How to treat psoriasis at home?

Psoriasis is one of the most misunderstood diseases. Neither the causes of the disease nor the ways of recovery are known for sure. It is believed that it is impossible to achieve a complete cure for psoriasis, so the main goal of therapy is to achieve stable, long-term remission and reduce the frequency of exacerbations. Because this disease requires dietary, lifestyle adjustments, and the systematic use of medications and non-pharmacological agents, psoriasis is treated primarily at home.

Causes and Signs of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic pathology with a recurrent course. The disease can affect various organs and tissues, but the main manifestation of psoriasis is dermatological. We pour red lesions on the skin that tend to enlarge and merge with each other. Their surface is covered with gray scales that are easy to scrape off and reveal wet glossy spots under which there is "bloody dew. "

The most common locations for psoriasis plaque localization are the knee and elbow, the scalp, the area behind the ear, and the lower back. The rash is most often accompanied by itching, tightness and discomfort in the affected areas.

The appearance of psoriasis is stressful, with a recent infectious disease, allergies, endocrine pathologies, but many experts say it is based on a genetic defect. Any of the above factors is just a "trigger factor" that triggers the mechanism of the body's abnormal response to external stimuli.

Due to the failure, the process of division of epidermal cells is interrupted. The rate of surface cell death and embezzlement increases 4-5 times compared to the normal cycle. As a result, scales that do not have time to detach naturally form hard growths - plaques.

Rules for treating psoriasis at home

Treating psoriasis involves two areas:

1. symptomatic- removal of acute symptoms of the disease (external agents, antihistamines, physiotherapy);
2. Pathogenetic:Diet, desensitization of the body, cleansing measures, hormone therapy, etc.

In severe cases, inpatient treatment is indicated, severe hormonal medications and basic therapy are possible. For the rest of the time, the patient fights the disease on his own, choosing the most effective methods by trial and error.

Psoriasis is a disease for which there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Appropriate treatments for one patient may aggravate the other. Here, more than ever, an individual approach is needed, but there are general principles that must be followed to successfully treat psoriasis at home:

1. Listen to your body. No one but you can identify all of the factors that trigger psoriasis to get worse and find treatments that work well on plaques.
2. It is advisable to self-administer under the supervision of a dermatologist. Do not give up on tests, procedures, and medications prescribed by a professional.
3. Mild forms of psoriasis can achieve good results by eliminating provocative factors and using non-drug treatments, including folk remedies. If the manifestations of the disease are very pronounced and the psoriasis progresses, strictly according to the doctor's prescription, "heavy artillery" in the form of hormones and cytostatics may be required.
4. Consistency and regularity are important in the treatment of psoriasis. When the first results appear, you cannot stop using effective treatments. Most drugs require long treatment, first therapeutic and then - "fixative. "
5. It is important to maintain normal skin moisture, avoid scratches, trauma and inaccurate crust removal. Plaques can only be removed after pre-softening and only if it can be done effortlessly.
6. Many treatments should not be used in the acute phase. Insolation, climate change, spa treatments, some ointments should only be applied at the beginning of the standing phase.

Treating psoriasis: how to smear plaques?

The most popular and effective treatments for psoriasis are pharmaceutical ointments and creams. Many topical applications have serious side effects and should be used with caution. This is especially true for hormonal ointments, but on the non-hormonal issue, it is better to consult a doctor and strictly follow the recommendations for use.

Hormone ointments

Hormonal agents are indicated in the treatment of psoriasis for persistent skin symptoms that do not respond to other therapeutic effects. The benefits of these drugs are fast acting. The patient’s condition literally improves before our eyes, but this effect is misleading. After discontinuation of use, plaques not only return but also become more intense. Hormonal ointments are addictive and, with prolonged use - damage to the kidneys, liver, cardiovascular system, thinning and atrophy of the skin. There are also fears that hormone-based drugs will “drive” psoriasis into the body and the disease will manifest itself in a more severe form - psoriatic arthritis.

Addiction and withdrawal effects make hormonal ointments an undesirable treatment. If possible, it is advisable to avoid using them. If necessary, use for a short time, gradually wipe.

Today, several groups of drugs are prescribed to treat psoriasis:

1. Triamcinolone ointments.They have antihistamines, antipruritic effects, relieve inflammation. They can cause local reactions, changes in the structure of the skin, atrophy.
2. Products containing the active substance flumetazone.Reduces itching, has an antiududic effect. It negatively affects the skin and can cause systemic disorders over time.
3. Hydrocortisone ointments.Reduce capillary permeability, relieve swelling of affected foci, but there is a risk of systemic abnormalities with prolonged use.
4. Betamethasone based preparations.They have anti-inflammatory and exudative effects. It suppresses the process of accelerated embezzlement of epithelial cells. Skin diseases and systemic problems are possible.

