Medications alone are not enough to treat psoriasis in various parts of the body. Only an integrated approach will give the greatest result. Therefore, you need to know all possible ways to treat dermatological diseases.
Principles of psoriasis treatment
Before you start fighting 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 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 is not always true for another. Every patient diagnosed with psoriasis requires serious thoughtful treatment and special attention.
Drug therapy for psoriasis
External content
Topical preparations are used to relieve inflammation, itching, swelling and other symptoms of psoriasis. These include:
- fat;
- cream; lotions;
- sprays;
- gels.
Such agents should be used for mild and moderate forms of the disease. In more severe forms, in most cases, such drugs are used in conjunction with other strong drugs. In this case, the doctor must determine the severity of the disease, taking into account the individual intolerance of one or another drug. External medications can be used in patients of any age.
In medical practice, ointments and creams are widely used, which are divided into hormonal and hormone-free. It is better to use non-hormonal agents because they have no 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 intentionally, acting only on lesions;
- ointments stop the development and spread of lesions;
- penetrate into the deep layers of the epidermis;
- eliminate itching, dandruff;
- relieves the symptoms of allergic reactions.
Drugs from the group of glucocorticosteroids are also used for treatment, which have the following properties:
- remove the inflammatory process;
- eliminate itching and dandruff;
- slows down the process of cell division.
Steroids can have strong and moderate effects. In severe forms of psoriasis, strong-acting drugs are prescribed, in milder stages - softer drugs. Topical corticosteroid treatments include:
- Hydrocortisone acetate. The ointment is applied to the skin surface in a thin layer. The course of treatment is 6 to 14 days. If that is not enough, the course is extended to three weeks. Fluocinolone acetonide. It is used for all stages of psoriasis. In the case of mild and moderate course of the disease, it is used as the main drug, in the case of severe form - as an auxiliary drug.
- Prednisolone ointment. The course of treatment is 2 weeks. It is applied in an even layer only on inflamed areas that are not recommended to be bandaged.
Despite the effectiveness of treatment with hormonal drugs, unfortunately, their use can cause side effects. They have a strong effect not only on the epidermis, which subsequently loses color and becomes thinner, but when used, there is a risk of recurrence of the disease. During hormone treatment, drug dependence 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 occur. Steroid drugs are sold in pharmacies without a prescription and are not recommended for long-term use.
The pharmaceutical industry produces a variety of hormone-free psoriasis treatments that fight the symptoms of the disease without harm to the body.
All non-hormonal drugs are divided into several groups:
Indifferent fats (do not contain active ingredients).
Salicylic ointment. It has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, softens the skin, accelerates the process of peeling the stratum corneum. The ointment contains salicylic acid which quickly removes the affected areas. The ointment should be applied correctly, because allergies can occur.
Zinc ointment. The antiseptic has a drying and protective effect, it is able to alleviate inflammation. The composition includes zinc oxide. The ointment is undesirable to use 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 action.
Tar fats. The preparations include pine and birch tar. These include anthrasulfonic, anthramin ointments and colloidin, which are able to alleviate inflammation, repair damaged skin and have a disinfectant effect. Tar-containing fats should be started with small doses. If allergic reactions do not occur, the dosage may be increased.
- Fat that contains fat. These fats are considered to be the most effective among non-hormonal agents.
- Fats that contain vitamins. Retinol palmitate. Ointment with vitamin A. It has a healing effect, restores and normalizes metabolic processes in tissues. Calcipotriol with vitamin D has a suppressive effect on the cells of the stratified epithelium (keratinocytes). It cannot be combined with salicylic acid fats.
- Products containing oil. Naphthalene ointment. The composition of the fat contains Naphthalene oil - a substance with a very unpleasant odor, but with unique effects. Promotes fast skin renewal, has antimicrobial, antipruritic and absorbent effects.
Oral medications
One way to alleviate the symptoms of the disease is to use tablets in the form of medications. Tablets are those that are able to provide the body with the necessary components. Tablet treatment is much more effective than topical medications. Tablet preparations can be prescribed only by a physician, 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 to achieve positive results in a short time, but can cause a lot of side effects;
- non-hormonal - perform the function of supplementing the action of essential drugs.
The appearance of psoriasis is promoted by internal causes that are responsible for the violation of metabolic processes in the body.
So you need to turn to stronger drugs:
- 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, there are many side effects.
