Medication alone is not enough to cure psoriasis in different parts of the body. Only the integrated approach gives the greatest results. Therefore, you need to know all the possible ways to treat dermatological disease.
Principles for treating psoriasis
Before you start fighting psoriasis, you need to consider that it is incurable. The goal of therapy is to overcome symptoms, restore the body’s defensive functions, and the ability to develop stable clinical remission.
The principles of treatment consist of several areas:
- drug therapy;
- physiotherapy (used in combination with other forms of treatment);
- unusual alternative treatment;
- traditional medicine.
When treating psoriasis, it is very important to consider the individual characteristics of each organism. What works effectively for one patient is not always for the other. All patients diagnosed with psoriasis require serious thoughtful treatment and special attention.
Medication for psoriasis
External facilities
Medications for external use are used to eliminate the inflammatory process, itching, swelling, and other symptoms of psoriasis. These are:
- ointments;
- cream;
- body lotions;
- sprays;
- gels.
These funds should be used for mild to moderate forms of the disease. In severe forms, in most cases, such drugs are used in conjunction with other potent drugs. In this case, the doctor must determine the severity of the disease, taking into account the individual intolerance of a particular drug. External therapies can be used in patients of any age.
Ointments and creams are widely used in medical practice and are divided into hormonal and non-hormonal. It is better to use non-hormonal drugs as they have no side effects. In some cases, however, such drugs are unable to overcome the disease. Then you need to use hormonal drugs that perform the following operations:
- is used purposefully, they only affect the lesions;
- ointments suspend the formation and spread of lesions;
- penetrate the deep layers of the epidermis;
- eliminates itching, peeling;
- relieves symptoms of allergic reactions.
Drugs belonging to the group of glucocorticosteroids, which have the following properties, are also used for treatment:
- remove the inflammatory process;
- eliminates itching and peeling;
- slows down the process of cell division.
Steroids can have both strong and moderate effects. Severe forms of psoriasis are prescribed drugs with a strong effect, in mild stages - softer drugs. Topical corticosteroids include:
- Hydrocortisone acetate. The ointment is applied in a thin layer to the skin surface. The course of treatment is 6-14 days. If this is not enough, the course will be extended to three weeks. Fluocinolone acetonide. The pikkelysmr is used in all stages. In case of mild to moderate severity of the disease, it is used as the main treatment, in severe form - as an adjunct.
- Prednisolone ointment. The cure is 2 weeks. It is used 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. Not only do they have a strong effect on the epidermis, which later loses color and thins, but when used, there is a risk of recurrence of the disease. During treatment with hormones, the drug becomes addictive, as a result of which other means cannot help. Due to the duration of steroid use, muscle weakness, blood pressure and weight loss, and loss of appetite occur. Steroid drugs are sold without a prescription in pharmacies and are not recommended for long-term use.
The pharmaceutical industry has a number of hormone-free psoriasis treatments that are excellent at fighting symptoms without damaging the body.
All non-hormonal drugs are divided into several groups:
Inert ointments (no 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 exactly as allergies may occur.
Zinc ointment. The antiseptic has a drying and protective effect, able to relieve inflammation. The preparation contains zinc oxide. It is not recommended to use the ointment for more than 30 days, as an addictive effect may occur.
Zinc pyrithione. The drug is based on zinc pyrithione, which copes well with the inflammatory process, has antimicrobial and antifungal effects.
- Tar ointments. Formulations include pine and birch tar. These include anthraculfone, anthramine ointments and colloidin, which can relieve inflammation, restore damaged skin and have an antiseptic effect. Ointments containing tar should be started in small doses. If no allergic reactions occur, the dose may be increased.
- Ointments containing fat. These ointments are considered to be the most effective of the non-hormonal agents.
- Vitamin ointments. Retinol palmitate. Ointment with vitamin A. It has a healing effect, restores and normalizes the metabolic processes of tissues. Calcipotriol 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 oil-free oil - a substance with a very unpleasant odor, but a unique effect. It helps the skin to recover quickly, has antimicrobial, antipruritic and absorbent effects.
Oral medications
One way to relieve the symptoms of the disease is to take the medicine in tablet form. Tablets are able to supply the body with the necessary ingredients. Treatment with tablets is much more effective than topical medications. Tablet formulations should only be prescribed by a physician, taking into account the patient's age and physiological characteristics. The psoriasis pill is divided into two groups:
- hormonal - the most effective tool, the use of which allows you to achieve positive results in a short time, but can cause many side effects;
- non-hormonal - supplements the function of essential medicines.
The appearance of psoriasis is promoted by internal causes that are responsible for violating metabolic processes in the body.
Therefore, you should turn to stronger drugs:
- Methotrexate. Tablets that can significantly slow down the process of cell division. It is used in pustular and erythrodermic psoriasis. It is widely used to treat arthritis of psoriasis. However, this has a number of side effects.
