Psoriasis: Symptoms, Treatment And Prevention

Psoriasis is one of the most common diseases, the frequency of which in the population is steadily increasing every year. And if we take into account that absolutely all age categories are affected by this pathology, and its simple form quickly flows into a more complex one, then the question of proper therapy and prevention is really very acute.

According to statistics, about every 30 inhabitants of the planet suffer from this disease to one degree or another. What to do for those who have psoriasis? What medications and folk remedies to treat? How to properly organize your meals? Let's finally put all the dots.

Psoriasis and its causes

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease with a rather vague etiology - the exact cause, despite numerous studies in this area, is still unknown. It is believed that this pathology is the result of genetically determined changes in the immune system, as a result of which chronic inflammation of the skin develops. However, its multifactorial nature is also not excluded - in other words, the involvement, along with heredity, of the influence of the external environment.

It is noteworthy that the predisposing factors, according to scientists, are quite different in different age groups: for example, if in children, various kinds of bacterial infections, including, in particular, streptococcal infections, are considered to be triggers, then for adults, stress stimuli, nicotine abuse are paramount. and alcohol, obesity, and the use of certain medications (eg, adrenaline receptor blockers).

It is impossible to completely cure psoriasis, but modern medicine is quite capable of significantly alleviating the course of the disease and maintaining a long-term remission in the patient.

The name of the disease comes from the Greek word psora - "to scratch". To refer to it, another term is often used - "scaly lichen". Formations on the skin cause itching, peeling, a feeling of tightness, general discomfort - in a word, the patient's quality of life is significantly reduced and, in general, leaves much to be desired. In addition, despite the non-infectious nature of the disease, others negatively perceive people suffering from psoriasis - this has an even stronger effect on the already shaken emotional background.

Psoriatic plaques appear due to the abnormally rapid division of cells in the outer layer of the skin - keratinocytes. Such an increased speed very naturally leads to a violation of their correct formation and, as a result, to the formation of bright pink papules.

There are several theories that explain the appearance of psoriasis:

• infectious and parasitic;

• neurogenic;

• endocrine;

• metabolic;

• immunological;

• hereditary;

• theory of molecular mimicry.

As is the case with many other diseases, the cause of skin problems should be looked for in the intestines. Its length is from 4 to 6 meters, and the inner surface is covered with villi, the total area of ​​\u200b\u200bwhich is comparable to the size of a tennis court - this allows suction processes to proceed much more efficiently. Interestingly, the cells of the small intestine mucosa are completely renewed every 3–5 days. Here, moreover, up to 70% of human immunocytes are concentrated. So, one of the common causes of psoriasis is the leaky gut syndrome (LEPS).

Deviation from the normal functioning of the intestinal mucosa is fraught with malabsorption, that is, a violation of the absorption of essential nutrients (proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals). In addition, the negative impact on the body of toxins and allergens increases: in such conditions it is much easier for them to enter the bloodstream. A direct link between psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease has been proven by numerous studies.

Other works of scientists confirm that a special microflora develops on the skin of a patient with psoriasis, which is significantly different from the microbiome of healthy skin.

In the zone of psoriatic lesions, a mass of various bacteria is concentrated, the stability of which is significantly lower compared to normal skin - in particular, colonization by Staphylococcus aureus is observed, which extremely negatively affects the course of the inflammatory process.

Types of psoriasis

1. Plaque psoriasis.

   In 90% of cases, dermatologists encounter this particular form of the disease, also known as simple or ordinary. First, separate small areas appear on the skin, raised above the level of a healthy dermis. Gray scales form on them, which quickly dry out and coarsen. The skin under these thickenings becomes red, and at the slightest injury, the injured person begins to bleed profusely - and all because of the large number of tiny vessels concentrated in it. These inflamed areas are called psoriatic plaques. Gradually, they grow, merging with neighboring spots into one.

2. Reverse psoriasis.

   This diagnosis is made to patients who develop red spots that are smooth to the touch in the folds of the skin and inside the folds - in the groin area, on the inside of the thighs, under the breasts. Unlike simple psoriasis, the foci of inflammation are practically not covered with scales, but due to their location and constant friction, they cause serious discomfort to patients. In addition, there is a risk of re-infection with streptococcus or fungus, since in places where spots are localized, due to high humidity and temperature, ideal conditions are created for the reproduction of microorganisms.

