Share:
Psoriasis - causes and treatment
contents
- symptoms
- pathogenesis
- Different appearance
- Different types
- Psoriasis vulgaris ("common" psoriasis)
- Psoriasis Pustulosa
- The nail psoriasis
- Psoriatic arthritis
- diagnosis
- Treatment - conventional medicine
- light therapy
- Treatment - Naturopathy
- Autohemotherapy
- homeopathy
- Rules therapy
- Orthomolecular therapy
- Foot reflexology
- Phytotherapy
- Anthroposophic medicine
- intestinal cleansing
- Diet for psoriasis
- bathrooms
- The salt bath
- The sulfur bath
- The oil bath
- Psoriasis and the psyche
- Summary
symptoms
The foci that form on the skin in case of psoriasis are usually flushed red, sharply defined, heavily perfused, and covered with silvery shingles. The epidermis grows too fast, almost uncontrolled, but benign. In healthy people, the process of renewal of the skin takes about 28 days, but in psoriasis only three to four days. About half of the patients suffer from severe itching. The dimensions of the affected skin areas are punctiform over coin to palm-sized.
Psoriasis is often on the extensor sides of the arms, but it can occur on various parts of the body and affect the internal organs. (Image: Milan Lipowski / fotolia.com) The following areas of skin are the most frequently affected: the extensor sides of the arms (especially the elbows), extensor sides of the legs (especially the knee), the scalp, the buttocks, back and chest. But the armpits, eyebrows, navel and genitals can also be affected. Especially the hairline and the hands become a problem, because they can not hide and this is often very embarrassing for those affected.
Psoriasis can affect not only the skin but also the nails (Tüpfelnägel, oil stains or Krümelnägel) and bring an arthropathy (joint disease) with it. Likewise, internal organs such as the liver, kidney and lungs may be affected. However, fortunately, this does not happen that often. It has also been found that patients suffering from psoriasis sometimes experience thyroid problems at the same time. Last but not least, the psychological component of psoriasis should not be forgotten. Especially in skin diseases, patients respond to the psyche. "The skin is the mirror of the soul" - this sentence hits the nail on the head here.
pathogenesis
Unfortunately, the exact cause of psoriasis is still unknown. Often this skin disease arises due to genetic disposition. However, a child whose parents (both or just a parent) are affected by it does not necessarily have to get this disease. Inheritance plays a role in any case, but in addition there are certain factors that cause the disease to break out. These include, for example, streptococcal infections, HIV infections, metabolic disorders and hormone fluctuations. Added to this are triggers such as tattoos, injuries, sunburn, constant skin irritation (for example, too tight clothing). Medication can also trigger psoriasis. These include beta-blockers, lithium salts, interferons, ACE inhibitors and many more. Stress, increased alcohol consumption, smoking, climatic changes, allergens and overweight are also among the triggering factors.
If the psoriasis shows at the hairline, this is often particularly unpleasant for those affected because the symptoms can not be concealed. The causes of the disease remain relatively unclear to this day. (Image: elena / fotolia.com) If antibiotics are used over a longer period of time, this can aggravate existing psoriasis. A gut flora that is out of balance (which can result from frequent antibiotics) is one of the risk factors for the onset of psoriasis.
Different appearance
Psoriasis is very diverse. The size, arrangement and spread of the herd are very different. However, the beginning is always the same. The flocks start the same way with a small reddish, inflammatory spot. This is sharply defined and is covered by silver scales very quickly. The flocks can grow, confluence, creating large-scale structures, some of which are arranged like garlands. A diameter of 20 centimeters is not uncommon.
Psoriasis usually occurs in batches. The individual relapses take, depending on the patient, different lengths and the distances between them are of different sizes. Most of the time, these skin diseases first appear at the age of 15 to 30 years. However, even after the 40th birthday, a person can get psoriasis for the first time.
