People who first encounter this skin disease, which has very unpleasant symptoms, want to know what psoriasis is and how to get rid of this disease.This is a disease which mainly affects the upper layer of the epidermis and its appendages: the nail plate and bed, the hair.According to statistics, psoriasis affects approximately 4% of the total world population.In addition, the disease is more common at a young age: 18 to 23 years old.
There are many diseases similar to psoriasis, so it is important to know its symptoms in order to choose the right treatment.
In general, you should not self-medicate with this disease, because psoriasis develops very quickly and can lead to serious complications.A visit to a dermatologist is the only right decision if you discover signs of the disease.
Species
There are many varieties of this skin disease.When classifying psoriasis, the nature of the rash, the severity of the course and the location of the lesions are taken into account.There are the following main types of psoriasis:
- Plaque psoriasis (common).This is the most common type of disease, occurring in 85% of all patients.It is characterized by the presence of grayish or silvery-white patches raised above the surface of the skin, which peel off easily.Psoriasis vulgaris is another name for this form of the disease.
- Guttate psoriasis.The damaging elements in this type of disease look like droplets or dots ranging from red to purple.
- Pustular psoriasis.The most serious form of this skin disease.It is characterized by the presence of pustules on the body - blisters filled with clear, uninfected fluid.When the disease is advanced, the fluid becomes purulent.
- Psoriatic damage to the nails (onychodystrophy).Symptoms of psoriasis of this form affect the nail plates and the area around them: the shade of the nail changes, spots appear on its surface, the skin around the bed thickens, the plate breaks and peels off.
- Arthropathic psoriasis.The disease is characterized by inflammation of the small joints.This form of psoriasis most often causes disability.
- Inverted (folded or inverted) psoriasis.The disease affects skin folds in the groin, inner thighs, armpits and under the mammary glands (in women).
- Palmoplantar psoriasis.With the development of this form of the disease, all characteristic symptoms begin to appear on the feet and hands.In severe cases, the disease affects the nails and other parts of the body.
- Seborrheic psoriasis.With this form, the rashes are localized on the head, face and back.
Symptoms of the disease
What does psoriasis look like?How not to confuse it with another skin disease?At the initial stage of the disease, the following signs of psoriasis appear:
- the appearance on the skin of pinkish, red or bluish papules, located symmetrically in specific areas of the body;
- general weakness;
- chronic fatigue;
- depression or apathy.
Gradually, the rash turns into plaques - easily removable scaly formations.The area of inflammation extends towards the edges.
At this stage of psoriasis, certain signs can help distinguish the disease from other skin conditions.If you scratch the scales, you can observe the phenomenon of the psoriatic triad, formed by the following symptoms:
- stearin stain: after scraping the plaque, silvery-white scales separate, resembling stearin shavings;
- terminal film: at the site of the scratched formation, there remains a very thin shiny film covering the papule;
- “bloody dew”: at the site of the removed terminal film, point bleeding may appear, which occurs due to damage to the subcutaneous vascular network.
Psoriasis symptoms vary depending on the specific stage of the disease and the season.In most patients, the manifestations of psoriasis intensify in winter.The “summer” form of the disease is quite rare, since the patient’s condition improves under the influence of ultraviolet rays.
How does psoriasis manifest at different stages?In total, there are 3 stages of development of the disease.
- In the progressive stage, new rashes constantly appear and existing plaques increase in size.The patient feels severe itching, the skin peels all the time.
- What does stationary stage psoriasis look like?During this period, the growth of papules stops.Small folds are observed at the level of the plates.There is always intense itching.
- At the stage of regression, the plaques begin to disappear, the peeling disappears, and the itching stops tormenting.Pigmented areas may appear at the location of the formations.
Certain types of psoriasis have distinctive symptoms.
For example, when the scalp is affected, patches resembling dandruff appear first.In this case, only the skin suffers;the condition and growth of hair are not affected by the disease.From the head, the rashes spread to the area behind the ears, neck and forehead.
The appearance of psoriasis on the palms and feet is accompanied by thickening of the skin and the appearance of cracks.At the initial stage of the disease, pustules with transparent contents are formed, which gradually become purulent.Later, scars appear at the site of such formations, causing discomfort and pain during physical activities (work with hands, walking).In the future, the disease can be transmitted to the backs of the hands and fingers.
Nail psoriasis has the following description: first of all, the plaque becomes covered with small depressions, reminiscent of needle marks, changes color and begins to flake and flake.The tissue around the nail becomes thick and inflamed.
Main reasons
The pathogenesis of psoriasis has not been fully studied to date.Scientists have put forward several theories about the causes of this disease.There are two main causes of psoriasis.
- The causes of the disease are a dysfunction of the immune system.Cells designed to protect the body against bacteria and viruses penetrate the upper layer of the epidermis, where they produce substances that trigger the inflammatory process.Due to this, skin cells divide rapidly and the affected area thickens.This theory is supported by a study of a psoriatic plaque, which revealed a significant accumulation of immune cells.
