A complex systemic disease associated with skin lesions is psoriasis. In a healthy body, the cells live for 30-40 days, then they renew. With the development of psoriasis, the life of skin cells is 4-5 days. When they die, skin, plaque, dryness occur. Treating psoriasis in the early stages is always easier, so it is important not to start the disease. Methods of therapy in the progressive phase vary significantly. You will read about treating only the initial stage of psoriasis in the article.
Causes of the disease
In psoriasis, the work of several systems breaks down: endocrine, immune and nervous. By the end, doctors did not find the causes of this disease nor did they invent a cure for psoriasis.
Experts present the following hypotheses for the development of the disease:
- Viral.Retroviruses, which are inherited, can cause psoriasis. In many patients, changes were found in the peripheral lymph nodes, which may indicate the viral nature of the disease.
- Imune.With weakened immunity and impaired defense mechanisms at the cellular level, favorable conditions are created for the progression of psoriasis. Among the causes of the disease is autoimmune aggression, a process in which lymphocytes begin to attack the body's own healthy cells.
- Infectious.Many researchers have looked for psoriasis pathogens. Epidermophytes, spirochetes, streptococci were suspected, but all assumptions remained inaccurate. However, scientists have discovered that infectious diseases: SARS, influenza, tonsillitis are a driving mechanism in the development of psoriasis. In 90% of cases, this disease is associated with tonsillitis.
- Genetic.Psoriasis is transmitted to a child by the parents. 60% of patients have relatives with this skin disease. If a mother or father is diagnosed with psoriasis, then the risk of such a disease in a child increases by 25%, if both parents are ill - by 60%.
- Metabolic.Metabolic disorders (lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals) can cause psoriasis. Patients often have disorders in the functioning of the thyroid gland and other glands of the endocrine system.
Main signs and symptoms
This local disease is not contagious. Skin, nails and hair are damaged. Small rashes appear on the epidermis, in which papules form over time - areas of bright red or pink color that appear on the skin. From above, they are covered with silver scales (plates).
Papules may itch slightly or not at all, the skin is invisible. At first, the size of the affected areas of the skin is 1-2 millimeters, over time, their size is estimated at 10 centimeters or more.
Early stage psoriasis: which parts of the body can be affected by the disease? The main symptoms of the disease of different localization:
- In the head.The scalp is covered with scaly red spots with many scales similar to dandruff. In this case, the hair is not involved in the pathological process. Itching is observed in patients. Skin lesions can spread to the neck and ears.
- In the face. In the initial stage, psoriatic plaque forms on the skin around the eyes, eyelids, nasolabial folds and eyebrows. Sometimes, psoriasis affects the mucous membranes of the mouth, cheeks, lips, tongue, a little more often the contour of the lips.
- On the arm.Single red papules appear on the palms and between the fingers. The back of the hand is affected much less frequently. If spots form on the tips of the fingers, they lose sensitivity over time. Psoriasis can spread to the nails.
- On the elbows.In the initial stage, only elements of psoriasis appear, covered with silvery scales. They then grow on a persistently affected area of skin, from which the scales and a thin film are easily removed. After this action, the affected area takes on a pinkish-red color, drops of blood appear on it.
- At my feet.The skin of the foot and the back of the foot suffers. The symptoms are similar to those that occur with psoriasis of the elbows: in the initial stage, small lesions appear that grow in large areas, a symptom of blood dew is observed.
How and how to treat psoriasis in the initial stage
Cure psoriasis forever - how realistic is it? Unfortunately, so far the answer is disappointing - this autoimmune disease can be corrected, but it is impossible to get rid of it completely.
Treatment of psoriasis in the initial stage gives excellent results and allows you to get rid of the obvious manifestations of pathology. Traditional medicine uses ointments, creams, solutions, therapeutic ultraviolet radiation, systemic treatment of medicines. There are also grandmother's remedies, but they do not give a lasting result.
Hypoallergenic diet
Patients with different types of psoriasis need to learn the basics of an alkaline diet. Patients should eat foods that alkalize the internal environment. Their share should be 65-75%, part of acidic food - 25-35%.
General instructions:
- One third of the diet is raw vegetables and fruits. Include beets, cabbage, carrots, herbs, cucumbers, onions, garlic, celery in the menu.
- Another third of the daily menu for psoriasis are complex carbohydrates and natural sweets in limited quantities. Eat porridge (barley, buckwheat), dried fruits (raisins, dried apricots, dates).
- The last part of the diet is animal and plant proteins. Eat lean meats, fish, peas, beans, seeds, eggs, nuts. Unsaturated fatty acids should also be on the menu.
- Drink at least 7-10 glasses of clean water a day. Alcohol is forbidden.
- For effective treatment, get rid of citrus fruits, fatty dairy and meat products, chocolate, red products. Use honey to a minimum.
- It is important to exclude sweets, spicy, smoked and sour foods from the diet, as they have a bad effect on the skin. The amount of salt should be reduced to a minimum.