Different types
Different types of psoriasis are possible. These differ by appearance, infestation of certain body regions, infestation of internal organs and severity.
Psoriasis vulgaris ("common" psoriasis)
Psoriasis vulgaris is the most common form of psoriasis. About 80 percent of all psoriasis patients suffer from this form. This usually starts with red spots or nodules that are spread all over the body. Only with time do the psoriasis-typical plaques, the scaly skin areas.
Psoriasis Pustulosa
This psoriasis species produces almost no dandruff. In the foreground are vesicles filled with fluid or pus that are not infectious or contagious. The whole body, including the soles of the feet and feet, may be affected. A very severe and also rare form is the Psoriasis Pustulosa type Zumbusch. This causes a large redness with pustule formation. The pustules can burst, dry and then shed. In addition, there is a high fever and a severe feeling of illness with body aches and chills. This condition belongs immediately to medical treatment.
The nail psoriasis
In the course of a psoriasis disease, fingernails and toenails can be affected. This so-called Tüpfelnägel, oil stains or crumb nails are possible. The spotted nails are the most common: numerous, pinhead-sized bulges. The "oil stains" form brownish-yellow spots under the nail. Crumbles is the most severe form of nail psoriasis. The affected nails are badly damaged, can discolour and, as the name implies, break and become crumbly.
The psoriasis can also take on severe forms and pass on the nails, the joints or even the internal organs. (Image: georgesilva41 / fotolia.com) Psoriatic arthritis
As already mentioned, psoriasis can unfortunately affect not only the skin, but also joints. These ignite. Permanent damage may occur. The skin may only be slightly affected while the joints are already severely altered. Critical to the disease is that those affected often do not notice for a long time and the symptoms only occur when the joints are already massively affected. Symptoms include swelling, pain, heat and pressure sensitivity. This psoriasis species is one of the diseases of the Rheumatic Formenkreis.
diagnosis
The diagnosis of psoriasis is made on the basis of the typical skin condition and the associated typical phenomena. These are the phenomenon of candles (when scratching appear the silvery scales that dissolve, such as candle wax), the phenomenon of the last cuticle (is further scratched appears a shiny cuticle) and the phenomenon of bloody dew (even this cuticle is removed, punctiform Bleeding on). If the horny layer is particularly irritated, for example by the tearing off of an adhesive film stuck to the skin, then a renewed psoriasis can be provoked - which is called Koebner phenomenon.
Treatment - conventional medicine
For the treatment of psoriasis, especially an external treatment is provided. This is sometimes very expensive. For example, with the help of certain substances, such as salicylic acid, first the small scales are detached, so that subsequently the agents to be applied can work better. These are anti-inflammatory and somewhat inhibit dandruff. The remedies used include urea, cortisone, calcipotriol, tazarotene and much more.
Psoriasis of medium to severe severity is also treated systemically. Tablets or spraying of the active ingredients should stop the rapid skin cell division.
Various forms of light therapy can be applied to psoriasis. The use of laser techniques is possible. (Image: Dan Race / fotolia.com) light therapy
The light therapy has been known for many years and also in use. Certain light waves have a positive effect on the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases. However, the irradiation should be neither long-term therapy, nor intact skin, but only for the treatment of plaque sites in psoriasis done.
Different types are possible:
Balneophototherapy (light bath therapy) combines saline baths with UV-A or UV-B radiation. Especially the combination of both methods has proven itself in psoriasis.
Helpful is also the isolated UV-B radiation. A so-called selective UV-B treatment (SUP) sets devices that can emit the light in different wavelengths.
Laser therapy is also suitable for the treatment of individual body areas. So-called excimer lasers with a concentrated UV-B radiation are directed exclusively to the affected skin areas.
Treatment - Naturopathy
In natural medicine, psoriasis treatments are important to stimulate the metabolism and thus change the organism. Due to suitable methods unfortunately no cure but often a clear relief to achieve.
