendations must be given:

• identify increased sensitivity of the body to certain products and exclude them from the diet;
• give preference to fresh vegetables, non-acidic fruits and berries, boiled and baked lean meat, drink more;
• what not to eat if you have psoriasis
  :
  products containing essential oils - onions, garlic, radishes;
• drinks containing caffeine (concentrated tea, coffee), alcohol;
• everything is saltier, sour and sweet, rich;
• products that promote sensitization (allergization) of the body - orange fruits, honey, nuts, cocoa, eggs;
• do not consume fatty animal products.

Recommended foods for psoriasis

Pegano diet for psoriasis

This diet was developed by the American physician John Pegano, but has not found official recognition in medicine. The principle of constructing the Pegano diet for psoriasis is associated with alkalization of the body by selecting the right diet. According to this principle, all products are divided into:

• alkali-forming (two-thirds of the daily diet) - non-acidic fruit and berry mixtures and juices, vegetables (exclude those that cause increased gas formation);
• acid-forming (one-third of the diet) - meat, fish, dairy products, beans, peas, potatoes, cereals, sweets and baked goods.

Patients are recommended to drink still mineral water, drinking water up to 1.5 liters per day, plus other liquids to drink (compotes, juices, etc.)

Drug therapy

Treatment of mild forms of psoriasis is carried out using external medications. Severe and rapidly progressing forms of the disease are treated primarily in a hospital setting with the prescription of general (systemic) drugs.

External treatment of psoriasis

The medicine is selected by a dermatologist. For vulgar psoriasis with dry constricting plaques, ointments are suitable; if weeping develops (with seborrheic psoriasis), then creams and medicinal solutions are used. In order to avoid resistance (resistance) of the body to a certain drug, it is changed over time.

In the acute (progressive) stage, the following external therapy is performed:

• agents that have a softening effect - boric petroleum jelly, 2% salicylic ointment;
• non-hormonal ointments for psoriasis containing activated zinc pyrithione (Skin-cap, Zinocap) are effective; they suppress infection and have a cytostatic (suppress tissue proliferation) effect;
• external agents containing glucocorticosteroid (GCS) hormones;
• Daivobet ointment is a combination product with calcipotriol (an analogue of vitamin D3) and GCS betamethasone; perfectly suppresses the inflammatory process;

External treatment of psoriasis in the stationary stage:

• ointments that dissolve scales (keratolytic) and have an anti-inflammatory effect - 5% naphthalan, boron-naphthalan, tar-naphthalan;
• corticosteroid drugs.

External treatment of psoriasis in the resolving stage:

• the same keratolytic ointments, but in a higher concentration: 10% tar-naphthalan ointments;
• ointments based on vitamin D3 analogues (Calcipotriol, Psorkutan) - for 6 - 8 weeks; suppresses the inflammatory process and peeling of the rash.

To treat nail psoriasis, special varnishes (Belvedere) are used, which suppress the development of the pathological process. It is recommended to treat the periungual phalanges with moisturizing gels.

Systemic treatment of psoriasis

• agents that relieve inflammation and intoxication - calcium chloride, sodium thiosulfate, unithiol in the form of injections;
• tablets for psoriasis, suppressing the processes of proliferation (reproduction of epithelial cells) - cytostatics (Methotrexate), suppressing the activity of the immune system (Cyclosporin A), vitamin A analogues (Acitretin), corticosteroid hormones;
• biological agents (ustekinumab - Stelara), containing human monoclonal antibodies of the IgG class, affecting certain parts of inflammation by suppressing the synthesis of cytokines; this is a very effective modern drug that is administered by injection;
• vitamins for psoriasis help restore metabolism and keratinization of epithelial cells; Doctors prescribe vitamins A, E (Aevit), D3, group B.

Folk remedies for psoriasis

Any treatment for psoriasis, including using folk remedies, can only be prescribed by a doctor. Self-treatment can lead to the opposite effect: the spread of the disease.

