What is plaque psoriasis and its symptoms?
Psoriasis, or psoriasis in plates, is one of the most common forms of psoriasis disease. It concerns approximately 80% of people with psoriasis. It affects both men and women. This dermatological pathology is an autoimmune disease which triggers a chronic inflammation of skin cells. The natural treatments for psoriasis exist, as well as the management of drug treatments to relieve symptoms. But remember that there is no definitive cure.
In France and around the world, 3 to 5% of the population is affected by psoriasis. This official figure is probably understated because many people with mild psoriasis do not consult and are therefore not counted. Furthermore, in many countries still the installation of diagnosis of psoriasis is not always accurate, as psoriasis presents symptoms quite similar to those of eczema.
Psoriasis is a disease that very rarely triggers a need for hospitalization. It generally does not cause pain. It can occur even if the patient's general health is otherwise good. However, the repercussions of this unsightly disease are often noted in social life.
The preconceptions of some lead the patient to want to hide their psoriasis marks and therefore impact the building of a relationship of trust.
Diagnosis and symptoms of plaque psoriasis. How do you know if it's psoriasis?
At first glance, plaque psoriasis appears in the form of Red plaques, often scaly. This autoimmune disease stimulates cell renewal. When the skin feels attacked, it accelerates the rate of skin cell production. We go from 28 days normally, to cells being renewed every 4-5 days. This therefore results in a proliferation of dead cells. They form small white crusts called the dander. This scales cover the red patches. The redness of the plaques manifests skin inflammation. These two symptoms are characteristic of psoriasis.
In some cases, pustules may appear on the skin. We then speak more of erythrodermic psoriasis or “pustular psoriasis” in the presence of pustules. This form of psoriasis with pustules is quite rare, but its treatment is difficult because the skin presents lesions.
In addition to the observable symptoms, one of the ways to diagnose this inflammation of the skin cells is through a blood test at the doctor or dermatologist. Psoriasis induces the significant presence of lymphocytes. Often, these blood cells of the immune system cause the proliferation of epidermis cells.
What causes plaque or gout psoriasis
Where does psoriasis come from? Psoriasis and favorable genetic background
The causes of plaque psoriasis are the same as those of gout psoriasis or any other form of psoriasis. Indeed, it occurs in people genetically predisposed. In fact, psoriasis is linked to the particular arrangement of a certain bouquet of genes in the genetic code. It then makes the patient susceptible to developing the disease.
NB: Note that we can use the expression psoriasis in gout or plaque in the singular or plural.
How does a psoriasis flare-up start?
Some people have the specific arrangement of genes that causes psoriasis. However, some never trigger any seizures. This is where psoriasis becomes a disease described as “capricious”. Trigger factors for psoriasis are many. They can be psychological or physical factors. The multiplication of factors in the same person leads to talk of aggravating factors.
Psychological factors of a psoriasis flare-up
Psoriasis can appear as a result of:
- from an emotional shock,
- or stress perceived, consciously or not, by the patient.
- or even depression.
Physical triggers of psoriasis
- lingestion of certain medications. For example, some heart treatments can cause a psoriasis flare-up.
- digestive weakness can also be the cause of this skin disorder.
- repeated rubbing on the skin : psoriasis is described as autoimmune disease. The epidermis perceives any friction as an attack. It protects itself by increasing the speed of cell renewal. In fact, this goes from the normal 28 days to renewal every 3-5 days. Logically, this results in the stacking of cells called keratinocytes. They reveal on the skin whitish crusts called scales. Hair removal too aggressive or too strong can also be a factor in an outbreak of psoriasis.
What areas of the skin are most affected by psoriasis?
Psoriasis and especially plaque psoriasis can cover a large part of the body. When more than 10% of the body is affected, we speak of severe psoriasis. However, this does not mean that marks and lesions are impossible to eliminate. However, this establishes the need for a heavier and more tedious treatment protocol. Logically, the time spent treating the different areas of psoriasis will be more important.
When psoriasis affects less than 5% of the body, we then speak of mild psoriasis. If it affects between 5 and 10% of the body, we then speak of a moderate psoriasis.
