Self-treatment of psoriasis

Psoriasis - a chronic problem that causes the skin cells to grow too quickly, leading to the formation of white, red, silver or projecting spots on the skin. Normally, skin cells grow slowly and die in about 4 weeks. New cells grow to replace the old, moribund layer of the skin. But in psoriasis new cells grow too quickly and create a psoriatic plaque.

Stains can be different sizes. They usually appear on the elbows, knees, scalp, hands, feet, lower back.

Psoriasis, especially teenagers, are often ashamed of their disease, so try to avoid situations where their disease is visible, for example, swimming. But there are many treatments that can control the symptoms of psoriasis.

What causes psoriasis

Experts believe that psoriasis - an autoimmune disease, that is, excessive reaction of the immune system, causing inflammation and flaking of the skin.

People with psoriasis often notice that sometimes the skin condition worsens. Such an exacerbation can cause cold and dry climate, infections, stress How to beat stress? Create an oasis Dryness of the skin. Also, certain drugs, e.g., non-hormonal anti-inflammatory agents, high blood pressure and mental illnesses Mental illness - ashamed to ask for help?   may exacerbate psoriasis.

Smoking, especially in women, increases the risk of psoriasis and exacerbations.

Psoriasis is not a contagious disease, it is not transmitted from one person to another.

What are the symptoms

The symptoms of psoriasis may be different. In mild cases, these are small areas affected by rashes. When moderate or severe disease inflamed skin, formed protruding red areas, covered with silvery flaky skin. If this is hard stage, itching and soreness. Plaques may coalesce and cover large areas of the skin, such as the entire back.

In some people, psoriasis causes joint problems - they become swollen and painful. This condition is called psoriatic arthritis Arthritis - a variety of forms and complications . It can also affect the nails, on which there are stains, discoloration and can separate from the nail bed.

Sometimes the symptoms disappear (this is called a remission), but without treatment they reappear.

How to diagnose psoriasis

Usually the doctor makes the diagnosis by looking at the condition of the skin or nails. Sometimes take scrapings to rule out a fungal infection.

In most cases, psoriasis is mild, and only need a proper skin care. It is necessary to moisturize the skin creams and lotions. Sometimes this is complemented with special shampoos, ultraviolet light and medication.

In some cases, psoriasis can be difficult to cure. Maybe you need to try different combinations to find out what is suitable for the particular case. Psoriasis treatment can last a lifetime.

What you can do yourself

• Use creams or lotions, bath products that moisturize the skin.
• Try short exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet lamps.
• It is also important to avoid those things that cause exacerbation of psoriasis, such as:
• Damage to the skin. Damage to the skin can cause the formation of plaques on any part of the body.
• Stress and anxiety. Stress causes flare-ups or worsen the disease.
• Infections. Infectious diseases, such as angina, can cause the sudden appearance of psoriasis, particularly in children.
• Certain medications. Some drugs, for example, non-hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs, beta-blockers, and lithium, may exacerbate the symptoms of psoriasis The symptoms of psoriasis - a great variety . If this occurs, treatment should be discussed with your doctor, he may prescribe other drugs.
• Excessive exposure to sunlight. Short-term exposure to the sun usually improves the skin condition, but too long exposure causes skin damage and worsening of psoriasis.
• Alcohol. Alcohol may cause an increase in symptoms.
• Smoking. Smoking increases the likelihood of psoriasis, and it worsens over, especially in women.

Studies have found that compliance with any particular diet improves the condition of patients with psoriasis. However, for some people, the exclusion of certain foods from the diet may alleviate the condition. Most doctors recommend a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight.

Galina Romanenko

Vinegar from psoriasis as a way to treat

There are traditional treatments for psoriasis using apple cider vinegar, which is taken orally and is used in the form of applications to the affected skin in psoriasis. Apple cider vinegar has antiseptic (prevention of secondary infection in psoriasis), and anti-inflammatory properties, is able to remove tissue swelling and clean the skin from psoriatic scales. In addition, it can have a positive effect on metabolism Improves metabolism and losing weight without dieting   in the body as a whole, since it contains a lot of biologically active substances.

The solution of apple cider vinegar for applications can be prepared as follows: 2 teaspoons of herbs Celandine pour half a liter of apple cider vinegar, tie with cheesecloth and let stand in a dark warm place for two weeks. Then strain and use to lubricate the places affected by psoriasis. The first time such a solution should be applied to a small area of ​​the skin in order to ensure normal portability solution.

Inside the apple cider vinegar can be taken in a teaspoon three times a day for two weeks.

Acupuncture for psoriasis

Acupuncture - it is one of the techniques of reflexology - treatment, developed by ancient Chinese doctors. The method is closely intertwined with the ancient Chinese philosophy, according to which the vital energy chi moves in the human body through certain channels (meridians). And where the meridians run close to the surface of the human body are located exit point chi.

These points are called biologically active points or acupuncture points (BAP or AT). Acting on these terms in different ways (acupuncture, cautery, massaging, etc.). You can have some impact on all organs and tissues of the body. In the hands of a professional - it is a very effective method. Engage them may neurologist, has trained and certified specialist in acupuncture. Undoubtedly, in this manner can be treated and psoriasis.

Phototherapy for psoriasis - one of the most promising treatments

Good effects in psoriasis provides ultraviolet radiation, which, depending on the wavelength is divided into three types: A, B and C. In the treatment of psoriasis are used in medium-and long-wavelength radiation A.

The method of treatment using a medium wave UV-B radiation with special light called selective phototherapy. The course of treatment is usually 20-40 of procedures that make a day.

A long-wave rays are part of the treatment of psoriasis as photochemotherapy or PUVA therapy. With this method of treatment the patient first receives into a drug - photosensitizer, which increases the sensitivity of the skin to ultraviolet rays, and only two hours after this procedure is performed skin irradiation rays A course of treatment consists of 15 - 30, the procedures to carry out in a day. After a course of treatment in the field of lesions are pinkish-brown flat spots that are one and a half to two months gradually disappear.

Therapeutic baths in psoriasis

Baths with psoriasis used widely enough. During exacerbation of the disease accompanied by severe pruritus, well help the starch bath. To prepare the bath 500 g of potato starch diluted in a small amount of cold water, stirred and poured into a bath with warm (not hot!) Water. Starch take a bath for 20 minutes. Total spend in the course of 10-15 baths every other day.

Very useful bath with celandine Celandine - a means-tested over the centuries   in psoriasis. They reduce inflammation, swelling and itching of the skin clean flakes. For the preparation of therapeutic baths with celandine two-thirds cup of chopped fresh or dried herbs Celandine pour a liter of boiling water, bring to a boil and maintained at a low heat for 15 minutes, then cooled, filtered and poured into a bath filled with warm water.

Also useful for psoriasis with a series of baths, flax seed Flax Seed: Home doctor , Coniferous and mixed coniferous-valeoianovye bath.

Turpentine baths in psoriasis is not suitable for all patients, some may aggravate the process, so this treatment can be carried out only under medical supervision.

Good help in psoriasis spa treatment, which must be carried out in the period of remission. Sea and psoriasis are compatible, for example, possible to achieve excellent results in the treatment of the resorts of the Dead Sea in Israel.

Systematic phased treatment of psoriasis Advances in the treatment of psoriasis   under medical supervision allows us to achieve sustained remission in most patients.

Galina Romanenko