Medicines alone are not enough to cure psoriasis in various parts of the body. The maximum result will be given only by an integrated approach. Therefore, it is necessary to know all possible ways to treat a dermatological disease.
Principles of psoriasis treatment
Before starting the fight against psoriasis, you need to consider that it is incurable. Therapy is aimed at combating symptoms, restoring the body's protective functions and the ability to establish a stable clinical remission.
The principles of treatment consist of several areas:
- drug therapy;
- physiotherapy (used in combination with other forms of treatment);
- unconventional alternative treatment;
- traditional medicine.
In the treatment of psoriasis, it is very important to take into account the individual characteristics of each organism. What works effectively for one patient doesn't always work for another. Any patient diagnosed with psoriasis requires serious and thoughtful treatment and special attention.
Pharmacological therapy for psoriasis
External structures
Topical preparations are used to eliminate inflammation, itching, swelling and other symptoms of psoriasis. These include:
- ointments;
- cream;
- lotions;
- spray;
- gel.
Such funds should be used for mild to moderate forms of the disease. In severe forms, in most cases, such drugs are used in combination with other powerful drugs. In this case, the doctor must determine the severity of the disease, take into account the individual intolerance of a particular drug. External remedies can be used in patients of any age.
In medical practice, ointments and creams are widely used, divided into hormonal and hormone-free. It is better to use non-hormonal agents, as they have no side effects. However, in some cases, such drugs are unable to defeat the disease. Then hormonal drugs should be used, which perform the following actions:
- are used intentionally, they act only on lesions;
- ointments suspend the development and spread of lesions;
- penetrates the deep layers of the epidermis;
- eliminates itching, peeling;
- relieves the symptoms of allergic reactions.
For treatment, drugs from the group of glucocorticosteroids are also used, which have the following properties:
- removes the inflammatory process;
- eliminates itching and flaking;
- slows down the cell division process.
Steroids can have both strong and moderate effects. In severe forms of psoriasis, drugs of strong action are prescribed, in stages of a mild course - softer drugs. Topical corticosteroid treatments include:
- Hydrocortisone acetate. The ointment is applied to the surface of the skin in a thin layer. The course of treatment is from 6 to 14 days. If this is not enough, the course is extended to three weeks.
- Fluocinolone acetonide. It is used for all stages of psoriasis. With a mild and moderate severity of the course of the disease, it is used as the main remedy, with a severe form - as an auxiliary.
- Prednisolone ointment. The course of treatment is 2 weeks. It is applied in an even layer only on inflamed areas, which is not recommended to bandage.
Despite the effectiveness of hormonal drug treatment, unfortunately their use can cause side effects. They have a strong effect not only on the epidermis, which subsequently loses its color and becomes thinner, but when using them there is a risk that the disease will recur. During treatment with hormones, addiction to the drug develops, as a result of which other means cannot help. Due to the duration of steroid use, muscle weakness, decreased blood pressure and weight, and lack of appetite appear. Steroid drugs are sold in pharmacies without a prescription and are not recommended for long-term use.
The pharmaceutical industry offers a variety of hormone-free psoriasis treatments that are great for fighting symptoms without harming the body.
All non-hormonal drugs are divided into several groups:
Indifferent ointments (they do not contain active ingredients).
Salicylic ointment. It has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, softens the skin, accelerates the exfoliation process of the stratum corneum. The ointment contains salicylic acid, which quickly removes the affected areas. The ointment must be applied in a timely manner, as allergies may occur.
Zinc ointment. The antiseptic has a drying and protective effect, is able to relieve inflammation. The composition includes zinc oxide. It is undesirable to use the ointment for more than 30 days, as an addictive effect may develop.
Zinc pyrithione. The drug is based on zinc pyrithione, which copes well with the inflammatory process, has antimicrobial and antifungal effects.
- Tar ointments. Preparations include pine and birch tar. These include anti-sulfonic, anthramine and colloidin ointments, which are able to relieve inflammation, restore damaged skin and have a disinfecting effect. Tar-containing ointments should be started with small doses. If allergic reactions do not occur, the dosage can be increased.
- Ointments containing fat. These ointments are considered the most effective among non-hormonal agents.
- Ointments containing vitamins. Retinol palmitate. Ointment with vitamin A. It has a healing effect, restores and normalizes metabolic processes in the tissues. Calcipotriol with vitamin D has an inhibitory effect on the cells of the stratified epithelium (keratinocytes). Cannot be combined with salicylic acid ointments.
- Products containing oil. Naphthalene ointment. The composition of the ointment contains Naftalan oil - a substance with a very unpleasant smell, but with unique actions. Promotes rapid skin restoration, has antimicrobial, antipruritic and absorbent effect.
Oral drugs
One of the ways to relieve the symptoms of the disease is to use drugs in the form of tablets. It is the tablets that are able to provide the body with the necessary components. Pill treatment is much more effective than topical medications. Tablet preparations can only be prescribed by a doctor, taking into account the age and physiological characteristics of the patient. Psoriasis tablets are divided into two groups:
- hormonal - the most effective means, the use of which allows you to achieve positive results in a short time, but can cause many side effects;
- non-hormonal: performs the function of supplementing the action of essential drugs.
The onset of psoriasis is favored by internal causes responsible for the violation of metabolic processes in the body.