Autohemotherapy
In self-blood therapy, the body's immune system is activated and stimulated. The self-blood therapy is one of the stimulus or Umstimmungstherapien.
The blood taken from the vein can be immediately injected back into the muscle without addition, injected under the skin, or first enriched with a suitable homeopathic remedy and then returned to the body. Another variant is a drop of blood from the fingertip, which is then shaken homeopathically and given the affected person for oral use. The self-blood therapy should not be performed in the acute period of thrust, but rather when patients are just a little better.
A self-blood therapy (injection) usually takes ten weeks, the potentized form a few months. For chronic diseases the therapy is carried out once or twice a year (the potentiated form 1x / year).
The self-blood therapy affects the immune system and can also be used to treat psoriasis. (Image: pixelstore / fotolia.com) homeopathy
A constitutional treatment with the appropriate individual single agent is a good option in the treatment of psoriasis. Examples of single remedies are: Arsenicum album, Calcarea carbonica, Kalium sulfuricum, Lycopodium, Natrum muriaticum, Phosphorus, Pulsatilla, Thuja and many more. In order to find the right remedy for homeopathy, a detailed medical history is indispensable.
Rules therapy
The order therapy is an old healing method in which the structuring of the inner and outer life order is in the foreground. This term was very important in the treatment concepts of Sebastian Kneipp and Max Bircher-Benner. The personal life of the patient, his diet, his movement and also his phases of relaxation - all this is illuminated in the order therapy. Especially with skin diseases, such as psoriasis, this is very important.
Stress can definitely be a trigger for a psoriasis boost. In order to prevent this, people are looking for ways to escape stress, not to let them in or to learn how to handle it better. Fresh air, exercise, exercise, healthy diet, adequate sleep - are also important factors from the point of view of stress prevention / coping.
Orthomolecular therapy
Orthomolecular Therapy prescribes dietary supplements, certain vitamins, trace elements and minerals that can not be supplied in sufficient quantities with food. Such a substitution should not take place arbitrarily, but should be co-ordinated with a doctor or alternative practitioner. Especially with vitamins that are fat-soluble, such as vitamin D, which is extremely important for skin metabolism, there is a risk that too much of it is absorbed. This also applies to vitamin A, which should not be missing in the treatment of psoriasis. This vitamin should be taken only under therapeutic supervision, because too high a dose could be toxic. A detailed blood test will indicate if vitamins are missing or if they are too low.
Foot reflexology
The foot reflexology is a naturopathic treatment that can bring the whole body back into balance. Although psoriasis is a skin disease, not only the skin, but the entire organism is affected. Through the massage of the reflex zones, all internal organs as well as the psyche can be treated - in a gentle and pleasant way.
Foot reflexology massage is a gentle and enjoyable way to combat psoriasis. (Image: jopix.de/fotolia.com) Phytotherapy
In psoriasis, especially on metabolism stimulating plants is set. Internally as tea, tincture or extract sarsaparilla and Herniaria glabra are recommended. For external use aloe vera gel, fumitory, mahonia, frankincense, wheat bran and castor oil are prescribed.
In all skin diseases in the natural healing additionally supports the liver, for example, with a milk thistle preparation.
Anthroposophic medicine
Anthroposophic medicine has many resources ready to provide relief for psoriasis. Since this form of therapy has a great deal of attention to the body, soul and spirit as a whole, means are always prescribed for the skin from the inside and the outside, means for the metabolism and also preparations for the psyche. On the whole, a completely coherent concept.
intestinal cleansing
The gut is home to most of the human immune system. If the intestinal flora is not in order, the human can get sick. A healthy defense goes hand in hand with an intact intestinal flora. If this is disturbed, for example, by inflammation or by frequent administration of antibiotics, a bowel rehabilitation should take place. This is almost always associated with psoriasis. To see how it is about the intestinal flora, an in-depth stool examination can be carried out clarity. On the basis of the findings, the attending physician or alternative practitioner compiles a therapy plan. First, the intestine is "cleaned" with a suitable preparation and then built up with certain physiological intestinal bacteria.
