How to treat psoriasis at home?

Psoriasis is one of the most misunderstood diseases. Neither the causes of this disease nor the methods of its treatment are known for sure. It is considered impossible to achieve a complete cure of psoriasis, so the main goal of therapy is to achieve stable long-term remission and reduce the frequency of exacerbations. Because this disease requires adjustment of diet, lifestyle, systemic use of drugs and non-pharmacological agents, psoriasis is mainly treated at home.

Causes and signs of psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic pathology with a recurrent course. The disease can affect various organs and tissues, but the main manifestations of psoriasis are dermatological. Red lesions pour on the skin, which tend to enlarge and merge with each other. Their surface is covered with grayish scales, which are easily scraped off, revealing wet shiny spots with spots of "bloody dew" underneath.

The most common places for psoriatic plaques are the knees and elbows, the scalp, behind the ears and the lower back. The rash is most often accompanied by itching, a feeling of tightness and discomfort in the affected areas.

The appearance of psoriasis is associated with stress, recent infectious disease, allergies, endocrine pathologies, but according to many experts it is based on a genetic defect. Each of the above factors is just a "trigger" that triggers the mechanism of the body's abnormal response to external stimuli.

Due to the failure, the process of epidermal cell division is disrupted. The rate of death and desquamation of surface cells increases by 4 - 5 times compared to the normal cycle. As a result, the scales, which do not have time to exfoliate, naturally form hard growths - plaques.

Rules for treating psoriasis at home

The treatment of psoriasis includes two areas:

1. symptomatic- elimination of acute symptoms of the disease (external agents, antihistamines, physiotherapy);
2. pathogenetic:diet, desensitization, cleansing measures, hormone therapy, etc.

In severe cases, inpatient treatment is indicated, it is possible to use serious hormonal drugs and basic therapy. The rest of the time, the patient fights the disease on his own, choosing the most effective methods through trial and error.

Psoriasis is a disease that has no universal solution. These drugs, which are suitable for one patient, can make the other worse. This requires an individual approach more than ever, but there are general principles that must be followed for successful treatment of psoriasis at home:

1. Listen to your body. No one but you can identify all the factors that cause an exacerbation of psoriasis and find drugs that work well on your plaques.
2. It is recommended to perform self-medication under the supervision of a dermatologist. Do not give up tests, procedures and medications prescribed by a specialist.
3. In mild psoriasis, good results can be achieved by eliminating the provoking factors and using non-drug treatment, including folk remedies. If the symptoms of the disease are severe and the psoriasis progresses, "heavy artillery" in the form of hormones and cytostatics may be necessary, strictly according to the doctor's prescription.
4. Persistence and regularity are important in the treatment of psoriasis. You can't stop using effective remedies when the first results appear. Most drugs require a long course, first therapeutic, then - "fixation".
5. It is important to maintain normal skin moisture, avoid scratches, injuries and inaccurate peeling. Plates can only be cleaned after pre-softening and only if this can be done effortlessly.
6. Many treatments cannot be used during the acute phase. Isolation, climate change, spa treatments, some ointments should be applied only at the beginning of the stationary stage.

Psoriasis treatment: how to lubricate plaques?

The most popular and effective treatments for psoriasis on the skin are pharmaceutical ointments and creams. Many topical preparations have serious side effects and should be used with caution. This is especially true for hormonal ointments, but on the issue of non-hormonal it is better to consult a doctor and strictly follow the recommendations for use.

Hormone ointments

Hormonal agents in the treatment of psoriasis are indicated for persistent skin symptoms that are resistant to other therapeutic effects. The benefits of these drugs are rapid. The patient's condition literally improves before our eyes, but this effect is deceptive. After stopping the use, the plaques not only return, but become more intense. Hormonal ointments are addictive, and with prolonged use - damage to the kidneys, liver, cardiovascular system, thinning and atrophy of the skin. There is also a fear that hormone-based drugs "drive" psoriasis in the body and the disease manifests itself in a more severe form - psoriatic arthritis.

The effects of addiction and withdrawal make hormonal ointments an undesirable treatment. If possible, it is recommended to avoid their use. If necessary, use for a short time, cancel gradually.

Today, several groups of drugs are prescribed to treat psoriasis:

1. Triamcinolone ointments.They have antihistamine, antipruritic effect, relieve inflammation. They can cause local reactions, changes in skin structure, atrophy.
2. Products with the active ingredient flumethasone.Reduces itching, has an anti-exudative effect. Has a negative effect on the skin, over time can cause systemic disorders.
3. Hydrocortisone ointments.Reduction of capillary permeability, relief of swelling of the affected foci, but with prolonged use there is a risk of systemic disorders.
4. Preparations based on betamethasone.They have anti-inflammatory and anti-exudative action. They suppress the process of accelerated desquamation of epithelial cells. Skin disorders and systemic problems are possible.

