Causes of psoriasis, its types and treatment methods

Over the past decade, doctors have noticed a sharp increase in the incidence of psoriasis.The disease is associated with internal inflammation, is a chronic process and does not provide complete recovery.Treatment and prevention of complications involve medications, diet and the use of folk remedies naturally.

Nature and history of psoriasis

The first mentions of the symptoms of a skin disease were found in the annals of healers in 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 Ferdinant von Hebr 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 Alibert, linked the disease to 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 illness, the processes of skin regeneration and exfoliation 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 look for the causes of the disease;the influence of immunity and heredity is being considered.To date, hundreds of medications have been developed for treatment, but no method rids the patient of the problem forever.

Main causes of psoriasis

In a healthy person, the process of renewing the upper layer of the dermis takes 21 to 30 days.During this period, 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 accelerates 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 causes an inflammatory process.They do not have time to mature and are pulled out from the deeper layers, forming itchy plaques.

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

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

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 food, medications or environmental factors;
• infections and inflammatory foci in internal organs;
• disruption of metabolic processes that affect tissue regeneration;
• presence of parasites;
• psychosomatics.

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

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

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

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

Dangerous complications of psoriasis

Itching, burning and plaques on the skin are not the only manifestations.The inflammatory process can affect internal organs and systems and spread to 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 at different stages and occurs with frequent relapses and painful joint inflammation.Most often, the process involves the fingers and toes, ankles, knees, and hip joints.

Other complications of psoriasis include:

• erythroderma with extensive areas of skin lesions;
• decreased visual acuity;
• expansion of the heart ventricles;
• 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 is not contagious, but people with skin defects often avoid personal relationships and are embarrassed by their bodies.They deliberately refuse intimate life and visiting interesting places.A biased attitude towards 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.Various spots appear on the body, more similar to a rash.They quickly increase in diameter, reaching 7–8 cm, and begin to peel.If psoriasis is left untreated, inflamed areas cover up to 50–60% of the body.

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

• They have clear 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 with wax.
• After removing the inflamed scales, a thin red film of new cells is visible, which shines in the light.
• When trying to remove the film, drops of blood appear (Auspitz phenomenon).

These are the main signs of psoriasis that help with self-diagnosis.The first manifestations are observed at the site of friction with clothing, after abrasions or thermal burns, resembling wounds that do not heal.But there are several options for placing papules on the patient's body:

• In my arms.Small lesions may be located on the fingers and cover the elbows with scabs.In rare cases or in advanced forms, the process affects the forearm.
• In the head.The common form is diagnosed when particles and crusts appear on the scalp.The inflammation begins on the back of the neck, gradually progresses behind the ears, accompanied by a burning sensation and abundant dandruff, similar to a crown.
• In the body.Drop-shaped, small plaques abundantly cover the abdomen, thighs and back.The problem often occurs after treating infections with antibiotics.
• On the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.Palmoplantar psoriasis starts with a few small patches but quickly develops into large areas covered with whitish skin.Sometimes itchy scabs appear just between the toes.
• In the face.A rare form located 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 has increased.In babies, the first papules are hidden in the folds of skin in the groin, armpits and neck.They itch, causing discomfort and loss of appetite.Parents often mistake them for 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 helps to correctly identify the main cause of the disease and select a treatment method:

• Simple, plate-shaped or ordinary.The classic version appears on skin with a large number of plaques.They are covered in silvery scales, are very scaly, itchy and can bleed when scratched.Often they merge into one large formation on the back, abdomen or legs.Characterized by regular relapses and joint complications.
• Dotted or teardrop-shaped.There are many small spots no more than 1.5 cm in diameter protruding from the body.They resemble a rash and are rarely located on the face and hands.When rubbed into the seams, clothing often peels off, leaving open, inflamed skin that becomes infected with a secondary infection.
• Pustulate.A complex form, in which up to 30–50% of the body is affected.An exacerbation is accompanied by enlarged lymph nodes, high fever, exacerbation of internal diseases and requires medical care 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 become saturated with exudate, turning into a dense crust, causing a person severe pain when touched or treated.
• Parapsoriasis or Broca's disease.It presents similar symptoms, but the plaques are more reminiscent of eczema patches, do not have a film effect or waxy shine, and do not emit red drops upon removal.It may be accompanied by fever, weakness and deterioration in health.
• Inverse or reverse.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 phase does not cause intense peeling.