1. Guttate psoriasis.

   This type of disease got its name from the shape of the formations. The foci are in the form of a drop, raised above the level of healthy skin. As a rule, multiple spots appear on the shins, forearms, and thighs. Often there is also a lesion of the scalp. A common trigger for this form of psoriasis is a previous streptococcal infection, as we mentioned earlier. The thing is that the immunity of the patient, who suffered during the fight against the infection, is seriously weakened - his resources are not unlimited, and, like all living things, it takes time to recover - and just against this background, an autoimmune disease is activated.

2. Pustular psoriasis.

   It is considered the most severe form, accompanied by the formation of blisters filled with a clear liquid. Around the foci, inflammation of the skin begins, swelling and thickening appear.

    

   With a secondary exacerbation, the probability of which is quite high, the blisters are filled with pus. Foci of pustular psoriasis are localized on the arms and legs. In difficult cases, there is a widespread location of blisters on the body, their rapid growth and the danger of infection of the entire surface of the skin.

3. Psoriasis on the nails.

   This type of disease changes the appearance and structure of the nail plates on the hands and feet. Nails thicken, lose their natural color, emit an unpleasant odor. The skin around the nail bed coarsens, thick ridges form. In advanced cases, the nails may disappear without subsequent regrowth.

4. Psoriatic arthritis.

   In this case, the disease affects the joints and connective tissues. Most often, inflammation affects the distal phalanges of the limbs. Psoriatic dactylitis occurs - swelling of the fingers. The hip and knee joints are also exposed to the devastating effects of the ongoing disease. There are frequent cases of disability with loss of the ability to move independently.

5. Psoriatic erythroderma.

   Peeling spots appear on the skin, while exfoliation of the affected layer is observed. Patients experience severe discomfort due to constant itching and swelling. Most often, this diagnosis is made by patients who have already been treated for simple psoriasis, but have not completed therapy or changed the drug.

Symptoms of the disease

The first manifestation of psoriasis are small rashes on the skin. Papules increase rapidly, growing to spots with a diameter of 4 to 8 cm, they become more and more, and dry scales form on the surface. In advanced cases, individual spots merge with each other, and the lesion affects significant areas of the body. Distinguish psoriatic papules from other skin diseases by their round shape with clear boundaries, red or bright pink color and silvery-white scales. They appear first on those areas of the skin, the integrity of which is broken as a result of abrasions, wounds, frostbite, constant friction. There are three characteristic signs confirming the onset of the development of psoriasis:

1. Stearin stain phenomenon - dry particles are easily separated from the affected surface, revealing an area that looks like a drop of wax or sterol.

2. The phenomenon of psoriatic (terminal) film. Further cleansing of the papule from scales allows you to see a transparent and moist film, the skin under which is inflamed.

3. Auspitz phenomenon. Removal of the terminal film leads to the appearance of tiny drops of blood on the surface of the stain.

This triad of psoriasis is unique - its presence allows you to accurately establish the correct diagnosis. However, different parts of the body have their own characteristics of the manifestation of the disease.

• Psoriasis on the body.

  The back, neck, abdomen, thighs, and lower legs are most commonly affected by guttate psoriasis. Small papules, which resemble drops in shape, gradually grow, rising above the surface of the skin. This form of the disease is often diagnosed in people who have had a staph infection.

   

• Psoriasis on the hands.

  The most common places for the appearance of psoriatic papules on the hands are the elbows and interdigital spaces - while, as a rule, a plaque form is observed, in which individual small fragments merge into a single lesion area covered with dry scales. The forearms are affected much more rarely.

• Psoriasis on the legs.

  The disease begins with single rashes in the knee area. Inflamed areas disturb patients with severe peeling and itching, quickly increase in size and merge with neighboring ones.

• On the palms and feet.

  In most cases, simultaneous damage to both the palms and feet is recorded, but in some patients the disease affects the stratum corneum of the upper or lower extremities. As a result of the growth of psoriatic papules, thickening, coarsening of the skin occurs with further formation of cracks.

• Psoriasis of the scalp.

  First of all, rashes appear in the forehead, neck, and also behind the ears. At first, patients notice single scaly formations in themselves, which grow, merge with those located nearby and, over time, can affect the entire scalp.