Non-steroidal medications

Non-hormonal ointments are preferred treatments for psoriasis. They do not work as fast and powerful as hormones, but their effects are more lasting and lasting. Non-steroidal ointments can be used for long periods of time without fear of fear and the development of negative consequences.

Psoriasis uses drugs with different compositions and different effects, many of which are combined. The main groups of ointments used are:

1. Salicylic acid.The acid in them softens plaques and helps cleanse the skin. It reduces inflammation and acts as an antiseptic. Remedies are usually prescribed to eliminate the scales, and then the affected area is treated with another medication, medicated ingredients.
2. Zinc.Dry rashes, relieve inflammation and irritation of the skin, create a protective film that prevents the negative effects of the affected areas from the outside.
tar.Ointments made with the addition of birch, pine and coal tar have an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect. They stimulate blood circulation, improve the healing of damaged skin. To eliminate plaque, you can add pure tar when making your own remedies. Tar ointments are poorly tolerated, so they start to lubricate small areas in test mode. With good tolerance, the dosage increases. Tar increases the sensitivity of the skin to light, which can lead to sun allergies in summer.
3. D-fortified ointments.Calcipotriol-based products have been shown to be effective in the treatment of psoriasis. They suppress proliferation, reduce plaque and prevent its reappearance. They do not cause atrophic processes. If there is an effect, they provide stable remission. It is recommended to be used in parallel with UV therapy, the combination with salicylic ointments is contraindicated.
4. Oil based ointments.Peel off plaque, relieve itching and inflammation, but requires careful use. In addition to hypersensitivity, psoriasis can lead to worsening of skin manifestations of furunculosis. These funds are contraindicated in patients with anemia and kidney disease. Treatment with these drugs is performed outside the exacerbation phase.
5. Vitamin products.Vitamin ointments activate metabolic processes in the skin, restore tissue trophism, promote regeneration, eliminate peeling, slow down the keratinization of cells. Retinoids and preparations based on the tandem of vitamins E, A have such properties.
6. Solid ointments.Effective agents with a pronounced anti-inflammatory, keratolytic, antipruritic effect. It penetrates deep into the skin and normalizes the metabolic processes inside. It is used for a long time in the absence of allergies. These ointments should not be combined with hormonal ointments and alcohol should be avoided during treatment.

Psoriasis: Treatment from the inside

Only external agents make it difficult to cope with psoriasis. There is also action to be taken from within: desensitize, improve digestion.

1. During exacerbations, antihistamines help relieve itching and eliminate the effects of provocative factors. In addition to the antiallergic effect, the drugs also have a sedative effect.
2. The body is detoxified using sorbents.
3. The use of enzymes is recommended to improve digestion.
4. Liver support is important in psoriasis: hepatoprotectors are taken for training.
5. “Psoriasis” should be calm. Stress is one of the triggers for psoriasis. And the disease itself can lead to neurological problems: nervousness, insomnia, and so on. Herbal sedatives are recommended.
6. NSAIDs can help relieve psoriasis-related joint pain.

The appearance of a focus on the infection in the body can make psoriasis worse. Acute infectious and inflammatory diseases should be treated with antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor.

How to treat scalp psoriasis at home: features

ICH psoriasis is the biggest concern for patients. It is more difficult to treat than open skin because the presence of hair requires a special approach in therapy and the use of special tools.

Treating psoriasis on the head at home consists of using shampoos, medications, and traditional methods. Skin lesions can be mild, in the form of discrete patches, or severe. In severe cases, the head is covered by a so-called "crown" or "helmet" - a hard, itchy and flaky psoriasis scar, especially on the border of hair growth on the forehead, behind the ears, on the neck.

Under no circumstances should you comb and "pick" dry bark. They should be softened with a special keratolytic shampoo, a cleansing mask, and then carefully remove loose scales from the skin.

Wash your hair for psoriasis as often as necessary. It is preferable to use special or neutral shampoos. The second group includes products for children and adults with sensitive skin. Free of fragrances, dyes and other harmful ingredients.

Among the medicated shampoos you can use:

tar.These products contain coal tar, which gives them a dark color and a distinctive odor. These shampoos are not well tolerated, so a test is needed. Medical cosmetics are sold in pharmacies.
1. Zinc.They contain zinc pyrithione, which cleanses the scalp of dead scales and reduces their number, relieves itching. When allantoin, a emollient ingredient, is added to the shampoo, it helps reduce dry skin and heals damage faster. Some treatments are designed to treat dandruff, but can be used for mild psoriasis.
2. Antifungal.Ketoconazole shampoos reduce peeling and itching and kill fungal infections of the scalp.

In psoriasis, it is advisable not to rinse the shampoo immediately, but to keep it for a few minutes or more hours so that the medicinal substances can penetrate deeper. The head should be washed gently without scratching the skin. After rinsing the shampoo thoroughly, rinse with cool water pickled with vinegar. Avoid using a hair dryer.

