Medicines for psoriasis that quickly relieve redness and plaques

Causes

This disease is one of the most incomprehensible. To date, it has been proven that the development of vulgar psoriasis is influenced by:

• Hereditary predisposition;
• Immune system dysfunctions;
• The presence of trigger factors: acute, chronic infections and diseases, including diseases of the digestive system;
• Intoxication.

To date, scientists and dermatologists have not reached a consensus regarding the factors that cause plaque psoriasis. There are several theories about what may cause this most common type of illness.

Some experts believe that chronic dermatosis is a genetic disease. It can be caused by a certain set of genes passed on from parents to children. Moreover, the greatest likelihood of the disease occurring is in the second, fifth and sixth generations.

The plaque form of psoriasis has several reasons for its development:

• hereditary predisposition;
• pathologies of the endocrine system;
• impaired metabolism;
• frequent effects on the body of stress, depressive states.

In addition, there are factors that indirectly affect the development of this disease. These include:

• mechanical and chemical skin injuries;
• infectious diseases;
• hormonal imbalance;
• diabetes;
• deficiency of certain vitamins and minerals in the body;
• smoking, alcohol abuse.

Causes

The exact cause of the disease has not been established to date. However, there are known risk factors for psoriasis on the hands and other areas of the body:

1. People with dry skin are more susceptible to the disease.
2. Hereditary predisposition plays a role.
3. Some medications increase the risks: antidepressants, sedatives, anticonvulsants.
4. The likelihood of psoriasis is higher in the presence of thyroid pathologies.
5. Another risk factor is the presence of mechanical injuries on the skin, such as cuts, scratches, and so on.

Important! The risk of psoriasis increases in those who smoke, drink alcohol excessively, have a poor diet and are overweight.

Below you can watch a video about the causes of psoriasis:

How to distinguish psoriasis vulgaris from other skin diseases

Without sufficient experience in diagnosing skin diseases, psoriasis can be confused with many other ailments, primarily with eczema, which has very similar external signs. Plaque psoriasis has the following distinctive features:

• At the sites of skin lesions, silvery-white peeling is observed.
• Under the scales there is a smooth surface.
• When the last flaky layer is removed, droplets of blood appear on the affected areas.

In this case, the patient most often experiences constant itching in places where psoriatic plaques develop; it decreases only after the start of treatment.

Clinical picture

The first manifestations indicating the onset of the disease are reddish rashes on the skin. Their diameter can range from 1 to 10 mm.

The first papules usually form on the inside of the elbow, in the lower back, on the palms and soles. If treatment is not started at this point, the papules continue to increase in size and gradually unite.

As a result, quite extensive inflamed areas with clear edges - plaques - form on the skin. Most often they have a regular round shape.

At this stage, you can distinguish common plaque dermatosis from other skin diseases as follows: you need to scrape off the top layer of plaques and determine the presence of its three main signs:

1. With psoriasis, silvery-white scales remain under the top removed layer.
2. After removing the scales, the surface becomes smooth.
3. Removing the very last layer causes the symptom of blood dew - small droplets of blood appear on the surface of the skin.

What to do if the plaque on your arm itches?

Despite the importance of examination by a doctor, many patients quite often ignore the appearance of individual plaques on the surface of their own body. When they start to itch, people use a variety of methods to combat the itch. The following remedies may be effective:

• Cold. Using a washcloth soaked in cold water or taking an appropriate shower can help relieve the annoying itching.
• Antihistamines (Diazolin, Suprastin, Loratidine and others). Block the action of histamine and eliminate itching.
• Hormonal ointments. Suppress the inflammatory process in the affected area. Effectively fight itching.

Types of manifestations of psoriasis

Plaque or vulgar psoriasis is distinguished by the stage of development and form of progression. The first category implies a division into three periods:

• Progressive or acute - observed during periods of exacerbation or at the very beginning of the development of the disease. It is characterized by the appearance of new plaques and the growth of previously appeared plaques.
• Stationary – characterized by a constant location and unchanged size of plaques.
• Regressive - observed with proper treatment, characterized by a sharp decrease in the area of ​​the lesion until the complete disappearance of the lesions.

