Foot psoriasis is a common problem. It can occur due to hormonal disorders, weakening of the immune system and other causes. It can be cured with the help of medicines, prescriptions of traditional medicine and physiotherapy procedures.
Causes and risk factors for psoriasis of the feet
Foot psoriasis is a pathology that doctors cannot identify. However, possible provoking factors include:
- Heredity. The disease can be inherited (from parents of children).
- Disorders of the central nervous system. Frequent stress disrupts many processes in the body. In many patients, such rashes appear after stressful situations.
- Hormonal disorders in the body. Disorders of the endocrine system lead to metabolic disorders, which is a provoking factor for excessive production of skin cells.
- Weakened immunity. Psoriasis develops against the background of infectious diseases. The risk group includes patients who often suffer from viral infections and suffer from respiratory diseases (bronchitis, tonsillitis).
- Mechanical damage to the skin.
- Climate change.
- Frequent use of certain drugs.
- The abuse of hygiene products that lead to the destruction of beneficial microorganisms on the skin.
- The use of chemicals.
- Consumption of foods containing food additives, alcohol.
Classification and symptoms of psoriasis of the feet
There are several types of the disease, each with its own symptoms:
- Common (spotted, vulgar). The most common type of psoriasis, which affects almost 90 percent of all patients. It manifests itself as rashes in the form of red spots that quickly spread to the legs. Small plaques 3-4 cm in diameter, in the absence of treatment, can coalesce and create large areas of rash. Accompanied by severe itching, bleeding may occur when scratching. Knee rashes appear with just such symptoms.
- Exudative (pustular). This type is rare and occurs in a more severe form. Recurrences are possible. Therapeutic complex therapy takes a long time. Rashes in the form of pustules with clear fluid often bleed while the patient's skin is constantly hot. This type is observed on the feet and legs.
- Drop-shaped (dot). Not very often. It is characterized by precise eruptions of red or scarlet color, resembling a drop. In general, the provoking factor for the appearance of this species are streptococcal bacteria. The rash is localized on the knees.
- Back. During the disease, pale pink spots appear, smooth to the touch. There is no peeling, but sometimes a slight peeling of the skin may be observed. The spots do not rise above the surface of the skin, they are concentrated on the inside of the thigh.
- Psoriatic onychodystrophy (nail psoriasis). From the name it is clear that the disease affects the nail bed and the skin around it. Dotted depressions appear on the nails, in which the color of the nail plate changes (turns yellow or white). Stains appear on them, they become brittle. Sometimes it bleeds under the nails. There is a detachment of the nail from the soft tissues - onycholysis. Subsequently, scars appear.
- Psoriatic erythroderma. It is characterized by red rashes, scaly skin, unbearable itching, swelling and swollen lymph nodes. Erythroderma has a wide range of lesions, from the groin to the feet.
- Psoriasis of the feet. This type of disease gives the patient many problems. When walking, wounds and cracks appear, which constantly bleed and interfere with walking. Blisters are located on the heels, around the nails, on the pads of the toes and between them. Constant rubbing causes irritation with severe itching and scratching, which can lead to fungal infections. To some extent, sweating contributes to the development of rashes on the legs. Sweat is an excellent environment for the development of pathogens that cause inflammation.
- Psoriatic arthritis (psoriasis of the joints). This type develops not only on the epidermis but also on the joints. Psoriasis affects the knees and joints of the fingers. The main symptom of the development of arthritis of the legs is the distortion of the joints and changes in their size. As a result, the joint and limbs are damaged (a small bone appears near the finger). The dermis in this place stretches and acquires a burgundy color, swelling is observed.
Drug therapy for psoriasis
The cure for psoriasis depends on the stage of the disease.
- Light. Topical therapy (ointments, creams, gels) is used to treat this mild disease. Salicylic and zinc ointments show good results. To achieve high results of treatment, complex therapy is used, which includes drugs with hormonal components and vitamins. They use drugs that include a medicinal substance - dithranol.
