Foot psoriasis is a common problem. It can occur due to hormonal disorders, weakening of the immune system and other reasons. It can be cured with the help of medicines, traditional medicine recipes and physiotherapy procedures.
Causes and risk factors for leg psoriasis
Leg psoriasis is a pathology, the cause of which doctors cannot identify. However, possible provoking factors include:
- Inheritance. The disease can be inherited (from parents to children).
- Disorders in the work of the central nervous system. Frequent stress leads to the disruption of many processes in the body. In many patients, such rashes appear right after stressful situations.
- Hormonal disorders in the body. Disruptions of the endocrine system lead to metabolic disturbances, which is a factor that causes the excessive production of skin cells.
- Weakened immunity. Psoriasis develops against the background of infectious diseases. The risk group includes patients who often suffer from viral infections and suffer from respiratory diseases (bronchitis, tonsillitis).
- Mechanical injury to the skin.
- Climate change.
- Frequent use of some drugs.
- The abuse of hygiene products leading to the destruction of beneficial microorganisms on the skin.
- The use of chemicals.
- Eat foods containing food additives, alcohol.
Leg psoriasis classification and symptoms
There are several types of the disease, each of which has its own symptoms:
- Common (spotted, vulgar). The most common type of psoriasis, affecting nearly 90% of all patients. It manifests itself as a rash in the form of red spots, which spread quickly on the legs. Small plaques, 3-4 cm in diameter, in the absence of treatment, can join together and create large areas of rashes. It is accompanied by severe itching, bleeding may occur when scratching. The rash on the knees occurs precisely with such symptoms.
- Exudative (pustular). This type is rare and comes in a more severe form. Repeated relapses are possible. Complex healing therapy takes time. Rashes in the form of pustules with a clear liquid often bleed, while the patient's skin is constantly warm. This type is observed on the feet and legs.
- Drop-shaped (dot). Not very common. It is characterized by pinpoint eruptions of red or scarlet color, resembling a drop. Basically, the provoking factor in the emergence of this species is streptococcal bacteria. The rash is localized on the knees.
- Reverse. During the disease, pale pink spots appear, smooth to the touch. There is no peeling, but slight peeling of the skin can sometimes be observed. The spots do not rise above the surface of the skin, they are concentrated on the inner side of the thigh.
- Psoriatic onychodystrophy (nail psoriasis). From the name it is clear that the disease affects the nail bed and surrounding skin. Point depressions appear on the nails, in which the color of the nail plate changes (it turns yellow or turns white). Spots appear on them, they become brittle. Sometimes it bleeds under the nails. Detachment of the nail from soft tissues occurs - onycholysis. Subsequently, scars appear.
- Psoriatic erythroderma. It is characterized by red rashes, peeling of the skin, unbearable itching, swelling, and swollen lymph nodes. Erythroderma has a wide range of lesions, from the groin area to the feet.
- Foot psoriasis. This type of disease gives the patient a lot of problems. While walking, wounds and cracks appear, which constantly bleed and interfere with walking. The blisters are located on the heels, around the nails, on the fingertips and between them. Constant friction causes irritation with severe itching and scratching, which can lead to fungal infections. To some extent, sweating contributes to the development of rashes on the feet. Sweat is an excellent breeding ground for the development of pathogens that cause inflammation.
- Psoriatic arthritis (psoriasis of the joints). This type develops not only on the epidermis, but also on the joints. Psoriasis affects the knees and joints of the fingers. The main symptom of the development of arthritis in the legs is the curvature of the joints and changes in their size. As a result, the joint and limbs are disturbed (a small bone appears near the finger). The dermis in this place stretches and becomes burgundy in color, swelling is observed.
Drug therapy for psoriasis
Psoriasis drugs depend on the degree of development of the disease.
- Light. For the treatment of a disease of this mild degree, local therapy is used (ointments, creams, gels). Salicylic and zinc ointments show good results. To achieve high treatment results, complex therapy is used, which includes drugs with hormonal components and vitamins. They use drugs that include a medicinal substance - dithranol.