Depending on the form of the course, mild, moderate and severe forms are stated, in which the degree of damage to the skin varies (from 3 to 10% or more). It is worth noting that the last two forms are observed only in the absence of treatment of the first stage or if there are constant provoking factors.

Other types of plaques

There are many factors other than cholesterol problems that can cause skin plaques to form at any age.

Medicine knows different types of plaques depending on the reasons that provoked their occurrence.

Fibroepithelial nevus

This spherical benign neoplasm, soft, protruding significantly above the skin level, with a diameter of no more than 1.5 cm, can be congenital or appear in childhood. The pigmentation of the nevus is different - pink, brown, bluish. The formation of melanoma is not dangerous, it causes only aesthetic inconvenience, and therefore most often must be removed.

Papillomas

The medical community holds the theory that the cause of these skin plaques is infection with the human papilloma virus.

Papillomas - convex neoplasms in the form of papillae, bumps protruding above the skin - in most cases vary in color from white to dark brown. Depending on the type (strain) of the virus, they are distinguished by more than a hundred types, but the following are most widespread:

• Pineal, or vulgar, are most often found on the hands and knees.
• Plantars are localized on the soles.
• Thread-like or acrochords are common on the neck, in the armpit, and under the chest.
• Basal cell - a fibroepithelial formation that looks like a rough compaction, found on the outer open areas of the skin of the arms, neck, and back.

Diagnosis of papillomas is made by a dermatologist, but sometimes a consultation with an oncologist is necessary to exclude the possibility of oncological development of a lump. Preventive measures are being developed, treatment is aimed at strengthening the immune system, suppressing the virus, and only the doctor makes the decision to remove papillomas.

Stages of plaque psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis is differentiated depending on the area of ​​the lesion, the speed of development and the severity of general symptoms.

• Mild degree: the extent of affected areas covers up to 3% of the body. Although the area of ​​plaques may increase, the process subsequently stops, the rash becomes ring-shaped and disappears.
• Moderate (plaque) grade: plaques cover 10% of the skin. Papules, increasing in size, merge together, forming extensive inflammation and forming large plaques with scales. The affected areas are the areas above the knees and elbow joints, the lumbosacral region, feet, palms, and skin under the hair. The formations can have a color from pale pink to bright red. Externally, they are covered with grayish-whitish scales. Rashes in the present stage, when scratched or other provoking factors, occupy significant areas of the body.
• The severe form with 10% of skin lesions is characterized by the presence of plaques of significant size and irregular shapes. Plaques spread to the face, neck and limbs. With a long course of this form, which is called common, the affected areas become denser and swell. This is very noticeable in the lumbosacral region and on the buttocks. The disease progresses to the following, pustular, arthropathic form or psoriatic erythoderma with damage to the nails.

There are three stages of the psoriatic process:

• Active stage;
• Stationary;
• Regression.

The most common vulgar dermatosis has three stages: acute, stationary and regressive:

1. During the acute period, the disease progresses: a papular rash appears, individual rashes merge into plaques, and the skin begins to peel off at the affected sites.
2. The stationary period is characterized by intense peeling of the affected areas. A folded stratum corneum (the so-called Vorontsov's rim) forms around the plaques.
3. At the stage of remission, plaques are eliminated independently; the skin at the site of which quite often has disturbed pigmentation.

During vulgar psoriasis there are three stages:

1. Progressive.
2. Stationary.
3. Regressive.

Each of them has its own specifics.

Forms of psoriasis

Psoriasis on the hands has various forms and localization:

ON THE FINGERS. With the development of this form, peeling first appears in the affected areas (pictured), which subsequently become inflamed. As a rule, psoriatic symptoms worsen in the autumn-winter period. If psoriasis is not treated, complications can occur.

ON THE BRUSHES. This form of psoriasis occurs in only 25% of patients. The signs of the disease are similar to those on the fingers, however, during the pathological process, the skin on the hands becomes coarser and a hyperemic formation appears, resembling a callus, which itches and itches greatly, creating discomfort for the patient.