Non-steroidal drugs

Non-hormonal ointments are the preferred treatment for psoriasis. They do not act as fast and strong as hormones, but their effect is more persistent and lasting. Non-steroidal ointments can be used for a long time without fear of addiction and the development of negative consequences.

In psoriasis, drugs with different composition and different effects are used, many of which are combined with each other. The main groups of applied ointments:

1. Salicylova.The acid in them softens plaques and helps cleanse the skin. Reduces inflammation, acts as an antiseptic. Medicines are usually prescribed to remove the scales and then the affected area is treated with another medicine with healing ingredients.
2. Zinc.Dry rashes, relieve inflammation and skin irritation, create a protective film that prevents adverse effects on the affected areas from the outside.
3. Tar.Ointments with the addition of birch, pine, coal tar have anti-inflammatory and disinfectant effects. They stimulate blood circulation, improve the healing of damaged skin. To remove the plaque, you can add pure tar when making your own tools. Tar ointments can be poorly tolerated, so they begin to smear them on small areas in test mode. With good tolerability, the dose is increased. Tar increases the photosensitivity of the skin, which can lead to sun allergies in the summer.
4. D-enhanced ointments.Calcipotriol-based preparations have been shown to be effective in the treatment of psoriasis. They suppress the spread, reduce plaque and prevent its recurrence. They do not cause atrophic processes. If there is an effect, they provide stable remission. It is recommended to use in tandem with UV therapy, the combination with salicylic ointments is contraindicated.
5. Oil-based ointments.Exfoliate plaque, relieve itching and inflammation, but require careful use. With hypersensitivity can lead to worsening of the skin manifestations of psoriasis, furunculosis. These drugs are contraindicated in patients with anemia, kidney disease. Treatment with these drugs is performed outside the exacerbation stage.
6. Vitamins.Ointments with vitamins activate metabolic processes in the skin, restore tissue trophism, promote regeneration, eliminate peeling, slow down keratinization of cells. Retinoids and preparations based on the tandem of vitamins E and A have such properties.
7. Hard ointments.Effective agents with pronounced anti-inflammatory, keratolytic, antipruritic effect. They penetrate deep into the skin and normalize metabolic processes in it. They are used for a long time in the absence of allergies. These ointments cannot be combined with hormonal ointments and alcohol should be avoided during treatment.

Psoriasis: treatment from within

It is difficult to deal with the manifestations of psoriasis only with external agents. It is also necessary to act from within: to desensitize, to improve digestion.

1. During exacerbations, antihistamines are shown to help relieve itching, eliminate the influence of provoking factors. In addition to the antiallergic effect, the drugs have a sedative effect.
2. Detoxification of the body is performed with the help of sorbents.
3. The use of enzymes is recommended to improve digestion.
4. In psoriasis, liver support is important: hepatoprotectors are taken in a course.
5. "Psoriasis" should be calm. Stress is one of the factors that cause psoriasis. The disease itself, in turn, can lead to neurological problems: nervousness, insomnia, etc. Herbal sedatives are recommended.
6. NSAIDs can help relieve joint pain in psoriasis.

The appearance of an outbreak of infection in the body can lead to exacerbation of psoriasis. Acute infectious and inflammatory diseases should be treated with antibiotics as prescribed by a physician.

How to treat scalp psoriasis at home: features

ICH psoriasis is the most troubling for patients. Treatment is more difficult than open skin, as the presence of hair requires a special approach to therapy and the use of special tools.

The treatment of scalp psoriasis at home consists of the use of shampoos, pharmaceuticals and traditional methods. Skin lesions can be either mild, in the form of individual spots, or severe. In difficult cases, the head is covered with the so-called "crown" or "helmet" - a hard, itchy and scaly psoriatic scab, mainly on the border of the growth of hair on the forehead, behind the ears, on the neck.

Under no circumstances should you comb and "pick" dry peels. They should be softened with a special keratolytic shampoo, cleansing mask and then carefully remove loose flakes from the skin.

Wash your hair for psoriasis as often as needed. It is preferable to use either special or neutral shampoos. The second group includes products for children and adults for sensitive skin. They do not contain fragrances, dyes and other harmful ingredients.

From medicated shampoos you can use:

1. Tar.These products contain coal tar, which gives them a dark color and a specific odor. These shampoos are not well tolerated, so a test is needed. Medicinal cosmetics are sold in pharmacies.
2. Zinc.They contain zinc pyrithione, which cleanses the scalp of dead scales and reduces their number, relieves itching. If allantoin, a emollient, is added to the shampoo, it helps reduce dry skin and heal damage faster. Some medications are used to treat dandruff, but can be used for milder psoriasis.
3. Antifungal.Ketoconazole shampoos reduce flaking and itching and kill fungal infections on the scalp.