Diet for psoriasis
The diet for psoriasis should be very base-rich and full-fledged. To avoid are sugar and sugary foods, luxury foods, fatty foods and pork. Sausage and meat should always be reduced to a minimum. Seasonal fruits and vegetables, however, are increasingly on the daily diet. Again and again sufferers react to certain foods. This is where a diary helps. If relapses are linked to nutrition, the food in question should no longer be on the menu. It is important to provide adequate hydration in the form of still water and herbal tea.
bathrooms
Salt, sulfur and oil baths can also provide mild relief in psoriasis.
The salt bath
The skin is positively influenced by a salt application. It is better blood circulation, salt has anti-inflammatory, the dandruff is reduced and itching is relieved. In addition, the bath has a basic, detoxifying and increases the body's defenses. So a properly performed salt bath in psoriasis can actually bring relief.
The maximum number of people to be bathed twice a week. For a full bath, you need 1 kg of salt (Himalayan salt, good sea salt). You let the water in the tub (bath temperature at 37 ° C) and then add the salt by stirring it with your hands into the water. Only when the salt has completely dissolved, the salt bath is ready to enter. Bathe rather shorter than longer. Only ten minutes in the beginning - that's enough, especially if you have low blood pressure. After the bath, the skin is dabbed only very carefully. Then on the couch or best to go to bed. In any case, after a salt bath must be rested.
In order to make the effect of the salt bath even more "basic", soda can be added to the bath water. This is available in small bags in the drugstore.
The sulfur bath
The sulfur bath is either carried out in a natural sulfur spring, a thermal bath, or at home in the bathtub. Sulfur helps against pain, in rheumatic diseases, spinal complaints, but also in skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis or psoriasis. The bath temperature should be between 37 and 39 ° C, the bath time between ten and twenty minutes and bathing is a maximum of twice a week. A rest afterwards is absolutely advisable. For pregnant women, nursing mothers, toddlers and infants, the sulfur bath is not suitable.
The oil bath
Various oil bath compositions are available for the treatment of psoriasis commercially. Quite simply, a bath with olive oil. For this, two tablespoons of olive oil are mixed with a little cream and then added to the bathwater. This has a moisturizing effect on the skin and is also a reasonably favorable bath additive.
A bath with salt or oil additives can help to alleviate skin problems in psoriasis. (Image: Grecaud Paul / fotolia.com) Psoriasis and the psyche
Everyone knows the phrase "The skin is the mirror of the soul". This becomes noticeable, for example, through the red when someone is ashamed. Also, a psoriasis boost may well be triggered by stress and mental health problems. Conversely, however, the disease can also strain the psyche - the skin blooms and those affected are ashamed; they shy away from social contacts because they think that the environment is disgusted by the afflicted psoriasis sites. Those affected are having a hard time choosing their hobbies because, for example, they do not want to show themselves swimming during the summer.
In both cases, the psyche must be taken seriously. Stress must be reduced, coping strategies should be found. Regular relaxation is important. Meditation, autogenic training, yoga and progressive muscle relaxation help. Self-help groups meet like-minded people to exchange experiences. Therapy with a psychotherapist can help you to regain your self-confidence, to fully accept yourself and not to focus your entire life on the disease of the skin.
Summary
In summary, psoriasis is not a disease that only and exclusively occurs on the skin - on the contrary. It arises, like any skin disease, from the inside and should be treated like this. Lighting up life conditions, stress management counseling with appropriate relaxation procedures, a healthy diet and lifestyle - all this is the basis for the success of psoriasis therapy. Conventional medicine in combination with appropriate naturopathic procedures can provide relief for sufferers, reduce the frequency of relapses and minimize discomfort. (Sw)
Specialist supervision: Barbara Schindewolf-Lensch (doctor)