PALMAL-PLANTAL SHAPE. This type of psoriasis most often occurs only in those patients whose activities are associated with increased physical activity. The symptoms of this form develop with the appearance of small papules, which are covered with silvery scales and can subsequently merge into single cracking psoriatic plaques. The most common plaque-fan-shaped psoriasis occurs on the palms of the hands. With further development of the pathological process, symptoms of psoriasis can be observed on the lateral surfaces of the palms. Psoriasis on the palms is accompanied by painful itching, which leads the patient to the development of neuroses and insomnia.

ARTHROPATHIC PSORIASIS. This is one of the most severe forms of psoriasis, accompanied by joint damage (pictured). First, the interphalangeal wrist joints are affected, then larger joints are involved in the process. Often joint pain may appear even before the onset of papular rashes. Often the patient has pain. There are no psoriatic rashes.

BARBER'S PSORIASIS (PUSTULUS). Pustular psoriasis of the palms and soles develops as a result of various infections, stressful situations, and hormonal imbalances in the body. Superficial pustular rashes (pictured) appear against the background of psoriatic plaques, which have clear boundaries. Most often, the rash is localized on the eminence of the thumb and little finger. There is no deterioration in the patient's general condition. This form of the disease is characterized by frequent relapses, so Barber psoriasis is very difficult to cure.

PSORIATIC ERYTHRODERMA. In some cases, with an exacerbation of the usual form of psoriasis on the hands, as a result of exposure to irritating factors, psoriatic erythroderma (pictured) may appear, in which psoriatic lesions are observed not only in the hands, but throughout the body. The affected areas become dense, hyperemic with scaly rashes of varying sizes. The patient may experience hyperthermia, lymphadenitis and a sharp deterioration in the general condition of the body.

Symptoms

Diagnosis of a simple form of the disease described is carried out when three symptoms appear and is carried out using a scalpel or other object that resembles it:

• Symptom of a “stearin stain”: when scraped, the scales are separated by shavings that resemble stearin;
• The presence of a terminal film, manifested by the opening of wet areas when scraped;
• Presence of droplets of blood when damaged.

In severe forms of the disease, changes are detected in blood tests (leukocytosis and increased ESR), which indicates biochemical and endocrine pathologies.

The disease generally develops gradually, although an acute onset is possible. The first manifestations of simple psoriasis are the appearance of pink or red papular rashes on the skin.

These are dense limited nodules that rise above the surface of the skin, covered with grayish-white scales on top. Peeling may not be observed on all elements, but it is easily detected when scraping the surface of the papules.

The rashes are not abundant and are localized in the same areas for a long time. This could be the skin over large joints, the scalp, etc.

The disease can have varying degrees of severity. Their determination is based on a number of factors:

• affected areas;
• degree of activity of the pathological process;
• the presence of general symptoms: fatigue, increased ESR, increased uric acid levels.

In the case of a mild course, when the affected areas occupy up to 3% of the skin, the rash increases slightly in size, after which the pathological process stops and the rash begins to gradually disappear: the central part of the papules turns pale, then they acquire a ring-shaped shape and soon become completely invisible.

With moderate severity of the lesion, the number of rashes increases, psoriatic elements spread to 3-10% of the skin. Primary papules gradually increase in size, are located in groups, merge with neighboring ones, resulting in the formation of large plaques with a scaly surface.

A plaque form of vulgar psoriasis develops. Most often, the affected areas are the areas above the elbow and knee joints, the extensor surfaces of the upper and lower extremities, and the lumbosacral area.

Plaques can also be located on other areas, including the scalp, plantar surface of the feet, and palms.

The color of psoriatic lesions varies from pale pink to deep red, and their surface is covered with grayish-white scales. As a result of exposure to provoking factors - microtraumas, scratching, poor nutrition - the rashes spread over large areas. Exacerbation of psoriasis often occurs in winter.

When the affected area is more than 10% of the entire skin, we are talking about a severe course of ordinary psoriasis, which is called widespread. In this case, plaques often acquire irregular, bizarre shapes, spreading to the lower and upper limbs, torso, neck and face.

With a long course of widespread vulgar psoriasis, pathological elements often swell and thicken, especially when located in the lumbar and gluteal regions. Factors such as severe stress, severe infection, an allergic reaction to medications can cause a significant spread of the psoriatic process and the sudden appearance of itchy, swollen, bright red elements over the entire surface of the skin.