- Average. For the treatment of this degree of the disease, all methods of treatment are important to eliminate all symptoms of the disease. Along with drug therapy, laser treatment, light treatment, as well as plasmaphoresis (removal of toxic substances from the blood) and cryotherapy (cold treatment) are used. In case of complications, corticosteroid ointments are prescribed: hydrocortisone, cortisone.
- Heavy. This degree is the most difficult and requires treatment by all means and methods that relieve the symptoms of psoriasis in the legs. In these cases, drugs that suppress immune responses, antihistamines and antibiotics are prescribed.
Physiotherapy for psoriasis
Physiotherapy effectively complements the drug treatment of psoriasis. In medical practice, there are several methods of physiotherapy procedures:
- Light therapy for the legs. Ultraviolet radiation is the most effective treatment for psoriasis. The method involves exposure to ultraviolet rays in a medical facility. No side effects were found, does not affect the body. After light therapy, the plaques are reduced and in 80% of cases the patient is completely cured.
- Cryotherapy. The method is based on cold treatment. The course can last from one to six months. With psoriasis of the legs, a local procedure is prescribed, when the cold is directed only at certain lesions. These sessions reduce itching, inflammation, promote tissue repair and slow down the formation of new scales.
- UV blood count (plasmaphoresis). This method in medicine is relatively new, its distinctive feature is a quick result of treatment. The essence of the procedure is that a tube is inserted into a vein through which blood is poured into a vessel located in a special device. There, the blood is exposed to ultraviolet radiation and then returned. The procedure is performed in complete sterility.
- Puva therapy. The method of treatment is prescribed for patients with severe forms of psoriasis. It is based on the use of psoralens, substances that increase the sensitivity of cells to ultraviolet radiation. The method is very effective, after 25 sessions, abundant rashes almost disappear.
Recipes of traditional medicine for psoriasis
- Many patients use traditional medicine to treat the disease. It can be tinctures, baths, lotions, decoctions. Various herbs are used to cleanse the skin, such as calendula, chamomile, celandine. They are able to relieve inflammation and the burning sensation.
- Broths. For the broth, you need to use a set (2 tablespoons), celandine (1 tablespoon), licorice root (2 tablespoons) and oregano (1 tablespoon). All the herbs are mixed and infused for 20 minutes. The broth is taken orally for half a glass 2 times a day. This remedy is effective for mild psoriasis.
- Ointments. There are many popular recipes for making birch tar ointments.
- Mix the birch tar (50ml) with the olive oil (50ml). Apply the resulting ointment to sore skin, preferably before bedtime, wrap with gauze. Rinse with warm water in the morning.
- Birch tar (30 ml), castor oil (30 ml), honey (60 grams) and 2 chicken eggs. Mix all ingredients and leave in a cold place for 2 days. Apply the ready mixture every day for a month.
- Bathrooms. Traditional medicine offers the treatment of diseases of the legs, using celandine-based baths. Celandine contributes not only to the elimination of rashes, but also eliminates the causes of the manifestation of the disease. The herb is poured with boiling water and infused for an hour. Filter the infusion and add to the foot bath. Bath time does not exceed 15 minutes.
- Tablets. Also, with leg psoriasis, potato wraps will help. To prepare such a compress, you need to grate the potatoes and put the prepared composition on the feet, wrapping it with cling film. The duration of the compress does not exceed three hours.
Diet
Diet plays an important role in psoriasis. During severe inflammation, certain dietary rules must be adhered to. Do not eat smoked, salty and fatty foods. Sweets, citrus fruits and dairy products are also contraindicated in case of illness. Drinking alcohol is strictly prohibited.
Complications and consequences
Any ailment, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications. Foot psoriasis can lead to the following consequences:
- the occurrence of pain when walking;
- ordinary psoriasis can develop into erythroderma;
- the occurrence of other infections;
- violation of metabolic processes;
- decrease in the protective functions of the epidermis;
- violation of skin thermoregulation.
Leg psoriasis prevention
If you follow all preventive measures, psoriasis disease can be prevented. Recommendations for prevention:
- treat your feet with antibacterial and nutritional preparations;
- treat toenails to avoid fungal infections;
- sun treatments;
- when wearing closed shoes, it is necessary to ventilate the feet;
- frequent physical activity.
The main rule in the prevention of any disease is adherence to a healthy lifestyle.