Psoriasis on friction areas
Friction can cause a reaction in the skin, since it feels attacked. This is why the joints (elbows, knees) are often affected, since they are areas of frequent friction. The forearms are also an area often affected by the disease. Note also that psoriasis can affect nails, friction zone par excellence.
Plaque psoriasis on the face
It most often appears on the sides of the nose, or at the edge of the scalp. In men, the beard area may also be affected.
Scalp psoriasis
It is a form of psoriasis that affects almost 50% of people affected. Scalp psoriasis is generally plaque psoriasis. It can cover the entire scalp. However, it is most often characterized by patches at the top of the neck. The area behind the ears is often affected, especially when wearing glasses.
Scalp psoriasis most often causes severe itching. Suitable shampoos help reduce this itching. THE Pso Natura Dermatological Shampoo contributes to the immediate relief of itching, and also acts to eliminate marks and dandruff on the scalp.
Psoriasis in the back
Still for reasons of friction, psoriasis can appear in the lower back, or even on the spine. In this case, it is good to question the causes of friction. An ill-fitting trouser belt or even wearing irritating clothing can cause a psoriasis outbreak. A sunburn can also cause psoriasis. This is a serious attack on the skin.
Through analysis, we can therefore eliminate the cause of the localized presence of psoriasis. On the other hand, it will be necessary to treat this area of skin so that the plaques disappear.
Palmar-plantar psoriasis
The feet and hands are two parts of the body that suffer from repeated and inevitable friction. This is why psoriasis can affect the soles of the feet or even the palms of the hands. It is therefore essential to treat this form of psoriasis as quickly as possible. Indeed, as it worsens, the skin can form cracks. It becomes difficult to treat and painful. So it’s better to act quickly.
Psoriasis and rheumatism
Psoriasis generally affects the skin, however the disease, in uncommon cases, can cause joint pain. Consult your doctor in this case. Treatment is often orally. Conversely, the treatment of plaque psoriasis on the skin involves more topical care. Treatments to apply directly to the skin.
Plaque psoriasis and guttate psoriasis
Guttate psoriasis
This form of psoriasis is much rarer than plaque psoriasis. It is mainly observed in children and young adults. It manifests itself in the form of an efflorescence of small psoriasis lesions, in the form of drops. These drops of less than 1cm in diameter can be located on the trunk and the roots of the arms and thighs. They most often spare the face.
Guttate psoriasis most often occurs following an ENT or anogenital infectious episode caused by group A (2/3 of cases), C, G or viral β-hemolytic streptococcus. In 50% of cases, guttate psoriasis disappears within a few weeks. There may be a resurgence in the following few months. However, this type of psoriasis can become chronic or transform into plaque psoriasis.
Plaque psoriasis
Thus, plaque psoriasis may be the result of guttate psoriasis. Also, it can appear spontaneously following a psychological or physical factor.
Location of plaque psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis can affect many parts of the body. The elbows and knees, often subject to a lot of friction, are the parts most frequently affected. For certain parts of the body, we speak of different types of psoriasis:
- When we talk about hands and feet, we talk about palmar-plantar psoriasis.
- If it affects the nails, the medical term is nail psoriasis.
- Le reverse psoriasisSays fold psoriasis, concerns the inside bend of the elbow or groin in particular.
- Psoriasis of the mucous membranes mainly affects the female or male genitals.
- As for psoriasis of the scalp, it affects almost 80% of people suffering from psoriasis.
The impacts of plaque psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis is a benign disease according to scientists. It is not to contagious. It is not not painful neither, except in the case of psoriatic arthritis. In fact, the disease then affects the joints and no longer just the epidermis. Around 15% of people with psoriasis suffer from it. This type of psoriasis is also calledpsoriatic arthritis.
Psoriasis itching. Does psoriasis itch?
They are often a sign of an outbreak of psoriasis. The skin thus signals its discomfort. However, psoriasis itching is often not temporary. They can continue when psoriasis plaques have appeared. They can even become quasi-permanent.
The spontaneous response to the itch is usually to scratch the plaque. But this further fuels the psoriasis attack since it is an autoimmune disease. Scratching is associated with aggression to the skin.
