Psoriasis gels

Today, psoriasis patients are trying to find a suitable remedy that would help them get rid of psoriatic plaques for a long time and live a full life. Completely new drugs in the field of pharmacology are various gels for the treatment of psoriasis. Which of them are more effective and what is their advantage?

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Indications for use

Gels for psoriasis are used exclusively externally. They are spread on the damaged surface of the skin covered with psoriatic plaques. As a rule, doctors prescribe various gels in combination with other medications, as they only help improve the patient's condition. Usually, gels are used in the early stages of the disease or in chronic psoriasis when plaques appear.

Release form

Today, in the list of various medications for the treatment of psoriasis, gels occupy a far from last place. They can have different directions and character. All gels for this disease can be divided into two large groups:

1. Cosmetic gels that are intended for body and scalp care. With their help, the patient can reduce the main manifestations of psoriasis.
2. Medical preparations that are produced in the form of a gel.

The main difference between a gel and, for example, a cream is the fact that it is not based on oils and fats. It has the appearance of a semi-liquid transparent consistency, which is quite easy to apply to the skin. Each patient, of course, must choose the form of release that suits him best.

Cosmetic gels are usually intended for cleansing and moisturizing the skin, but among them you can also find those that will help you prevent psoriasis relapses.

For example, patients with this unpleasant disease are best off choosing special shower gels that do not contain dyes or fragrances. These chemicals can cause allergies, which, in turn, greatly complicate the process of psoriasis therapy.

Medicinal gels for the treatment of psoriatic plaques differ from ointments and creams in their composition. At the same time, they can have a variety of purposes:

1. Treatment of plaques in vulgar psoriasis on exposed skin.
2. Treatment of pustular psoriasis.
3. Treatment of scalp psoriasis.
4. Treatment of nail psoriasis.
5. Complex treatment of joint psoriasis.
6. Universal remedies.

It is worth noting that some gels for psoriasis can be used not only locally, but also orally. The first group includes those drugs that help to cure plaques on the patient's skin. As a rule, they can help to achieve an effective result. In the second group, you can find products that adsorb harmful substances and remove them from the patient's body. This includes the well-known drug "Enterosgel". It helps to cleanse the intestines, which is a very important stage in the treatment of psoriasis.

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Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

Let's consider the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of gels for psoriasis using the example of the popular drug "Xamiol".

This preparation contains two active ingredients (calcipotriol and betamethasone). The first of them is a synthetic analogue of the active metabolite of vitamin D. It is due to it that the proliferation of keratocins is inhibited. At the same time, their morphological differentiation is significantly accelerated.

The second substance (betamethasone) is a well-known glucocorticosteroid, due to which the product has antipruritic, anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive and vasoconstrictor effects. When using an occlusive dressing, the effect of betamethasone is enhanced. At the same time, this component penetrates deeper into the skin in greater quantities.

If the skin is not damaged, betamethasone and calcipotriol are absorbed into the skin in small quantities (no more than 1%). But with a large number of psoriatic plaques or when using dressings, the absorption of glucocorticosteroid increases. Elimination of the agent occurs several days after application. Betamethasone is excreted through the kidneys and intestines.

Names of medicinal gels for psoriasis

On the shelves of pharmacies today you can find a huge number of various gels for the treatment of psoriatic plaques. They are used in complex therapy to achieve improvement of the patient's condition as quickly as possible.

Among the most popular gel preparations today are:

1. Nano-gel.
2. Xamiol.
3. Clarelux.

All these tools have their own characteristics and advantages, which you will learn about a little below.

Nano-gel for psoriasis

Risk factors for the development of psoriasis are often physical or emotional stress, so this serious disease is quite common in the modern world. Most patients, after long-term therapy, lose patience and faith that their skin will ever look normal. But in modern medicine, new effective means have appeared and one of them is "Nano-gel".

This product copes with psoriatic plaques quite quickly due to its special form of release. The main advantage of Nano-gel is its natural base. You will not find any fragrances, flavors, or dyes in it. And these chemicals are the ones that irritate even healthy skin the most. Also, the product does not contain hormones, which is also very important. Nano-gel uses silver ions, as well as vitamins and minerals.

As the manufacturers claim, thanks to the main components that are part of this gel, it helps to get rid of the external signs of psoriasis in almost all patients. With this remedy, you can be cured at home, without following a special diet.

After Nano-gel gets on the skin with psoriatic plaques, it begins to quickly absorb into the deep layers of the epidermis. This product is considered an effective analgesic, so it helps relieve pain quite quickly. It also has an antiseptic effect, so it easily disinfects damaged skin and protects it from various infectious agents.

The active ingredients of the gel have an excellent restorative effect, so the horny scales begin to soften faster. Over time, they disappear forever. The inflammatory process stops, the itching goes away. The gel also helps to restore normal blood circulation in the tissues, due to which the skin becomes elastic and smooth.

If you apply Nano-gel regularly, you can forget about psoriasis for quite a long time. Use twice a day. The therapy lasts at least one month.

There are no contraindications for Nano-gel as such. Therefore, we can say that this drug is completely safe for the patient's health. Even during pregnancy or lactation, you can safely use Nano-gel.

Read more about the pros and cons of nano-gel for psoriasis here.

Xamiol

This is an anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative agent that is widely used to treat psoriasis. It has a transparent consistency and is almost colorless or whitish. The active ingredients of the gel are: betamethasone dipropionate, calcipotriol monohydrate. Also in the composition of Xamiol you can find liquid paraffin and castor oil.