- Average. For the treatment of this stage of the disease, all methods of treatment are important to eliminate all the symptoms of the disease. Laser therapy, light therapy, as well as plasmaphoresis (removal of toxic substances from the blood) and cryotherapy (cold treatment) are used together with drug therapy. In case of complications, corticosteroid ointments are prescribed: hydrocortisone, cortisone.
- Heavy. This degree is the most difficult and requires treatment with all means and methods that relieve the symptoms of psoriasis on the legs. In these cases, drugs that suppress immune reactions, antihistamines and antibiotics are prescribed.
Physiotherapy for psoriasis
Physiotherapy effectively complements the medical treatment of psoriasis. In medical practice there are several methods of physiotherapy procedures:
- Foot light therapy. Ultraviolet radiation is the most effective treatment for psoriasis. The method involves exposure to ultraviolet rays in a medical facility. No side effects were found, it does not affect the body. After light therapy, plaques decrease, and in 80% of cases the patient recovers completely.
- Cryotherapy. The method is based on cold treatment. The course can last from one to six months. In psoriasis of the feet, a local procedure is prescribed when the cold is directed only at certain lesions. These sessions reduce itching, inflammation, promote tissue repair and slow the formation of new scales.
- UV blood picture (plasmaphoresis). This method in medicine is relatively new, its distinctive feature is the rapid outcome of treatment. The essence of the procedure is that a tube is inserted into a vein, through which the blood is poured into a vessel located in a special device. There, the blood is exposed to ultraviolet radiation and then returned. The procedure is performed under complete sterility.
- Puva therapy. The method of treatment is prescribed to patients with severe psoriasis. It is based on the use of psoralens - substances that increase the sensitivity of cells to ultraviolet radiation. The method is highly effective, after 25 sessions the abundant rash almost disappears.
Folk recipes for the treatment of psoriasis
- Many patients use traditional medicine to treat the disease. These can be tinctures, baths, lotions, decoctions. Various herbs are used to clean the skin, such as calendula, chamomile, celandine. They are able to relieve inflammation and burning sensation.
- Broths. For the broth you need to use a series (2 tablespoons), celandine (1 tablespoon), licorice root (2 tablespoons) and oregano (1 tablespoon). All herbs are mixed and infused for 20 minutes. The broth is taken orally in half a cup 2 times a day. This drug is effective in mild psoriasis.
- Ointments. There are many folk recipes for making ointment based on birch tar.
- Mix birch tar (50 ml) with olive oil (50 ml). Apply the resulting ointment on inflamed skin, preferably at bedtime, wrap with gauze. Rinse with warm water in the morning.
- Birch tar (30 ml), castor oil (30 ml), honey (60 grams) and 2 chicken eggs. Mix all ingredients and leave in a cool place for 2 days. Apply the finished mixture every day for a month.
- Baths. Traditional medicine offers treatment of diseases of the feet, using baths based on celandine. Celandine not only helps to eliminate rashes, but also eliminates the causes of the disease. The herb is poured boiling water and insist for an hour. Strain the infusion and add to the foot bath. Bathing time is no more than 15 minutes.
- Compresses. Potato compresses will also help with psoriasis of the feet. To prepare such a compress, you need to grate the potatoes and put the finished composition on your feet, wrapping it with cling film. The duration of the compress is not more than three hours.
Diet
Diet plays an important role in psoriasis. In severe inflammation, it is necessary to adhere to certain dietary rules. Do not eat smoked, salty and fatty foods. Sweets, citrus fruits and dairy products are also contraindicated in case of illness. Drinking alcohol is strictly forbidden.
Complications and consequences
Any disease, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications. Foot psoriasis can have the following consequences:
- the appearance of pain when walking;
- ordinary psoriasis can develop into erythroderma;
- the appearance of other infections;
- violation of metabolic processes;
- reduction of the protective functions of the epidermis;
- violation of skin thermoregulation.
Prevention of psoriasis of the feet
If you follow all preventive measures, then the disease of psoriasis can be prevented. Recommendations for prevention:
- treat your feet with antibacterial and nutritional drugs;
- treat toenails to avoid fungal infection;
- sun treatments;
- when wearing closed shoes, you need to ventilate your feet;
- frequent physical activity.
The basic rule for preventing any disease is to follow a healthy lifestyle.