Eucalyptus Uses for Skin Care

Psoriasis

Psoriasis : causes of the disease and treatment methods

Psoriasis is a serious illness that every one of us can face. It is important to know about treatment methods to deal with severe symptoms. Next, you will find out what measures should be taken in case of psoriasis.

Material content

What is psoriasis?

Types of Psoriasis

Symptoms of Psoriasis

Is psoriasis contagious?

How is psoriasis diagnosed?

What are the options for treating psoriasis?

What medications are prescribed for the treatment of psoriasis?

What kind of diet should people with psoriasis eat?

What are the nuances of life with psoriasis?

How to cope with psoriasis using home remedies?

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes rapid accumulation of skin cells. Typical psoriatic particles are whitish in color and appear on thick red spots that can crack and bleed. As a rule, skin cells grow deep in the skin and slowly rise to the surface. A typical skin cell life cycle is one month. In people with psoriasis, this process can occur in just a few days, and this is what leads to the accumulation of particles.

Psoriasis can develop on any part of the body, including:

• arms;

• legs;

• neck;

• torso;

• face.

Less common types of psoriasis affect the nails, mouth, and the area around the genitals. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the appearance of psoriasis is associated with such factors:

• type 2 diabetes;

• inflammatory bowel disease;

• heart disease;

• psoriatic arthritis.

Types of Psoriasis

There are five types of psoriasis:

• Common psoriasis

This species is the most common type of psoriasis. About 80% of patients suffer from ordinary psoriasis. It causes red, inflamed spots that cover patches of skin. These spots are often covered with white scales, which are usually found on the elbows, knees and scalp.

• Teardrop-shaped psoriasis

Teardrop-shaped psoriasis is common in young children. This type of psoriasis causes small pink spots. The most common places include the torso, arms and legs. These spots are rarely thick or convex.

• Pustular psoriasis

Pustular psoriasis is more common in adults. It causes white, pus-filled blisters and wide areas of red, inflamed skin. Pustular psoriasis is usually localized in small areas of the body, such as the arms or legs, but it can be widespread.

• Psoriasis of flexor surfaces (reverse psoriasis)

Reverse psoriasis causes bright areas of red, inflamed skin. Spots of reverse psoriasis develop near the armpits, genitals, and inner thighs. It can also affect the abdomen and piles in women.

• Erythrodermic psoriasis

Erythrodermic psoriasis is a severe and very rare type of psoriasis. This form often covers immediately large areas of the body. A person with this type of psoriasis often has a fever or is seriously ill. This type can be life threatening.

Symptoms of Psoriasis

Symptoms of psoriasis vary from person to person and depend on the type of psoriasis. The most common are:

• red, raised, inflamed areas of the skin;

• whitish scales on red spots;

• dry skin that can bleed;

• sore spots;

• itching and burning sensations around the spots;

• painful, swollen joints.

Most people with psoriasis go through all the “cycles” of symptoms. The condition can cause severe symptoms for several days or weeks, and then they can disappear and become almost invisible. Then, after a few weeks, or if the condition worsens with a normal psoriasis trigger, the condition may worsen again. Sometimes the symptoms of psoriasis disappear completely. When you do not have active signs of the disease, you may be in a state of “remission”.

Is psoriasis contagious?

Psoriasis is not contagious. You cannot transfer skin condition from one person to another. Touching psoriatic damage to another person will not lead to the development of this disease.

What causes psoriasis?

Doctors cannot pinpoint what causes psoriasis. However, thanks to decades of research, they have a common understanding of two key factors: genetics and the immune system.

• The immune system

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune conditions are the result of an attack by the body on itself. In the case of psoriasis, white blood cells known as T cells mistakenly attack skin cells.

In a typical organism, white blood cells are used to attack and destroy invading bacteria and fight infections. This erroneous attack accelerates the production of skin cells. They are pushed to the surface of the skin, where they accumulate.

• Genetics

If you have a close relative with a skin condition, your risk of developing psoriasis is higher. However, the percentage of people with psoriasis and a genetic predisposition is small. Approximately 2 to 3 percent experience this disease.

How is psoriasis diagnosed?

• Physical examination

Most doctors can be diagnosed with a simple physical examination. The symptoms of psoriasis are usually obvious and can be easily distinguished from other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.

During this examination, be sure to show your doctor all the problem areas. Also, tell your doctor if any of your loved ones have suffered from this condition.

• Biopsy

If the symptoms are unclear or if your doctor wants to confirm your suspected diagnosis, he may take a small sample of the skin. This is known as a biopsy. The skin will be sent to a laboratory where it will be examined under a microscope.

What are the triggers of psoriasis?

External triggers can trigger a new attack of psoriasis. These triggers are not the same for everyone. They can also change over time. The most common options include:

• Stress. High levels of stress can cause an outbreak of psoriasis. If you learn to reduce and cope with your experiences, you can prevent the onset of the disease.

• Alcohol. Heavy drinking can cause outbreaks of psoriasis. Reducing alcohol consumption is not only good for your skin. Your doctor can help you make an alcohol cessation plan if you need help.

• Injury. A cut or scratch can cause psoriasis. Injections, vaccines and sunburns also affect your skin condition.

• Medications. Some drugs are considered triggers of psoriasis. These include: lithium, anti-malarial drugs, drugs against high blood pressure.

• Infection. Psoriasis is caused, at least in part, by an immune system that mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells. If you get sick or are struggling with an infection, your immune system will be overloaded to fight the infection. This can lead to another outbreak of psoriasis. Sore throat is a common trigger.

What are the options for treating psoriasis?

