Medication alone is not enough to cure psoriasis in various parts of the body. The best result will be achieved only through an integrated approach. Therefore, you must know all the possible ways to treat a dermatological disease.
Principles of psoriasis treatment
Before starting the fight against psoriasis, you must consider that it is incurable. Therapy is aimed at combating symptoms, restoring the protective functions of the body and the ability to establish stable clinical remission.
The principles of treatment consist of several areas:
- drug therapy;
- physical therapy (used 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 does not always work for another. Every patient diagnosed with psoriasis requires serious treatment and special attention.
Pharmacological treatment for psoriasis
External installations
Topical preparations are used to eliminate inflammation, itching, swelling, and other symptoms of psoriasis. These include:
- ointments;
- cream;
- lotions;
- aerosols;
- gels.
These funds should be used for mild to moderate forms of the disease. In severe forms, in most cases, these drugs are used together with other strong drugs. In this case, the doctor must determine the severity of the disease, take into account the individual intolerance to a particular drug. External remedies 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, as they do not have side effects. However, in some cases, these drugs cannot defeat the disease. Then hormonal drugs should be used, which perform the following actions:
- are used on purpose, they act only on lesions;
- ointments suspend the development and spread of lesions;
- penetrate the deep layers of the epidermis;
- eliminate itching, flaking;
- relieve symptoms of allergic reactions.
For the treatment, drugs from the group of glucocorticosteroids are also used, which have the following properties:
- eliminate the inflammatory process;
- eliminate itching and flaking;
- slows down the cell division process.
Steroids can have both strong and moderate effects. In severe forms of psoriasis, strong-acting drugs are prescribed, in stages of a mild course - milder 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 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 treatment with hormonal drugs, 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 also when used, there is a risk of a recurrence of the disease. When treated with hormones, an 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 poor appetite appear. Steroid medications 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 are excellent for fighting the symptoms of the disease without harming the body.
All non-hormonal drugs are divided into several groups:
Indifferent ointments (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 should be applied promptly, as allergies can occur.
Zinc ointment. The antiseptic has a drying and protective effect, it 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 anthrasulfonic, anthramine, and colloidin ointments, which can relieve inflammation, restore damaged skin, and have a disinfecting effect. Ointments that contain tar should start with small doses. If no allergic reactions occur, the dose 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 tissues. Calcipotriol with vitamin D, has an inhibitory effect on the cells of the stratified epithelium (keratinocytes). It cannot be combined with salicylic acid ointments.
- Products containing oil. Naphthalene ointment. The composition of the ointment contains Naphthalan oil, a substance with a very unpleasant smell, but with unique actions. It favors the rapid restoration of the skin, has an antimicrobial, antipruritic and absorbent effect.
Oral medications
One of the ways to relieve the symptoms of the disease is to use medication in tablet form. It is 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. Pills for psoriasis 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 a lot of side effects;
- non-hormonal: performs the function of complementing 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.
Therefore, you should turn to stronger drugs:
- Methotrexate. Tablets that can significantly slow down the process of cell division. Applied 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 wide spectrum of action. It is used for severe psoriasis and is only available with a prescription.
Alternative treatments
Drug-free methods and approaches are used as alternatives. Recommended:
- visit hot springs;
- take a Garra Rufa fish peeling course (ichthyotherapy);
- undergo healing mud sessions;
- freshwater hydrotherapy;
- plasmapheresis;
- massage course.
However, these methods are only effective in combination with traditional treatment methods.
Physiotherapy for psoriasis
Physical therapy is an important part of psoriasis treatment. In the initial stage of the disease, physical therapy cannot be used. These methods begin to be used when the symptoms of the disease decrease and are carried out in a hospital.
Physical exposure methods 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 foods should make up the patient's diet. Proper nutrition restores bowel function, helps relieve painful symptoms, strengthens the immune system, and protects the body from further relapses.
A 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 state of the epidermis.
- Citrus fruits. A large number of essential oils are found in the colored rind (peel) of fruits, so juices made by an industrial method adversely affect the patient's condition.
- Walnuts. They are a strong allergen.
- Fatty foods.
- Alcoholic beverages. It disrupts the work of the liver, which cannot cope with the purification of the blood of toxic substances, which negatively affects the state of the dermis.
- Chocolate and cocoa-containing products are powerful allergens.
- Products with a high content of colorants.
The diet for psoriasis should include:
- vegetables and fruits;
- cereals;
- dairy products;
- fish;
- chicken meat;
- green.
Psoriasis requires drinking a lot of fluids. You need to drink up to two liters per day.
Traditional medicine recipes for psoriasis
Effective treatment of psoriasis is possible through traditional medicine. These can be homemade products for internal use:
- decoctions and medicinal 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, pour boiling water (250 ml). Before going to bed, drink activated charcoal (2 tablets). In the morning, on an empty stomach, drink a tincture, eat seeds.
Decoction of bay leaf. 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 state of the epidermis. Pour the mushroom (100 g) with hot water (1 l) overnight. In the morning, grind the mushroom with a blender until you get a mixture that resembles porridge in density. Bring the broth to 40 degrees, pour the chopped mushroom. Insist for three days.
For external use the following are used:
- 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. Pressure. Apply to the locations of plates. Store in a refrigerator.
Birch Bud Ointment. Crush the 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 helpful for psoriasis. Mix the thread and the celandine (100 g each) and pour three liters of water. Dissolve the sea salt. Let it rest for an hour. Pour in warm bath water.
Blue clay can be used for the treatment by combining it with sea salt. After taking such a bath, the skin becomes very soft.
Effective remedies for treatment
Treatment for psoriasis on the elbows should be done in a complex, which includes the following:
- taking vitamins;
- dieting;
- external treatment;
- physiotherapy;
- phototherapy.
Local medicines (ointments, creams) are used to treat a disease of the knees. Perhaps the appointment of sedatives and antihistamines for complex treatments. With profuse bleeding, anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed.
Treating psoriasis on the palms of the hands and feet is quite problematic. This is mainly due to the constant irritation of these parts as a result of 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
Once the remission period has started, all recommendations should be followed to maintain this state and prevent the disease from reappearing. To prevent psoriasis from sitting for a long time, you should note that:
- You cannot interrupt the course of treatment, but continue taking the prescribed medications.
- 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 damage the skin.
- Avoid nervous breakdowns.
- Don't abuse sunbathing.
- Avoid contact with chemicals.
- Try to use only natural materials.
- Take a look at skin care.
During this period, all recommended methods and means should be applied to prevent further progression of the disease.