Psoriasis Treat incurable psoriasis

Psoriasis: getting control of incurable psoriasis

29/10/2014

In Germany, around two million people suffer from psoriasis. The non-contagious disease is incurable and does not just affect the skin. Often sufferers can get the symptoms under control with the right therapy. On the 29th of October, the World Psoriasis Day, attention should be drawn to the disease.

Around two million Germans suffer from psoriasis
Often it is initially only dry skin on which later red spots form. These become thicker over time and lift off the skin surface. Finally, they begin to shed silvery white. At first, often skin areas on the elbows, knees, behind the ears or at the belly button are affected. Frequently also places in the buttocks column, which leads to unpleasant Afterjucken. In the worst case, an itchy rash is felt all over the body. Worldwide, about 125 million people are said to have this disease, in Germany about two million. There is talk of psoriasis, medically called psoriasis. The World Psoriasis Day on October 29 is intended to draw attention to the disease. The motto of this year's Federal German Action Day is: „Psoriasis? you dare“.

Red spots with silvery scales
The red patches of silvery dandruff are formed because certain immune cells in the blood become activated and migrate into the skin. „They emit special messengers that cause inflammation and stimulate the cells in the epidermis to divide faster than normal“, said Professor Ulrich Mrowietz, head of the Psoriasis Center at the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein in Kiel, according to a message from the news agency dpa. A skin cell usually takes about 28 days to get from the bottom layer of the epidermis to the outer horny layer. „For psoriasis sufferers, however, this process takes less than a week.“ The numerous immature cells are eventually repelled on the skin surface as adherent, dry scales.

More than just a skin disease
But psoriasis is more than a skin disease. „Today it is believed that the inflammation takes place throughout the body, because it can spread through the bloodstream in other organs“, explained Ralph von Kiedrowski from the Professional Association of German Dermatologists (BVDD). It is said that every fifth patient suffers from joint problems such as swelling of the toes, fingers, knees or spine. In addition, especially patients with severe psoriasis have a higher risk of developing high blood pressure or diabetes, or suffering a heart attack or stroke.

Numerous causes of psoriasis
Although numerous triggers for the disease are known, the causes are still being researched. For example, researchers from the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and the University of Heidelberg found out last year that a missing molecule in mice causes psoriasis-like symptoms. Prof. Stefan Beissert from the University of Dresden told dpa: „On the one hand, there is a genetic predisposition that can be inherited“ and „On the other hand, psoriasis breaks out only in conjunction with risk factors.“ The Lister possible triggers range from infections such as tonsillitis, hormonal changes in pregnancy or menopause, and stress and alcohol consumption (according to studies, especially beer) to certain drugs such as beta-blockers. „Persistent mechanical skin irritations, such as the friction caused by tight-fitting clothing, can also promote psoriasis“, so biting. „But what ultimately leads to the onset of the disease can vary considerably from patient to patient.“

Incurable chronic illness
And the course of the disease can not be predicted. Von Kiedrowski explained: „In many patients psoriasis is relapsing.“ So it comes with some, especially at the transition from summer to fall and from winter to spring to spurts. „In cold times, the immune system is particularly stimulated by the fight against viruses and bacteria, which enhances the overactivity of the immune system in psoriasis.“ However, some sufferers have the main symptoms without interruption. „Unfortunately, a cure for this chronic disease is not possible, but therapies allow us to achieve freedom from symptoms.“

Treatment of psoriasis
Creams and ointments are often used to treat psoriasis. „As a rule, a mixture of an anti-inflammatory cortisone ingredient and a vitamin D3 supplement is prescribed, which regulates the regeneration of the skin“, so from Kiedrowski. It should be noted that sufferers have to cream over the actual inflammatory boost. Moderate to severe psoriasis, however, is usually treated medically. It uses herbs that inhibit white blood cells and restrict the entire immune system. Or genetically engineered agents, so-called biologics. Mrowietz explained: „The biologics in turn are targeted against single messenger substances that play a key role in inflammation.“ However, the costs for biologics are very high. „They may therefore only be used if the conventional preparations have not worked, have not been tolerated or were not allowed to be used for other reasons.“

Natural therapeutic approaches
The light therapy is another treatment option. The patient is irradiated with short-wave UV-B light. „However, the UV-B therapy is only suitable for a temporary treatment of psoriasis, such as short episodes of disease“, so Mrowietz. „In addition, the patient must come to the doctor for every treatment.“ In the naturopathy are numerous treatment options of psoriasis available, which cause little or no side effects. In addition to bath therapies with sulfur-containing natural mud and volcanic water or salt from the Dead Sea, the natural urine therapy should also be mentioned here. In addition, methods of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), homeopathy, nutritional therapies and acupuncture can help many sufferers. (Ad)