In the absence of treatment or improper therapy, the pathology progresses. Psoriasis can take a chronic course, but in most cases it occurs in waves: relapses are followed by periods of remission.

In some cases, the disease may progress to a severe form: arthropathic, pustular or psoriatic erythroderma. It is also possible to develop psoriatic onychodystrophy, accompanied by damage to the fingernails or toenails.

The presence of obesity, immune and endocrine disorders in the patient can cause the plaques to ooze, with the scales becoming yellowish-gray in color and greasy, and can stick together and stick to the surface, forming psoriatic crusts.

The so-called exudative form of widespread psoriasis develops. It is often diagnosed in older people and children, as well as in people who work outside during the cold season.

Vulgar plaque psoriasis usually begins to develop gradually. In this case, small red areas of a papular nature appear on the body. In appearance, these spots resemble small nodules that are covered with gray scales.

Such rashes can appear only on certain areas of the skin, such as the elbows, back or legs, or spread throughout the body. In addition, they can merge with each other, forming large plaques.

Plaques due to lipid metabolism disorders

Plaques or xanthomas are one of the manifestations of lipid metabolism disorders, hyperlipidemia.

External specific differences in plaques are due to various pathologies and internal negative changes.

There are five types of cutaneous manifestations of hyperlipidemia:

• Eruptive xanthoma is localized on the buttocks and thighs.
• Tuberous xanthoma is localized on the elbows, buttocks, fingers, and knees.
• Tendon xanthoma – affects the tendon areas.
• Xanthelasma is localized on the upper part of the eyelid, at the inner corner of the eye.
• Flat xanthoma appears in skin folds.

Causes of plaques

Skin plaques can be diagnosed in all social and age groups of the population; the most common cases of their appearance are possible during the period of hormonal changes in the body (childhood and adolescence, pregnancy, menopause).

Fat metabolism disorders can be primary or secondary. Unreasonable excess of the normal level of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood is considered the primary form of hyperlipidemia. Often the primary form is explained by genetic diseases and hereditary predisposition.

The secondary form of hyperlipidemia develops against the background of acquired diseases:

• Diabetes mellitus, pancreatitis.
• Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, uremia.
• Liver damage, cirrhosis.
• Cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerotic changes in blood vessels.
• Lymphomas.
• Lupus erythematosus.
• Alcoholism.

Concomitant factors for increased levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood plasma are:

• Overweight, obesity.
• Eating disorders, neglect of dietary products, intake of food rich in animal fats.
• Stress, overwork.
• Physical inactivity, lack of active movement.

Diagnosis, treatment of the disease

Plaques on the skin are not only a cosmetic defect of the skin, they are a sign of pathology, therefore diseases identified on the basis of diagnostics prescribed by a specialist are subject to treatment. Laboratory tests of blood and urine are usually performed, and if necessary, a biopsy of the contents of the plaque is performed.

Therapy is selected in a comprehensive manner: this includes drug treatment and adjustments to lifestyle and nutrition.

Drug treatment is indicated for patients to normalize fat metabolism and visceral disorders. Drugs from the following groups are prescribed:

• Statins.
• Fibrates.
• B vitamins.
• Aspirin drugs.
• Antidepressants.

Surgical removal of large tumors and cauterization of small plaques with high-frequency alternating current—diathermocoagulation—are also applicable.

The diet selected by a specialist individually for each patient is important.

In any case, foods that lower cholesterol levels should be present on the table: garlic, carrots, tomatoes, grapefruit, peas, as well as fatty fish rich in Omega-3 amino acids.

Phytotherapy

Additionally, to combat hyperlipidemia, it is possible and desirable to use herbal medicine; it is important to remember that any herbal remedy or herbal collection is recommended for use over a long period of time. Traditional medicine works quickly, but has dangerous side effects. At the same time, herbal medicines act gently and gradually restore health to the internal organs. Herbalists recommend using plants that will help cleanse blood vessels and restore their elasticity, restore normal blood flow, and reduce hypercholesterolemia. For this purpose, you can consider decoctions, infusions and tinctures of licorice root, pink clover, blue cyanosis, red rowan, and calendula.

