Winter psoriasis: how to treat

Winter psoriasis is one of the varieties of this pathology. By itself, psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that has a non-infectious origin. With its development in the patient on the skin appear inflamed areas, covered with silver scales. Psoriasis often recurs (this form worsens in winter), affecting the tissues located next to the joints.

Epidemiology

Approximately 2-3% of people on the planet (depending on the place of residence) suffer from psoriasis. Statistics show that basically this disease occurs between 30-40-ka, and also 50-60-th years, but also sometimes develops in children.

[1], [2], [3], [4]

Causes of the winter psoriasis

The causes of winter psoriasis is a reduction in the amount of UV rays that get on the skin of the patient, as well as the dryness of the air.

Due to the fact that on cold days people try to stay less on the street, and also dress in several layers of warm clothes, the skin gets less UV rays, and after all, they weaken the manifestations of winter psoriasis in the spring-summer period. According to the researchers, ultraviolet allows you to delay the accelerated growth of skin cells (this is considered the main symptom of psoriasis development). Therefore, as a result of reducing the time spent on the street, patients with this disease are at increased risk of exacerbation, as well as worsening of psoriasis plaques.

In addition, due to the fact that cold winter air on the street (as well as on the contrary hot in a multitude of rooms) is not moist enough, it also has a negative effect on the skin.

[5], [6], [7]

Risk factors

An exacerbation of psoriasis symptoms may be manifested under the influence of a virus or a bacterial infection that has got into the patient's body.

Any disorders, viruses, microbes and bacteria - anything that can disrupt the stable and proper functioning of the immune system, can provoke a worsening of the course of the disease. Initiate an exacerbation of psoriasis are capable even of the simplest viruses - for example, respiratory or catarrhal.

Also, the deterioration is possible due to alcohol abuse. In particular, if it is also accompanied by smoking - this doubles the negative impact on the body.

[8], [9],

Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis of psoriasis is not yet fully understood. There are many hypotheses for the development of this disease, and the main among them is hereditary.

The fact that the pathogenesis of the disease depends on genetic pathogens is evidenced by the fact that the concentration of its development is much higher in families whose history has psoriasis. In addition, in this case, too, there is a higher concordance between monozygotic and not dizygotic twins. While there is no definitive data on what type of inheritance psoriasis has, there is much evidence that it is a multifactorial disease, the share of the genetic component of which is 60-70%, and the environmental component, respectively, is 30-40%.

If we talk about the infectious hypothesis, then there are some indirect evidence (such as the detection of similar immune viral inclusions as well as complexes, and in addition the presence of cytopathic effects on chicken embryos and tissue cultures due to the influence of the putative virus) that viruses can provoke the development of psoriasis. But the available data are not enough to talk about the viral etiology of the disease - because the infection was not yet reproduced by the experimental method, the virus was not identified, and there were no reliable cases of psoriasis infection.

[10], [11], [12], [13], [14],

Symptoms of the winter psoriasis

The main symptoms of psoriasis are inflamed and flaky red spots on the skin - both on the body and on the head. In these places there is also a strong itch. In some cases, the disease can affect the nails.

In accordance with the period when relapses occur most often, the disease can be classified into several separate types. For example, if exacerbations occur in the winter - such a psoriasis is called winter.

In the case of exacerbation of psoriasis, a red rash appears on the patient's body, resembling externally on plaques. The spots on the skin can be small (no more than a pinhead), and huge, occupying a large area of the skin. The rash is highly flaky and itchy, and its surface layer, which is called scales, can exfoliate. In the process of sloughing, deep skin layers with a density are found on the surface. In some cases, the development of suppuration, as well as the appearance of cracks, may occur in the lesions.

Stages

By severity, psoriasis can be divided into 3 stages - heavy, medium, and also light. With light psoriatic plaques occupy a maximum of 3% of the area of the skin, and at an average of 10% of the area. Heavy is considered the stage when the disease covers more than 11% of the skin.

There are also 3 stages of the development of the disease - regressive, and besides it is stationary and progressive.

When the patient has a progressive stage of pathology, against the background of the formation of new papules, old elements also grow. At the same time around the papules a special corolla is formed, and new plaques arise due to the fusion of the papules.

At a stationary stage of development, the corolla of growth is not formed, as are new papules.

During the regressing stage, the pockets of the rash pale and flatten, and in addition become less. Also, the peeling disappears, and on the areas around the papules a whisk of depigmentation is formed.

[15], [16]

Complications and consequences

Psoriasis as an independent disease is not dangerous to health, nor is it contagious. Its plaques can appear on the skin, and then disappear and reappear in other places. The danger lies in the fact that in psoriasis pathological changes can occur in other organs (mainly in the joints). A similar complication is called psoriatic arthritis. About 20% of all cases of this disease occur in the knee area, but other joints may also be affected, for example, in the phalanges of the fingers. In the severe course of the disease, complete immobilization of the joints occurs.