Therefore, psoriasis itching are not just an annoying consequence of the disease. Indeed, they are also a factor of aggravation in the event of scratching. This is why it is essential to'act on itching. The Pso Natura Rich Restructuring Cream is an effective response to this itching. It generously nourishes the epidermis and helps soothe sore skin.
Plaque psoriasis and social disability
The major impact of psoriasis is undoubtedly its unsightly appearance. It appears in the form of red patches or scaly patches. Thus, depending on its location, psoriasis can become a real social handicap. Let us mention here psoriasis on the elbows, legs, even the face.
Living with plaque psoriasis
Psoriasis and the views of others
Insisting looks, reactions of disgust, embarrassing questions. A person with psoriasis faces it regularly. Moreover, many people give up wearing short sleeves and skirts. In addition, some people forgo sun exposure on a beach.
It is also regularly mentioned the impact of psoriasis on sex life, due to the discomfort of the patient himself, but also that of his partner, demotivated by the appearance of the skin.
Psoriasis is considered a benign disease. However, it is not often the subject of public information, except during World Psoriasis Day which takes place each year at the end of October. Thus, this is an opportunity to raise awareness of this disease to everyone.
Even though it is not contagious, not everyone knows it. This is why it is important to report it regularly. However, for the person suffering from psoriasis, answering a barrage of questions about the disease becomes tiring and embarrassing over time. In fact, the withdrawal is common.
Psoriasis and loneliness
Psoriasis is a chronic disease that most often lasts throughout life. Some may be lucky enough to only experience one psoriasis attack in their life. But most often the patient experiences periods of remission which alternate with periods of regrowth over the years.
La psychological suffering which results from this is linked both to the view of others, as well as to disappointment and discouragement in the face of periods of crisis. However, the patient is most often hesitant to discuss this dermatological problem. Whether with those around him or in his relationship. Indeed, on the one hand, he does not suffer physically. But on the other hand, the solutions are few. The person suffering from psoriasis therefore finds themselves alone in the face of their illness. Consequently, suffering from plaque or guttate psoriasis results inpsychological isolation of the patient.
Psoriasis and depression
Isolation, the absence of any prospect of recovery, the gaze of others, the daily visual observation of the plaques, can lead the patient to reactions of despair, or even to the Depression.
In the case of palmar-plantar psoriasis, inside the palms or under the soles of the feet, some must abandon their profession. Added to the illness is social suffering and possibly depression.
This is why the France Psoriasis association has created discussion groups to be able to discuss the disease. Thus, members can better psychologically resist the hell of psoriasis.
To conclude, it is therefore essential to fight against psoriasis and to find a medicinal, or more ideally natural, therapeutic solution.
Treatments for psoriasis, allopathy
Most often, the treatment of psoriasis is carried out using topical treatments (directly on the skin). We then talk about local treatments for psoriasis.
This type of treatment can be used alone or combined with other treatments. Thus, it is generally possible to combine a local medicinal treatment with another type of natural treatment, for example.
For more extensive psoriasis, medicine often resorts to systemic treatments which are a global treatment of the body.
Local treatment of psoriasis
The main treatments prescribed by dermatologists or general practitioners are based on topical corticosteroids and vitamin D3 analogues.
Topical corticosteroids
They are effective for soothe inflammation of psoriatic skin. These corticosteroids come in the form of ointments, gels, creams and lotions for scalp psoriasis.
However, this type of processing generates a habituation effect. Clearly, in the case of long-term treatment of psoriasis, the effectiveness declines.
In addition, regular applications to the skin over time can also lead toskin refinement. The epidermis becomes more sensitive, more fragile. This can then result in the formation of lesions.
Finally, these treatments, although effective to a certain extent, must be managed with caution. For example, abrupt cessation of topical corticosteroid treatment can cause a rebound effect of the disease. This is why many patients tend to avoid this type of medication provided only by prescription.
Let us also mention the risks linked to poorly supervised use, which we qualify as “inappropriate” or “abusive” of topical corticosteroids, particularly over several months of daily use. We give a name today to these effects: “red skin syndrome” or “burning skin syndrome” or “skin on fire”.