- Psoriasis, a skin disease, is caused by impaired division and maturation of epithelial cells.Due to this pathology, diseased skin cells are attacked by immune cells.
The development of psoriasis is influenced by a number of factors.The risk of disease increases if the body is affected by several of the following conditions simultaneously.
- Have dry, thin skin.Experts have noted that people with thick, oily, hydrated skin rarely suffer from psoriasis.This is due to the structural characteristics of the epidermis and the protective functions of sebum.
- Excessive love of hygiene.An unjustified desire to constantly keep the body clean, too frequent use of soap and washcloths injure the skin and reduce its protective properties.
- Bad habits.When smoking and drinking alcohol, the condition of the epidermis deteriorates: subcutaneous blood circulation and tissue nutrition are disrupted.
- Negative factors from outside.According to statistics, skin diseases appear more often in those who regularly come into contact with detergents, household chemicals, alcohol solutions, etc.
- Drugs.Chronic use of certain medications, for example antidepressants and anticonvulsants, can cause psoriasis symptoms.
- Infectious diseases.Often, pathology occurs immediately after an illness caused by a fungus or staphylococcus.
- Climate change.It happens that for the development of psoriasis it is enough to move to another climatic zone.
- Skin injury.Constantly wearing uncomfortable clothes with rough seams or poor quality shoes, the habit of scratching the same area can cause the first symptoms of psoriasis to appear.
- Stress.Psychological and physical shocks (for example, prolonged hypothermia) to the body may precede the onset of the disease.
- Serious eating disorders.The course of the disease can be complicated by the abuse of sweet foods, carbonated drinks, citrus fruits, smoked meats and salty foods.
- Genetic predisposition.Is it possible to inherit psoriasis?According to scientists, the genes responsible for the activity of the immune system carry the disease.This is why the disease is transmitted from parents to children.
The lives of psoriasis patients
Despite the fact that psoriasis is not a contagious disease and cannot be transmitted through physical contact with a patient, many patients consider themselves excluded from society, which is why they experience serious psychological discomfort.
The biggest problem is the presence of rashes on the head, ears and face. More than half of those affected constantly focus on their appearance and are afraid of public condemnation and rejection from society, because psoriasis often resembles lichen.As the disease progresses, a person limits their communication with others.Only a quarter of psoriasis patients do not experience stress due to their own appearance.
The disease also causes significant physical discomfort.Constant itching and burning limits the patient's ability to work, interferes with adequate rest, often causes insomnia, and interferes with exercise.Psoriatic arthritis adds joint pain to the unpleasant symptoms.
Psychological anxiety combined with physical discomfort can cause severe depression, and some patients even suffer from social phobia.Expensive and long-term treatment of the disease also negatively affects the patient, additionally taking away his strength and interfering with his socialization.
Why is psoriasis dangerous?
At the initial stage, the disease causes a person discomfort associated with the manifestation of symptoms: itching, burning, peeling.
If psoriasis is left untreated, it becomes advanced, endangering the health and even the life of the patient.
In many cases, the following dangerous complications develop:
- pathological changes occur in metabolic processes;
- heart function deteriorates, there is a risk of stroke, myocarditis;
- there are disturbances in the activity of the kidneys and liver;
- the joints are affected (most often the phalanges of the fingers, elbows, knees);
- mucous membranes are affected: eyes, gastrointestinal tract, bladder;
- following severe psoriasis, the brain and nervous system are affected;
- potency may weaken in men;
- due to the spread of plaques throughout the skin, the respiratory function of the skin and the activity of the sweat and fat glands are disrupted;
- thermoregulation is disrupted, which leads to inflammation of the epidermis, which can cause blood poisoning and, as a result, death.
The consequence of an aggravated disease may be erythroderma.
This complication occurs in only 2% of all patients.At the initial stage, it is characterized by the appearance of bright red skin lesions, reminiscent of burns.Over time, scales appear on these areas, which peel off in large layers.The skin in this area becomes hot and very sensitive.Other symptoms also appear: a feeling of tightness, constant itching, brittle nails, significant hair loss, enlarged lymph nodes.
If you notice signs of psoriasis, you should contact a dermatologist immediately.The diagnosis is based on an external examination of the skin and nails.As a rule, additional tests are not prescribed.If the patient complains of joint pain, x-rays and blood tests are performed to rule out other types of arthritis.
Only a doctor can make the correct diagnosis and decide how to treat psoriasis.
Treatment methods
It should be noted right away that psoriasis cannot be completely cured.
Winston Churchill also said: “I will erect a monument of pure gold to the one who can learn everything about psoriasis and find an effective treatment for this disease.»
External preparations
Regardless of the causes of psoriasis, the doctor first prescribes local remedies that help relieve unpleasant symptoms.First of all, non-hormonal lotions, ointments and creams are used, which contain tar, oil, zinc or medicinal herbs.In most cases, these drugs help to forget about the unpleasant signs of psoriasis after 3-4 weeks of use.