The following methods can be used as part of complex therapy:

• grease
  – a product of processing of technical oils; to prepare the ointment, you need to buy medical solidol at the pharmacy; recipe: in 0.5 kg of solid oil, add 50 g of honey and half a package of baby cream; procedures are carried out daily; At the pharmacy you can purchase ready-made preparations based on solid oil Magnipsor, Ungvetol, etc.
• baking soda
  is a folk remedy for psoriasis, helps cleanse crusts, relieves itching; recipe for soda applications: take 60 g of soda, dissolve in 0.5 liters of water, soak a gauze cloth in the solution, fold it in several layers and apply to the lesion for 20 minutes; After the procedure, blot the skin and apply any softening ointment to it; treatment of psoriasis with soda is carried out once a day;
• Shilajit
  – has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, relieves itching well; can be taken orally once a day, 0.2 g for two weeks; external therapy is carried out with mumiyo solution; it is applied to dry itchy plaques twice a day; Treatment of psoriasis on the head is carried out by rinsing the scalp with a mummy solution after washing;
• sea ​​salt
  – relieves inflammation and itching well; baths with sea salt: take 1 kg of salt, dilute in two liters of water and add to the bath; take a bath for 15 minutes, then rinse off the solution under a warm shower, pat the body dry with a towel and apply a softening ointment; treat psoriasis with baths no more than twice a week;
• clay
  – has a pronounced cleansing effect, adsorbing on its surface toxins formed as a result of inflammation and improper metabolism; promotes drying, eliminating crusts and itching; You can take any clay, but it is better to buy blue clay at the pharmacy; pieces of clay need to be thoroughly dried, broken with a hammer, diluted with water and allowed to stand for several hours; Place the resulting plate-shaped clay on a napkin (up to 3 cm thick) and apply to the areas of inflammation for three hours; Treat psoriasis with clay every other day.

Important: treatment of psoriasis at home with folk remedies should be carried out with caution and strictly as prescribed by the doctor. For one patient, such treatment will help, but for another it may cause an exacerbation and rapid spread of inflammation. Therefore, if the patient’s condition worsens during therapy, you should immediately stop it and consult a doctor.

Home treatment for psoriasis

When treating psoriasis at home, it is important to follow nutritional recommendations, lead a healthy lifestyle, eliminate bad habits and strictly follow all the dermatologist’s instructions.

How to cure psoriasis at home? Some patients try to cleanse themselves of toxins and waste using all sorts of unconventional methods (enemas, etc.). This can give the exact opposite result: the functioning of the digestive tract will be disrupted and an exacerbation will begin. Modern medicine recognizes cleansing the body in the form of proper nutrition and getting rid of bad habits.

It is important to follow all doctor’s orders and pay attention to how the prescribed therapy works. If it is not effective enough, the doctor will replace the treatment, achieving maximum therapeutic effect.

Phototherapy

Phototherapy for psoriasis

Treatment of psoriasis with light has been used for a long time and successfully. For this purpose, two types of ultraviolet (UV) radiation are used:

• mid-wave UV radiation B
  – irradiation is carried out using the method of selective phototherapy, in which the affected areas of the skin are irradiated; 20 procedures at intervals every other day are sufficient for a course of treatment;
• long-wave UV A radiation
  is photochemotherapy or PUVA therapy; the patient’s body is first exposed to a photosensitizer (it can be taken orally or used externally, in the form of a solution), which increases the skin’s sensitivity to UV rays; After 90 minutes, the skin is irradiated with long-wave UV rays.

Surgical method

Photo: Martynov V.L.

The surgical method for treating psoriasis was developed by Dr. Martynov. It consists of strengthening the bauhinium valve - the pylorus, located on the border of the small and large intestines.

Normally, the pylorus allows food to pass in only one direction: from the small intestine to the large intestine. But sometimes the valve does not work and the contents of the large intestine are thrown into the small intestine. And since many microorganisms, food breakdown products, toxic gases, etc. accumulate in the large intestine, the body suffers from intoxication. Toxic substances provoke the development of skin disorders.

After surgical treatment of psoriasis, many patients experience stable remission. However, it should be understood that, as with any abdominal surgery, there is a risk of developing severe complications: infection, bleeding, complications from general anesthesia, etc.

Therefore, before deciding on surgical intervention, it is worth discussing with a dermatologist how this treatment method is right for you.

Treatment of psoriasis: methods and effectiveness

The treatment regimen depends on the severity of the disease. Before using any medications, be sure to consult your doctor. Incorrect treatment will lead to disastrous consequences - the disease will become chronic.

During therapy, hormonal ointments and creams are used - using them on your own initiative is dangerous. Doctors often say that if patients did not self-medicate, it would be simpler and easier to get rid of the scourge.

Another effective remedy is acupuncture. This is a fast and effective treatment method that does not cause side effects. With a competent approach, positive dynamics are observed in 80% of cases; you can increase this figure and achieve long-term remission if you carry out several courses.

Acupuncture promotes faster completion of pathological skin processes - swelling and peeling disappear, plaques decrease, and itching subsides. Against this background, the psychophysical state is normalized - mood improves, irritability goes away and sleep normalizes.