As the disease progresses, seborrheic psoriasis may join the previous ones.This form is diagnosed when itchy patches appear on the scalp.It develops quickly and spreads to the forehead, affecting the face.Patients confuse it with common seborrhea, using a special shampoo.But upon 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 plate detachment, appearance of white spots, dents and severe delamination.

Stages of psoriasis

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

In the initial or initial phase, the rash is almost invisible.Sometimes there is slight peeling on the elbows or feet, which does not cause discomfort.The burning sensation subsides after applying a moisturizer or lotion.The spots are small in diameter and are not a cause for concern.

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

1. Acute or progressive.The spots visibly 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 stage.No new formations appear, but the disease progresses, negatively affecting the joints and internal organs.The unpleasant sensations intensify, the plaques merge into large spots on the body, appearing on the head, nails and soles of the feet.The skin becomes inflamed, peeling and cell death do not stop.
3. Regression or resolution.Psoriasis symptoms gradually lessen and disappear.The red spots disappear, leaving whitish areas on the skin.The patient returns to their usual lifestyle.

Separation into stages is necessary to select a treatment method.The most effective and potent medicines are used in stationary form, when there is a greater danger of damage to internal organs, systems and joints.Therefore, the task of doctors is to quickly alleviate the exacerbation and achieve complete elimination of symptoms.The disease cannot be cured, so it is important to strive for long-term regression.

Treatment methods for psoriasis

Doctors recommend starting therapy at the first signs of an exacerbation and not developing the disease into 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 stage.Often, the patient, together with the doctor, has to go through various ointments, creams and formulations in search of 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, 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 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 additionally protect against bacteria, prevent secondary infections and dry out damp areas.

If the lesions are severe and the spots grow, 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 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 lactation.
• 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 only permitted 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 prolonged use of medication, treatment should be stopped gradually with a daily reduction in dosage.

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

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

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

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

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

In the treatment of psoriasis, sorbents stand out among traditional remedies.These are special medicines 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 cleansing of skin plaques.

The advantage of sorbents is that they are safe for the body, so they can be used in the medical treatment of diseases in children.They are used to remove 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 complex treatment during inflammation.Doctors advise using them after a series of hormonal ointments for detoxification and healing.The highest quality according to patient reviews:

• Lotion containing hydrofluoric, phenolic, acetic acid, borneol and herbal extracts.
• A Chinese ointment that, without hormones, quickly penetrates the skin, saturating it with extracts of blackthorn, lichen, rhubarb and fulin mushroom.
• Hormonal agent prescribed in the acute period to reduce inflammation, peeling and itching.Contains glucocorticosteroid, petroleum jelly, stearin, menthol oil.Allowed for facial skin treatment.
• 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 the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris.Eliminates itching due to the content of turmeric, sandalwood oil, neem, tulsi.
• Sulfur soap containing aloe vera extract, olive oil and palm oil moisturizes, restores lipid balance and heals wounds.
• Ointment that contains extracts of Sophora, holly, cork, mulberry bark and an antiseptic.Used for exacerbation 2 times a day.
• A safe cream from China, enriched with Sophora japonica juice and ash root, relieves dryness, flaking and itching.Can be applied to the face and scalp.

Before a treatment with medicines from China, you should definitely do an allergy test: some herbal components in high concentrations cause irritation, aggravation and increase discomfort.

Traditional methods

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

• Mix liquid honey and grease in equal proportions, add ground oak bark and a raw egg.The resulting mixture is applied to 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 inflamed areas with the product morning and night.

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

Alternative Methods

In addition to medications, the patient may be offered mild treatment 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 injuries.Irradiation with light waves is carried out in a course of 5-6 procedures at low frequency, which is safe for the body.Among the proven alternative methods for 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 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

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 poisoning and prevents dysbiosis.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, grains, fish, whole milk).
• Fatty and carbohydrate foods, coffee, sweet soda and alcohol are completely excluded.
• All dishes must be steamed, boiled or baked without oil.
• Eat meals in small portions so as not to overload your 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 first misconception that negatively affects communication with patients.In fact, the disease is only associated with the functioning of the immune system and does not have viruses transmitted through contact.You can safely handle the patient's skin, put on their clothes or shoes.

Is it possible to swim during an exacerbation?

Doctors recommend daily baths or hot showers, which relieve discomfort and burning and reduce peeling.The procedure can be complemented 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 treatment methods for psoriasis have been found that can 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, diet and healthy lifestyle, it is only possible to reduce the number of exacerbations and reduce the severity of the course.

The causes and characteristics of psoriasis are being actively studied by doctors in many 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 follow a strict diet.