A disease, accompanied by peeling and inflammation of the skin, has been known since ancient times. But only in 1841, F. Herba singled it out as an independent dermatosis called psoriasis. Common physical symptoms of psoriasis include itchy, painful patches, discolored nails, and joint pain. Emotional challenges such as stress and anxiety, self-consciousness and self-esteem issues, impact on social life, etc. may also occur.
Treatment should be complex, individual, and solve all the following tasks:
- Reducing the frequency of exacerbations and involvement of new joints in the inflammatory process;
- Decreasing the intensity of pain and inflammation;
- Improving the life quality;
- Preventing disability;
- Slowing down the progression of the pathological process.
This article is a kind of guide to psoriasis relief. Read the information carefully and find valuable tips on how to deal with the disease.
What is Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic papulosquamous dermatosis with genetic and environmental components. It is characterized by a non-malignant proliferation of epidermal cells, a violation of keratinization, an inflammatory reaction in the dermis, and changes in various organs and systems.
Causes and Types of Psoriasis
There are several main causes and types of psoriasis. See the following paragraphs for details.
Genetic predisposition
Genetic predisposition is one of the main causes of psoriasis. According to scientists, 60% of patients with psoriasis have relatives with the same disease. But regardless of the genetic predisposition, the development of the disease requires exposure to provoking or triggering factors. These are endocrine disorders, nervous tension, weather conditions, drug reactions, alcohol abuse, chronic inflammatory diseases, injuries, and other skin lesions.
Immune system factors
The impaired immune response can also lead to psoriasis. This is confirmed by comprehensive studies of the state of the immune system in people with psoriasis. The research revealed a decrease in the absolute and relative number of T-lymphocytes in the circulating blood of patients due to the predominant decrease in the subpopulation of T-suppressors compared to the subpopulation of T-helpers, which was manifested in a change in the immunoregulatory index Tx/Ts.
Such immune disorders are considered by some authors as an important link in the pathogenesis of plaque, guttate, and inverse psoriatic diseases.
Different forms of psoriasis
There are many different forms of psoriasis. But the following are considered the most common today: plaque, guttate, pustular, inverse, and erythrodermic psoriasis.
Common Triggers of Psoriasis
Those looking for psoriasis itching relief should be aware of the main triggers of the disease. Usually, these are stress, various infections, certain medications, alcohol, and tobacco, as well as weather changes. Each trigger is briefly described below.
Stress
Stress is considered one of the powerful activators of disease development. And there is an explanation for this. The nervous system controls the work of each organ. In this regard, any disturbance in the work of the central nervous system is accompanied by a failure in the most vulnerable system of the body – the immune system.
Psoriasis relief cream will not be a good solution in this case. A more serious treatment approach aimed at reducing stress is required.
Infections
Infections are another common trigger for psoriasis scales. For example, guttate psoriasis is most often caused by a bacterial infection, streptococcus. The disease begins 2-3 weeks after tonsillitis, sinusitis, otitis, etc.
Certain medications
Psoriasis can be triggered by antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and beta-blockers. Vaccines and serums also have a significant impact, as they directly affect the immune system.
Alcohol and tobacco
Some people can’t find plaque psoriasis relief for a long time, but the reason is actually quite simple. The disease is often caused by alcohol abuse, which has been proven both experimentally and clinically. This is due to the effect of ethyl alcohol on liver cells.
As for smoking, nicotine activates the action of free radicals and slows down the synthesis of collagen, which is responsible for skin elasticity. Thus, a violation of the immune system causes a skin rash and redness.
Weather changes
Many people notice that psoriasis symptoms get worse in the winter when the weather is cold and dry. The best relief for psoriasis in this case is a moisturizer and a humidifier.
Physical Symptoms
The main physical symptoms of psoriasis that indicate a health problem and the need to visit a doctor are itchy, painful patches, discolored nails, and joint pain.
Itchy, painful patches
The disease is usually accompanied by scaly and itchy patchy patches on the skin that may crack and bleed. Red spots most often appear in the groin, under the breasts, and on the buttocks. Scalp psoriasis is the itchiest, so it’s not surprising that people with this problem try to find scalp psoriasis relief as quickly as possible.
Discolored nails
Nail psoriasis can affect the nail beds on the hands and feet, causing pitting, abnormal nail growth, and discoloration.
Joint pain
Psoriasis is a systemic disease that can lead to musculoskeletal dysfunction, resulting in disability. According to Modalsli et al, bone changes are diagnosed in 5-7% of patients with psoriasis. The disease was named psoriatic arthritis and is usually accompanied by severe joint pain. Therefore, psoriasis arthritis relief is no less important today than scalp psoriasis itch relief.
Emotional Challenges
In addition to physical symptoms, psoriasis can cause some emotional challenges. Find out more about this below.
Stress and anxiety
Psoriasis can trigger stress and anxiety. And the psycho-emotional state, in turn, has a direct impact on the result of treatment.