For psoriasis, it is recommended that the shampoo not be rinsed immediately, but kept for a few minutes to a few hours so that the drugs can penetrate deeper. The head should be washed carefully without scratching the skin. After rinsing the shampoo thoroughly, rinse with lukewarm water acidified with vinegar. Avoid using a hair dryer.

Regular ointments are not suitable for lubricating plaque on the head. They have too greasy, sticky hair and do not wash well. It is better to buy drugs in the form of a cream, lotion, emulsion or aerosol - many manufacturers produce their products in a form that is convenient for the treatment of ICH psoriasis.

The treatment of psoriasis of the head at home is carried out successfully with the help of folk remedies: masks and rinses.

Popular recipes:

• to soften the bark, rub a mixture of oils into the scalp: base (olive, burdock) and essential (tea tree, rosemary, cypress), put on a hat and leave until morning;
• make a paste of white or red clay with the addition of oils, apply on the head overnight;
• rub fresh onion juice into the skin;
• rinse with a decoction of nettle, chamomile;
• mix grape, almond and coconut oil in a ratio of 1: 1: 2 (in tablespoons), add 1 tsp cognac and honey, a few drops of lavender oil, mix well in a water bath, apply on head for 2 hours;
• Exfoliate the scalp using sea salt with essential oil (eucalyptus, tea tree) - rub and gently massage with your fingertips for 5 minutes, then wash your hair;
• prepare a mask: burdock oil, 2 egg yolks, alcoholic tincture of calendula, a few drops of tar and keep it on the head for 2-3 hours.

Home treatment for nail psoriasis

When psoriasis affects the nails, they become brittle, wavy and change color. Such nails must be protected from external influences:

• make homemade with gloves;
• refusal to cut a manicure;
• cuts the nails shortly after soaking in water;
• use a protective healing varnish.

Home treatment for nail psoriasis includes:

1. Intake of vitamin and mineral complexes that strengthen the nail plate, protect cell membranes from damage (vitamins C, E, calcium).
2. Hormonal ointments are most effective for treating nails. When glucocorticosteroids are rubbed into the nail plate, they are practically not absorbed into the skin and do not penetrate into the blood, so their use is safe for 2 to 4 weeks.
3. To strengthen and moisturize the nails, it is necessary to rub sea buckthorn oil (3 times a day) and vitamin A oil daily
4. To whiten and strengthen the nail plates are recommended warm baths with cornstarch or oatmeal, tincture of celandine, nettle, thread.

Home remedies for psoriasis

Herbal infusions are one of the most popular home remedies for psoriasis:

1. Boil 1 tablespoon in a thermos overnight. l. flax seeds (per glass of water). Before going to bed drink 2 tablets of activated charcoal, take an infusion in the morning, eat the seeds. This recipe helps to detoxify the body by helping to reduce the intensity of the symptoms of the disease.
2. Collection broth: elecampane roots (10 g), calamus (12 g), St. John's wort (15 g) and celandine (5 g). Boil 300 ml of hot water in a thermos, leave for 3 hours. Filter, take 100 ml 2 times a day.
3. 4 tablespoons boil the seeds on the hob in a liter of water over low heat for 60 minutes. Strain and drink every hour on a spoon with exacerbation, 4 times a day - in remission.
4. Birch sponge (100 g) Boil with hot water overnight. In the morning, grind the chaga and pour the remaining water, heated to 50 degrees, leave for three days. Filter, take 100 ml before each meal.

Effectively cleanses the skin of plaque, relieves itching and soothes baths:

• with decoctions of sage, string, celandine, St. John's wort;
• with sea salt;
• with blue clay;
• with baking soda
• with potato starch;
• with turpentine.

Before bathing, take a shower, then pour water at a comfortable temperature (not hot), dilute the drug composition. Bathing time - 15 - 20 minutes, course - every other day.

You can use fresh celandine juice or prepare an ointment to lubricate the plaques: mix ground dry herb with Vaseline or baby cream.

Well-proven butter cream (5 parts) with propolis (1 part). Place in a water bath, mix thoroughly and cool. Lubricate the plate with hydrogen peroxide before use.

Diet for psoriasis

Psoriasis is often associated with food allergies. Many patients know exactly which foods make them worse. Others believe that nutrition does not significantly affect their condition. In any case, it is recommended to adhere to a diet, at least during exacerbations:

• turn off cocoa, chocolate;
• refuse coffee;
• do not eat spicy food;
• avoid preservatives and other additives;
• Limit citrus fruits, red vegetables and fruits;
• completely forbidden alcohol (especially beer).

Beyond the exacerbation, the diet can be expanded with "harmful" products, but at the same time carefully monitor the reaction of the skin.

Long-term remission can be achieved through diet, a healthy lifestyle and home remedies for psoriasis. But if folk remedies obviously do not help, you should "surrender" to the dermatologist and not give up the procedures and medications he offers. After relieving the exacerbation with the help of formal medicine at home, it will be easier to engage in relapse prevention.