Drugs alone are not enough to cure psoriasis in various parts of the body. The best result will be given only by an integrated approach. Therefore, you need to know all the possible ways to treat a dermatological disease.
Principles of psoriasis treatment
Before you start fighting psoriasis, you should consider that it is incurable. The therapy is aimed at combating symptoms, restoring the protective functions of the body and establishing stable clinical remission.
The processing principles consist of several areas:
drug treatment- ; physiotherapy
- (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 well for one patient may not always work for another. Every patient diagnosed with psoriasis requires serious treatment and special attention.
Drug treatment for psoriasis
External installations
Topical preparations are used to eliminate inflammation, itching, swelling, and other symptoms of psoriasis. These include:
- ointments; cream
- ; lotions
- ;
- sprays;
- gels.
These funds should be used for mild to moderate forms of the disease. In severe forms, in most cases, these drugs are used in conjunction with other strong drugs. In this case, the doctor should determine the severity of the disease, take into account 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 hormones and hormone-free. It is better to use non-hormonal agents, since they do not have side effects. However, in some cases these drugs are unable to overcome the disease. Then hormonal drugs should be used, which perform the following actions:
- are used on purpose, only work on lesions;
- ointments stop the development and spread of lesions;
- penetrates the deep layers of the epidermis;
- eliminates itching, peeling;
- relieve the symptoms of allergic reactions.
For treatment, drugs from the group of glucocorticosteroids are also used, which have the following properties:
- suppress the inflammatory process;
- eliminates itching and peeling;
- slows down the process of cell division.
Steroids can have both strong and moderate effects. In severe forms of psoriasis, strong-acting drugs are prescribed, in mild stages - milder drugs. Topical corticosteroid treatments include:
- Hydrocortisone acetate. The ointment is applied to the surface of the skin in a thin layer. The duration of treatment is 6-14 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 a severe form - as an auxiliary.
- Prednisolone ointment. The duration of treatment is 2 weeks. It is applied in an even layer only to the inflamed areas, to which it is not recommended to apply bandages.
Despite the effectiveness of treatment with hormonal drugs, unfortunately their use can cause side effects. They have a significant effect not only on the epidermis, which subsequently loses its color and becomes thinner, but also when using them there is a risk of recurrence of the disease. When treating with hormones, addiction to the drug develops, as a result of which other means can not help. Due to the duration of steroid use, muscle weakness, decreased blood pressure and weight, and poor appetite appear. Steroid drugs are sold over the counter 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 for fighting symptoms without harming the body.
All non-hormonal drugs are divided into several groups:
Indifferent ointments (they do not contain active ingredients).
Salicylic ointment. It has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, softens the skin, accelerates the process of exfoliation of the stratum corneum. The ointment contains salicylic acid, which quickly removes the affected areas. The ointment should be applied punctually, as allergies can occur.
Zinc ointment. Antiseptic has a drying and protective effect, is able to relieve inflammation. The composition includes zinc oxide. It is undesirable to use the ointment for more than 30 days, since an addictive effect may develop.
Zinc pyrithione. The drug is based on zinc pyrithione, which is well resistant to the inflammatory process, has antimicrobial and antifungal effects.
- Tar ointments. Preparations include pine and birch tar. These include anthrasulfonic ointments, anthramines and colloidin, which are able to relieve inflammation, restore damaged skin and have a disinfectant effect. Ointments containing tar should be started with small doses. If no allergic reaction occurs, the dosage may be increased.
- Ointments containing fat. These ointments are considered the most effective among the 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 combined with vitamin D has an inhibitory effect on the cells of the stratified epithelium (keratinocytes). Cannot be combined with salicylic acid ointments.
- Products containing oil. Naphthalene ointment. The composition of the ointment contains naftalan oil - a substance with a very unpleasant smell, but unique actions. Promotes rapid recovery of the skin, has antimicrobial, antipruritic and absorbent effect.
Oral medications
One of the ways to relieve the symptoms of the disease is to use medication in the form of tablets. It is the tablets that are able to supply the body with the necessary components. Treatment with pills is much more effective than topical medications. Tablet preparations can only be prescribed by a doctor, taking into account the age and physiological characteristics of the patient. Psoriasis pills 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 they can cause many side effects;
- non-hormonal - performs the function of complementing the action of essential drugs.