Psoriasis is not treatable. The procedures are aimed at reducing inflammation, slowing the growth of skin cells and removing particles. Psoriasis treatment is divided into three categories:

• Local procedures

Creams and ointments applied directly to the skin can help reduce mild to moderate psoriasis. These psoriasis treatments include corticosteroids, retinoids, vitamin D analogues, and moisturizers.

• Systemic medicines

People with moderate to severe psoriasis, as well as those who respond poorly to other treatments, may need to take oral or injectable drugs. Many of them have serious side effects. Doctors usually prescribe them for short periods of time. These medications include: methotrexate, cyclosporine (sandimun), biologics, retinoids.

• Phototherapy

This psoriasis treatment uses ultraviolet (UV) or natural light. Sunlight kills overactive white blood cells that attack healthy skin cells and cause rapid cell growth.

What medications are prescribed for the treatment of psoriasis?

If you have moderate or severe psoriasis, or psoriasis stops responding to other treatments, your doctor may consider taking oral or injectable medications. The most common drugs include:

• Biologics

This class of medication modifies your immune system and prevents the interaction between your immune system and inflammatory pathways. These drugs are administered intravenously.

• Retinoids

Retinoids reduce the production of skin cells. Once you stop using them, the symptoms of psoriasis are more likely to return. Side effects include hair loss and lip inflammation. Pregnant women and those who can or plan to have a baby over the next three years should not take retinoids because of the risk of possible birth defects.

• Cyclosporin

Cyclosporin prevents the immune system from reacting, which weakens it, making it easier for you to get sick. Side effects include kidney problems and high blood pressure.

• Methotrexate

Like cyclosporine, methotrexate suppresses the immune system. This can cause fewer side effects when used in low doses, but can lead to serious side effects in the long run. After prolonged use, liver damage and decreased production of red and white blood cells may occur.

What kind of diet should people with psoriasis eat?

Food cannot cure psoriasis, but proper nutrition helps reduce symptoms. These five changes can reduce exacerbations.

• weight loss

If you are overweight, losing weight can reduce the severity of the condition. Losing weight can also make treatment more effective. It is unclear how weight interacts with psoriasis, so even if your symptoms remain unchanged, weight loss is still good for your overall health.

• Follow a healthy diet for the heart

Reduce your intake of saturated fats. They are found in animal products such as meat and dairy products. Increase your intake of lean proteins that contain omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, sardines and shrimp. Plant sources of omega-3s include walnuts, flax seeds, and soybeans.

• Avoid trigger products

Psoriasis causes inflammation. Some products also cause this condition. Refusing these products may improve symptoms. These products include: red meat, refined sugar, processed foods, dairy products.

• Drink less alcohol

Alcohol consumption may increase the risk of an outbreak of psoriasis. Reduce the amount of alcoholic beverages or completely abandon them. If you have problems drinking alcohol, your doctor can help you make a treatment plan.

• Consider taking vitamins

Ask your doctor if you need to take vitamins in addition to your diet. If yes, then specify the dosage and name of the drugs.

What are the nuances of life with psoriasis?

Living with psoriasis can be difficult, but with the right approach, you can reduce your outbreaks and live a healthy, fulfilling life.

• Nutrition

Losing weight and maintaining a healthy diet can help alleviate and reduce the symptoms of psoriasis. This includes a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, whole grains and plants. You should also limit foods that can increase inflammation.

There is unconfirmed evidence that eating solanaceous fruits and vegetables can cause symptoms of psoriasis. These fruits and vegetables include tomatoes, as well as potatoes, eggplant, paprika and cayenne pepper.

• Stress

Stress is a recognized trigger for psoriasis. Stress management can help reduce outbreaks and alleviate symptoms. Try the following relaxation methods: meditation, diary, deep breathing, yoga.

• Emotional health

People with psoriasis are more likely to experience problems with depression. You may feel less confident due to skin problems. Talk with family members about how psoriasis affects you. Contact a psychologist for help or sign up for a support group.

How to cope with psoriasis using home remedies?

These products will make your skin moisturized and reduce redness.

• Apple vinegar. This is more than just a salad dressing. Apply a little on the head several times a week to cope with itching. Wash it off after drying to prevent irritation. And do not try to do this if your scalp is bleeding or cracking. Vinegar will aggravate the pain.

• Fresh air. Spend more time outdoors. The sun's rays can help in the fight against psoriasis. Sunbathe for 5-10 minutes a day and use sunscreen in places without psoriasis.

• Bath with sea salt. Add salt to the bath and soak the damaged skin for 15 minutes. Then apply a moisturizer.

• Turmeric. Studies show that this spice can reduce psoriasis outbreaks. Add turmeric to a variety of dishes, ranging from smoothies to soups.

• Tea tree oil. Shampoos with this ingredient can help with scalp psoriasis, although more research is needed. This product is sold in a pharmacy and can be used in other areas of the skin.

• Oats. This is a natural way to soothe your skin. Put the oatmeal in the bath and place the damaged area of ​​skin on it. Just make sure the water is warm, not hot, to avoid irritation.

• Cling film. Apply cream to your skin before going to bed and cover the area with plastic wrap. Then add a layer of tight clothing such as gloves or socks. The idea is to seal the moisturizer during sleep and allow the skin to absorb it.

• Omega-3 fatty acids. They fight inflammation, and you can find them in oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines. You can also buy fish oil supplements.

• Mediterranean diet. In this nutrition plan, the focus is on fish, vegetables and fruits, as well as whole grains. A little research shows that this can alleviate your symptoms.

• Aloe vera. Studies show that this plant can reduce your symptoms. Use odorless gel.

Now you know what psoriasis is and how to cope with its symptoms.