Foot psoriasis is a common problem. It can occur due to hormonal disturbances, weakened immune system and other reasons. It can be cured with the help of medications, traditional medicine prescriptions and physical therapy procedures.
Causes and risk factors for psoriasis in the legs
Psoriasis in the legs is a condition whose cause doctors cannot identify. However, possible triggering factors include:
- Heredity. The disease can be hereditary (from parents to children).
- Disturbances in the functioning of the central nervous system. Frequent stress leads to disruption of many processes in the body. In many patients, these rashes appear precisely after stressful situations.
- Hormonal disturbance in the body. Disturbances in the endocrine system lead to metabolic disturbances, which are a factor in the excessive production of skin cells.
- Weakened immunity. Psoriasis develops in the context of infectious diseases. The risk group includes patients who frequently suffer from viral infections and respiratory diseases (bronchitis, tonsillitis).
- Mechanical injury to the skin.
- of Climate Change.
- Frequent use of certain medications.
- The abuse of hygiene products that lead to the destruction of beneficial microorganisms in the skin.
- The use of chemicals.
- Eat foods that contain food additives, alcohol.
Classification and symptoms of psoriasis in the legs
There are several types of the disease, each with its own symptoms:
- Common (spotted, vulgar). The most common type of psoriasis, it affects nearly 90 percent of all patients. It manifests itself in the form of rashes in the form of red patches, which spread rapidly over the legs. Small plaques, 3-4 cm in diameter, in the absence of treatment, can coalesce and create large areas of rash. It is accompanied by intense itching, bleeding may occur when scratching. A rash on the knees occurs with exactly these symptoms.
- Exudative (pustular). This type is rare and occurs more severely. Repeated relapses are possible. Complex healing therapy takes time. Eruptions in the form of pustules with clear fluid usually bleed, while the patient's skin is constantly warm. This type is seen on the feet and legs.
- Drop-shaped (dot). It's not very common. It is characterized by punctual red or scarlet eruptions that resemble a droplet. Basically, the triggering factor for the emergence of this species is the streptococcal bacteria. The rash is located on the knees.
- Reverse. During the illness, pale pink spots, soft to the touch, appear. There is no scaling, but slight peeling of the skin can sometimes be seen. The blemishes do not rise above the surface of the skin, but are concentrated on the inner thigh.
- Psoriatic onychodystrophy (nail psoriasis). From the name it is clear that the disease affects the nail bed and the surrounding skin. On the nails, punctual depressions appear, in which the color of the nail plate changes (becomes yellow or white). Dots appear on them, they become brittle. Sometimes it bleeds under the nails. Detachment of the nail from the soft tissue occurs - onycholysis. Thereafter, scars appear.
- Psoriatic erythroderma. It is characterized by red rash, peeling skin, unbearable itchiness, swelling, and swollen lymph nodes. Erythroderma presents a wide variety of lesions - from the groin area to the feet.
- Psoriasis in the feet. This type of disease causes many problems for the patient. When walking, wounds and cracks appear, which bleed constantly and interfere with gait. The blisters are located on the heel, around the nails, on the tips of the fingers and between them. Constant rubbing causes irritation with intense itching and itching, which can lead to fungal infections. To some extent, sweating contributes to the development of rashes on the feet. Sweat is an excellent breeding ground for the development of pathogens that cause inflammation.
- Psoriatic arthritis (joint psoriasis). This type develops not only in the epidermis but also in the joints. Psoriasis affects the knees and finger joints. The main symptom of the development of arthritis in the legs is the curvature of the joints and changes in their size. As a result, the joint and limbs are disturbed (a small bone appears near the finger). The dermis at this site extends and takes on a burgundy color, swelling is noted.
Drug therapy for psoriasis
Medication for psoriasis depends on the degree of development of the disease.
- Light. For the treatment of a mild disease, local therapy is used (ointments, creams, gels). Salicylic and zinc ointments show good results. To achieve high treatment results, a complex therapy is used, which includes medications with hormonal components and vitamins. They use drugs that include a medicinal substance - dithranol.
- Average. For the treatment of this degree of disease, all treatment methods are important in order to eliminate all symptoms of the disease. Along with drug therapy, laser treatment, light 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 grade is the most difficult and requires treatment with all means and methods that alleviate the symptoms of psoriasis in the legs. In these cases, drugs that suppress immune responses, antihistamines and antibiotics are prescribed.
Physiotherapy for psoriasis
Physical therapy effectively complements drug treatment for psoriasis. In medical practice, there are several methods of physical therapy procedures:
- Light therapy for legs. Ultraviolet radiation is the most effective treatment for psoriasis. The method involves exposure to ultraviolet rays in a medical facility. No side effects found, does not affect the body. After phototherapy, plaques are reduced and, in 80% of cases, the patient fully recovers.
- Cryotherapy. The method is based on cold treatment. The course can last from one to six months. In psoriasis of the legs, a local procedure is prescribed when the cold is targeted only at certain lesions. These sessions reduce itching, inflammation, promote tissue repair and delay the formation of new scales.
- UV blood count (plasmaphoresis). This method in medicine is relatively new and its distinguishing feature is the rapid result of treatment. The essence of the procedure is that a tube is inserted into a vein through which blood is poured into a vessel located in a special device. There, the blood is exposed to ultraviolet radiation and then returned. The procedure is performed with complete sterility.
- Puva Therapy. The treatment method is prescribed for patients with severe forms of psoriasis. It is based on the use of psoralens - substances that increase the sensitivity of cells to ultraviolet radiation. The method is highly effective, after 25 sessions the profuse rashes almost disappear.
Recipes for Traditional Medicines 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 a burning sensation.
- Broths For the broth, one should use a series (2 tablespoons), celandine (1 tablespoon), licorice root (2 tablespoons) and oregano (1 tablespoon). All herbs are mixed and infused for 20 minutes. The broth is taken orally in half a glass twice a day. This remedy is effective for mild psoriasis.
- Ointments. There are many popular recipes for making birch tar ointments.
- Mix birch tar (50 ml) with oil (50 ml). Apply the resulting ointment to the injured 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 ready mix every day for a month.
- Baths. Traditional medicine offers the treatment of leg ailments through celandine baths. Celandine not only contributes to the elimination of skin rashes, but also eliminates the causes of the onset of the disease. The herb is poured into boiling water and infused for an hour. Strain the infusion and add to the footbath. Bath time is not longer than 15 minutes.
- Compresses. Also, with psoriasis on the legs, potato compresses help. To prepare this compress, it is necessary to grate the potatoes and place the prepared composition on the feet, wrapping it with plastic film. The compress duration is not more than three hours.
Diet
Diet plays an important role in psoriasis. During severe inflammation, it is necessary to follow some 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 illness, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications. Foot psoriasis can lead to the following consequences:
- the occurrence of pain when walking;
- common psoriasis can progress to erythroderma;
- the occurrence of other infections;
- disturbance of metabolic processes;
- decreased protective functions of the epidermis;
- violation of the thermoregulation of the skin.
Prevention of psoriasis in the legs
If you follow all preventive measures, psoriasis disease can be prevented. Prevention recommendations:
- treat your feet with nutritional and antibacterial preparations;
- treat your toenails to prevent fungal infections;
- solar treatments;
- when wearing closed shoes, you should ventilate your feet;
- frequent physical activity.
The main rule in preventing any disease is adherence to a healthy lifestyle.