Psoriasis of the feet is a common problem. It can occur due to hormonal disorders, weakened immune system and other causes. It can be cured with medications, prescriptions of traditional medicine, and physiotherapy procedures.
Causes and risk factors for psoriasis of the legs
Psoriasis of the legs is a pathology whose cause cannot be identified by doctors. However, the possible provoking factors are:
- Heredity. The disease is hereditary (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 exactly after stressful situations.
- Hormonal disorders in the body. Disorders of the endocrine system lead to metabolic disorders, which is a provocative factor in the overproduction of skin cells.
- Weakened immunity. Psoriasis develops in the background of infectious diseases. The risk group includes patients who often have a viral infection and respiratory disease (bronchitis, tonsillitis).
- Mechanical damage to the skin.
- Climate change.
- Frequent use of certain medications.
- Misuse of hygiene products leading to the destruction of beneficial microorganisms on the skin.
- Use of chemicals.
- Consumption of foods containing food additives and alcohol.
Classification and symptoms of psoriasis in the legs
There are several types of the disease, each with its own symptoms:
- Common (spotted, vulgar). It is the most common type of psoriasis, affecting nearly 90 percent of all patients. It manifests itself in the form of rashes in the form of red spots that spread quickly on the legs. Small plaques 3-4 cm in diameter can clump together and cause large-scale rashes if left untreated. It is associated with severe itching and bleeding when scratching. Knee rashes have just such symptoms.
- Exudative (pustular). This type is rare and occurs in a more severe form. Repeated relapses are possible. Healing complex therapy is time consuming. Rashes in the form of pustules with clear fluid often bleed while the patient's skin is constantly hot. This type is observed on the legs and feet.
- Drop-shaped (dot). Not very common. It is characterized by red or scarlet-colored, drop-like eruptions. Basically, the factor that provokes the development of this species is streptococcus bacteria. The rash is localized on the knees.
- Inverse. During the course of the disease, pale pink spots appear, smooth to the touch. There is no exfoliation, but sometimes slight exfoliation is observed. The spots do not rise above the surface of the skin and are concentrated on the inside of the thigh.
- Psoriatic onychodystrophy (nail psoriasis). It is clear from the name that the disease affects the nail bed and the skin around it. Nail dents appear on the nails, in which the color of the nail plate changes (turns yellow or white). Stains appear on them, they become brittle. Sometimes it bleeds under the nail. Detachment of the nail from the soft tissues - onycholysis. After that, scars appear.
- Psoriatic erythroderma. It is characterized by red rashes, peeling skin, unbearable itching, swelling and swollen lymph nodes. Erythroderma has a variety of lesions - from the groin to the feet.
- Psoriasis of the legs. This type of disease causes a lot of trouble for the patient. While walking, wounds and cracks appear, which constantly bleed and interfere with walking. The blisters are located at the corners, around the nails, on the pads of the fingers and between them. Constant friction causes irritation with severe itching and scratching, which can lead to fungal infections. Sweating contributes to some extent to the development of foot rashes. Sweat is an excellent breeding ground for the development of inflammatory pathogens.
- 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 developing arthritis in the legs is a change in the curvature and size of the joints. As a result, the joint and limbs are disturbed (a small bone appears near the finger). The dermis stretches and becomes burgundy at this point, swelling is observed.
Medication for psoriasis
Medication for psoriasis depends on the stage of development of the disease.
- Lightweight. Topical therapy (ointments, creams, gels) is used to treat such mild diseases. Salicylic and zinc ointments show good results. To achieve high results in the treatment, a complex therapy containing hormonal ingredients and vitamins is used. They use medicines that contain a medicinal substance called ditranol.
- Average. To treat this degree of disease, all treatments are important to eliminate all symptoms of the disease. Along with drug therapy, laser treatment, phototherapy, and plasma aphoresis (removal of toxic substances from the blood) and cryotherapy (cold treatment) are used. In case of complications, corticosteroid ointments are prescribed: hydrocortisone, cortisone.
- Hard. This degree is the most difficult and requires treatment with all the tools and methods that relieve the symptoms of psoriasis on the legs. In these cases, medications that suppress the immune response, antihistamines, and antibiotics are prescribed.
Physiotherapy for psoriasis
Physiotherapy is an effective supplement to the treatment of psoriasis. There are several physiotherapy procedures in medical practice:
- Light therapy for legs. Ultraviolet radiation is the most effective treatment for psoriasis. The method involves exposure to ultraviolet radiation in a healthcare facility. No side effects were found, no effect on the body. After light therapy, plaques decrease, and in 80% of cases, the patient recovers completely.
- Cryotherapy. The method is based on cold treatment. The course can last from one month to six months. With psoriasis of the legs, a local procedure is prescribed when the cold is directed only at certain lesions. These sessions reduce itching, inflammation, help tissue repair and slow the formation of new scales.
- UV blood count (plasmaphoresis). This method is a relatively new, distinguishing feature in medicine, the result of rapid treatment. The essence of the procedure is to insert a tube into the vein through which the blood is poured into a vessel placed 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 to patients with severe forms of psoriasis. It is based on the use of psoralen - substances that increase the sensitivity of cells to ultraviolet radiation. The method is extremely effective, after 25 times the abundant rashes almost disappear.
Traditional medical recipes for psoriasis
- Many patients use traditional medicine to treat the disease. They can be tinctures, baths, body lotions, decoctions. Various herbs are used to cleanse the skin, such as calendula, chamomile, celandine. They are able to relieve inflammation and burning sensation.
- Broths. A set (2 tablespoons), celandine (1 tablespoon), licorice root (2 tablespoons) and oregano (1 tablespoon) should be used for the broth. All herbs are mixed and infused for 20 minutes. The soup should be taken orally with half a glass twice a day. This treatment is effective for mild psoriasis.
- Ointments. There are many folk recipes for making birch tar based ointment.
- Mix the birch tar (50 ml) with olive oil (50 ml). Apply the resulting ointment to the sore skin, preferably before going to bed, wrap it in gauze. Rinse in the morning with warm water.
- 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 foot ailments using celandine-based baths. Celandine not only helps to eliminate the rash, but also eliminates the causes of the disease. The herb is poured with boiling water and infused for one hour. Filter the infusion and add to the foot bath. The duration of the bath does not exceed 15 minutes.
- Compresses. Also with psoriasis on the legs, compressing the potatoes helps. To make such a compact, the potatoes must be grated and the prepared preparation placed on the feet and wrapped in adhesive foil. The duration of compression does not exceed three hours.
Diet
Diet plays an important role in psoriasis. In case of severe inflammation, certain dietary rules must be followed. Do not eat smoked, salty and fatty foods. Sweets, citrus fruits and dairy products are also contraindicated in case of illness. Drinking alcohol is strictly forbidden.
Complications and consequences
Any disease, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications. Psoriasis of the foot can have the following consequences:
- occurrence of pain while walking;
- common psoriasis can develop into erythroderma;
- occurrence of other infections;
- violation of metabolic processes;
- decreased protective functions of the epidermis;
- violation of skin thermoregulation.
Prevention of psoriasis of the legs
If you follow all the preventative measures, your psoriasis disease can be prevented. Prevention suggestions:
- treat your feet with antibacterial and nutritional preparations;
- treat toenails to avoid fungal infection;
- solar treatments;
- you should ventilate your feet when wearing closed shoes;
- frequent physical activity.
The main rule for preventing any disease is to follow a healthy lifestyle.