Drugs alone are not enough to cure psoriasis on different parts of the body. The greatest result will only be achieved through an integrated approach. Hence, you need to know all possible options for treating any dermatological disease.
Principles of psoriasis treatment
Before starting the fight against psoriasis, you need to consider that it is incurable. The therapy aims to combat symptoms, restore the body's protective functions and establish stable clinical remission.
The treatment principles consist of several areas:
- drug therapy;
- Physiotherapy (in combination with other forms of treatment);
- unconventional alternative treatment;
- traditional medicine.
When treating psoriasis, it is very important to take into account the individual characteristics of each organism. What works effectively for one patient may not always work for another. Any patient diagnosed with psoriasis needs serious, careful treatment and special attention.
Drug therapy for psoriasis
External facilities
To get rid of the inflammatory process, itching, swelling and other symptoms of psoriasis, drugs for external use are used. These include:
- ointments;
- cream;
- lotions;
- sprays;
- gels.
Such funds should be used for mild to moderate forms of the disease. In severe forms, such drugs are used in conjunction with other strong drugs in most cases. In this case, the doctor must determine the severity of the disease and take into account the individual intolerance of a particular drug. External remedies can be used on patients of all ages.
Ointments and creams are often used in medical practice, which are divided into hormonal and hormone-free. It is better to use non-hormonal agents, as they do not have any side effects. However, in some cases, such drugs cannot defeat the disease. Then hormonal drugs should be used that perform the following actions:
- are used specifically and only work on lesions;
- ointments interrupt the development and spread of lesions;
- penetrate the deep layers of the epidermis;
- eliminate itching and flaking;
- relieves symptoms of allergic reactions.
Medicines belonging to the group of glucocorticosteroids, which have the following properties, are also used for treatment:
- removes the inflammatory process;
- eliminate itching and flaking;
- slows down the process of cell division.
Steroids can have both strong and moderate effects. In severe forms of psoriasis, drugs with a strong effect are prescribed in mild stages - softer drugs. Topical corticosteroid treatments include:
- hydrocortisone acetate. The ointment is applied thinly to the surface of the skin. The duration of treatment is 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 mild and moderate severity of the course of the disease, it is used as the main remedy, with severe form - as an aid.
- Prednisolone ointment. The duration of treatment is 2 weeks. It is applied in an even layer only to inflamed areas, from which it is not recommended to bandage.
Unfortunately, despite the effectiveness of treatment with hormonal drugs, their use can cause side effects. Not only do they have a strong effect on the epidermis, which then loses its color and becomes thinner. When using them, there is also a risk of recurrence of the disease. When treated with hormones, drug addiction develops, as a result of which other means cannot help. Due to the duration of the use of steroids, there is muscle weakness, a decrease in blood pressure and weight, and a lack of appetite. 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 excellent at combating symptoms without harming the body.
All non-hormonal drugs are divided into several groups:
Indifferent ointments (they contain no active ingredients).
salicylic ointment. It has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, softens the skin and speeds up the process of peeling the stratum corneum. The ointment contains salicylic acid, which quickly removes the affected areas. The ointment should be applied selectively, as allergies can occur.
zinc ointment. The antiseptic has a drying and protective effect, relieves inflammation. The composition contains zinc oxide. It is undesirable to use the ointment for more than 30 days, as an addictive effect can develop.
zinc pyrithione. The drug is based on zinc pyrithione, which copes well with the inflammatory process and has antimicrobial and antifungal effects.
- tar ointments. The preparations include pine and birch tar. These include anthrasulfone, anthramine ointments, and colloidin, all of which can reduce inflammation, restore damaged skin, and disinfect. Ointments containing tar should be started with small doses. If no allergic reactions occur, the dosage can be increased.
- Ointments containing fat. These ointments are considered to be 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 tissues. Calcipotriol with vitamin D has an inhibitory effect on the cells of the layered epithelium (keratinocytes). Cannot be combined with salicylic acid ointments.
- Products that contain oil. Naphthalene ointment. The composition of the ointment includes naftalan oil - a substance with a very unpleasant smell, but with unique effects. Promotes the rapid restoration of the skin, has an antimicrobial, anti-itch and absorbent effect.
Oral medication
One way to alleviate the symptoms of the disease is to use the tablet form of medicines. It is the tablets that can provide the body with the necessary components. Treatment with pills is much more effective than topical drugs. 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, with the help of which you can achieve positive results in a short time, but which can cause many side effects.
- not hormonal - has the function of supplementing the effects of essential drugs.
The appearance of psoriasis is promoted by internal causes that are responsible for the violation of metabolic processes in the body.