Therefore, it is highly recommended to get rid of stress as soon as possible in order to get effective psoriasis pain relief.
Self-consciousness and self-esteem issues
Skin is a thin line that separates a person from the environment. Visible skin imperfections can attract negative attention and stigmatize a person as not conforming to generally accepted ideals. Self-consciousness and self-esteem suffer the most in such conditions. But, fortunately, there are many ways to help psoriasis and get rid of an unpleasant health problem in a short time.
Impact on social life
Stress, anxiety, and self-esteem issues often result in social life problems. It becomes difficult for a person to communicate with other people, most of the time is spent at home.
Psoriasis Treatment Options
Psoriasis burning pain relief options are varied. The most common include topical treatments, light therapy, systemic treatments, and natural remedies. The choice of treatment depends on the cause and type of psoriasis.
Topical Treatments
Topical treatment is the best way to clear psoriasis. But it eliminates only the external symptom and often requires additional use of systemic medications.
Steroid creams
With the help of steroid creams, you can quickly get rid of such annoying symptoms of the disease as redness of the skin, itching, and pain. Prescription ointment most often contains the active ingredient hydrocortisone.
Vitamin D analogues
A synthetic analog of vitamin D3, calcipotriol (MC 903), is also widely used to treat psoriasis. It is designed exclusively for topical use. Calcipotriol gives minimal side effects and has an intense anti psoriatic effect.
Coal tar
Coal tar helps reduce itching and lesions on the scalp, palms, and soles. It can be used both separately and together with other treatments.
Mositurizers and bath solutions
Different moisturizers and bath solutions are quite effective in dealing with psoriasis. Feel free to visit the medical center, talk to the doctor, and learn more about it.
Light Therapy
Light therapy is an excellent treatment for a wide range of dermatological conditions, including psoriasis flares.
UVB phototherapy
Phototherapy is one of the important high-tech treatments for people with psoriasis. UV suppresses local skin immunity and has an anti-inflammatory effect.
PUVA therapy
Those who want to get rid of psoriasis fast often resort to PUVA therapy, which involves a combined use of Psoralen and long-wave UVA rays. Most patients manage to significantly clear the skin in 12-24 procedures.
Systemic Treatments
There is a wide range of systemic treatments for psoriasis and related conditions. Most drugs have an immunomodulatory effect.
Oral medications
Examples of oral psoriasis medications are Soriatane, Methotrexate, Cyclosporine, Otezla, Adalimumab, Brodalumab, etc. In fact, the list is very broad. You need to apply to the doctor to find out which drug is needed in your case.
Biologic drugs
Biologic drugs are effective in relieving the symptoms of psoriasis by targeting the subtle mechanisms of the disease without affecting other vital functions of the immune system.
Natural Remedies
Natural remedies for psoriasis should not be neglected either. The homeopathic psoriasis relief effect is often amazing.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera oil enhances metabolism and regeneration, has a tonic and anti-inflammatory effect. Therefore, it helps to get rid of rashes, relieve itching, redness, and burning.
Oat baths
Oat baths rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fats have a soothing effect on inflamed psoriatic plaques, reduce itching and swelling of the skin.
Turmeric
Turmeric can be applied topically to soothe psoriatic plaques. It is also effective as an oral supplement as it rapidly reduces systemic inflammation. Other anti-inflammatory foods are equally helpful.
Meditation and Yoga
Meditation, stress-reducing techniques, and yoga are good psoriasis face treatment at home. They reduce the stress response that triggers skin inflammation.
Daily Management Tips
Medicine emphasizes the importance of following simple daily tips to prevent the development of psoriasis.
Skin care routines
Skin care routines play a key role. Doctors recommend daily clean water baths, gentle cleansing, moisturizing, avoiding skin injuries, and reducing sun exposure.
Lifestyle choices
Regular physical activity, limiting alcohol and tobacco use, and reducing stress are important lifestyle choices for people with psoriasis. It is also worth applying a special diet. Fish, lean protein, and plant-based proteins should be included in the daily menu.
Summary
Psoriasis is a fairly common disease characterized by skin rashes, discolored nails, joint pain, etc. There are many effective ways to get rid of its unpleasant symptoms, from home remedies to systemic medications. Visit a doctor, get useful recommendations, and start effective treatment already today!
FAQ
What clears psoriasis fast?
Topical treatments, light therapy, systemic treatments, and natural remedies help clear psoriasis fast.
How can I soothe my skin psoriasis?
You can try Aloe vera or oat baths, which have anti-inflammatory effects.
What are triggers for psoriasis?
Stress, infections, certain medications, alcohol, tobacco, and weather changes are common triggers for psoriasis.
What should you not put on psoriasis?
Do not use acid, apple cider vinegar, and capsaicin, even in small amounts. Each of these products can aggravate psoriasis.