In addition, the complication of psoriasis can be a decrease in the sensitivity of tissues to the substance of insulin, resulting in the development of type II diabetes, especially in elderly people.

In psoriasis, the production of melatonin (this is the pineal gland / epiphyseal hormone) worsens - it is responsible for the function of sleep. Also in 10% of cases, the disease can cause eye disease.

In addition, the development of psoriatic glomerulonephritis is possible, as well as the defeat of the cardiovascular system.

In patients with psoriasis (especially in a common form), psychological disorders can also be observed - often depression develops.

[17], [18]

Diagnostics of the winter psoriasis

Psoriasis is diagnosed mainly due to the presence of external symptoms, as well as anamnesis (after a conversation with the patient). External symptoms are manifestations that are part of the psoriatic triad:

• symptom stearin stain (after scraping plaque scales begin to descend in the form of shavings, similar to stearin);
• phenomenon of psoriatic film (after removal of all scales on the skin there is a brilliant red inflamed surface resembling polyethylene);
• Auspitz symptom (after scraping cleansed skin, droplets of blood appear on it - due to damage to small surface vessels).

To confirm the diagnosis, a biopsy procedure is performed.

Also, in the diagnosis of psoriasis, dermatoscopy can be performed.

[19], [20], [21]

Differential diagnosis

Although the clinical picture of psoriasis is quite typical, it is still necessary to clarify the diagnosis, differentiating the disease from other dermatoses. Among them, red lichen planus, nodular syphilis, Reiter's syndrome, seborrheic dermatitis and seborrhea. In addition, also atopic dermatitis, Zhibera's disease, parapsoriasis, Phlegel's disease, the primary form of the cutaneous reticulum, the premoic stage of the mushroom granuloma, DKV, and at the same time erythrokeratodermia, etc.

[22], [23], [24],

Treatment of the winter psoriasis

After the diagnosis of "psoriasis", the patient is prescribed a complex treatment, including the use of the most effective methods.

Medications

For treatment, hormonal drugs are used, which should be applied to the inflamed areas of the skin.

Among the most effective drugs are Elokom, Diprosalik, Betamethasone, and in addition Schering-Plow and Flucionolone.

It should be borne in mind that the frequency of the use of these drugs can only be determined by a specialist, as due to uncontrolled use hormonal drugs can provoke allergies, the development of contact dermatitis or secondary infections, and also the dryness of the skin.

Vitamins

Very effective in psoriasis are vitamins - they allow us to weaken the symptoms of the disease.

Retinol (vitamin A) is a fat-soluble element that is used to eliminate skin diseases. This component inhibits the processes of her keratinization, and also lowers the rate of fat release. Absorption of retinol in the body takes 30 minutes. For the treatment of psoriasis, it is effective in that it maintains the required level of keratin in the skin cells. For treatment, vitamin A is used in oily drops, which are recommended to drink 15 minutes after eating. Doctors can prescribe and retinol derivatives - retinoids.

Due to the use of retinol in large doses, hepatic pathologies and pancreatic diseases may worsen, so in psoriasis it is prescribed in dosages that do not exceed the need for an organism.

Of drugs, Cetrin can be prescribed. Doses depend on the course of the disease and its form (range from 25-50 mg / day). Further, the amount can vary - individual dosage is selected. If at the beginning of the procedure the patient develops a rash and itching, it is necessary to cancel the use of drugs.

Also, the vitamin A of group A can be obtained from pepper, and in addition to this liver and butter - in these products it is contained in fairly large doses.

Vitamin D is also fat-soluble. It does not decompose under the influence of high temperature and is insoluble in water. It is able to have a positive effect on the skin condition.

In the treatment of psoriasis helps to stabilize the metabolism of phosphorus, as well as calcium. It is well produced by exposure to UV rays. The use of vitamin D can reduce the rash (or remove it completely, but only for a certain period of time). Also vitamin D helps to more effectively absorb calcium, which strengthens bones well.

Vitamin D3 in psoriasis is prescribed in the form of an ointment Calcipotriol. The medicine should be applied to plaques, but it is only allowed to use it when the area of the skin rashes is not more than 40% of the entire surface.

Pregnant women can receive this component from food - butter or vegetable oil, fermented milk products. In addition, a large amount of this substance is found in seafood (such as halibut liver, as well as cod), parsley, and also oatmeal with potatoes and other products.

In addition to sunlight, fresh, clean air is also required to produce vitamin D inside the body. Due to the deficiency of this component in psoriasis, the bones begin to soften - that's why it is extremely important to use it. It helps to strengthen the bones.