   

  Papules itch strongly, thereby causing a constant desire to comb the skin - the wounds and cracks formed in this case are very likely to become the entrance gates of infection. Dry particles are separated from the damaging formations - first small, somewhat similar to dandruff, and then larger flakes.

• On the face, ears, neck.

  The localization of psoriatic papules on the face is rather an exception in the usual clinical picture. In rare cases, when this does happen, the disease affects the area around the eyes and eyelids, as well as the cheeks and tongue. Formations on the neck quickly spread further - to the back or head.

  The ears are the site of development of the seborrheic form of psoriasis. Papules can appear both inside the cartilage shell and outside. When making a diagnosis, it is important not to confuse the disease with seborrheic eczema, which has similar symptoms.

• On nails.

  There are three options for the initial manifestation of psoriasis on the nail plates. The first is the appearance of small dotted depressions. The second is the thickening of the nails, a change in their natural color to gray or yellow. With the further development of nail psoriasis, the plate exfoliates, the upper particles are easily separated. And, finally, the third is a deformation of the nail, accompanied by a loss of smoothness by the plate and the appearance of depressed areas.

   

• Symptoms of psoriasis in children.

  At an early age, the disease proceeds differently: the main localization of red scaly rashes is skin folds: inguinal, in the elbow and popliteal folds, on the neck. Papules are very itchy, children experience constant torment, become irritable and restless.

  In general, all clinical variants observed in children are similar to those observed in adults. Differences affect purely manifestations, the location of the pathological process and the very course of the disease.

4 stages of psoriasis

Clinical dermatology, based on differences in symptoms, degree of skin lesions and duration, distinguishes three stages of the course of psoriasis. However, there is an opinion that the initial stage should be recognized as another full-fledged stage in the development of the disease.

1. Initial stage.

   The first sign of psoriatic lesions are small rashes. The places of their appearance can be different and depend on the type of disease. In size, the primary papules are not more than 3 mm, painted in a pale pink color, which after 3-4 days is replaced by a gray coating - dead particles of the dermis form on the spot. This process is accompanied by itching and burning, the general state of health worsens. In general, the formation of plaques at the initial stage takes up to three weeks, and at this time a person has a chance to slow down the development of pathology.

2. Progressive.

   At this stage, the disease affects significant areas of the skin: for example, plaques form in ordinary psoriasis, and papules characteristic of them in other forms. In the process of the development of the disease, individual spots merge with each other, covered with gray scales. The symptom by which the progressive stage is determined is the Koebner phenomenon (isomorphic reaction). Any damage to the skin after some time is accompanied by the appearance of a psoriasis rash in this place. Another confirmation that the disease is actively developing is the protrusion of drops of blood, similar to dew, after the removal of the plaque.

   The duration of this stage depends on the type of lesion. On average, it takes from two weeks to two months.

1. stationary stage.

   During this period, a thick crust of grayish-white or gray color is formed. The pink rims are disappearing. The skin becomes rough, dry particles are constantly exfoliated from it. Itching and burning become less annoying, but they do not go away completely. New papules do not form. This stage can be quite long.

2. regressive stage.

   The final stage of the development of the disease, during which there is a gradual reduction and resorption of plaques. The itch is no longer a concern. A clear sign of regression is Voronov's symptom, when the papules are surrounded by white rings. The disappearance of spots occurs from the center to the periphery, as a result of which bizarre patterns form on the skin. By the end of the regressing stage, only areas of the skin that are slightly different in shade from healthy areas resemble psoriasis.

   There is no need to talk about a complete recovery in the case of psoriasis. The end of the regressing stage indicates that the cycle of the disease has been completed, which can return at any time. In order for the remission to be long, it is necessary to pay attention to health: avoid provoking factors, follow a diet, be observed by a dermatologist.

Examination plan for psoriasis

1. General clinical analysis of blood.

2. Test for blood levels of vitamins D, B12, folic acid.

3. Blood test for ALT (alanine aminotransferase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase), direct bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, lipid profile cholesterol, creatinine, glucose, insulin, total protein.

4. Blood for rheumatoid factor, c-reactive protein, uric acid, ASLO.

5. Ferritin, transferrin, serum iron are indicators of anemia (in particular, chronic diseases).

6. Thyroid panel: TSH, T4 St, TK St.

7. Coprogram.

8. HMS according to Osipov.

9. Ultrasound of the abdominal organs.

Traditional treatments for psoriasis

The sooner a person who has discovered the first signs of skin damage turns to a doctor, the more likely they are to take measures in time that will prevent the rapid development of the disease and its transition to a chronic form - and, therefore, will significantly improve the overall standard of living.