- Meglumin sodium succinate. A new generation drug with a broad spectrum of action. It is used for severe psoriasis and is only available by prescription.
Alternative treatments
Alternatively, non-drug methods and approaches are used. Recommended for:
- visit the thermal springs;
- Take a Garra Rufa Fish Peel Cure (Ichthyotherapy)
- undergoes mud treatment;
- freshwater hydrotherapy;
- plasmapheresis;
- massage course.
However, these methods are only effective in combination with traditional treatment methods.
Physiotherapy for psoriasis
Physiotherapy is an important part of treating psoriasis. Physiotherapy should not be used in the early stages of the disease. These methods are used when the symptoms of the disease are reduced and are performed in a hospital.
The physical methods of exposure are as follows:
- UV irradiation;
- puva therapy;
- ultrasound application;
- laser treatment;
- laser chemotherapy;
- magnetotherapy (application of a static magnetic field);
- exposure to cold (cryotherapy);
- electrical sleep;
- X-ray therapy.
Diet therapy for psoriasis
Diet plays an important role in the treatment of psoriasis. Therefore, you need to know what food should be in the patient’s diet. Proper nutrition restores intestinal function, helps relieve painful symptoms, strengthens the immune system and protects the body from new relapses.
List of products that negatively affect the condition of the skin and hair:
- Smoked and salted foods. The components in the products affect the functioning of the digestive system, can negatively affect the condition of the epidermis.
- Citrus fruits. The colored peel (peel) of the fruit contains a large amount of essential oil, so the juices prepared by the industrial method have a negative effect on the patient's condition.
- Nuts. Strong allergens.
- Fatty foods.
- Alcoholic beverages. They disrupt the work of the liver, which is unable to cope with clearing the blood of toxic substances, which adversely affects the condition of the dermis.
- Products containing chocolate and cocoa are strong allergens.
- Products with a high dye content.
Your psoriasis diet should include:
- vegetables and fruits;
- cereals;
- dairy products;
- fish;
- chicken meat;
- are green.
You need to drink plenty of fluids for psoriasis. You should drink no more than two liters a day.
Traditional Medicine Recipes for Psoriasis
Effective treatment of psoriasis is possible with traditional medicine. These can be homemade products for internal use:
- medicated decoctions and infusions;
- tablets and powders; The meaning of
- consists of many components.
Flaxseed infusion. It helps cleanse the body of toxic substances, slows down the development of disease. Pour 20 g of seeds into a thermos, pour boiling water (250 ml). Drink activated charcoal (2 tablets) before going to bed. In the morning on an empty stomach, drink tincture, eat seeds.
Bay leaf decoction. Impressive at the first signs of psoriasis. Pour boiling water over chopped bay leaves. Allow to cool and filter.
Chaga birch. The active ingredients in chaga restore the condition of the epidermis. Pour the mushrooms (100 g) overnight with hot water (1 l). In the morning, grind the mushrooms in a blender to a density-like mixture. Bring the broth to 40 degrees, pour in the chopped mushrooms. Insist for three days.
For external use:
- homemade ointments;
- shampoos;
- Collection of herbs.
Apply ointment to affected areas of the body for more effective treatment.
Propolis ointment. Grind 20 g of propolis and add 350 g of butter. Heat in a water bath. Tribe. Apply for plaque localization sites. Store in a refrigerator.
Nipple ointment. Grind the birch buds (100 g). Mix with tar (180 g) and ash (50 g). Stir until smooth. Rub the affected area, wrap with foil.
Home therapy baths 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 cook for an hour. Pour into warm bath water.
You can use blue clay in combination with sea salt for the healing procedure. After such a bath, the skin will be very soft.
Effective treatments for treatment
Treatment of psoriasis at the elbow should be performed in a complex that includes:
taking- vitamins;
- dieting;
- external treatment;
- physiotherapy;
- light therapy.
They are used with topical medicines (ointments, creams) to treat knee disease. Perhaps the appointment of sedatives and antihistamines for complex treatment. Anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed with copious bleeding.
Treating psoriasis on the palms and legs is quite problematic. This is mainly caused by the constant irritation of these parts due to rubbing and frequent washing. If treatment with external agents does not result in a positive result, ultraviolet radiation is prescribed.
Treating psoriasis during remission
After the onset of remission, all recommendations should be followed to maintain the condition and prevent recurrence of the disease. To prevent psoriasis from feeling for a long time, you should consider that:
- You should not stop treatment, but continue to take your prescribed medication.
- Do not use new medicines other than those prescribed.
- Symptoms of infectious diseases should be eliminated in a timely manner.
- During remission, try not to injure the skin.
- Avoid nervous breakdown.
- Don't overuse the sun.
- Avoid contact with chemicals.
- Try to wear only natural materials.
- Pay attention to skin care.
During this period, all recommended methods and tools should be used to prevent further progression of the disease.