Drug therapy
Treatment of psoriasis in the initial stage is successfully performed with the prescription of medication. There are several groups of them.
Local preparations: creams and oils. Medicines consist of water, an emulsifier and oil. They are enough to treat the initial stage of psoriasis.
Ointments are hormonal and non-hormonal. The second group is safer, but not as effective.
Tablet. Treatment of psoriasis with medication is most often used to combat the progressive stage.
Systemic therapy. Its nature (dosage, duration of therapy) is determined only by a physician for the treatment of advanced forms of pathology.
The complex uses:
- vitamins;
- fatty acids;
- hepatoprotectors; immunomodulators
- ;
- anti-allergic agents;
- preparations for removing toxins from the intestines.
Physiotherapy
What is psoriasis and how is it treated? The complexity of the therapy is significant. In the initial stage of psoriasis, it is proper nutrition, use of local medicines and treatment with physiotherapy procedures. The latter aim at:
- reduce CNS excitability;
- normalization of the patient's psychological state;
- itching reduction;
- acceleration of psoriatic papule resorption.
Electric sleep:
- An excellent treatment with a calming effect.
- Due to the full recovery of the body, the papules shrink in size and the disease passes into remission.
- A patient with psoriasis should undergo 8-10 procedures lasting 20-60 minutes.
- In the first sessions, patients fall into a shallow sleep, and then go into deep sleep.
X-ray therapy:
- Affected areas of the skin are treated with X-rays, which accelerate the process of resorption of psoriasis plaques.
- The treatment method involves the use of soft X-rays.
- One session is performed every 4-7 days, total radiation dose is safe (3. 5-4 Gy).
Ultrasound treatment:
- The skin is treated with ultrasound with vibration 800-3000 kHz.
- The procedure eliminates inflammation, itching and pain, reduces sensitivity to allergens and kills bacteria.
- The procedure cycle includes 8-14 sessions, each lasting a quarter of an hour.
Among other physiologically effective methods against psoriasis, it is worth mentioning cryotherapy, immersion in a magnetic field, electric current treatment, laser. Treatment of psoriasis at home can be accompanied by taking baths with sea salt (for 1 liter of water 5 g of salt, temperature - 37-38 ° C, duration 15 minutes, 15-20 daily sessions). With the onset of the disease, it is important to travel to a sanatorium and participate in health programs.
Ultraviolet radiation
Psoriasis is effectively treated by treating the affected areas of the skin with ultraviolet light. The wavelength should be 311-313 nm, but a specialist may recommend a different radiation spectrum. The patient is immersed in a special room equipped with ultraviolet lamps. Before that, he takes photosensitizing drugs that increase the effectiveness of the treatment. An effective method of UV therapy is PUVA therapy. The wavelength is 320-400 nm. In order to achieve a good treatment result, the patient undergoes 25 exposures, due to which 80% of the affected areas disappear.
Effective folk remedies for home treatment
In the early stages of psoriasis, you can use popular recipes:
- Treatment of chicken egg oil. To get half a glass of the product, you need 20 homemade eggs. Boil the product for 15 minutes after boiling. You need yellows. Press them on the grill and fry them in an oil-free pan on low heat for 45 minutes. Transfer the prepared mass to the cheesecloth and squeeze. Oil the affected areas 1-2 times a day until the symptoms of psoriasis are completely eliminated.
- Treatment of the initial stage with a complex oil for psoriasis. Ingredients: 50 grams of birch tar, 20 grams of fat or Vaseline, 10 grams of boric acid, 30 grams of honey, 1 chicken egg white, 10 grams of fish oil. Store in a dark corner. Lubricate the papules 1-2 times a day.
- Treatment with celandine juice. Treat the affected areas of the skin with fresh juice from the roots. This should be done in the initial stage every day throughout the summer for three consecutive seasons.
Features of treatment in children
Do not use folk remedies on a growing body. They are not always effective and delays in this case are completely unacceptable. When the initial stage of psoriasis occurs, parents should refer the child to a dermatologist who will prescribe a comprehensive examination and treatment. If the disease is not widespread, children are prescribed local oils and creams for the skin: keratolytics and anti-inflammatory drugs.
The top layer of psoriasis plaques is removed with the help of tar-sulfuric or salicylic oil. To do this, make a bandage on wet skin with the active agent, which is removed after 3-5 hours. Then the child should take a bath successfully - this will help remove the crusts without pain. The final stage of treatment - glucocorticoid drugs are applied to the skin in a dose prescribed by a doctor. Children are prescribed antihistamines and vitamin complexes.
What does the initial stage of psoriasis look like - photo
The first stage of psoriasis is associated with lesions of certain areas of the body skin.
If you notice redness as in the picture, hurry to the dermatologist. There is no need to hope that the problem will be solved by itself.
This skin disease is complex and requires prompt and comprehensive treatment. The earlier a person goes to a specialist, the more favorable the outcome will be.
Successful therapy leads to quick forgiveness and restoration of quality of life.