And most importantly, the remission period will increase. Exacerbations will return to you less and less often. Statistics show that those who come to us and undergo complex treatment forget about the appearance of papules for a very long period - from 6 months to 10-12 years.

Will hormones help with psoriasis?

Corticosteroid hormones are widely used in the treatment of psoriasis. They perfectly eliminate swelling, itching, and suppress tissue proliferation. But hormones quickly become addictive and have serious side effects.

. Therefore, dermatologists use them with great caution, in courses and in combination with other medications that enhance their effect.

One of the most effective combinations is the combination of the synthetic analogue of vitamin D3 calcipotriol and the corticosteroid betamethasone in the drug Daivobet. The two active ingredients mutually enhance each other's effects and reduce side effects by reducing dosages. The body's resistance to this drug practically does not develop when it is prescribed in short, repeated courses throughout the year. This technique combines well with systemic therapy.

Daivobet - a hormonal drug for psoriasis

The question often arises about how to treat psoriasis on the scalp. Daivobet ointment is perfect for these purposes. It is able to maintain long-term remission and prevent the onset of relapses. Daivobet is assessed by patients as a stabilizing drug that maintains remission and prevents the onset of exacerbations.

Psoriasis in children: initial stage

Guttate psoriasis is common in children; rashes often appear in the child in areas of friction (with folds of skin, under diapers).

Eastern medicine methods for psoriasis

Eastern medicine views autoimmune inflammation as a disorder of neuroendocrine balance and immunity. Doctors at our clinic influence certain points on the patient’s body (acupuncture points - AT) to restore the disturbed balance.

Over many years of practice, we have developed unique methods for treating psoriasis, combining proven techniques of the East and innovative methods of Western medicine:

Su-Jok therapy

We work with certain areas of the skin (foot or palm), helping the body overcome the disease that has engulfed it. The method relieves pain and tension, improves general condition.

Phytotherapy

Using individually selected medicinal herbs and preparations from them, the herbalist helps restore the body weakened by disease.

Tszyu therapy

Burning with heated wormwood cigars is a painless method that eliminates pain and improves metabolism and blood circulation.

Plasmolifting

The essence of plasmolifting is that platelet-rich plasma is injected into problem areas. Platelets acquire regenerative ability when their content in plasma becomes several times higher than normal.

Acupuncture

The acupuncturist inserts sterile needles to a shallow depth, individually selecting points associated with the internal systems of the patient’s body.

Moxibustion therapy

We warm up the locations of biologically active points using moxas, which are harmless to humans - aromatic cigars.

Pharmacopuncture

The method allows you to get by with minimal doses of drugs, introducing them into areas known to the specialist. The drug immediately begins to influence the area affected by the disease.

PRP therapy

PRP therapy is the newest way to stimulate recovery processes. It is used to restore the functions of various organs after diseases and injuries, including the treatment of wounds and restoration of the function of the musculoskeletal system.

All treatment methods

Points for the treatment of psoriasis are selected for each patient individually after the doctor has carried out a special diagnosis using Eastern methods.

If a specialist really understands Eastern methods of diagnosis and treatment, then the therapeutic effect will eliminate relapses for years. There are no side effects!

These techniques are widely used in our clinic by specialists who have all the necessary training in reflexology. After a course of treatment for psoriasis, exacerbations, as a rule, do not occur for a long time, and regular preventive courses of reflexology eliminate relapses for many years and significantly improve the quality of life.

Symptoms

The main and main symptom of psoriasis is a visible skin lesion with a characteristic rash on the bends of the limbs, in skin folds, on the stomach and back, on the scalp, accompanied by itching and pain, sometimes unbearable.

Stages

• Progressive
  - the appearance of the first rashes, an increase in their number, intense itching and peeling.
• Stationary
  - plaque growth stops, a new rash does not appear.
• Regressive
  - attenuation of pathological manifestations.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis is made by a dermatologist: a medical history is taken and a dermatological examination is carried out. A general blood test, skin biopsy, and histological analysis are prescribed.

Sanatorium treatment of psoriasis at sea

Sea bathing, sunbathing and mud have a positive effect on patients with psoriasis. With this effect, the skin is cleansed, it becomes smooth and healthy. Staying a patient with psoriasis in a sanatorium for a month can prevent relapses of the disease for six months.

Important: Treatment at sea is contraindicated in the acute stage of psoriasis

There are sanatoriums for psoriasis patients on the Black and Azov Seas. Spa treatment at the Dead Sea is considered more effective. The method is suitable for patients in stationary and regressing stages. An acute inflammatory process (progressive stage) is a contraindication for such treatment, as progression may intensify. There are also patients for whom seaside resorts are contraindicated, as they contribute to the development of exacerbations.

Psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis can be considered both a type of psoriasis and arthritis. There are 5 types of the disease, we will look at the common features.

Manifestations

• the skin becomes red, bluish, purple;
• joint damage, up to deformation;
• swelling of fingers and toes.

Common sites of injury

• small finger joints;
• knee and hip joints;
• joints on the shoulders and shoulder blades;
• vertebrae

Photo

Hand deformity due to psoriatic arthritis

Leg deformity due to psoriatic arthritis

Prevention of psoriasis

Prevention of exacerbations is:

• active lifestyle;
• dietary nutrition;
• getting rid of bad habits;
• proper skin care with the selection of individual hygiene products;
• prevention of skin injury;
• the habit of promptly treating all foci of infection;
• limiting contact with any skin irritants;
• combating prolonged stress and high emotional stress;
• taking any medications must be agreed with your doctor;
• wearing loose clothing made from natural fabrics;
• if possible, annual sanatorium-resort treatment of psoriasis at sea.

Diagnosis of psoriasis

The diagnosis of psoriasis is made by a dermatologist after an in-person examination of the entire skin. There are a number of skin diseases from which psoriasis rashes should first be distinguished. These include eczema, lichen planus, contact dermatitis, toxicoderma and other diseases.

The first symptoms of psoriasis may be nonspecific, modified by self-administration of medications at home, and require long-term observation of the rash to make a correct diagnosis or a skin biopsy.

Will they be drafted into the army with psoriasis?

Do they take you into the army with psoriasis? This question interests many conscripts. Widespread, progressive and severe forms of this autoimmune disease are grounds for exemption from service, regardless of whether psoriasis is contagious or not to others. They can join the army if psoriasis first started and it was stopped. But more often, such conscripts are given a “Partially fit” conclusion and sent to the reserves. A Partially Unfit determination means that a person can only be called up for service if hostilities break out.

What can cause exacerbation and frequency

Psoriasis is cyclical

– at the first stage, red spots appear, which over time turn into one large one. Over the next few weeks, silvery scales appear and plaque growth stops. The final stage – plaques decrease. Remission sets in.

IMPORTANT: If psoriasis is not treated, everything will repeat from the beginning, but the stages will begin to replace each other faster - exacerbations will be monthly.

Remember what exactly was the precursor to the appearance of red itchy plaques, and try to prevent a recurrence:

• cold – get treated on time, don’t let it get worse;
• alcoholism and smoking - try to get rid of bad habits;
• fasting and cleansing the body are fashionable trends, but they are not for you;
• the sun is your enemy, it drives psoriasis deep inside, and from there it comes with a vengeance, so try not to overheat;
• stress;
• endocrine diseases.

How to cure psoriasis forever?

Unfortunately, this is impossible; even after a long remission, another exacerbation may begin. You should always remember this and constantly carry out preventive procedures.

Psoriasis is a severe systemic disease with predominant damage to the skin and involvement of many other organs and systems in the process. In most cases, regular maintenance therapy prescribed by a competent specialist allows you to control the spread of the psoriatic process and significantly improve the patient’s quality of life.

Specialists at our clinic provide courses of treatment for psoriasis, both in the active phase and during remission. Our treatment is distinguished by an individual approach and a combination of the best techniques of Western and Eastern medicine. This approach allows patients to forget about disease relapses and side effects.

from treatment for many years.

Themes

Psoriasis, Skin diseases Date of publication: 05/18/2018 Date of update: 07/09/2021

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Tips and recommendations from a psoriasis treatment specialist

At the Psormak Healthy Skin Institute, which treats dermatological diseases in adults and children, they will do everything possible to make your life more comfortable and relapses to occur much less frequently. Don’t despair, talk to specialists - you can call, contact the online support service, through social networks or come in person. They will always listen to you and tell you what to do next and how to slow down pathological processes.

More than three dozen medicinal herbs are included in the original ointments developed by the chief physician of the clinic, academician of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences Vladimir Fedorovich Mak - they relieve irritation, itching and other unpleasant moments. Much attention is paid to the overall strengthening of the body - metabolic processes are normalized and its own resources are activated.

One of the most important aspects in the success of treating psoriasis and symptoms is the psychological component. At the PsorMak clinic, patients are offered professional psychotherapeutic treatment that will help them cope with the disease. During psychotherapy, mental balance is stabilized, and an adjustment to a positive result occurs.