- Meglumine sodium succinate. A new generation drug with a broad spectrum of action. It is used for severe psoriasis and can only be purchased with a prescription.
Alternative treatments
Drug-free methods and approaches are used as alternatives. Recommended:
- visit thermal springs;
- take a course of Garra Rufa fish peeling (ichthyotherapy);
- go through mud therapy sessions;
- fresh water hydrotherapy;
- plasmapheresis;
- massage course.
However, these methods are only effective in combination with traditional treatments.
Physiotherapy for psoriasis
Physiotherapy is an important part of treating psoriasis. In 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 carried out in the hospital.
Physical methods of exposure include:
- UV radiation;
- puva therapy;
- ultrasound application;
- laser treatment;
- laser chemotherapy;
- magnetotherapy (application of a static magnetic field);
- exposure to cold (cryotherapy);
- electric sleep;
- X-ray therapy.
Diet therapy for psoriasis
Diet plays an important role in the treatment of psoriasis. Therefore, it is necessary to know what foods should be the patient's diet. Proper nutrition restores bowel function, helps relieve painful symptoms, strengthens the immune system and protects the body from new relapses.
List of products that adversely affect the condition of the skin and hair:
- Smoked and salty foods. The components contained in the products affect the work 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 (peel) of the fruit, so the juices produced by the industrial method negatively affect the patient's condition.
- Nuts. They are strong allergens.
- Fatty food.
- Alcoholic beverages. They disrupt the work of the liver, which can not cope with the purification of the blood from toxic substances, which negatively affects the condition of the dermis.
- Chocolate and products containing cocoa are strong allergens.
- Products with high color content.
The psoriasis diet must contain:
- vegetables and fruits;
- cereals;
- dairy products;
- fish;
- chicken meat;
- wishes.
Psoriasis requires drinking plenty of fluids. You need to drink up to two liters a day.
Recipes of traditional medicine for psoriasis
Effective treatment of psoriasis is possible with the help of traditional medicine. These can be domestic products for internal use:
- medicinal decoctions and infusions;
- tablets and powders;
- means with many components.
Flaxseed infusion. It helps cleanse the body of toxic substances, slows down the development of the disease. Pour 20 g of seeds into a thermos, pour boiling water (250 ml). Drink activated charcoal (2 tablets) before bedtime. In the morning on an empty stomach, drink tincture, eat seeds.
Bay leaf decoction. Effective at the first signs of psoriasis. Pour boiling water over the chopped bay leaf. Allow to cool and strain.
Chaga birch mushroom. The active ingredients contained in chaga restore the condition of the epidermis. Pour hot water (1 l) over the mushroom (100 g) overnight. In the morning, grind the mushroom with a blender into a pulp-like mixture by density. Bring the soup to 40 degrees, pour the chopped mushroom. Insist for three days.
The following are used for external use:
- homemade fats;
- shampoos;
- collection of medicinal herbs.
For more effective treatment, vegetable fats 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. Strain. Apply to plaque localization sites. Store in the refrigerator.
Birch bud fat. 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.
Baths for home therapy are also useful for psoriasis. Mix twine and celandine (100 g each) and pour three liters of water. Melt the sea salt. Let it cook for an hour. Pour into warm bath water.
Blue clay can be used for treatment by combining with sea salt. After such a bath, the skin becomes very soft.
Effective drugs for treatment
Treatment of psoriasis on the elbows should be carried out in a complex, which includes the following:
- taking vitamins;
- diet;
- external treatment;
- physiotherapy;
- phototherapy.
Topical medications (ointments, creams) are used to treat knee ailments. Perhaps the appointment of sedatives and antihistamines for complex treatment. With profuse bleeding, anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed.
Treating psoriasis on the palms and soles of the feet is quite problematic. This is primarily caused by constant irritation of these parts as a result of rubbing clothes and washing frequently. If treatment with external agents does not give a positive result, then ultraviolet radiation is prescribed.
Treatment of psoriasis during remission
After the start of the remission period, all recommendations must be followed to maintain this condition and prevent recurrence of the disease. To prevent psoriasis from feeling for a long time, you need to consider the following:
- You cannot stop the treatment, but continue to take the prescribed medication.
- Do not use new medications other than those prescribed.
- It is necessary to eliminate the symptoms of infectious diseases in time.
- During remission, try not to injure the skin.
- Avoid nervous breakdowns.
- Don't overdo it 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 disease progression.