An excellent remedy, also accepted by traditional doctors, is a mixture prepared according to the recipe:

1. 100 ml lemon juice (scroll the lemons through a meat grinder along with the skins, squeeze).
2. Add 200 grams of honey and 50 grams of olive oil.
3. You need to take 1 tablespoon of the mixture in the morning on an empty stomach.

A very interesting Tibetan recipe for vascular rejuvenation, which uses a tincture of garlic prepared in the autumn with alcohol:

1. 200 grams of chopped garlic is poured with 200 ml of medical alcohol.
2. Infuse in a dark place for 10 days, then filter the tincture.
3. Take 5 drops per 1 tablespoon of milk three times a day with meals.

It is recommended to include raw plants in your diet:

• Dandelion, from the fresh leaves of which salads are prepared, from the flower heads you can make jam for tea, and the dried and crushed roots of the plant in powder form are taken before meals at any time of the year.
• Celery of all types, root, petiole. Serve as salads, add to soups and vegetable stews.

Forecast, prevention

Plaques on the skin are not life-threatening, but with a chronic course of the disease and further progression of atherosclerotic changes in the coronary vessels, the prognosis is questionable.

Preventative measures for the appearance of plaques are: taking medications recommended by a doctor, following a diet, and an active healthy lifestyle.

Diagnostics

As a rule, making a diagnosis of chronic plaque psoriasis is not problematic and is based on characteristic external signs. There are no blood tests or diagnostic procedures specifically designed for this disease.

With a progressive stage or extensive form of plaque psoriasis, it is possible to detect abnormalities in blood tests, on the basis of which the presence of an autoimmune, inflammatory, rheumatic process (leukocytosis, increased ESR, etc.) and endocrine and biochemical disorders are revealed.

To exclude other dermatological diseases and verify the diagnosis, a skin biopsy is sometimes performed. This reveals:

• thickening of the layer of keratocytes, their immaturity;
• symptoms of increased proliferation of keratocytes and immunocompetent cells;
• massive infiltration of damaged skin with T-lymphocytes, dendritic cells, macrophages;
• acceleration of angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels) in the skin layer under psoriatic plaques.

How is psoriasis treated?

There are many successfully used methods for treating this pathology, which depend on the degree of development of the disease and concomitant diseases. The issue of hospitalization is decided individually.

Celandine: There are several options for using this plant to treat psoriasis.

1. Pure juice: a summer option, when the raw materials are always fresh. The affected areas are simply lubricated with the juice released when the stem is broken.
2. Ointment: year-round remedy. You just need to mix the dried herb powder with Vaseline in a 1:1 ratio, and then apply the mixture to the plaques. Vaseline can be replaced with baby cream.

Elecampane: tincture from its roots is especially effective for psoriasis. To prepare it, the root is crushed and poured with vodka (ratio 1:5). The infusion is kept for a week without access to light. Applied in the morning and evening, it may cause a strong burning sensation, but this is normal. In addition, a decoction can be prepared from elecampane for internal use.

Chaga: otherwise - birch mushroom. Suitable for making ointments and tinctures for psoriasis, since it contains biologically active substances in large quantities. To prepare the infusion you will need about 100 grams of mushroom. The raw material is filled with water (1 liter; hot, but not boiling water) and left overnight.

Since modern medicine does not have the means to completely eliminate the disease, treatment is primarily aimed at relieving symptoms and prolonging periods of remission. The therapeutic regimen is selected individually for each patient, taking into account the degree of damage to the skin, the presence of functional changes in internal organs, and the individual characteristics of the body.

The set of measures includes drug treatment with means for internal and external use, nutrition correction, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

The following remedies are used to eliminate symptoms:

• drugs with antihistamine action to relieve skin itching and swelling;
• vitamin complexes to provide the body with all the necessary vitamins and microelements;
• sedatives that calm the nervous system with constant skin itching and discomfort;
• ointments and creams for external use (their composition may include hormones, absorbable substances, extracts from medicinal plants and other natural ingredients).

The complex use of products allows you to relieve inflammation, speed up the healing of the skin, get rid of plaques and prolong remission.

In severe cases of the disease and large areas of damage, treatment may include taking cytostatics. The action of these drugs is aimed at suppressing the immune system, as a result of which the epidermal cells are perceived as foreign to the body and are rejected.

