Psoriasis, which is also called scaly lichen, is a skin disease, and the nature of its end has not been studied by scientists. Large spots of bright red color are most often localized on the elbows, knees, scalp. Plaques can be located on the face, as well as on the palms and soles (palmar-plantar psoriasis) - treatment, however, in all cases is made according to a similar pattern.
Scheme of treatment of psoriasis
Therapy is aimed at reducing the manifestation of symptoms and consists of:
- treatment of inflamed skin with external means, removing itching and softening plaques;
- taking vitamins;
- use of hormonal drugs that reduce inflammation and eliminate itching;
- diet ;
- cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy;
- phototherapy.
Alternatives to treating psoriasis with drugs are hydrotherapy: this is not a very popular method offered to patients in resorts with open thermal springs, where the fish are found Garra rufa. They eat psoriatic plaques, and healthy skin remains untouched. The effect lasts about six months. Such therapy is exclusively symptomatic and does not affect the formation of spots on the skin.
External means
Methods of external treatment of psoriasis at home are the most accessible and diverse. When the disease is at a progressive stage, the procedures are carried out with extreme caution, because the skin should be protected from the slightest dilution.
So, among the drugs for the care of plaques are:
- Hydrating products (cream Unna, lanolin creams with vitamins) - improve the elasticity of the skin, eliminate its tightness and peeling.
- Preparations with salicylic acid (concentration from 0.5 to 5%) - relieve inflammation and act as an antiseptic.
- Pastes and ointments with wood tar - possess keratoplastic properties (stimulate the process of keratinization of cells), relieve inflammation, increase photosensitivity of the skin.
- Ointments with zinc - prevent the pathological growth of the epidermis, have antifungal activity, relieve inflammation.
- Ointments with vitamin D - such preparations for the treatment of psoriasis regulate the growth of skin cells and increase its immune functions, relieve inflammation.
Hormonal preparations
For the control of psoriasis, glucocorticosteroids are traditionally used - the remedies are applied externally for:
- vasoconstriction and removal of inflammation;
- decrease in allergic reaction;
- elimination of unpleasant sensations (itching, burning, tightness) in the region of the plaque;
- reduce the hyperplasticity of skin cells.
Begin the home treatment of psoriasis with hydrocortisone, aclomethasone, prednisolone - the lightest hormonal drugs. Later the doctor can prescribe drugs of more powerful effect. It is worth remembering that using such medications without the consent of a dermatologist is extremely dangerous, since corticosteroids have many side effects, which is why, by the way, scientists are increasingly looking for a safe substitute for them.
Natural treatment
In addition to the methods described above, a dermatologist can prescribe phototherapy (photochemotherapy, selective phototherapy), new drugs that affect the mechanisms of psoriatic plaque formation and
Many doctors believe that to combat this unaesthetic ailment it is important to work with consciousness (psychosomatics) and lead a healthy lifestyle. Treatment of psoriasis at home completely eliminates the intake of alcohol and smoking, if possible, you need to give up sugar, vinegar, food with preservatives and chemical additives. It is important to avoid nervous overstrain, get positive emotions, monitor regular bowel movements and exercise.