One of the most commonly prescribed drugs at the beginning of the disease is salicylic ointment. It has an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effect, has a keratolytic effect, due to which the plaques are cleared of keratinized particles. Naftalan ointment is also used to reduce itching.

Psoricontrol drops based on mulberry fruits soothe inflamed skin, moisturize it, and relieve puffiness. The composition of the product includes about 30 components that have a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin affected by psoriasis. Among them are native concentrates of chestnut fruits, amaranth seeds, shiitake mushrooms, clover flowers, as well as tar, betulin, stone oil, beaver and badger fat. The drug is used in combination with native oil after coordinating their intake with the attending dermatologist.

At this stage, an integrated approach to treatment is needed, and only an experienced specialist can provide it. Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms and ridding the body of toxins. To normalize metabolic processes, intramuscular injections of calcium gluconate are often prescribed. Sodium thiosulfate relieves inflammation and eliminates the manifestations of intoxication.

To moisturize inflamed skin, special emulsions and salicylic ointment are used. Means containing tar, at a progressive stage, are contraindicated: they act irritatingly and increase the suffering of the patient.

When the intensity of inflammation decreases, physiotherapy procedures can be connected. Patients with psoriasis are shown ultraviolet irradiation, PUVA therapy and paraffin applications. Corticosteroids and cytostatics are not used without special need; these potent drugs are needed only in complex and advanced cases.

To reduce allergic manifestations, antihistamines are prescribed, to reduce nervousness - sedatives. Diuretics help to cope with puffiness of inflamed skin and remove toxins from the body.

At this stage, the inflammation fades, the plaques become covered with a dry crust, therefore, remedies are needed that will alleviate the discomfort from the appearance of scales. These are tar shampoos, oil-based emulsions, calcipotriol (Dyvonex).

In many patients, ultraviolet irradiation and the PUVA technique give a good effect. If there is no improvement, doctors prescribe cytostatics. In especially severe cases, Cyclosporin A helps, which combines cytostatic and immunosuppressant effects in relation to T-lymphocytes.

In the final period of the disease cycle, constant correction of treatment methods is required depending on the current state of the patient. Active therapeutic actions are being replaced by prevention.

The patient receives recommendations for changing the diet and lifestyle in general. In order to avoid the return of skin lesions, it is necessary to avoid stressful situations that trigger the formation of psoriatic plaques.

Rules of nutrition for psoriasis. Autoimmune protocol (AIP).

Patients are allowed to eat:

• bone broth, organic meat, offal;

• fish and seafood;

• algae, with the exception of chlorella and spirulina;

• cruciferous;

• roots;

• berries and fruits;

• healthy fats;

• mushrooms;

• fermented foods;

• green and herbal tea.

From the diet it is necessary to exclude:

• cereals;

• pseudo cereals (amaranth, buckwheat, chia, quinoa);

• alcohol;

• refined sugar;

• coffee (or reduce to a minimum);

• eggs;

• dairy;

• legumes;

• seeds, nuts, oils from them;

• nightshade;

• spices from seeds and nightshade;

• sweetener and sweeteners;

• food additives (emulsifiers, stabilizers, thickeners, etc.).

It is allowed to use in small quantities:

• honey;

• maple syrup;

• dried fruits.

Even with such restrictions, the nutrition of a patient on AIP can be tasty and varied - you just need to show a little imagination and try new combinations. For example, you can make a great alternative to store-bought sweets - coconut cake.

This will require:

• one carrot;

• one tablespoon of coconut flour;

• one tablespoon of gelatin;

• 5 tbsp coconut oil - 5 tbsp

• 100 g of berries;

• a couple of mint stalks;

• 2 tablespoons of coconut paste.

Pre-shredded carrots, flour, gelatin and 1 tbsp. Use a blender to turn a spoonful of coconut oil into a homogeneous mass. Put in a form or on baking paper in a thin layer (no more than 5 mm). Bake at 170 degrees for about an hour, then remove and cool. The remaining coconut oil, berries, mint and paste are also mixed in a blender. Cover the cooled cake with the resulting mass and put in the freezer for 1 hour.

