Psoriasis on the feet is a common problem. It can occur due to hormonal disorders, weakened immune system and other reasons. It can be cured with the help of medicines, traditional medicine recipes and physiotherapy procedures.
Causes and risk factors of psoriasis on the feet
Psoriasis on the feet is pathological, the cause of which cannot be identified by a doctor. However, factors that may provoke include:
- Descendants. The disease can be inherited (from parents to children).
- Disorders in the work of the central nervous system. Frequent stress leads to disruption of many processes in the body. In most patients, such a rash appears right after a stressful situation.
- Hormonal disorders in the body. Disorders in the endocrine system lead to metabolic disorders, which are factors that provoke excessive skin cell production.
- Weak immunity. Psoriasis develops against the background of infectious diseases. The risk group includes patients who frequently have viral infections and suffer from respiratory diseases (bronchitis, tonsillitis).
- Mechanical injury to the skin.
- Climate change.
- Regular use of certain medications.
- Misuse of hygiene products leads to the destruction of beneficial microorganisms on the skin.
- Use of chemicals.
- Eat foods that contain food additives, alcohol.
Classification and symptoms of psoriasis on the feet
There are several types of diseases, each with its own symptoms:
- Normal (spotted, rough). The most common type of psoriasis, which affects nearly 90 percent of all patients. It manifests itself as a rash in the form of red spots, which are quickly distributed on the feet. Small plaques, 3-4 cm in diameter, in the absence of treatment, can coalesce and create large rash areas. It is accompanied by severe itching, bleeding may occur when scratching. A rash on the knee occurs only with such symptoms.
- Exudative (pustular). This type is rare and occurs in a more severe form. Recurrence is possible. Complex healing therapy is time consuming. The rash in the form of pustules with clear fluid often bleeds, while the patient's skin is always hot. This type is observed on the feet and legs.
- Drop -shaped (dot). Very unusual. It is characterized by precise eruptions of red or red color, resembling a drop. Basically, the factor that provokes the emergence of this species is streptococcal bacteria. The rash is located on the knee.
- inverted. During the disease, pale pink spots appear, smooth to the touch. There is no exfoliation, but sometimes a slight exfoliation of the skin can be observed. The spots do not rise on the surface of the skin, they concentrate on the inside of the thighs.
- Psoriatic onychodystrophy (psoriasis of the nails). From its name it is clear that the disease affects the nail bed and the skin around it. Dotted indentations appear on the nail, where the color of the nail plate changes (turns yellow or turns white). Spots appear on them, they become brittle. Sometimes it bleeds under the nails. Detachment of nails from soft tissues occurs - onycholysis. After that, scars appeared.
- Psoriatic erythroderma. It is characterized by a red rash, peeling skin, unbearable itching, swelling and swollen lymph nodes. Erythroderma has many different types of lesions - from the groin area to the feet.
- Psoriasis of the feet. This type of disease gives patients a lot of problems. While walking, cuts and cracks appear, which constantly bleed and interfere with walking. Blisters are localized on the heel, around the nails, on the finger pads and between them. Persistent friction causes irritation with severe itching and scratching, which can lead to fungal infections. To some extent, sweat contributes to the development of a rash on the feet. Sweat is an excellent breeding ground for the development of pathogens that cause inflammation.
- Psoriatic arthritis (psoriasis of the joints). This type develops not only on the epidermis, but also on the joints. Psoriasis affects the knees and finger joints. The main symptoms of the development of arthritis in the legs are curvature of the joint and changes in its size. As a result, joints and limbs are disrupted (small bones appear near the fingers). The dermis in this place stretches and becomes a burgundy color, swelling is observed.
Drug therapy for psoriasis
Medication for psoriasis depends on the stage of development of the disease.
- Lightweight. For the treatment of this mild stage disease, local therapies are used (ointments, creams, gels). Salicylic and zinc ointments show good results. To achieve high treatment results, complex therapies are used, which include drugs with hormonal and vitamin components. They use a drug that includes a medicinal substance - dithranol.