What symptoms are linked to the use of cortisone?
Their occurrence never occurs during treatment but often when stopping topical corticosteroids. Patients describe redness in most cases. They may also have acne-like pimples. They may feel burning, tingling or itching. Still controversial in France due to lack of scientific studies, yet some people are disfigured and beyond physical suffering, are strongly affected psychologically in their daily life. For more information, you can contact theAssociation of victims of topical corticosteroids.
Dermo-corticosteroid medications should therefore be used ideally over a limited period, and above all their application must be stopped gradually so as to avoid or limit the rebound effect which may occur in the event of a stop.
In addition, they are prescribed mainly when the surface area of the affected areas is not too large. In cases of severe psoriasis (more than 10% of the affected epidermis), it will often be indicated to switch to a systemic treatment.
Vitamin D3 analogues
We are talking here about salicylic acid, Calcipotriol, Calcitriol and Tacalcitol to apply 1 to twice a day. They are vitamin D derivatives. This type of treatment helps limit the maturation and multiplication of keratinocytes. We're talking about salicylic acid.
Intended for thick psoriasis plaques, salicylic acid has keratolytic power. Salicylic acid is generally combined with a fatty excipient such as petroleum jelly to help strip/exfoliate very scaly lesions, before proceeding with the application of another local treatment.
Azarotene retinoids
They are indicated for very localized psoriasis. However, retinoids can be irritating (like Tazarotene). This limits its use. Do not use if pregnant.
Systemic treatment for severe psoriasis
Phototherapy is frequently prescribed for very extensive forms of psoriasis. Often when more than 30% of the body surface is covered. Phototherapy can also be local. In fact, it is aimed particularly at cases of palmar-plantar psoriasis. It allows the lesions to whiten, that is to say, to make them disappear. It brings together two types of treatment, UVA or UVB.
In both cases, the duration of the sessions varies depending on the skin type. In general, the treatment is carried out over 2 months with 2 sessions per week.
Puvatherapy
The patient is exposed to UVA in the cabin. Prior ingestion of medication is necessary. This is Psoralen. It is not always well supported by the subject. The number of puvatherapy sessions is limited over the course of a lifetime. Indeed, the risk of melanoma should be avoided.
In case of exposure to UVB. It is not necessary to ingest any medication beforehand.
Other systemic drug treatments
This is about intravenous treatments by injection or medications to be ingested. These are heavy treatments which can carry many risks of side effects. They are therefore prescribed after several analyses. In this way, the overall health of the patient is taken into account.
Let us cite Stelara or Methotrexate which are two of the most widespread treatments for severe psoriasis. Let us also mention cyclosporin and biotherapies. Consult your doctor.
Natural treatment for plaque psoriasis
How to cure and treat psoriasis naturally?
There are many natural treatments that can help whiten psoriasis. Their effectiveness varies, however they can be useful to complement drug treatment, or in certain cases to replace the latter.
What is the most effective treatment for psoriasis?
Subjected to independent clinical studies, the Pso Natura Regenerative Complex displays 94% overall effectiveness on mild to moderate psoriasis and 100% results on itching. It is therefore the most effective and simplest natural treatment to use.
Recognized as a Medical Device, it is a treatment that requires no prescription. The Pso Natura Complex is the only effective natural treatment for psoriasis validated by Medical Device status with CE marking.
- This 100% natural anti-psoriasis treatment helps soothe itching quickly.
- Additionally, it helps fight skin inflammation
- It helps whiten psoriasis, that is, gradually eliminate the marks of the disease.
This treatment does not present no habituation effect.
Its use is very simple. It contributes to making it the most recognized natural psoriasis treatment. This treatment is foaming. It is applied using a vegetable fiber sponge (provided). Simply lather it onto the skin and massage the epidermis for 10 to 20 seconds. The treatment must then be rinsed off. Thus, the treatment of plaque or guttate psoriasis becomes easy and quick to carry out. It can also be integrated into the daily shower routine to save time.
A twice-daily course of 30 days is recommended to see the elimination of psoriasis plaques. Seriousness and discipline are essential. The results of 94% efficiency are at this price.