Therefore, you have to turn to stronger medication:
- methotrexate. Tablets that can significantly slow down the process of cell division. It is used for pustular and erythrodermic 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 activity. Used in severe psoriasis and only available by prescription.
Alternative treatments
As alternatives, drug-free methods and approaches are used. Recommended:
- visit thermal springs;
- take part in a Garra Rufa fish peeling (ichthyotherapy);
- , to undergo therapeutic mud sessions;
- freshwater hydrotherapy;
- plasmapheresis;
- massage course.
However, these methods are only effective in combination with conventional treatment methods.
Physiotherapy for psoriasis
Physiotherapy is an important part of psoriasis treatment. Physiotherapy cannot be used in the initial stages of the disease. These methods are used when the symptoms of the disease are decreasing and they are done in a hospital.
Physical exposure methods include:
- UV radiation;
- 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 treating psoriasis. It is therefore necessary to know what foods should make up the patient's diet. Proper nutrition restores bowel function, alleviates painful symptoms, strengthens the immune system and protects the body from new relapses.
A list of products that have a negative effect on the condition of the skin and hair:
- Smoked and salted foods. The components contained in the products impair the function of the digestive tract and can negatively affect the condition of the epidermis.
- citrus fruits. A large amount of essential oils is in the colored peel (peel) of fruits, so juices made by an industrial method have a negative effect on the patient's condition.
- nuts. They are a strong allergen.
- Fatty foods.
- Alcoholic beverages. They disrupt the work of the liver, which can not cope with the purification of the blood from toxic substances, which has a detrimental effect on the condition of the dermis.
- Chocolate and products containing cocoa are strong allergens.
- Products with a high dye content.
The diet for psoriasis must include:
- vegetables and fruits;
- grain;
- dairy products;
- fish;
- chicken meat;
- greens.
With psoriasis you have to drink a lot of fluids. You need to drink up to two liters a day.
Traditional medicine recipes for psoriasis
An effective treatment of psoriasis is possible with traditional medicine. These can be homemade products for internal use:
- medicinal decoctions and infusions;
- tablets and powders;
- means with many components.
Flaxseed infusion. Helps cleanse the body of toxic substances, slows down the development of the disease. Pour 20 g of seeds into a thermos and pour boiling water (250 ml). Drink activated charcoal (2 tablets) before going to bed. Drink tincture in the morning on an empty stomach, eat seeds.
Bay leaf boiling. Effective at the first signs of psoriasis. Pour boiling water over chopped bay leaves. Let cool and strain.
Chaga birch mushroom. The active ingredients contained in Chaga restore the condition of the epidermis. Pour the mushroom (100 g) overnight with hot water (1 l). In the morning, use a blender to grind the mushroom to a mixture similar in density to the porridge. Bring the broth to 40 degrees, pour the chopped mushroom. Insist for three days.
The following are used for external use:
- homemade ointments;
- shampoos;
- 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. Burden. Apply to the localization sites of the plaques. Store in the refrigerator.
Birch bud ointment. Grind birch buds (100 g). Mix with tar (180 g) and ash (50 g). Stir until smooth. Rub into the affected area, wrap with cling film.
Therapeutic baths at home are also useful for psoriasis. Mix the string and celandine (100 g each) and pour three liters of water. Dissolve the sea salt. Let it steep for an hour. Pour into warm bath water.
Blue clay can be used for treatment by combining it with sea salt. After such a bath, the skin becomes very soft.
Effective means of treatment
Treatment of psoriasis on the elbows should be carried out in a complex that includes:
- take vitamins;
- diet;
- external treatment;
- physiotherapy;
- phototherapy.
Local drugs (ointments, creams) are used to treat knee disease. Perhaps the appointment of sedatives and antihistamines for complex treatment. If the bleeding is profuse, anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed.
Treating psoriasis on the palms of the hands and feet is quite problematic. This is mainly caused by constant irritation of these parts from rubbing against clothing and frequent washing. If treatment by external means does not give a positive result, ultraviolet radiation is prescribed.
Treatment of psoriasis during remission
After the remission period has started, all recommendations must be followed to maintain this condition and prevent the disease from recurring. To prevent psoriasis from showing up for a long time, you need to consider the following:
- You can not interrupt the course of treatment, but continue to take the prescribed medication.
- Do not use any other medicines than those prescribed.
- It is necessary to get rid of the symptoms of infectious diseases in a timely manner.
- Try not to injure the skin during remission.
- Avoid nervous breakdowns.
- Do not use the sun too often.
- Avoid contact with chemicals.
- Try to wear only natural materials.
- Note skin care.
During this period, all recommended methods and resources should be used to prevent further disease progression.