Psoriasis on the feet 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, recipes of traditional medicine and physiotherapy procedures.
Causes and risk factors for psoriasis of the feet
Psoriasis of the feet is a pathology whose cause doctors cannot identify. However, possible provoking factors include:
- Heredity. The disease can be inherited (from parents to children).
- Disorders of the central nervous system. Frequent stress leads to disruption of many processes in the body. In many patients, such rashes appear right after stressful situations.
- Hormonal disorders in the body. Disorders in the endocrine system lead to metabolic disorders, which is a provoking factor for 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 skin injury.
- Climate change.
- Frequent use of certain medications.
- Abuse of hygienic products that lead to the destruction of beneficial microorganisms on the skin.
- Use of chemicals.
- Consumption of foods containing food additives, alcohol.
Classification and symptoms of psoriasis of the feet
There are several types of diseases, each with its own symptoms:
- Common (freckled, vulgar). The most common type of psoriasis, which affects almost 90 percent of all patients. It manifests as a rash in the form of red spots, which quickly spread to the legs. Small plaques, 3-4 cm in diameter, in the absence of treatment, can coalesce and create large areas of rash. It is accompanied by severe itching, bleeding may occur when scratching. Knee rash occurs with just such symptoms.
- Exudative (pustular). This species is rare and occurs in a more severe form. Recurrent relapses are possible. Complex treatment therapy is long-lasting. A pustule-shaped rash with clear fluid often bleeds while the patient’s skin is constantly hot. This type is observed on the feet and legs.
- In the form of drops (dots). Not very common. It is characterized by precise eruptions of red or crimson color, reminiscent of a drop. Basically, the provoking factor in the development of this species are streptococcal bacteria. The rash is localized on the knees.
- Inverse. During the disease, pale pink spots appear, smooth to the touch. There is no peeling, but sometimes a slight peeling of the skin can be noticed. 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). It is clear from the name that the disease affects the nail and the skin around it. Dotted depressions appear on the nails in which the color of the nail plate changes (yellow or white). Stains appear on them, they become brittle. Sometimes it bleeds under the nails. There is a separation of the nail from the soft tissues - onycholysis. After that, scars appear.
- Psoriatic erythroderma. It is characterized by red rash, peeling skin, unbearable itching, swelling and swollen lymph nodes. Erythroderma has a wide range of lesions - from the groin to the feet.
- Psoriasis of the feet. This type of disease causes the patient many problems. When walking, wounds and cracks appear that constantly bleed and interfere with walking. The blisters are localized on the heels, around the nails, on the pads of the toes and between them. Constant rubbing causes irritation with severe itching and scratching, which can lead to fungal infections. To some extent, sweating contributes to the development of foot rashes. 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 finger joints. 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 wrist and limbs are disrupted (a small bone appears near the finger). The dermis at this point stretches and becomes burgundy in color, swelling is observed.
Psoriasis drug therapy
Psoriasis medications depend on the stage of the disease.
- Easy. Local therapy (ointments, creams, gels) is used to treat diseases of this mild degree. 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 stage of the disease, all methods of treatment are important in order to eliminate all the symptoms of the disease. Laser therapy, light therapy, as well as plasmaphoresis (removal of toxic substances from the blood) and cryotherapy (cold treatment) are used together with drug therapy. In case of complications, corticosteroid ointments are prescribed: hydrocortisone, cortisone.
- Heavy. This degree is the most difficult and requires treatment with all means and methods that alleviate the symptoms of psoriasis on the legs. In these cases, drugs that suppress immune reactions, antihistamines and antibiotics are prescribed.
Physiotherapy for psoriasis
Physiotherapy effectively complements the treatment of psoriasis with medication. There are several methods of physiotherapy procedures in medical practice:
- Foot light therapy. Ultraviolet radiation is the most effective treatment for psoriasis. The method involves exposure to ultraviolet rays in a medical institution. No side effects were found, it does not affect the organism. After light therapy, plaques are reduced, and in 80% of cases the patient fully recovers.
- Cryotherapy. The method is based on cold treatment. The course can last from one to six months. In psoriasis of the feet, 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 is relatively new in medicine, and its special feature is the quick result of treatment. The essence of the procedure is to insert a tube 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 with complete sterility.
- Puva therapy. The method of treatment is prescribed for patients with severe forms of psoriasis. It is based on the use of psoralen - a substance that increases the sensitivity of cells to ultraviolet radiation. The method is very effective, after 25 sessions, the abundant rashes almost disappear.
Recipes of traditional medicine for psoriasis
- Many patients use traditional medicine to treat disease. These can be tinctures, baths, lotions, decoctions. Various herbs are used to clean the skin, such as marigold, chamomile, celandine. They are able to relieve inflammation and tingling.
- Soups. For the soup, you must use a series (2 tablespoons), celandine (1 tablespoon), licorice root (2 tablespoons) and oregano (1 tablespoon). All herbs are mixed and infused for 20 minutes. The soup is taken orally in half a glass 2 times a day. This medicine is effective for mild psoriasis.
- Fats. There are many folk recipes for making ointments based on birch tar.
- Mix birch tar (50 ml) with olive oil (50 ml). Apply the resulting ointment on 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 cool place for 2 days. Apply the finished mixture every day for a month.
- Baths. Traditional medicine offers the treatment of diseases of the feet using celandine-based baths. Celandine not only helps to eliminate rashes, but also eliminates the causes of the disease. The plant is poured boiling water and infused for an hour. Strain the infusion and add to the foot bath. Bathing time is no longer than 15 minutes.
- Compresses. Also, potato compresses will help with psoriasis on the feet. To prepare such a wrap, it is necessary to grate the potatoes and put the prepared composition on the feet, wrapping it with transparent foil. The duration of the coating is not longer than three hours.
Diet
Diet plays an important role in psoriasis. In case of severe inflammation, it is necessary to adhere to some dietary rules. Do not eat smoked, salty and fatty foods. Sweets, citrus fruits and dairy products are also contraindicated in case of illness. Consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited.
Complications and consequences
Any disease, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications. Foot psoriasis can have the following consequences:
- the appearance of pain when walking;
- common psoriasis can develop in the erythroderma;
- occurrence of other infections;
- violation of metabolic processes;
- reduction of the protective functions of the epidermis;
- violation of skin thermoregulation.
Prevention of psoriasis on the feet
If you adhere to all preventive measures, then psoriasis can be prevented. Recommendations for prevention:
- treat feet with antibacterial and nutritional preparations;
- treat toenails to avoid fungal infection;
- solar treatments;
- when wearing closed shoes, you must ventilate your feet;
- frequent physical activity.
The main rule in the prevention of any disease is to adhere to a healthy lifestyle.