- Average. For the treatment of this stage of the disease, all methods of treatment are essential to eliminate all the symptoms of the disease. Along with drug therapy, laser treatment, mild treatment, as well as plasmaphoresis (removal of toxic substances from the blood) and cryotherapy (cold treatment) are used. In case of complications, corticosteroid ointments are prescribed: hydrocortisone, cortisone.
- heavy. This degree is the most difficult and requires treatment by all means and methods that relieve the symptoms of psoriasis on the feet. In this case, medications are prescribed that suppress the immune response, antihistamines and antibiotics.
Physiotherapy for psoriasis
Physiotherapy effectively complements the drug treatment of psoriasis. In medical practice, there are several methods of physiotherapy procedures:
- Light therapy for the feet. Ultraviolet radiation is the most effective treatment for psoriasis. This method involves exposure to ultraviolet radiation in a medical facility. No side effects were found, it did not affect the body. After light therapy, plaque diminishes, and in 80% of cases, the patient recovers completely.
- Cryotherapy. This method is based on cold treatment. This course can last from one to six months. With foot psoriasis, a local procedure is prescribed, when the cold is only directed to specific lesions. This session reduces itching, inflammation, promotes tissue repair, and slows down the formation of new scales.
- UV blood count (plasmaphoresis). The methods in this medicine are relatively new; distinctive feature is the result of rapid treatment. The essence of the procedure is that a tube is inserted into a vein where blood is poured into a vessel located in a special device. There, the blood is exposed to ultraviolet radiation and then regenerated. This procedure is performed with complete infertility.
- Puva therapy. Treatment methods are prescribed for patients with severe forms of psoriasis. It is based on the use of psoralens - a substance that increases the sensitivity of cells to ultraviolet radiation. This method is very effective, after 25 sessions, the abundant rash almost disappears.
Traditional medicine recipes for psoriasis
- Many patients use traditional medicine to treat the disease. It can be tinctures, baths, lotions, decoctions. Various herbs are used to cleanse the skin, such as calendula, chamomile, celandine. They are able to relieve inflammation and burning sensation.
- The broth. For the soup, you must use a series (2 tbsp), celandine (1 tbsp), licorice root (2 tbsp) and oregano (1 tbsp). All herbs are mixed and infused for 20 minutes. The broth is taken orally for half a glass 2 times a day. This medication is effective for mild psoriasis.
- Ointment. There are many folk recipes for making ointments based on birch tar.
- Mix birch tar (50 ml) with olive oil (50 ml). Apply the resulting ointment on sore skin, preferably before bedtime, wrap with gauze. Rinse with warm water in the morning.
- Birch tar (30 ml), castor oil (30 ml), honey (60 grams) and 2 chicken eggs. Mix all ingredients and leave in a cool place for 2 days. Apply the finished mixture daily for a month.
- Take a shower. Traditional medicine offers treatment of diseases of the feet, using celandine -based baths. Celandine contributes not only to the elimination of rashes, but also eliminates the causes of disease manifestations. Herbs are poured with boiling water and infused for an hour. Strain the infusion and add to the foot bath. Bath time is not more than 15 minutes.
- Compressing. Also, with psoriasis on the feet, potato compresses will help. To prepare such a compressor, you need to grate the potatoes and put the prepared composition on your feet, wrapping it with cling film. The compression period is not more than three hours.
Diet
Diet plays an important role in psoriasis. During severe inflammation, it is necessary to adhere to certain dietary rules. Do not eat smoked, salty and fatty foods. Sweets, citrus fruits and dairy products are also contraindicated in case of illness. Drinking alcohol is strictly prohibited.
Complications and consequences
Any disease, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications. Foot psoriasis can lead to the following consequences:
- occurrence of pain when walking;
- common psoriasis can develop into erythroderm;
- occurrence of other infections;
- violation of metabolic processes;
- decrease in the protective function of the epidermis;
- violation of skin thermoregulation.
Prevention of psoriasis on the feet
If you follow all the preventive measures, then psoriasis can be prevented. Prevention recommendations:
- treat your feet with antibacterial and nutritional preparations;
- treating toenails to prevent fungal infections;
- solar treatment;
- when wearing closed shoes, you must move your feet;
- regular physical activity.
The main rule in the prevention of any disease is adherence to a healthy lifestyle.