Vitamin E is an effective antioxidant that promotes metabolic processes that take place inside cells, and also participates in the process of DNA synthesis. For the treatment of psoriasis it is taken orally - it is available in the form of an oily solution. For pregnant women, the dosage is 15-100 mg (taking in a day or 2-3 times a week). The use of injections is a rather rare method, because such injections are very painful and can provoke the appearance of compaction. In psoriasis, this component contributes to a marked improvement in the skin condition.

Experts recommend to use it together with vitamin A in the form of special capsules Aevit. Capsules should be drunk one or two times a day (the frequency depends on the form of the pathology, as well as the degree of its severity).

A lot of vitamin E is found in vegetable oil with rosehip, nuts with raspberry leaves and in green onions, and besides this in radishes and cucumbers.

Vitamins from category B are water soluble. They are used to treat psoriasis, since B1 together with cocarboxylase, which is its derivative, have a healing effect on the skin. They can be prescribed for oral use (in diluted form), as well as for administration in / m.

Pyridoxine is actively involved in carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism. Contained this vitamin in fish (for example, herring and halibut), as well as meat products, pearl barley, buckwheat and barley, and flour products of coarse grinding.

Also, during the treatment of psoriatic manifestations, B12 is always prescribed - to stabilize the work of the NA, and to improve the hematopoiesis process.

Calcium pangamate tablets contain B15 in their composition. They help to normalize the process of oxygen absorption by tissues.

In psoriasis, all vitamins from category B should be taken exclusively according to the scheme prescribed by the attending physician. Vitamin complex is selected for each patient individually.

Physiotherapeutic treatment

There are also several methods of physiotherapeutic treatment of psoriasis.

Procedure UFO. If this method is applied correctly, then psoriasis will cease to spread along the skin, and together with this the previously manifested manifestations of the disease will fade.

Photochemotherapy is considered one of the most effective methods of treating the disease (especially in severe cases). The treatment course is based on a combination of two elements - exposure to the skin of long-wave UV rays, as well as the use of drugs from the category of photosensitizing (this psoralen, puvalene, as well as methoxypsorogen and ammifurin). Thanks to photochemotherapy, the patient can get rid of about 80% of all plaques, and in case of regular use of this method, 90-95% of all deformations on the skin can be eliminated.

In our time, psoriasis is successfully eliminated by laser therapy. With its help, you can treat and pathology, developing in the scalp. During the procedure, the molecules of living tissues are excited as a result of the application of laser beams. This has a photomechanical, as well as photochemical and other positive effects on the skin.

In addition to the above methods, it is possible to treat the disease with ultrasound, X-rays and electrotherapy, and in addition to ultraphonophoresis and exposure to low temperatures or magnetic waves. Thalassotherapy is also effective - it qualitatively strengthens the patient's immunity.

Alternative treatment and herbal treatment

There are many different methods of alternative treatment that help to eliminate the symptoms of psoriasis. Among the most popular and effective recipes are the following.

Pour the dry bay leaf (20 g) with boiling water (2 cups). It is necessary to keep the medicine on low heat for about 10-15 minutes, and then strain and cool it. Take a decoction three times a day in the amount of 1/3 cup.

Effective for psoriasis are also therapeutic baths with the addition of St. John's wort, sage, alternatives, celandine or fir extract.

Well, and the reception of herbal medicine (from St. John's wort, buffalo, string, horsetail, and the root of elecampane) also helps. It is necessary to pour boiling water (1 glass) mixture of herbs (1 tablespoon), then insist on a water bath - about 15-20 minutes. Drink tincture should be in the morning, as well as in the evening immediately after eating.

Psoriasis is well handled by sea buckthorn oil - it should be used 1 time per day for 1 teaspoon.

Leaves and flowers of black elder are also considered an effective means. You need to pour boiled water (0.5 liters) herbal mixture (2 teaspoons), and then insist for 1 hour. After this, the tincture must be filtered. Keep it in a cool dry place, and drink three times a day in the amount of 1/3 cup.

Among the medicines used externally, you can identify fish oil, celandine juice, as well as garlic tincture. They need to treat affected areas of the skin 1-2 times per day. In addition, it is recommended that you take a bath of oatmeal or corn flour.

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Prevention

The most effective method of preventing psoriasis is to regularly maintain the optimum moisture level of the skin. But it should be borne in mind that there are also forms of pathology in which the moisture of the skin on the contrary can only provoke an exacerbation.

It should also protect the skin from any damage: scratches and abrasions, as well as injuries in the process of cutting nails.

Provoke psoriasis and are capable of regular stress along with a state of constant nerve strain.

To prevent the development of psoriasis, you need to abandon bad habits (alcohol, smoking), and to maximally strengthen the immune system.

Forecast

Winter psoriasis, like any other form of this disease, is incurable, but the prognosis of its course can be favorable - modern methods of treatment allow you to achieve long-term remissions - from 1 year to periods of 30 or even 50 years. To achieve this result, you need to maintain a healthy lifestyle - the correct diet, rest and work, the absence of fatigue, as well as stressful conditions.