Due to the high toxicity of cytostatics and the presence of many side effects, treatment is carried out in a hospital under the constant supervision of medical staff.

A good therapeutic effect is achieved by irradiating the affected areas with ultraviolet light. For minor skin changes, 10-20 procedures are sufficient to eliminate plaques.

It is recommended to supplement the treatment with diet therapy: completely eliminate spicy, fatty and fried foods, dairy products with a high percentage of fat from the diet, and instead introduce more fresh vegetables and fruits, cereals, and lean meats.

Currently, many methods are used to treat psoriasis vulgaris. The question of the need to place a patient in a hospital, the choice of a regimen, specific drugs, their doses and other details are made on an individual basis, taking into account the severity and prevalence of the process, the presence of concomitant diseases, contraindications, etc.

Inpatient therapy

Indications for treatment of the disease in a hospital are:

• Widespread psoriasis in severe form: the presence of profuse itchy rashes, areas of exudation that increase the risk of secondary infection, symptoms of general intoxication of the body (weakness, headaches, fever), systemic disorders.
• Ineffectiveness of outpatient treatment, continued progression of the disease.
• Period of exacerbation.

Inpatient treatment for common psoriasis includes:

• detoxification of the body;
• systemic administration of medications;
• local therapy.

For high blood pressure, intramuscular administration of magnesium sulfate is prescribed.

In the exudative form of widespread psoriasis, the patient is administered diuretics.

In case of severe itching and a tendency to allergies, it is advisable to use antihistamines: Tavegil, Suprastin, Diphenhydramine.

It should be said right away that with the development of plaque psoriasis, treatment is primarily aimed at eliminating the symptoms, that is, eliminating the cosmetic defect. This disease cannot be treated and it is completely impossible to get rid of it. But you can extend the remission stage if you follow all the doctor’s recommendations.

Treatment for plaque psoriasis typically includes:

• elimination of chronic foci of infection with the help of antibacterial drugs;
• the use of sedatives, which will help increase the body's resistance to stress;
• use of ointments for external use based on zinc;
• taking multivitamin complexes;
• adherence to a therapeutic diet that completely excludes from the patient’s diet foods that can cause an exacerbation of the disease (canned food, smoked meats, spices, fatty and fried foods, milk, etc.).

In addition, physiotherapeutic procedures are prescribed that promote rapid restoration and cleansing of the skin. In this case, PUVA therapy and selective phototherapy are the most effective.

All this can be complemented by medicinal baths, which are prepared using soothing and aseptic herbs, such as chamomile or calendula. You need to take them several times a week. At the same time, you should not use washcloths, which can easily injure the skin.

Treatment of psoriasis is a long and labor-intensive process. Yes, it is completely impossible to get rid of it, but if you make an effort, you can significantly alleviate the course of the disease and prevent its further progression.

Video about the treatment of plaque psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis is not treated in one week, and sometimes it can take six months or more to improve the condition. The main actions are:

• general therapy;
• local therapy;
• physiotherapy.

General therapy involves taking the following categories of drugs:

• immunosuppressants;
• retinoids or vitamin A derivatives;
• drugs that inhibit the growth of atypical cells in the body (often used in the treatment of cancer).

Local treatment involves the use of the following drugs:

• non-hormonal ointments (sulfuric, salicylic, naphthalene, etc.);
• hormonal compounds (glucocorticosteroids);
• gels and creams with a moisturizing effect.

Physiotherapeutic treatment:

• PUVA therapy;
• selective phototherapy;
• laser irradiation of the skin;
• treatment with an electrosleep device;
• magnetic therapy;
• hyperthermia;
• monochromatic ultraviolet radiation.

Also, for this form of the disease, a special

, which involves eating fruits, vegetables, natural juices, lean meats, non-red berries, fermented milk products, seaweed, lean fish, and herbs.

People diagnosed with plaque psoriasis are strictly contraindicated from eating smoked foods, spices, spicy foods, pork, duck, red fish, baked goods, etc.

With timely treatment and maintenance of the condition, the patient can get rid of symptoms and maintain an optimal comfortable state.

Despite the fact that psoriasis is a chronic disease, few people succeed in getting rid of it; treatment must be carried out regularly, depending on the dynamics of the disease itself, using various means.