In addition, for the effective treatment of psoriasis, it is very important to remember the beneficial effects of vitamin D. Numerous studies confirm that most patients with this diagnosis and other skin diseases had a lack of calciferol. To achieve maximum effectiveness, the list of prescribed drugs must necessarily include products containing this vitamin.

Vitamin D is synthesized only under the influence of ultraviolet rays - that is, an important condition for its formation is a sufficient amount of sunlight. Features of the climate in the northern hemisphere lead to its insufficient accumulation in the body. You can compensate for the lack of calciferol by adding the following foods to the diet:

• Fish and seafood. Useful dishes from tuna, salmon, herring, eel, as well as caviar and fish oil. In addition to vitamin D, they are rich in beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, known for their anti-inflammatory effect.

• Forest mushrooms. Drying and salting do not reduce their vitamin D content, this allows you to stock up for a year ahead, until the next mushroom season.

• Various herbs. Nettle cabbage soup in summer, dandelion jam in winter, and parsley all year round will help fight its deficiency.

• Vegetable oils. It is more useful to use cold-pressed oils that have not been heat-treated.

4 effective diets for psoriasis

Since we are talking about one of the most common chronic dermatoses, there are a lot of developments by nutritionists aimed at alleviating the condition of patients and preventing new exacerbations. At the same time, the issue of individual selection of therapeutic nutrition comes to the fore: whether this or that diet is suitable for a particular person depends on many factors.

The doctor must take into account the presence of problems with the gastrointestinal tract, allergies and individual intolerance to certain products. In order not to complicate the patient's condition, preliminary tests will be required to identify the body's negative reaction to certain food components.

With the help of the treatment menu, the problem of adjusting the acid-base balance, the most important parameter of homeostasis, is solved.

Alkaline foods should prevail, their share in the daily diet can reach 75%. The rest is acidic - meat, cheese, cereals.

More often than others, specialists prescribe one of four nutrition systems for psoriasis:

1. Hypoallergenic. Foods to which the body is able to respond with exacerbation of skin problems are excluded from the menu. These are citrus fruits, red vegetables and fruits, nuts, chocolate, fish and seafood.

2. Buckwheat. Short-term diet, the duration of which does not exceed two weeks. Buckwheat becomes the basis of the diet, helping to cleanse the body of toxins and thereby prevent exacerbations of the disease. The main ingredient is supplemented with cottage cheese, yogurt, vegetable salads, lean meat, apples.

3. Diet Fire. More often than others, it is prescribed by doctors to restore the acid-base balance. During its development, dermatologist S.M. Ogneva was guided by the principle of competent selection of food products, thanks to which disturbed metabolic processes are restored. The basic rules of nutrition formulated by this doctor look like this: it is necessary to achieve a predominance of an alkaline environment by consuming as many raw fruits and berries as possible, freshly squeezed juices, and mineral water. Under the absolute ban are fatty, fried and alcohol. The diet is based on dietary meat, fish, fresh vegetables, dairy products, cereals.

1. Diet Pegano. The effectiveness of the nutrition system proposed by the American John Pegano is confirmed by numerous positive reviews from patients with psoriasis. This specialist also adheres to the point of view that an alkaline environment is more beneficial for the body than an acid one, and insists on a direct relationship between skin problems and intoxication of the body. His diet involves the gradual elimination of toxins and toxins, the restoration of acid-base balance and the maximum content of nutrients in food with a minimum of calories. At the first stage, it is proposed to stick to a diet consisting only of apples, then natural yogurt is added. On the second, fish, cereals, whole grain bread, root vegetables, green vegetables are already allowed. Under the ban - sugar, smoked meats, canned food, coffee, alcohol, fast food. The third and fourth stages of recovery involve cleansing procedures for the skin and sufficient physical activity, the purpose of which is to prevent damage to the spinal column. Recommended activities include swimming, walking, and aerobics.

Traditional methods of getting rid of psoriasis

• Initial stage.

  At the first signs of skin lesions, juniper and lavender oils are effective. They soothe irritated areas of the dermis, promote the healing of minor injuries, relieve the feeling of tightness. A few drops of oil are added to a cream that is neutral in composition, such as a baby cream, and applied to the rash that has appeared.

   

  Another popular method of dealing with the initial manifestations of psoriasis is the use of 3% hydrogen peroxide. Any measures, even the most harmless at first glance, can be applied after consulting a dermatologist. Changes in nutrition, the rejection of harmful foods and alcohol are also common recommendations of traditional healers.

