Skin diseases are unpleasant in themselves. And if even long-term systematic treatment does not guarantee a positive result, the situation turns into a real problem.
Psoriasis (squamous lichen) is a disease with a "rich" millennial history. Despite the confirmed, difficult-to-treat nature of the disease, everyone seems ready to help cure it.
Announcements about sensational medicines are full of every step, miraculous devices and "innovative technologies", healers and internet forums promise relief from the disease. Dermatologists also do not sleep and do everything possible, study and test new drugs, but do not promise miracles as a result of treatment.
What is psoriasis
Psoriasis is called dermatosis. In this chronic non-infectious disease, skin cell division occurs 28 times faster than it should be normal. The cells do not have time to fully mature, their intercellular communication is disturbed, which leads to thickening of the upper layers of the skin and the creation of pronounced dandruff and plaques.
During the disease, the cells of the immune system attack their own skin cells, so the process is accompanied by chronic autoimmune inflammation. Formed large foci can form their own blood vessels, permeated with capillaries.
Causes of psoriasis. Can I get infected?
The process and course of psoriasis was first described in the early 19th century by the English physician Robert Willen. The disease is finally differentiated from leprosy, its non-infectious nature has been proven, and thus the impossibility of infection from another person. From that moment, active research began, which has not stopped so far. But, unfortunately, without much result. . .
There are many versions of the origin of the disease, and the main one concerns the hereditary nature, but it has not been finally confirmed. It is known that psoriasis can occur at any age, and in recent years it has significantly "rejuvenated" and is recorded even in newborns.
Symptoms of psoriasis
There are several types of psoriasis. Major - plaque (or common) psoriasis - is found in 80 percent of patients. It is characterized by the appearance of small scaly spots that grow and merge into large spots - psoriatic plaques. Their surface is covered with silvery-white scales that easily separate from the skin when brushed.
Plaques can be found on any part of the body - on the legs, back, shoulders, scalp and face, but initially appear in places that are subject to one or another friction: on the elbows, at the waist line (from the pressure of the belt and clothing), in places of tight underwear. With exacerbation, plaques grow, gradually spreading in different directions. The process is usually systemic and occurs once or twice a year.
Periods of deterioration are associated with
- general weakening of the immune system,
- stress,
- eating disorders and
- other reasons (cosmetics, unusual drinks or food).
If left untreated, common psoriasis can develop such unpleasant consequences as nail psoriasis, tear and exudative psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, etc.
How to cure psoriasis
The first attempts to treat psoriasis were made in ancient Greece, where they discovered the beneficial effects of sunlight on the condition of the skin. Also, ancient physicians used a mixture of oils and fatty acids, the remains of which were found near burials. In the Middle Ages, psoriasis was considered the "seal of the devil" and a type of leprosy: people were isolated from society in a leper colony, which led to a sad outcome.
The following concept is currently being formed: the patient needs mandatory supervision by a dermatologist and systematic treatment, including taking vitamin B, calcium gluconate, nicotinic acid, antihistamines and anti-inflammatory drugs. Medications are used to cleanse the liver, which plays an important role in the condition of the skin.
The terms are strictly individual, taking into account the accompanying diseases. External treatment of psoriasis plays a significant role, the purpose of which is to stifle the superficial process. Salicylic ointment is used in combination with hormonal agents, recently successfully tested a new drug - ointment, an analogue of vitamin D. The latter is produced in the skin under the influence of sunlight, but its lack is one of the causes of pathological processes in psoriasis.
Fat does not essentially solve the problem, but it noticeably improves the condition of the skin, alleviates peeling and facilitates the course of the disease without the side effects that hormonal fats are so rich in. Patients are advised to use daily moisturizing body creams, diet and vitamins, as well as an annual spa treatment. Timely and regular therapy allows you to achieve a period of remission, ie to drown the manifestation of the disease for a long time.
The original method of treating psoriasis is to use Garra rufa fish, which eat the skin on psoriatic plaques without touching healthy areas. For the first time, fish began to be used in the thermal resort of Kangal (Turkey), but they later appeared in numerous clinics and beauty salons.
An alternative view on the treatment of psoriasis
Many people with psoriasis are exposed to stress and negative attitudes towards the world around them, which worsens the course of the disease. It is much easier for those who have managed to develop a positive attitude towards the disease and learned to live with it, with adequate treatment in time to prevent exacerbation. In this, they are supported by numerous researchers who call for the disease to be considered nothing more than a gift of nature.
It has been noticed that people with psoriasis look ten years younger than their peers and that their body copes with wounds and internal diseases much faster than ordinary people. Increased cell proliferation, which is to blame for the pathological process, plays a positive role in the healing stages.
The skin is protected from radiation and ultraviolet radiation with high levels of antioxidants, so people can spend hours in the sun without fear of overdose. They are also protected from cancer because defective, pathological cells die quickly and are replaced by healthy ones.
According to the biophysicist, the author of the most optimistic theory, psoriasis is a long-term experiment in nature. In his opinion, psoriasis sufferers are the bearers of the golden gene pool of humanity, which prepares nature for the future survival of people in extreme conditions. After all, the health condition of those whose cells are born and die at high speed is resistant to many negative factors.
However, psoriasis is not a reason for depression and limitation of social activity. It is quite possible to "agree" with it, you just need to pay a little more attention to your health and the condition of your own skin. Moreover, participation in a world-class experiment obliges it.