Therefore, it is necessary to turn to more powerful drugs:
- Methotrexate. Tablets that can significantly slow down the cell division process. Applied for pustular and erythrodermal psoriasis. It is widely used to treat psoriatic arthritis. However, it has many side effects.
- Meglumine sodium succinate. A new generation drug with a broad spectrum of action. Used for severe psoriasis and is only available with a prescription.
Alternative treatments
Drug-free methods and approaches are used as alternatives. Recommended:
- visit the thermal springs;
- do a course of Garra Rufa fish peeling (ichthyotherapy);
- undergoes healing mud sessions;
- fresh water hydrotherapy;
- plasmapheresis;
- massage course.
However, these methods are only effective when combined with traditional treatments.
Physiotherapy for psoriasis
Physiotherapy is an important part of psoriasis treatment. At the initial stage of the disease, physiotherapy cannot be used. These methods begin to be used when the symptoms of the disease subside and are performed in a hospital.
Physical methods of exposure include:
- UV irradiation;
- puva therapy;
- ultrasound application;
- laser treatment;
- laser chemotherapy;
- magnetotherapy (application of a static magnetic field);
- exposure to cold (cryotherapy);
- electrosleep;
- X-ray therapy.
Diet therapy for psoriasis
Diet plays an important role in the treatment of psoriasis. Therefore, it is necessary to know what food the patient's diet should be. Proper nutrition restores bowel function, helps relieve painful symptoms, strengthens the immune system and protects the body from new relapses.
The list of products that have a negative effect on the condition of the skin and hair:
- Smoked and salty foods. The components contained in the products affect the functioning of the digestive tract, can adversely affect the condition of the epidermis.
- Citrus fruits. A large amount of essential oils is found in the colored peel (rind) of fruits, so juices produced by an industrial method negatively affect the patient's condition.
- Nuts. I am a strong allergen.
- Fatty foods.
- Alcoholic beverages. They disrupt the work of the liver, which cannot cope with the purification of the blood from toxic substances, which adversely affects the state of the dermis.
- Chocolate and cocoa-containing products are powerful allergens.
- Products with a high content of dyes.
The psoriasis diet should include:
- fruit and vegetables;
- cereals;
- dairy products;
- fish;
- chicken meat;
- green.
Psoriasis requires the intake of lots of fluids. You need to drink up to two liters per day.
Recipes of traditional medicine for psoriasis
Effective treatment of psoriasis is possible using traditional medicine. These can be homemade products for internal use:
- decoctions and medicinal infusions;
- tablets and powders;
- means with many components.
Infusion of flax seeds. Helps cleanse the body of toxic substances, slow down the development of the disease. Pour 20 g of seeds into a thermos, pour boiling water (250 ml). Before going to bed, drink activated charcoal (2 tablets). In the morning on an empty stomach, drink tincture, eat the seeds.
Decoction of bay leaves. Effective at the first signs of psoriasis. Pour boiling water over the chopped bay leaves. Leave to cool and filter.
Chaga Birch Mushroom. The active ingredients contained in chaga restore the condition of the epidermis. Pour the mushroom (100 g) with warm water (1 l) overnight. In the morning, grind the mushroom with a blender until you get a mixture similar to gruel in density. Bring the broth to 40 degrees, pour the chopped mushroom. Insist for three days.
For external use are used:
- homemade ointments;
- shampoo;
- collection of medicinal herbs.
For more effective treatment, herbal ointments should be applied to the affected areas of the body.
Propolis ointment. Grind 20 g of propolis and add 350 g of butter. Heat in a water bath. Effort. Apply to the places of localization of the plaques. Keep in the fridge.
Birch bud ointment. Grind the birch buds (100 g). Mix with tar (180 g) and ash (50 g). Mix until smooth. Rub on the affected area, wrap with cling film.
Therapeutic baths at home are also useful for psoriasis. Mix the twine and celandine (100 g each) and pour three liters of water. Dissolve the sea salt. Let it brew for an hour. Pour into the hot bath water.
For a healing procedure, you can apply blue clay, combining it with sea salt. After taking such a bath, the skin becomes very soft.
Effective remedies for treatment
Treatment of psoriasis on the elbows should be carried out in a complex that includes the following:
- taking vitamins;
- diet;
- external treatment;
- physiotherapy;
- phototherapy.
Local medications (ointments, creams) are used to treat knee disease. Perhaps the appointment of sedatives and antihistamines for complex treatment. With profuse bleeding, anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed.
Treatment of psoriasis on the palms and feet is quite problematic. This is mainly caused by the constant irritation of these parts due to rubbing with clothing and frequent washing. If treatment with external agents does not give a positive result, ultraviolet radiation is prescribed.
Treatment of psoriasis during remission
After the onset of the remission period, all recommendations should be followed to maintain this state and prevent recurrence of the disease. To prevent psoriasis from occurring for a long time, it is necessary to bear in mind that:
- You cannot stop the course of treatment, but continue to take the prescribed medications.
- Do not use new drugs other than those prescribed.
- It is necessary to eliminate the symptoms of infectious diseases over time.
- During remission, try not to injure the skin.
- Avoid nervous breakdowns.
- Don't go overboard with sunbathing.
- Avoid contact with chemicals.
- Try to wear only natural materials.
- Observe skin care.
During this period, all recommended methods and means should be applied to prevent further progression of the disease.