Calcipotriol, which is part of the drug, is an analogue of the vitamin D metabolite. It can be used to inhibit the proliferation of keratocins, while their differentiation is enhanced. Betamethasone is a well-known glucocorticosteroid for topical use, which has an anti-inflammatory and antipruritic effect.

Xamiol is effective in treating scalp psoriasis or mild psoriasis on the body. Before applying the gel to the affected areas of the skin, shake the bottle thoroughly. Use a small amount of the product, applying it directly to the plaques once a day. Please note that the maximum dose for weekly therapy is 100 g. It is recommended to continue treatment for four weeks (for scalp psoriasis) or eight weeks (for other types of psoriasis). The product can be on the body surface for no more than one night or day (i.e. 12 hours).

The drug is contraindicated for use in diseases where calcium metabolism in the body is impaired, in kidney or liver diseases, in skin viral, bacterial, fungal infections, in some types of psoriasis (pustular, guttate), in case of intolerance to the components of the drug, under the age of 18.

In case of overdose of Xamiol, the patient may experience the following symptoms:

1. Hypercalcemia.
2. Disruption of the relationship between the pituitary-adrenal axis.

If these symptoms occur, the drug should be discontinued immediately and symptomatic therapy should be started.

Among the main side effects from the use of Xamiol, the following should be highlighted:

1. Irritation of the mucous membrane of the eye.
2. Burning and itching of the skin.
3. Allergic reactions.

It is not recommended to apply the product to mucous membranes. When used on the skin of the face or genitals, treatment is carried out under the supervision of a doctor.

Clarelux

Clarelux is a modern drug based on a strong corticosteroid (clobetasol propionate), which is used in the treatment of psoriasis. It is applied externally to the areas of the skin affected by plaques. As a rule, it is used to treat psoriasis of the scalp under the supervision of a doctor.

With the help of Clarelux, the patient can achieve a quick and effective result, alleviate his condition, relieve itching and burning.

Adult patients apply a small amount of gel to the affected skin twice a day (usually in the morning and evening). Do not exceed the maximum weekly dose, which is 50 g. The gel must be squeezed out of the tube directly onto the psoriatic plaques, since it begins to melt quickly upon contact with warm skin of the hands. After applying Clarelux to the scalp, it is not recommended to wash off the drug. It is also not advisable to use this drug to treat children and adolescents.

The main contraindications for using the drug:

1. Intolerance to clobetasol propionate or allergic reactions to other components of the product.
2. Burns, injuries, skin wounds.
3. Acne, rosacea, viral or fungal skin diseases.
4. For large areas affected by psoriasis.
5. Do not apply to mucous membranes.
6. Kidney and liver diseases.
7. Pregnancy.

When using the drug, some side effects may occur:

1. Burning skin or other allergic reactions.
2. Irritation of the eyelid or eye.
3. Exacerbation of the disease.
4. Abnormal hair growth.

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Method of administration and dosage

Before applying the preparation to damaged skin, it must be thoroughly washed and dried. Remember that the skin must be absolutely dry. After you have dried the skin, apply a few centimeters of gel to it and leave for fifteen to twenty minutes. During this time, the gel must be completely absorbed into the skin and penetrate into the deep layers of the epidermis. Do not try to rub the gel in under any circumstances, as you can injure the skin with psoriatic plaques.

Sometimes, if you apply too much of the drug, excess remains on the skin. It must be wiped off with a napkin and left until the skin is completely dry. After the procedure, wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap. Repeat the procedure as many times as necessary according to the instructions. Remember that you may not see an improvement immediately, but after a few days or even weeks. But the itching should disappear on the second or third day after the start of the course of therapy.

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Use during pregnancy

Since most medicinal gels for psoriasis are based on glucocorticosteroids or strong corticosteroids, their use is prohibited during pregnancy. This is due to the fact that there is a high risk of negative impact on the development of the fetus. Only in extreme cases can a doctor decide to use such means to treat a pregnant woman.

The only safe drug in the form of a gel today is considered to be "Nano-gel". Due to its natural basis, as well as the absence of corticosteroids in the composition, it can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Contraindications for use

Before using any medications, you should carefully read the instructions to find out in which cases they are contraindicated for use. Generally speaking, gels for psoriasis are generally not recommended for use:

1. During pregnancy and lactation.
2. In childhood (sometimes even up to eighteen years).
3. In case of intolerance to the main components of the drug.
4. In case of liver or kidney failure.
5. If there are injuries or burns on the skin.
6. For viral, bacterial or fungal skin infections.
7. Some types of psoriasis (not all gels are universal).

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Side effects

Side effects from applying various gels for the treatment of psoriasis are extremely rare in patients, but they must be remembered before starting therapy. The most common are:

1. Sometimes eye irritation may occur, including swelling of the eyelids.
2. More often, patients experience allergic reactions on the skin (itching, peeling, redness, irritation, rash).
3. With prolonged use, development of skin atrophy (if the gel contains glucocorticosteroids).

If you notice one or more of the above symptoms, you must immediately stop treatment and consult a doctor who will prescribe the correct therapy.

Overdose

When using too many glucocorticosteroids and calcipotriol-based medications (often found in psoriasis gels), some unpleasant and severe symptoms may develop. These include suppression of the pituitary-adrenal system and elevated blood calcium levels.

In this case, doctors recommend immediately stopping the course of treatment and starting symptomatic therapy.

Storage conditions and shelf life

The gel for psoriasis should be stored in a dark and cool place (air temperature should not be higher than +25 degrees), which is inaccessible to small children. A closed bottle can be stored for up to two years, and an open one - no more than three months.

Important! Never apply the psoriasis gel after its expiration date, as this may lead to undesirable consequences.