Regular ointments are not suitable for lubricating head plaque. Too greasy, sticky hair and not washed well. It is better to buy medicines in the form of a cream, lotion, emulsion or aerosol - many manufacturers produce their products in a form that is convenient for treating ICH psoriasis.

The treatment of psoriasis on the head at home is successfully performed using folk remedies: masks and rinses.

Popular recipes:

• To soften the bark, rub the oil mixture into the scalp: basic (olive, burdock) and essential (tea tree, rosemary, cypress), put on a hat and leave until morning;
• Make a paste of white or red clay by adding oils, spread on the head overnight;
• rub fresh onion juice into the skin;
• rinse nettle with chamomile decoction;
• Mix grape, almond and coconut oil in a ratio of 1: 1: 2 (tablespoons), add 1 tbsp. cognac and honey, a few drops of lavender oil, mix thoroughly in a water bath, apply on head for 2 hours;
• Peel the scalp with sea salt, essential oil (eucalyptus, tea tree) - rub in and gently massage with your fingers for 5 minutes, then wash your hair;
• make a mask: burdock oil, 2 yolks, marigold alcohol tincture, a few drops of tar and keep on your head for 2-3 hours.

Treatment of nail psoriasis at home

When psoriasis affects the nails, they become brittle, wavy and change color. These nails must be protected from external influences:

Do homework with
• gloves;
• stops cleaning the manicure;
• Trim short nails after soaking them in water;
• Use a protective healing varnish.

Treating nail psoriasis at home includes:

1. Incorporation of vitamin and mineral complexes that strengthen the nail plate, protect cell membranes from damage (vitamin C, E, calcium).
2. Hormonal ointments are most effective in treating nails. When glucocorticosteroids are rubbed into the nail plate, they are virtually not absorbed into the skin and do not penetrate the bloodstream, so they are safe to use for 2 to 4 weeks.
3. To strengthen and hydrate your nails, rub sea buckthorn oil (three times a day) and vitamin A oil daily.
4. Warm bath with cornstarch or oatmeal, celandine, nettle, string infusion is recommended for bleaching and strengthening nail plates.

Home Remedies for Psoriasis

Herbal infusions are one of the most popular treatments for psoriasis at home:

1. Cook 1 tablespoon in a thermos overnight. l. flaxseed (for a glass of water). Before going to bed, take 2 tablets of activated charcoal, take an infusion in the morning, eat the seeds. This recipe helps to detoxify the body, helps to reduce the intensity of the symptoms of the disease.
2. Broth from the collection: elecampane (10 gr. ), calamus (12 gr. ), St. John's wort (15 gr. ) and celandine (5 gr. ) roots. Boil 300 ml of hot water in a thermos, leave for 3 hours. Filter, take 100 ml twice a day.
3. 4hl. boil the seed of the plow in a liter of water on low heat for 60 minutes. Filter and drink one spoon per hour with aggravation, 4 times a day - in remission.
4. Birch mushrooms (100 gr. ) Boil with hot water overnight. In the morning, grind the chaga and pour the remaining water to 50 degrees, leaving for three days. Strain, take 100 ml before each meal.

Effectively cleanses the skin of plaques, relieves itching and soothes baths:

• with sage, string, celandine, St. John's wort decoctions;
• with sea salt;
• with blue clay;
with
• baking soda
• with potato starch;
• with turpentine.

Before bathing, take a shower, then pour water at a comfortable (not hot) temperature and dilute the medicine. Bathing time - 15 - 20 minutes, course - every other day.

To lubricate plaques, use fresh celandine juice or make an ointment: mix the ground dry herb with Vaseline or baby cream.

Well-proven buttercream (5 parts) with propolis (1 part). Place in a water bath, mix thoroughly and cool. Lubricate the plaque with hydrogen peroxide before use.

Diet for psoriasis

Psoriasis is often associated with food allergies. Many patients know exactly which foods cause spoilage. Others believe that diet does not significantly affect their condition. In any case, it is recommended to keep the diet, at least in case of aggravation:

• excludes cocoa, chocolate;
• refuses coffee;
• do not eat spicy foods;
• Avoid preservatives and other additives;
• restricts citrus fruits, red vegetables and fruits;
• is ​​completely forbidden alcohol (especially beer).

In addition to aggravation, the diet can be expanded with "harmful" products, while carefully monitoring skin reactions.

Diet, a healthy lifestyle and home remedies for psoriasis can achieve long-term remission. But if folk remedies obviously don’t help, you should “surrender” to the dermatologist and not give up on the procedures and medications he or she offers. Once you have alleviated exacerbation with the help of formal home medicine, it will be easier to get involved in preventing relapse.