The onset of psoriasis is promoted by internal causes responsible for the violation of metabolic processes in the body.
Therefore, you need to turn to more potent drugs:
- Methotrexate. Tablets which 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.
- sodium meglumine succinate. A new generation drug with a wide spectrum of action. Used for severe psoriasis and is only available with a prescription.
Alternative treatments
Drug-free methods and approaches are used as alternatives. Recommended:
- visit to the thermal springs;
- take a Garra Rufa fish peeling course (ichthyotherapy);
- to follow therapeutic mud sessions;
- hydrotherapy in fresh water;
- plasmapheresis; Massage course
- .
However, these methods are only effective when combined with traditional treatments.
Physiotherapy for psoriasis
Physiotherapy is an important part of the treatment for psoriasis. At the initial stage of the disease, physiotherapy can not be used. These methods begin to be used when the symptoms of the disease subside and are performed in a hospital.
Physical methods of exposure include:
- UV irradiation;
- puva therapy;
- ultrasound application; laser treatment
- ; laser chemotherapy
- ; magnetotherapy
- (application of a static magnetic field);
- exposure to cold (cryotherapy);
- electrosleep;
- Radiotherapy.
Diet therapy for psoriasis
Diet plays an important role in the treatment of psoriasis. Therefore, it is necessary to know what food should be the patient's diet. Good nutrition restores bowel function, helps relieve painful symptoms, strengthens the immune system, and protects the body from further relapses.
The 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 affect the functioning of the digestive tract, can negatively affect the condition of the epidermis.
- Citrus fruits. A large amount of essential oils is found in the colored skin (peel) of fruits, therefore juices made by an industrial method adversely affect the patient's condition.
- Nuts. They are strong allergens.
- 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 adversely affects the condition of the dermis.
- Chocolate and foods containing cocoa are strong allergens.
- Products with a high dye content.
The diet for psoriasis should include:
- vegetables and fruits;
- cereals;
- dairy products;
- fish;
- chicken meat;
- green.
Psoriasis requires you to drink lots of fluids. You need to drink up to two liters per day.
Recipes of traditional medicine for psoriasis
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.
Linseed 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 the chopped bay leaves. Let cool and strain.
Chaga birch mushroom. The active ingredients contained in the chaga restore the condition of the epidermis. Pour the mushroom (100 g) with hot water (1 l) overnight. In the morning, grind the mushroom with a blender into a porridge-like mixture in density. Bring the broth to 40 degrees, pour in the chopped mushroom. Insist for three days.
For external use 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 double boiler. Strain. Apply to the places where the plaques are located. Keep refrigerated.
Birch bud ointment. Grind the birch buds (100 g). Mix with tar (180 g) and ash (50 g). Stir until smooth. Rub into affected areas, wrap with plastic wrap.
Therapeutic home baths are also helpful for psoriasis. Mix the string and celandine (100 g each) and pour in three liters of water. Dissolve the sea salt. Let it steep for an hour. Pour into the warm bath water.
For a healing procedure, you can apply blue clay, combining it with sea salt. After taking such a bath, the skin becomes very soft.
Effective remedies for treatment
Treatment of psoriasis on the elbows should be carried out in a complex, which includes the following:
- take vitamins;
- diet;
- external processing; physiotherapy
- ; Phototherapy
- .
Local medicines (ointments, creams) are used to treat knee disease. Perhaps the appointment of sedatives and antihistamines for complex treatment. In case of heavy bleeding, anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed.
Treating psoriasis on the palms and feet is quite problematic. This is mainly caused by constant irritation of these parts due to friction 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
After the period of remission begins, all recommendations should be followed to maintain this condition and prevent the disease from recurring. To prevent psoriasis from making itself felt for a long time, you should take into account that:
- You cannot stop the treatment, but continue to take the prescribed medicines.
- Do not use new medicines 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 overuse sunbathing.
- Avoid contact with chemicals.
- Try to wear only natural materials.
- Observe skin care.
During this period, it is necessary to apply all the methods and means recommended in order to prevent further progression of the disease.