If non-hormonal ointments are ineffective, hormonal drugs for psoriasis are used.They should be used strictly as prescribed by a specialist, without in any case exceeding the dosage or increasing the duration of treatment.With the help of hormonal ointments, you can quickly forget what it is: psoriasis, but the risk of serious side effects is high.
Even the newest local medications should be used in combination with other medications.In addition to ointments, enterosorbents are prescribed, which will remove toxic substances from the tissues, and immunosuppressants, designed to reduce the reaction of the immune system.Treatment is impossible without taking vitamin complexes, including vitamins B, A, C, D.
Physiotherapy
These methods of treating psoriasis are widely used at each stage of the disease.Procedures such as baths, phototherapy and ultraviolet irradiation give excellent results.
Newer methods of treating the disease include cryotherapy, electrosleep, hirudotherapy, and PUVA therapy.
In advanced forms of the disease, the use of ultraviolet light has a good effect.Thanks to this method, in just 20-30 procedures, damaged cells are destroyed, peeling is eliminated, damaged skin is restored, and the immune system returns to normal.Before carrying out the full procedure, a trial session is carried out, exposing a small area of the patient's body to the rays.If the skin reaction is normal, a full course of treatment is prescribed.In summer, the patient is suggested to continue the ultraviolet treatment under the natural rays of the sun.
Traditional medicine
Folk remedies for any type of psoriasis can only be used in consultation with a doctor.
It is important to understand that serious symptoms of psoriasis cannot be eliminated at home.
Traditional recipes only help soften flaky skin and temporarily eliminate itching.The following products have received the best reviews among patients.
Tar:
- in the first days of the appearance of the disease, apply tar to the affected areas with a cotton swab for 10 minutes, then rinse with tar soap;
- on days 4-5, increase the duration of the procedure to 40 minutes;
- the full duration of treatment is 12 days;
- It is best to use tar before bed, as its smell disappears completely during the night.
Celandine:
- pass several torn celandine bushes through a meat grinder;
- Squeeze the juice from the resulting mass;
- lubricate each affected area of the body with juice;
- repeat the procedure until the external signs of the disease completely disappear.
Eggs and vinegar:
- prepare the ointment by beating 2 eggs and 20 ml of vegetable oil;
- add 10 ml of acetic acid to the mass;
- Lubricate rashes and plaques with the resulting product every night;
- duration of treatment: 3 to 4 weeks.
Herbs:
- grind 20 g of St. John's wort flowers, 20 g of celandine root, 10 g of marigold flowers and 10 g of propolis into a paste (it is best to do this in a clay bowl);
- add 20 ml of vegetable oil to medicinal herbs;
- Apply the prepared product to the affected areas three times a day;
- You can stop treatment as soon as the visible signs of the disease disappear.
Elderberry infusion:
- pour 0.5 liters of boiled water into 10 g of elderberry leaves and flowers;
- leave the infusion at room conditions for half an hour;
- take 80 ml of infusion each time the itching gets worse after eating;
- course of treatment - 10 days.
Diet
Regardless of the methods of psoriasis treatment used, without following a special diet it will not be possible to achieve great improvements.To adjust the diet, it is better to contact a specialist who will create a menu taking into account the individual characteristics of a particular patient.So that "psoriasis" no longer appears in the medical history, you need to know and follow the general rules of patient nutrition.In case of this disease, the following items should be excluded from the menu:
- nuts;
- citrus;
- smoked meats;
- spices;
- salinity;
- spicy dishes;
- fatty foods;
- alcohol;
- blue cheese.
If your medical history includes a diagnosis of psoriasis, you should make sure your diet is balanced.Every day there should be foods on the table that provide the body with all the necessary substances.
It is especially important to obtain fatty acids, which are contained in sufficient quantities in all types of fish.
Recommendations for the patient
In order to forget for a long time what kind of disease tormented you, regardless of what type of psoriasis you had, follow these important rules during and after treatment:
- use gentle skin care: wash with lukewarm water and a neutral product, do not rub your body with a towel, but pat it dry;
- abandon the usual cosmetic products for a while, avoid using products that are new to you;
- When doing housework, wear protective gloves;
- limit contact with allergens;
- wear clothes and shoes made of natural fabrics without rough seams;
- drink at least 1.5 liters of clean water per day.
You need to understand that it is impossible to completely cure psoriasis.However, if you choose the right means to combat this disease, you will be able to get rid of its unpleasant symptoms and achieve stable remission.
Keep your skin clean, pay attention to the slightest changes in its condition and if you have suspicious symptoms, contact a specialist.Taking care of your body will allow you to always stay healthy and beautiful.To stay up to date with interesting information and news, subscribe to our articles and be sure to share them with your friends on social networks.See you soon !
This article has exclusively educational, encyclopedic and informational functions.It is necessary to obtain approval from your doctor before using the advice and recommendations described in this article.You shouldn't self-medicate!