• Progressive stage.

  At the stage of the rapid development of the disease, an infusion of celandine is added to the healing oils and hydrogen peroxide. To prepare it, you need fresh or dried plant stems and salt water. Alcohol tinctures are contraindicated, they can worsen the condition of the affected skin. It is necessary to insist on celandine for at least several hours, and before applying the healing solution to the plaques, treat them with birch tar.

• stationary stage.

  At the stage of stopping the formation of new papules, you can use proven folk methods that definitely will not harm the patient. These include the use of sulfuric ointment, salicylic solution, and Vishnevsky ointment.

• regressive stage.

  At the final stage of the course of the disease, hirudotherapy (treatment with leeches) is often used. Although this method is not officially recognized by traditional medicine, many experts do not rule out its effectiveness. The procedures are carried out within 3-10 days, depending on the patient's health status.

Psoriasis and psychosomatics

Psychosomatics studies the influence of various psychological factors on the occurrence and course of diseases of the body. Psoriasis, being a chronic dermatosis, is often diagnosed against the background of a person's constant dissatisfaction with their appearance, position in society, personal life, and other psychological reasons. At the same time, the intensity of dermatological manifestations is directly dependent on the degree of dissatisfaction of a person.

Skin lesions almost always indicate a state of anxiety and irritability. Patients even note an increase in bleeding and painful sensations at the moments of greatest nervousness.

At the location of the plaques, it is possible to establish the psychological factors that provoked their appearance:

• psoriatic lesions of the lower and upper extremities speaks of strained relationships in the family, problems with parents or children;

• psoriasis on the head indicates a person's low self-esteem, his feelings regarding social status.

  The influence of stress on the occurrence and development of many diseases has been proven - and psoriasis is no exception. Constant worries and an unstable mental state provoke, in addition, the development of asthma, migraine, atopic dermatitis, multiple sclerosis, and alopecia areata.

Treatment of psoriasis will not bring the desired effect if the patient continues to be in a state of stress. To minimize the negative impact of psychological factors, it is necessary:

• normalize sleep: melatonin synthesized in this case is the main antagonist of cortisol;

• do walking, yoga, stretching - add moderate physical activity;

• join reading or drawing, that is, processes that will distract from unpleasant thoughts;

• rest more;

• change the work schedule in favor of a more gentle one;

• take B vitamins and magnesium;

• meditate regularly.

5 common myths about psoriasis

1. A child cannot get psoriasis. Indeed, adults aged 30 to 50 are more susceptible to this disease, but psoriasis in children also occurs.

2. If you follow hygiene standards and do not contact with patients, there will be no skin problems. Unfortunately, psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, so in this case, keeping the body clean is not a factor excluding the appearance of this disease. At the same time, its non-contagiousness has been absolutely proven - that is, it is simply impossible to get infected by contact with it.

3. If one of the parents suffered from psoriasis, his child will definitely get sick. Although the disease is genetically determined, it is not inherited in 100% of cases. This happens if the desired combination of genes fell out on the dice.

4. Psoriasis is very rare. According to official figures, the disease manifests itself in 3% of the population, that is, more than 200 million people face it. At the same time, the real figures can be much higher, since not all patients with psoriasis seek help from specialists.

1. Psoriasis is incurable, so any therapy is useless. It is really impossible to completely get rid of this disease. However, the quality of life of patients who do not take any measures to alleviate their condition, and patients who follow the recommendations of doctors, is seriously different.

Prevention of psoriasis: how to prevent the development of the disease

• Skin care.

  To minimize the likelihood of psoriatic lesions in the presence of a genetic predisposition, simple ways to maintain healthy skin will help:

  • water and hardening procedures (bathing in the sea, baths with herbal extracts and salts, contrast showers, dousing with cool water in the air, etc.);

  • the use of soft sponges and the rejection of hard washcloths that can damage the skin;

  • the use of detergents, natural in composition, without aggressive chemical components.

  A good effect is given by moisturizing the skin after water procedures with the help of oils, lotions and balms. This prevents excessive moisture loss and restores hydrolipidic metabolism.

• Ultra-violet rays.

  The positive effect of sunlight on skin prone to psoriatic plaques has been proven by several studies. Moderate doses of ultraviolet help accelerate tissue regeneration and reduce inflammation. Abusing sunbathing is not worth it: an excess of rays can provoke an exacerbation of the disease.