In addition, any suffering skin requires nourishment. This is why it is recommended to use a cream that is both moisturizing and nourishing to complete the treatment.
Pso Natura Rich Restructuring Cream
There is a difference between a moisturizer and a nourishing cream. The skin's hydration needs can be compared to the need to drink. So, a moisturizer is rich in water. However, in the case of psoriatic skin, it is also essential that the skin is nourished. The most essential nutrients are oil and fatty active ingredients.
Pso Natura Rich Cream is full of oil, like Carapa procera oil, our exclusive. This oil is full of triterpene vitamin A, omega 6, and antioxidants in particular. It helps soothe skin inflammation (itching). Its virtues are also healing. Thus, the skin is nourished and has a smoother appearance. Combined with the Pso Natura Regenerative Complex, it will stimulate the effectiveness of this natural treatment on psoriasis.
Natural shampoo against flaky conditions
is used as a treatment over a fortnight. It helps eliminate the itching initially. Then it helps to cleanse the scalp. Then used for maintenance, it helps limit regrowth and treat it from the start.
This shampoo is ultra-concentrated since it is formulated without water. Its main ingredient is Carapa procera oil. Gentle on the hair, it helps restore a healthy scalp.
Grandmothers' recipes against psoriasis
There are indeed many natural remedies and recipes grandmothers to combat the symptoms of psoriasis. They may have some effectiveness. To nourish the skin or to help reduce itching. On the other hand, these remedies are not officially validated by established scientific evidence against psoriasis.
Thus, their effectiveness on psoriasis is sometimes… relative. Here are some remedies that, at the very least, will help soothe itching of psoriasis. This is already a first step.
Essential oils for itching
These include:
– The essential oil of geranium
- camomile
- Tea Tree
– or even fine lavender
All of these plants are known for their soothing properties. For their dosage, consult your pharmacist. Indeed, essential oils can frequently cause allergies. Especially if they are used incorrectly.
Let us cite, for their soothing virtues:
– The oil of nigelle
– The macerate of calendula
– famous for its emollient and nourishing properties of the skin,'Argan Oil helps soothe the skin
Here again, these oils do not whiten psoriasis, but are complementary treatments for the comfort of the skin.
Other natural treatments against psoriasis
To soothe the skin and/or provide good hydration to the epidermis, consider:
- L'White clay to soothe itching.
- The beurre de karité to nourish the skin.
Also remember to wear clothing that is not aggressive to the skin. Forget lace for example. Choose natural cotton or cotton combed with silver thread.
Treatment of the causes of psoriasis
Herbal psoriasis capsules
To combat stress and possible digestive disorders, Detox & Zen capsules Pso Natura are a valuable help. It is recommended to follow 1 course of 1 to 2 months: 2 capsules orally per day.
Thermal cures
Unquestionably the most effective, the cure at the Dead Sea tops this list. Dead Sea mud contains potassium in particular. The location of the Dead Sea below sea level allows for a particular and unique inclination of the sun's rays. This contributes greatly to the true effectiveness of the treatment. Furthermore, a treatment at the Dead Sea, lasting on average 3 weeks, also combines a peaceful stay. Many massages are provided. They allow you to act on your stress level. Remission periods after these treatments are most often around 6 months.
Several spa treatments rely on the quality of their water for psoriasis. Here too, as at the Dead Sea, these cures have the main advantage of a relaxing stay. They thus help to calm a flare-up.
And above all, take advantage of benefits of summer on your psoriasis! They can, in certain cases, be as effective as a spa treatment!
To conclude on plaque psoriasis
There is no miracle cure for plaque or gout psoriasis, since we are talking about an incurable disease in itself. On the other hand, it is important to treat psoriasis in order to clear it. Whitening psoriasis means making its traces disappear.
For our part, we advise you to favor the natural treatment of plaque psoriasis in order to avoid any side effects or addiction effects. It is also important to think about the practicality of a treatment, especially if it will have to be done very regularly.
Read also:
Information on psoriasis
Our psoriasis advice
Facial psoriasis: 10 tips
sources:
Canadian Psoriasis Network