   

• Clothing.

  Synthetic fabrics, tight styles, an abundance of belts and fasteners - all this is contraindicated in patients with psoriasis, even in remission. Clothing should be natural, hypoallergenic, loose-fitting, and free from discomfort that could lead to a return of pronounced symptoms. Dark tones should be avoided for aesthetic reasons: on light-colored garments, silver-white scales are less noticeable.

• Injuries.

  For patients with psoriasis, any small wound, scratch, abrasion can cause the return of the progressive stage and secondary infection of the skin. They should take the utmost care to avoid injury.

• Cosmetic and household products.

  Not all means are suitable for maintaining cleanliness for people with such diagnoses. When choosing shower gels, soaps, shampoos, it is important to pay attention to their composition, giving preference to those that contain natural ingredients. It is better to purchase therapeutic series of care products that are sold in pharmacies. Scrubs with solid particles are absolutely contraindicated: they are able to start the disease process again due to the smallest injuries on the skin. Household chemicals should also be selected based on safety for health, do not use aggressive cleaning powders based on chlorine and alkali. When cleaning, gloves must be worn to avoid negative effects on the skin of the hands.

• Vitamin therapy.

  Maintaining a balance of vitamins is indicated for everyone, and especially for people with chronic dermatitis. Complex preparations keep the body in good condition, help it resist viruses and prevent metabolic disorders. Patients with psoriasis can use Decamevit, Hexavit, Undevit or other combinations of vitamins, minerals and trace elements recommended by the attending physician.

9 Final Tips for Those Affected

Yes, you will not be able to completely get rid of psoriasis - take it for granted. Be prepared for the fact that you have to take your body seriously, watch what factors cause an exacerbation, and avoid them as much as possible. Do not bury your head in the sand: there is a problem, but it can be controlled. Keep in touch with your doctor, strictly follow his recommendations, and in time you will learn to understand your body. ⠀

Recall the rules that should become basic for every patient with psoriasis:

1. Removal of inflammation. First aid to the body is the exclusion from the diet of foods that contribute to the development of inflammatory processes of the skin, and the addition of those that help fight them. Use the suggestions above to balance your acid-base balance and correct your polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolism.

2. Compensation for the lack of vitamins and minerals. You need to keep your levels of vitamin D, B vitamins, iron, and protein in the normal range. Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial in terms of suppressing inflammation. The scientific literature describes the results of several studies confirming positive changes after the start of regular consumption of oily fish by patients with psoriasis: salmon, sardines, trout and cod.

3. Competent individual selection of skin care products. Try a shower gel or lotion containing aloe vera extract. Its healing properties are confirmed by numerous reviews of people suffering from dermatoses. The absence of side effects allows the use of products based on this plant even at an advanced stage.

4. Refusal of red meat, fried and spicy foods and alcohol. Violation of the diet leads to an exacerbation of the disease, so it’s better to say to yourself once and for all: “I can’t do this!”.

5. Genetic research. The results of special analyzes will help to find out which hereditary factors provoke the disease. This will allow you to act not by trial and error, but by accurately filling in the identified deficiencies.

6. Digestion and detox control. A lot depends on the health and proper functioning of the intestines. With psoriasis, he needs to pay special attention. High-quality assimilation of the right food and regular disposal of natural waste is a task, the solution of which will minimize the likelihood of exacerbations.

7. Getting rid of stress. Any methods are good, thanks to which you can stop worrying about trifles, attach importance to minor troubles, worry about failures. In most cases, psychologists are faced with far-fetched problems of their patients. Too often we ourselves complicate our attitude to life and reap the inevitable rewards.

1. The autoimmune protocol is not a panacea. An individual approach to the preparation of the diet is important, otherwise even the most strict adherence to the diet will not give results.

2. Appeal to the wisdom of the ancestors. Immersion in the basics of Tibetan medicine and Ayurveda will allow you to get closer to understanding how you live on, what to eat and how to deal with life's troubles.

Psoriasis is not a death sentence, but a very serious reason to reconsider the rules by which you lived before. Competent professionals - dermatologists, nutritionists, therapists - should become your allies on the path of taming the disease. With their help, as well as through a conscious approach to treatment, you can learn to live comfortably, despite your diagnosis.